I’m the youngest of four and growing up with older siblings was always fun, but it also came with the pressure to follow in their footsteps. I’ve always struggled with accomplishing the so to speak ‘societal norms’ by a certain age. Most of my siblings had the house, the family, the career path all set by the time they were 30. Naturally, I felt like I had to fulfill these milestones as well. Sometimes, I was teased about not being married and having kids by the time I hit the big 3-0, and it made me have my own hang-ups about life. It made me question myself and decisions; often I found myself asking questions like, “Am I good enough to accomplish these goals?” or “am I falling behind compared to my siblings and peers?” I felt like I was being boxed into this “you have to be this certain age” to consider myself “successful” or even “accomplished.” I feel that society puts an age-related social stigma on women about accomplishing certain things by a certain age. This is an unrealistic approach to life, and I want to challenge this belief system. There is no such thing as an expiration date or age for living out our lives and dreams.

 For me, it’s always been crucial to set goals for myself. Setting these goals didn’t mean putting an age limit to when they needed to be achieved. Although, I did feel the pressure from family, friends and society, I knew I never wanted to follow anyone’s footsteps but my own. I wanted to do things on my own terms. My goals weren’t geared towards having kids before I reached 30, or taking up a common career path or even being a home owner before I ended my twenties. I wanted to live against the grain, and defeat these old-fashion notions because we deserve to be happy at every age. My goals were not to check any of these pressures off my checklist by 25, 30 or 35, but instead it was about following my heart and doing them when they felt like the time was right for me. Now, at 32, two years after society’s “aged” deadline, I’m not married yet (we are engaged though!), we don’t have kids, and we have yet to find our dream home. But, more than ever, I feel the most proud to be this age. Most importantly, I’m happy and I feel confident that everything comes in due time when it’s meant to be. 

 After choosing to create my own path in life, I’ve been supported and even praised by friends and family on following my heart. It feels damn good to do what I want, when I want!

 With all the age-related shame that society imposes on women, I’m very happy brands like SK-II have decided to challenge these expectations. They’ve launched a powerful, global campaign called #INeverExpire in hopes of inspiring women to take a stand and live life on their own terms, regardless of age. It’s a beautiful initiative that will resonate with many of us who have experienced age-related pressures. SK-II discusses all these issues in their moving film titled, ‘The Expiry Date‘ which not only leaves you feeling empowered, but also moved and inspired to break the rules.

 Let’s make a promise to ourselves to embrace where we are in our lives no matter how old we are. Remember, there’s no expiration date on your dreams, you just have to believe in yourself and go for it! The definition of happiness is not measured through your age but by timeless self-love. Live your own life, dance to the beat of your own drum because that’s living life to the fullest. Go on a journey where numbers and expiration dates don’t exist. Together, we stand tall and proud to praise what we have accomplished, not what we haven’t.

 Follow your own beautiful path because it’s the one no one has walked but you. Your life and path are your own, it’s up to you to create your destiny. I’m living mine with no age attached because #INeverExpire.

 I enjoyed watching actress Chloe Bennet’s response to the video, you can see it on Vanity Fair, here. I want to hear your thoughts and experiences on this issue, what age pressures have YOU faced from society? When did you decide to live your life on your terms? If so, what made you do it and why?

Thank you SK-II for creating this compelling global awareness and sponsoring this post.

 Remember to watch the video: “The Expiry Date” – Link Below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3JCA4lCMGw