When Your Best Isn’t Enough: Dealing with Self-Pressure with God’s Perspective

Imagine this: it’s Monday morning, and you’re already late for work. You thought you’d be smart and snooze your alarm just one more time—but the next thing you know, you’ve overslept, and now you’re in full-blown panic mode. You grab your bag (and realize you forgot to make baon), spill your coffee trying to gulp it down in one go, and dash out the door. You’re speed-walking to the jeep, phone at 3%, hoping against hope you won’t get a text saying, “Meeting in 5 mins, nasan ka na?” But, of course, the text comes. Because life.

Welcome to adulting in the Philippines! Here, “doing your best” means trying to make everything work on a salary that barely stretches to the 15th, all while fighting Manila traffic and pretending you know how to save for the future. It’s like juggling 10 lanzones with one hand while people yell, “Kaya mo yan!” But let’s be real—sometimes it feels like no matter how hard you try, “best” barely scratches the surface. By the time you’re home, you’re just a kawawa, tired lump of human adobo on the couch, wondering, “Lord, tama pa ba ginagawa ko?”

Society keeps shouting, “Kaya pa yan! Hustle lang!” And meanwhile, you’re here contemplating the joys of quitting everything to become a full-time “plantito/plantita” who just vibes with their succulents. But here’s the thing: God sees this hustle culture you’re stuck in—and He’s got a different take on it.

Jesus never said, “Alam mo, dapat perfect ka!” Actually, it’s quite the opposite. In Matthew 11:28, He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Notice, He doesn’t say, “Sige, push pa!” or “Ayusin mo pa konti.” No checklist, no pep talk about “the grind.” He’s offering you rest. Yes, pahinga.

Imagine that! Instead of adding to your to-do list, God is actually asking you to take a break. So the next time you’re feeling like a human lumpia that’s been fried one too many times, remember: God isn’t demanding flawless effort. He’s after your heart and your trust.

The world might say, “Magpakalakas ka!” But Jesus? He’s whispering, “Halika na, pahinga ka muna.” So let’s cut ourselves some slack. Life doesn’t need to be a constant struggle. Breathe, trust that He’s got you, and let’s learn to enjoy the ride—kahit minsan para tayong walking, talking hot mess on the MRT.

Growing Daily WIth Grace,

Irish🤎