“Someday, she will be there too. Or she would be elsewhere.”
In my youth, I am told that a stellar career, shiny possessions, and a man by my side achieved in my 20s is the trifecta of a well-spent life. I ran the path paved by society’s standards. I chased the so-called million dollar dream thinking that it would complete me like puzzles fitting together.
Days went by at a blurring speed. I grew old and tired. But I don’t seem to go further in life. I took a pause and retraced my steps.
Looking back, I realized I am a late bloomer by everyone’s standards. I started school at 6. I graduated college at 22. I entered the workforce at 24. At 30, I am single, clueless, and mid-tier. I am the perfect character for a child’s horror story. The parents would point at me and say, “Don’t be like that old maiden.”
If you look at it, it seems like I am left behind by my colleagues my age. In reality, I am not late. I am right on time. Things always work out. A family who stays. A friendship that lasts. A stable good-paying job in my hometown. A fiery writing dream.
Everything works out just fine. I continue on my leisurely strolls. I looked to my right. A couple is figuring out how to raise their child. I turned to my left and someone was nervous for his job interview. Everyone is figuring it out, no matter the age, no matter the stage.
I throw the fear on the sidewalk without a second thought. I don’t want to cling to the past nor overthink the future. I want to live in the moment – to feel the wind in my face, to soak in the warmth of the sunlight. As I enter 2025, I want to take it one step at a time. No rush. No pressure. This is my journey after all.
“As another 30 years (and more) loom over, the stars will align in more ways than one.”