We live in a society in which parameters and norms are firmly rooted that determine who, when and what needs to be achieved, had, and in what to be realized. They are especially strictly defined for women, although men also have to compare themselves with established standards, for example, the deadline for purchasing their own home, the level of earnings. Today we are talking about lovely ladies. For us, standards are defined in relation to marriage, having children, getting an education, implementing a profession, and a number of other issues. Are you familiar with such straightforward and provocative remarks? “You’re already 25, and you still live with your parents?” “Oh, that’s it.” and not married, 30 already?” “What, already 35 and without children?” “Already 40, what have you achieved in life?” How do you feel when you don’t fit into the usual norms? Or maybe you are in pursuit of fitting into them? What is good and what is bad about being guided by social standards? Within the specified framework, there are reasonable prerequisites: it is preferable to give birth at a young age, a healthy body can more easily cope with the load, more strength and energy to take care of the child. The younger we are, the easier it is supposed to be for us to study; the older we are, the harder and harder it is for us to acquire new knowledge. And finally, at the moment when society is ready to write off a woman as scrap, a final question is asked to sum up what you have done in your life, i.e. by the age of 40. How many people will fit into this framework? Probably a lot. And how many are happy, satisfied with themselves and can say for sure that they are living their own unique life? Here there may be a question. An important thought: not being attached to age does not mean losing the desire to realize yourself as a person, become financially independent, get married, become a mother, master a profession, it means giving yourself the freedom to get it when you are ready for it and you will want it. You can continue to be young and healthy even at an elegant age, and getting a second education and mastering a new profession after 40 will not only be a financial help, but also a good prevention of age-related dementia. All ages are submissive to love. Why do we forget about this and continue to reproach ourselves that we haven’t managed to do something “already”? Why not think that if we haven’t managed to do something, it’s still “yet”. Comparing yourself with the achievements of others is a dangerous activity and can lead to neurosis, stress, and disappointment. What should you do to prevent social norms from affecting your well-being and self-esteem: Determine your life values, for example, family, health, career, self-development, friends, finances, arrange them in order of importance🗝 Set your goals for each value🗝 Determine the actions you need to take to get what you want🗝 Every day take at least one step in the right direction, go at your own pace!🗝 Take examples for inspiration , not for comparison🗝 Compare yourself to yourself. The self of yesterday with the self of today. You will have confidence that you are going in the direction you need, the right way, and you will definitely achieve what you want. Indeed, there are reasonable limits in everything, but they are much broader than social norms. Please do not think that age is your limitation in anything. Our world is an abundance of opportunities for those who know how to dream and are ready to act. And let what you want come at the best time for you! And this time is different for everyone. With the faith that we still have many achievements ahead, no matter how old we are no matter what! Stupakova Maria