Rachel GuerreroGood afternoon WomensWake,
Today I want to talk about the feeling of being one step behind everyone else. I’ve felt this way for a while and I believe others feel this deep down too (even-though it’s not frequently talked about). You see, over the past months I have been trying to buckle down on my health as I have been constantly ill. With lots of testing being done, I am uncovering both an auto-immune disease as well as an immunodeficiency disease. Between the testing and constantly being in pain/sick, I do not have the energy for many things I am “suppose” to be investing in right now. Also, I have not reached full recovery from agoraphobia, meaning I am still yet to travel a great distance (which can feel restricting to). As a junior, the rat race to finish school, complete an internship, find a job…etc. has kicked into full gear. You can imagine my struggles as I’ve encountered trying to balance these things with my constant appointments and the general setback of not feeling well. This stress has motivated me to look to others for advice on how to manage everything.
From talking to numerous people, I come to the realization that it is an illusion. That there really is no need to have everything figured out right now. I’ve heard some personal stories as well as researched a famous few in which some did not find their success right away. These people either did not get an education, were set back by many challenges, or simply did not find fame or riches until later in life. Learning about these helped me, so I couldn’t help but insert a few for you as well.
Bob Ross: Remained in the Air Force for 20 years on which he became so bored he taught himself to paint. He didn’t record or sell his first painting until 32.
Morgan Freeman: Also served in the Air Force and didn’t get his first acting break until age 51.
Colonel Sanders: Many know him as the KFC guy, but did you know he was fired from over 20 jobs ranging from life insurance agent to police man when he discovered the KFC recipe at 62.
J.K Rowling: Struggling with poverty and divorced, she turned to right Harry Potter to support her child at 32.
Vera Wang: A writer and editor for fashion magazines was constantly struggling with money and inspiration until developing her own bridal wear and now owns the largest bridal shop in NYC.
Christian Dior: Originally enlisted in WWII, he suffered from PTSD and depression and in order to make ends meet was selling fashion sketches on the streets of Paris. He founded his first low-budget fashion house at age 41 and didn’t make it global until 60.
I have to remind myself there is no race and the false idealization that life must be sorted out right now is simply untrue. I would like to keep pursuing my degree, but If I must take time off school for more testing and treatment, then so it be. I am unsure how these things may appear on one’s resume, but today I’ve learned it is not too late. I hope you can give yourself a break too.
With Love,
Miss Rachel