Life is a constant learning process, and sometimes, the most crucial lessons come just a tad late.
Speaking from experience, and backed by psychology, there are lessons that the majority of us women tend to grasp a bit too late in our journey.
These are the lessons that can reshape our lives, if only we could master them sooner.
In this article, I’m going to share nine such lessons that 99 percent of us ladies learn later in life. And trust me, it’s never too late to take these lessons to heart.
1) The importance of self-love
Self-love is something that’s often misunderstood and undervalued, especially in the lives of women.
We’re taught to put others first, to care, nurture and often, that can lead to losing ourselves in the process. It’s a pervasive narrative that can be difficult to break away from.
Psychology, however, underscores the importance of self-love. It’s not about being selfish or self-absorbed. It’s about recognizing our own worth and taking care of our own needs alongside those of others.
The harsh truth is that many women realize the value of self-love a bit too late. We spend years sacrificing our own needs only to understand later that self-love is the cornerstone of a healthy and fulfilling life.
This lesson, although learned late, can truly transform the way we live our lives. It’s crucial to remember that it’s never too late to start loving yourself.
2) Not every relationship is meant to last
This is a lesson that hit me hard and I’m sure it’s the same for many women out there.
In my 20s, I was in a relationship that I thought was my ‘forever’. We had plans, dreams, and everything seemed perfect. But as life would have it, we grew apart and ended up going our separate ways.
It was devastating and it took me a long time to understand that not every relationship is meant to last. Some people come into our lives for a season, to teach us, to grow with us, and then they move on.
This is a normal part of human relationships. We evolve, our needs change and sometimes, our paths diverge.
The key lesson here is to cherish the moments and learn from the experiences instead of dwelling on the loss. It’s a lesson that most of us learn a bit too late but once we do, it changes our perspective on relationships and life in general.
3) It’s okay to say no
In a world where women are often expected to be accommodating and agreeable, saying ‘no’ can seem daunting. Yet, according to psychology, setting boundaries is crucial for mental health and well-being.
People who have trouble saying ‘no’ are more likely to experience stress, burnout, and even depression. This is because not being able to communicate your limits can lead to feeling overwhelmed, resentful, and taken for granted.
Many women learn this lesson a little late in life, after years of trying to please everyone else at the cost of their own peace and happiness.
Understanding that it’s okay to say ‘no’ without feeling guilty is a transformative lesson. It’s about respecting your own needs and understanding that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
4) Success isn’t a linear path
We often grow up with the idea that success follows a straight and predictable path. School, college, job, promotions – it’s all supposed to be one smooth journey upwards.
But life doesn’t always work that way. There can be detours, roadblocks, and sometimes, we might find ourselves on a completely different path than we had planned.
This is a lesson that many women learn later in life. It can be challenging to let go of expectations and embrace uncertainty. However, once we do, it can be liberating.
The truth is, success isn’t about ticking boxes or following a predetermined path. It’s about finding our passion, pursuing our goals, and ultimately, creating a life that brings us joy and fulfillment. This understanding can make the journey much more enjoyable and rewarding.
5) Perfection is an illusion
The quest for perfection can often feel like a never-ending race. We strive for the perfect appearance, the perfect job, the perfect family – but in reality, ‘perfect’ doesn’t exist.
Many women, including myself, fall into the trap of chasing this elusive idea of perfection. We judge ourselves harshly and feel inadequate when we don’t meet these impossible standards.
Psychology teaches us that this pursuit of perfection can lead to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It’s a hard lesson that most of us learn later in life.
The truth is, no one is perfect and that’s okay. Life is messy and beautiful in its imperfections. Learning to embrace our flaws and accept ourselves as we are, is a vital step towards self-love and happiness.
6) It’s never too late to follow your dreams
Many women often put their dreams and passions on hold, prioritizing the needs and expectations of others. We sometimes believe that there’s a certain age by which we should have achieved our goals.
But life isn’t a race, and there’s no set timeline for following our dreams. This is a heartfelt lesson that many women learn a bit too late.
The beauty of life is that each day brings new opportunities. It’s never too late to start a new hobby, change careers, travel, or even go back to school.
Age is just a number. Our dreams and passions define us, not our age or the societal timelines we often find ourselves adhering to. It’s a lesson worth embracing at any stage in life.
7) Health is wealth
In my early years, I was always on the go. Deadlines to meet, places to be, people to see – there was no time to slow down or listen to my body. Until one day, I was forced to.
My health took a serious hit and I had no choice but to put everything on hold. It was a wakeup call.
Health truly is our greatest wealth. Without it, all the success, money, and recognition mean nothing.
This is a lesson that many women learn the hard way, often too late. We’re so caught up in our busy lives that we neglect our physical and mental health.
Taking care of our bodies, eating right, exercising, making time for relaxation – these aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities. It’s crucial to prioritize our health before it becomes a reason for regret.
8) Failure is a stepping stone, not a stumbling block
Failure can often seem like the end of the world. We’re conditioned to view it as a sign of inadequacy and an obstacle to our dreams. But in reality, failure is nothing more than a stepping stone on the path to success.
This is a lesson that many women, including myself, learn later in life. We spend so much time fearing failure that we often forget it’s an integral part of growth.
Psychology tells us that failure teaches resilience, adaptability and perseverance – traits that are fundamental to success. It’s not about falling down, but about getting back up stronger and wiser.
Embracing failure as a part of the journey, rather than an obstacle, can truly change our perspective and open up new opportunities.
9) Your happiness is your responsibility
The biggest lesson that most women learn a bit too late in life is that our happiness depends on us, not on external factors or people.
We often seek happiness in relationships, careers, and material possessions, only to realize that true joy comes from within.
Your happiness is yours to create and nurture. It’s about finding contentment in who you are, cherishing your achievements, and embracing your journey with all its ups and downs.
You hold the key to your own happiness. Don’t give that power to anyone else.
