Reshaping Our Perception: A Valor Journey Through Time and Perspective
As we leave our teenage years behind, discussions among peer groups revolve around the notion of our “peak age” – a time when life is believed to be in its prime. Yet, as the years have passed, I’ve come to realise that this concept of “one’s prime” is highly subjective, influenced by individual perspectives, societal norms, and cultural factors. Furthermore, it’s fair to say that this notion does not extend beyond being a mere social construct.
“Prime years” typically refer to a period in a person’s life when they are considered to be in their optimal physical, mental, and often productive state. However, I challenge the idea that your prime year is limited to a specific age. For some, being in your prime means achieving peak physical health, strength, and mental acuity, while for others, it’s about reaching career milestones, pursuing educational goals, or finding fulfilment in various aspects of life. Every stage of life offers valuable experiences and opportunities for growth, regardless of whether they fit into a conventional notion of “prime years.”
Societal norms often dictate when the prime is expected to occur, creating pressure and unrealistic expectations for individuals. Growing up, I experienced people attempting to impose their dream careers on me. They insisted on a predefined path that didn’t resonate with me.
Experimentation and learning from one’s mistakes were discouraged, with an emphasis on a linear path: university or college at 18, graduation at 22 or 23, a master’s degree by 25, marriage shortly after, and homeownership following graduation. These expectations fail to acknowledge the changing times we live in. Success may be more challenging to achieve, but it remains attainable, leading to variations in the timeline and age at which success is realised.
I have since learned that age is simply a number, indicating how long one has lived on this Earth. Your “prime” has no direct correlation with this number. In comparison to 21, what I considered my focus and objectives were different. At that age, I was in my prime, but with the current change in my focus, I am set to hit a new “prime”.
My priorities were different compared to now. I feel most fulfilled when I accomplish goals on my checklist and at my best when I am productive. My happiness and self-worth are tied to my busyness and progress toward long-term objectives. In my earlier years, I associated looking good with being in my prime, investing in my physical appearance as a representation of my self-worth.
Over the years, my definition of prime has morphed, and I am sure the same goes for you.
So, as we navigate the ever-changing journey of life, let us remember that the concept of prime years is dynamic and deeply personal. There will be moments when everything aligns perfectly and others when things don’t go as planned. You are the embodiment of the experiences you’ve accumulated since your first breath – a sentinel of the past and future intertwined.
