I relate to this so much! As a single, childless, Southern woman, I'm lightyears behind my high school classmates in this made-up timeline. I'm thankful for a therapist that reminded me that "all this shit is made up!" I agree that this seems to be cultural -- as the desire to own a home began to creep up on me, I remembered how similar people I've met in Europe will most likely never own a home just for the freedom it gives them to live their lives. It's good to read that even if you've "checked the American boxes," true fulfillment isn't found there.
Ah, thank you so much for reading and for such a thoughtful response to this - it was so beautiful to read. TRULY - all of this shit is made up!! Like you said, even though I've hit some of these milestones, I've found SO much happiness in so many other things. It's really nice to hear you're following your own path and reflecting on what it is you actually need from this life <3
Sometimes I feel like the weight of accomplishing all of the checkboxes made me barrel through too many experiences too fast. I was so focused on the security of the checkboxes I feel as though I have missed out on experiences I deemed myself “too cool” or “too lame” to experience. I was so keen on getting to the next chapter I skipped out on so many celebrations of the milestones. I truly have experienced so much happiness from some of these checkboxes, but I also feel like a total imposter amongst my peers who think I have it all together.
I relate to this so much! As a single, childless, Southern woman, I'm lightyears behind my high school classmates in this made-up timeline. I'm thankful for a therapist that reminded me that "all this shit is made up!" I agree that this seems to be cultural -- as the desire to own a home began to creep up on me, I remembered how similar people I've met in Europe will most likely never own a home just for the freedom it gives them to live their lives. It's good to read that even if you've "checked the American boxes," true fulfillment isn't found there.
Ah, thank you so much for reading and for such a thoughtful response to this - it was so beautiful to read. TRULY - all of this shit is made up!! Like you said, even though I've hit some of these milestones, I've found SO much happiness in so many other things. It's really nice to hear you're following your own path and reflecting on what it is you actually need from this life <3
Sometimes I feel like the weight of accomplishing all of the checkboxes made me barrel through too many experiences too fast. I was so focused on the security of the checkboxes I feel as though I have missed out on experiences I deemed myself “too cool” or “too lame” to experience. I was so keen on getting to the next chapter I skipped out on so many celebrations of the milestones. I truly have experienced so much happiness from some of these checkboxes, but I also feel like a total imposter amongst my peers who think I have it all together.
whew felt this. i feel you - not sitting in the moment and truly celebrating and instead looking on to whats next.