Dear Big Sister, I Feel Behind in Life

It’s okay to feel this way. That question of “am I doing enough?” visits usually when we’re feeling insecure or low- maybe you say an Instagram video of a girl group on holiday, or a girl you went to school with popped up on LinkedIn announcing their promotion. The truth is, we’ve been conditioned to believe life is a linear race with gold stars for hitting milestones at just the right time.

But let’s pause for a moment. Think about your favourite people: the influencers you follow online who light you up or your go-to characters from your comfort shows. Why do you love them?

It’s probably not because they did everything “on time.” It’s because they’re themselves. Unique. Full of quirks and stories. Some are messy. Some are bold. Some bloom slowly. Some get lost and then come back brighter.

You love them because they didn’t follow the rules. They followed their own path that suited them completely' authentically.

There’s no expiration date on becoming who you're meant to be, and no late fees for taking the scenic route. In fact, the best parts of life- love, clarity, creativity, purpose- often show up when you least expect them.

You are not behind. You are in the middle of your becoming! The quiet in-between where things are shifting, even when you can’t see it yet.

And as cliché as it is, life really is about the journey, not the destination. Try to make sure you enjoy the small things in your daily life, as small as they seem. Enjoying what life IS and not where it should be is what we’re here for.

Take a walk and soak in the sunshine. Wave to your neighbour. Treat yourself to a homecooked dinner.

Take your time. Make mistakes. Wander a little.

This season is not a punishment but instead preparation.

And if you ever doubt it, come back to this: there is nothing “late” about a soul unfolding.