Are my best years already behind me?

Last week was my birthday, and like most birthdays, it made me pause and reflect. I started thinking about getting older, about how things are changing, and I found myself going over everything I’ve accomplished so far—along with the things I haven’t even attempted yet. That little voice crept in, asking, “Are my best years already behind me?”

But then I remembered something really important. At 17, I moved to a new country all by myself. That took courage. At the time, I didn’t think twice about it—I just did it. Now, looking back, I see how brave that was. And it made me realize: I want to feel that way again. I want to look back one day and say, “At 37, I changed careers. I chose a new path. I went for what I really wanted.” Bravery doesn’t have an age limit. You can be bold and start something new at 17 or 37 or 67. Life keeps moving, and we get to decide how we move with it.

We tend to see aging as a slow closing of doors, but what if it’s the opposite? What if it’s a chance to open new ones—with more wisdom, more self-awareness, and more confidence in who we are and what we want? Getting older isn’t about fading away. It’s about stepping into your power in a different, more grounded way.

There’s something I often tell my four-year-old daughter when she says she wants to be five. I say, “Four is the best year ever—you’ll never be four again.” And it’s true. Each age is special, because it’s yours, right now. The same goes for us. You will never be exactly this age again, with these exact circumstances, this level of experience, this energy, this curiosity. So why not make the most of it?

Now is the time to stop waiting. To stop putting things off for someday. Wear the dress. Try that hobby you’ve always been curious about. Cook the fun meal. Take the trip. Sign up for the class. Call the friend. Start the thing that’s been sitting in the back of your mind, waiting for the “right time.” This is the right time.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking about all the things we should’ve done by now, but that mindset will keep you stuck. The truth is, some of your most beautiful experiences haven’t even happened yet. So instead of looking back with regret, look back with love. Remember the good moments, the lessons, the strength you’ve built—and use them as motivation to create new memories.

Life is always changing, and so are we. Every season of life brings new opportunities, new emotions, and new chances to become the person you want to be. You are not too late. You are not too old. You are exactly where you need to be. And the good part? You get to write what comes next.

So here’s your reminder: don’t hold back. You’re allowed to grow, evolve, start over, and dream bigger. This year, make space for joy, for courage, and for the version of yourself that’s still waiting to shine.