Embracing Your Unique Blooming Journey: The Truth About Timing
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Chapter 1: The Beauty of Individual Timelines
Have you ever noticed how several flowers can bloom simultaneously, only to wither away soon after? Then, almost unexpectedly, another flower bursts forth, allowing you to savor its beauty and fragrance, even when you thought the previous blooms had finished.
Traditionally, we might refer to this later-blooming flower as a “late bloomer” since it didn’t blossom with the initial group. However, what if this flower could express its thoughts on being labeled as such? The dialogue might go something like this:
Someone: “What’s it like to be a late bloomer?”
Flower: “What are you talking about? I’m blooming right on time for me.”
Someone: “But why didn’t you open up with the others?”
Flower: “I’m not focused on them. They can bloom as they please. I was ready now, so here I am!”
Someone: “Don’t you feel bad for blooming later?”
Flower: “Stop calling me late. I’m right on time for me.”
And this sentiment reflects the reality of later-blooming flowers, just as it does for people.
Section 1.1: The Problem of Comparison
Unlike flowers, humans have thoughts and a tendency to compare their progress with others.
Imagine if that flower possessed a human mind and could see the other flowers that bloomed before it. If it then decided to hold back because it felt it was “late,” it might miss its chance to bloom altogether. This would mean losing out on its potential until the next season.
Some individuals indeed bloom later in life than their peers. Some find love early, while others do so later. Some achieve great success in their youth, whereas others may not reach that success until later in life.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with either scenario; everyone operates on their own schedule, running their own race. This is why comparison can be perilous.
When you measure your achievements against others, you may feel pressured to reach similar milestones simply because you are at a comparable age or life stage. But this perspective is misleading.
If you perceive yourself as “late,” it’s often rooted in comparing your journey to that of others. However, if you focus solely on your own progress, you'll likely see that you are right on time for your own journey.
You will attain your goals and milestones when you're prepared. Whether it takes longer for you than it did for someone else is irrelevant; you will bloom when you are ready.
Section 1.2: Reframing the Narrative
I personally prefer not to use the term “late bloomer,” as it inherently involves comparison. If you concentrate solely on your own growth, the concept of being a late bloomer disappears.
If you find empowerment in identifying as a late bloomer, that’s perfectly fine. However, if it doesn’t resonate with you, consider labeling yourself a “right-on-time bloomer.” This term is applicable to everyone.
Some individuals might still embrace the “late bloomer” label because it gives them a sense of uniqueness. It may even motivate them to pursue their aspirations later in life, countering the notion that they should abandon their dreams simply because they missed earlier opportunities.
If this label inspires you, continue to use it. However, if you appreciate the idea of blooming at your own pace, a term like “later-bloomer” may suit you better, as it suggests that you’re not late but simply blooming later than others.
Whatever you choose, don’t let the idea of being “late” hinder your pursuit of your dreams.
Chapter 2: A Message to Later-Bloomers
It’s truly delightful to witness a flower bloom when you believed the last one had already faded. Later-bloomers might hesitate to blossom, feeling pressured by the idea that they should have started blooming earlier.
If you see yourself as a late bloomer and worry about not progressing quickly enough, remember to take a cue from the later-blooming flower: “I’m not late. I’m right on time for me.”
In this video titled If You're Feeling Behind in Life | On Being a "Late Bloomer," the speaker discusses the challenges of feeling out of sync with peers and emphasizes the importance of recognizing your own journey.
The second video, Why Successful People Are 'Late Bloomers,' explores how many successful individuals didn't find their paths until later in life, reinforcing the idea that timing is personal and individual.