When I was turning thirty, a friend asked me to share my biggest regret in life. It didn’t take me long to say I most regretted not finishing college. I explained that I was considered smart in school, made great grades, and had big dreams. By bringing up on it all, I felt like I was not only letting myself down, but to everyone who ever believed in me.
My friend said, “Why not now?” But with a son in elementary school, a job, and loads of other responsibilities at church and at home, I had a million excuses. The one I thought was the strongest: If I went back, I would be thirty-two when I graduated.
What I heard back was something I will never forget: “You’re going to be thirty-two anyway.”
It was t he simplest and wisest advice I could have received.
I could turn thirty-two with a college degree or without one, but I was going to be thirty-two anyway.
So I did it.
I earned my journalism degree and could not have felt prouder, thirty-two or not. And I have recycled this advice a dozen times. Aside from becoming Miss Teen USA or high-school valedictorian, there are very few things for which I am too late.
Do I really want to write my first book at forty-two? I’m going to be forty-two anyway.
Do I really want to learn how to dance in my forties? I’m going to go through my forties anyway.
Do I really want to run a half marathon in my fifties? I’m going to be fifty anyway.
Do I really want to be traveling in my sixties? I’m going to be sixties anyway.
I hope you never hear me say, “I’m too old for that.” Instead, I hope you hear me say, “I’m going to be eighty-five anyway.”
