The Trap of Believing It’s Too Late
The timeline you’re judging yourself by was never built for your truth.
Every week, I unpack a common decision trap—something that’s draining your energy, confusing your mind, or costing you peace. Think of it as a reset button for your week. This week’s trap runs deep—and it doesn’t care how old you are.
The Quiet Lie That Keeps Circling
There’s a version of my life I thought I’d be living by now.
Degrees. Success. Stability.
That elusive sense of “I made it.”
But that’s not how things have gone so far.
After my divorce—with four kids, trauma to unpack, and barely a roadmap—I went back to school. I was older than most of my classmates. Tired in a way that only single mothers and survivors can understand. I felt behind.
And I heard that voice again:
“You should’ve done this already.”
“You’ll never be able to catch up”
“You have missed your chance at success.”
This Trap Doesn’t Discriminate by Age
What hurts most is watching this same belief show up in my daughters.
My oldest just turned 24 yesterday and she dreads celebrating her birthday.
Not because she isn’t loved, but because she feels like she’s not where she should be.
She’s not working right now. She looks at the calendar and sees failure.
I try to encourage her. I remind her she’s still growing, still worthy, still becoming.
But I also recognize the trap she’s in—because I’m still wrestling with it too.
What Society Tells Us
Success has a schedule.
Purpose has an age limit.
If it hasn’t happened by 25, 30, or 40, you’re behind.
And it’s a lie that leaves us feeling ashamed of our pace, angry at our past, and anxious about our future.
When I feel like I’m not moving fast enough…
When I compare my timeline to someone else’s highlight reel…
When I wonder if I’ve missed my moment…
I remember: this trap isn’t mine. It was handed to me.
Passed down like an heirloom nobody asked for.
Wrapped in capitalism, perfectionism, and pressure.
And I’m choosing—every day—not to keep wearing it.
The Truth I’m Holding Onto:
It’s never too late to break free.
Not from the job.
Not from the shame.
Not from the old story about what your life was “supposed” to look like by now.
You’re not too late. You’re just waking up and that moment of waking?
That’s the beginning of everything.
Coming Soon…
In this Thursday’s Untrapped Moves post (for paid members), I’ll share:
Why “too late” is really grief in disguise—and how to honor it
How to stop measuring your worth by timelines you never chose
A tool to help you reconnect to your pace, path, and power
This one is for the rebuilders. The late bloomers and anyone who's ever looked at their life and felt ashamed of the timing. You’re not behind. You’re becoming.
If this resonated, make sure you’re subscribed to the paid tier. Because the drop this week will not only facilitate healing, it will help you reclaim your sense of purpose.
If you’ve ever felt like it’s too late… drop a comment, or just send a quiet nod.
I’m here. I see you. I’m still becoming too.