The midlife Cross Roads

 From the moment we're born, our lives seem to follow a predetermined path. In our first year, our primary tasks are eating, sleeping, and filling our diapers. As we grow and become more aware of the world around us, we begin to explore and develop our understanding of people, colors, emotions, and shapes. We soon master the art of persuasion, using tears or charm to get what we desire. These innate abilities emerge without any formal instruction.

However, as we continue to grow, the teaching begins. We're taught a specific language and encouraged to recite words, sentences, and songs. Soon after, we're taught to write the alphabet, and our struggles commence. We're often forced to learn subjects that don't interest us, and our days of carefree play are replaced with school and homework. For the next decade, our lives are governed by a routine that brings comfort to our parents.

During this time, our parents attempt to discover our hidden talents, enrolling us in various coaching programs to determine our strengths. All the while, our voices and desires are largely ignored. We comply with this system out of love and respect for our parents, who work tirelessly to provide the best possible future for us.

Next, we face the challenge of choosing a career path – doctor, engineer, cricketer, or actor. We endure years of grueling study, often compromising our passions based on the results of tests and rankings. Then, we embark on the race to secure jobs or pursue higher education. After finally landing a job, we strive to prove ourselves to our superiors, and our parents can breathe a sigh of relief as we start earning a living.

Yet, the race doesn't end there. We face pressure to marry, buy a house, have children, and acquire loans. We navigate through these challenges, occasionally encountering unexpected obstacles such as job loss, divorce, or breakups. If we manage to overcome these hurdles, we reach a point of reflection.

Welcome to the midlife crossroads. We start questioning the direction of our lives and the dreams we've neglected. But as we ponder, we're reminded of our responsibilities – our children's education, the soaring cost of housing, and the need to save for the future. We suppress our inner voice and trudge on, longing for retirement and the freedom it promises.

However, when we look to our retired parents for inspiration, we find them still preoccupied with worries – not only about us but also about their grandchildren.

Is there anything we can change? Or is this the only way to live – ensuring the survival of future generations?

The choices we make shape our lives, no matter how big or small. Dare to dream and create the life you desire.