I know it might not feel like it.

     I know it might feel like your peers are miles ahead of you.

     You're certain that you're too late or too slow.

     In a way we've been condition to think this way; to put a timeframe on milestones and achievements.

     But listen closely:

     You cannot fall behind.

     I don't care what anybody says or leads you to believe.

     It's impossible.

    There's no such thing as falling behind in life.

    Because life isn't a race.

     Because there's no playbook or checklist.

     I know that we cannot ignore the number on our birth certificates.

     We cannot ignore the fact that life has an unknown expiration date.

     This expiration creates a sense or rush.

     But whether you rush or take your time doesn't change the fact that tomorrow isn't promised.

      No matter what you do, whether you're running or walking, tomorrow could be taken away from you before you achieve a certain goal.

     That's just life.

      So, do what feels right to you.

      Don't let someone else's beliefs push you forward faster than you're comfortable with.

      Don't let them taunt you with horror stories of missed opportunities and striking reminders of your age.

      Because the number of candles on our cakes don't matter.

     You don't have to achieve certain things by a certain age.

      You don't have to have your own home by 25 candles.

      You don't have to be married with kids by 30 candles.

      You don't have to have these things at all, if that's your wish.

     You're never too old to do something.

      You can get married at 60 just as well as 20.

      You can go back to school at any point in your life.

     Follow your own pace.

     You cannot fall behind, because your journey is solely yours.

      You're not meant to compare the beginning, end or middle of your journey to that of another. It would be unfair.

      How can you fall behind on a journey that isn't meant to be defined?