What If They Had Been Given a Choice? The Lives They Never Got to Live

I once asked my mother, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and then I realised that it was too late to ask that question. Sometimes I wonder how different her life could have been if she hadn’t got married and had me. She could have chased her dreams, lived her own way, and explored the world on her own. My grandma tells me that she got married at 16 and had no one to support her. She tells me how alone and lonely she felt, and how scared she was. It’s crazy to think that the sole purpose of women is to bear children and have a family. Women were supposed to take care of the home, raise children, obey social and family expectations, and put their family's needs before their own dreams. And because of this, many women could not continue their education, had to sacrifice their independence, were unable to pursue their hobbies, and missed opportunities to discover what they truly wanted from life. This led to loss of personal freedom, fewer educational and career opportunities, feelings of regret about unrealised dreams, and dependence on husbands or family members. To all the women reading this, of any age- your dreams matter. If you’re in your 30’s or 40’s, you might say “it’s too late for me”, but let me remind you that it’s never too late. You can always start now. Do a course from Coursera, read a new blog, try something new, and just do whatever makes you feel like you. Skill discovery programs for AI, fashion design, science, writing, and philosophy can help rediscover who you are. 

It's never too late to start doing something that you want to do, or that you're passionate about. For example:

Grandma Moses began painting seriously in her late 70s and became one of the most famous folk artists in America.

Vera Wang entered the fashion industry at age 40 after working in journalism and figure skating.

Julia Child did not become famous as a chef until her late 40s.

Toni Morrison published her first novel at age 39 while raising children and working as an editor.

Harland Sanders started building his famous business in his 60s.

You can do whatever you want to do, and be whoever you want to be, and no one can stop you. You are allowed to make mistakes and have regrets, but it's never too late.

It is never too late.