Hey, you! Yeah, you, the one who thinks you're way behind schedule! I've got some news for you – you're just right on time.
Society has a sneaky way of making us feel like we need to follow a certain timeline to succeed but today, I'm going to blow that myth out of the water and share how I've become a happier, better version of myself by living on my own time.
I was 21 when I finally got my driver's license. To some, it felt like I was late to the party but you know what, it really wasn't late no matter what everybody else thought. It was just my own unique timeline, and I rocked it in my own time. The big takeaway there is that life isn't really a race; so we should not really stress about so much things. Life is a journey, and you will get there when you get there. What matter is you soak in every moment, every lesson along the way.
Fast-forward to my thirties, I took on a brand-new challenge – learning to play the keyboard at the age of 39. My fingers fumbled around the keys, like a teenager at their first school dance. But I didn't give up, and before I knew it, I was creating magic with those keys. The point? It's never too late to start something new, and the only way to fail is to not try at all.
When I hit 48, I officially became an accountant, after gaining real-world experience for 30 years. It wasn't a piece of paper that defined my expertise, but it did underline that learning never stops, no matter how old you are. So, if you feel you've missed the boat to formalise your skills, remember my story.
There's no age limit to becoming who you want to be.
At the same age, I dived headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship, starting a business that's kicking some serious butt today. At a time when some folks are counting down to retirement, I was firing up a new adventure. It's been a wild ride, filled with both hurdles and victories, but it proves one thing – it's never too late to chase your dreams.
So, what's the secret sauce? Easy-peasy – I don't let some societal timeline tell me when to do things. I'm not 'late' – I'm always blooming, always hustling, always growing, regardless of my age. Personal growth doesn't stick to a schedule; it's a continuous journey that can happen at any stage of life.
So, if you ever feel like you're a 'late bloomer', embrace it! Remember, a blooming flower doesn't compete with the flower next to it; it just blooms. Success, fulfilment, and happiness don't come with an age limit. They are a result of your journey, your efforts, and your grit.
So, whether you're in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond, let my story fire up your spirit to chase your dreams, learn new skills, kick-start that project, and bloom whenever you're darn ready. Age is just a number, but the fire in your soul is ageless.
Don't forget, it's never too late. The world's your oyster, and there's a whole lot of pearls waiting for you to discover. So, keep growing, keep exploring, and keep blooming – because the best is yet to come, my friend. You got this! ;)
Follow me on YouTube: @JourneywithMarelize