When Those We Trust Shatter Our Dreams

There are few things more painful than the moment someone we trust, someone we love, unintentionally shatters our dreams. These are the people who know us the best, who are supposed to have our backs. Yet, when they offer their opinions, advice, or warnings, they can sometimes project their own fears and experiences onto us, causing us to doubt our own abilities.

It might be a parent who’s seen their own dreams fall short and tells you to “play it safe.”
A partner who loves you deeply but can’t help but remind you of all the ways your idea might fail.
A close friend who, out of concern, starts listing the risks without seeing the passion that drives you.

In these moments, it’s not that these people want to hurt us. They only want to protect us from their own perceived failures and fears. But here’s the thing: their experiences, their struggles, and their fears are not yours to carry. When they project their fears onto you, they put a weight on your dreams that doesn’t belong there. And if you allow it, that weight will crush your aspirations before they even have a chance to take root.

The problem is that we often trust these people deeply and, because of this, we start to question ourselves. Maybe they’re right. Maybe our dreams are too big, too unrealistic. We begin to second-guess every step we take. But by doing so, we lose sight of our own vision, of the unique things that drive us forward.

Here’s the truth: their fear is not your fear.
Their limitations are not your limitations.

The people who love us and want to protect us may not always see the full picture. They may not understand the fire burning inside of us, the passion that can’t be quieted. But that’s okay. Our dreams don’t need to fit within their comfort zones. They are ours to protect, to chase, and to nurture.

In these moments, it’s crucial to step back and remember that you are the one who knows your heart best. You are the one who holds the vision for your future, and no one—no matter how much they love you—should have the power to take that away.