Since I was a child, I've been taught that certain milestones need to be reached by a specific age. This is especially true for women. Raise your hand if you've had an aunt ask when you're getting married or if someone has pointed out your "biological clock ticking." We've all been there.
Society has these norms about when life's milestones should happen.
Well, guess what? Sometimes the universe has different plans, and honestly, most times it works out for the better. I'm proof of this. Nothing in my timeline went the way I expected it to, but in one way or another, it all worked out for the best.
Let me explain...
WHAT I THOUGHT MY TIMELINE WOULD BE: MARRIED AT 24
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED: MARRIED AT 27
I went through a really, really, really bad breakup at 24. What happened next? I gave myself a year of yes, went on the craziest adventures because of it, and ended up being a straight shooter who doesn't take BS from anyone... which turns out, left quite the first impression on my now husband who just so happens to possess every quality I need in a life partner.
WHAT I THOUGHT MY TIMELINE WOULD BE: HOMEOWNER AT 24
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED: HOMEOWNER AT 25 (AND SINGLE)
I always thought my first home would be purchased with my life partner. I have my parents to thank for this one. They convinced me to take my earnings and purchase an investment property on my own. This set me up for financial success and taught me the importance of being financially independent. Owning my own home has been one of the most empowering feelings ever.
WHAT I THOUGHT MY TIMELINE WOULD BE: RUNNING MY OWN BUSINESS AT 25
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED: RUNNING MY OWN BUSINESS AT 29
I wanted to run my own business straight out of university. When that didn’t seem feasible, I thought 25 sounded more ideal—after gaining a few years of corporate experience. I had a freelance side-gig creating bespoke invitations and wedding stationery, but it was never my passion. I kept pushing myself only to go around in circles.
Meanwhile, climbing the corporate ladder taught me so much. I expanded my network, built my credentials, and learned what kind of boss I didn’t want to be (thanks to some toxic work environments). My side hustle showed me what I wanted and didn’t want. It wasn’t until my late 20s that I realized my passion for working with small businesses and entrepreneurs. After that, I leveraged every business relationship I had created over the years to build Roop Creative Agency.
WHAT I THOUGHT MY TIMELINE WOULD BE: FIRST BABY AT 30
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED: FIRST BABY AT 34
I did get pregnant at 30, but it was an ectopic pregnancy that led to emergency surgery. I was devastated and it took me a while to deal with those feelings. Although the hurt of a miscarriage will never leave me, this was the beginning of a new chapter. I took the time to learn and unlearn more about myself, my mind, and my body. I made changes, became an advocate, and grew more secure mentally, physically, and financially. Without that loss, I wouldn't be who I am today. I believe I'll always wonder "what if," but I also know that moment led me down a journey to make myself more whole, for which I'm forever grateful.
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So, next time you fall off your timeline, just know something better is out there. Stop and think about what lessons you can take away from this. Trust me, it helps you process and gives you the power to become who you're meant to be.
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