This is a reminder that we all have different timelines. There is no age or stage in life that we all achieve the same things. Some people will never do what you do, or what I do. Some people will do those things years ahead or years after. The point is: it doesn’t matter.

At all.

There is no race. There is no competition or “supposed to” or expectation. Aside from the ones we put on ourselves.

Here is my timeline. It’s messy and it hurt but it is mine and I am proud of every step, as hard as they were.

First part time job: 18 years old

Self published first book: 18

Dropped out of university: 18

First real romantic partner: 19

Dropped out of university again: 20

Self published last book (move to trad): 21

First solo trip abroad: 21

First full time job: 22

First visit to another continent: 22

Moved away from childhood home: 25

First job I loved (a school): 25

Engaged: 25

Married: 27

Graduated with a university degree: 28

Ran first 10km: 28

Ran first sub 30 min 5km: 29

Visited my dream destination (Japan): 29

Ran first 15km: 30

First Home/Mortgage: 30

There is no ahead or behind. You’re right on schedule…

Sincerely,

S. xx