"الحيرة هي رفاهية يمكن فقط لصغار السن جدًا جدًا تحملها وأنت لم تعد صغيرًا لهذا الحد بعد الآن."

This quote suggests that as we grow older, the luxury of being confused about our direction and choices in life becomes less acceptable. When we're young, we're given the grace to be uncertain and to explore without definitive answers. But as we age, there’s a greater expectation to have clarity and decisiveness. It’s a call to take responsibility and make intentional choices.

Back when I was in college, this idea would have hit home. At that time, I could afford to change my major three times, switch from engineering to literature, and then to philosophy. It was a period of exploration, and no one batted an eye. But imagine doing that at thirty-five. You’d get some serious side-eye, right? Our society expects us to have found our path by then—or at least to be walking it with some level of commitment.

Take your career, for example. I had a friend, let’s call him Mike. In his twenties, he jumped from job to job, trying his hand at marketing, then event planning, and even a stint as a travel writer. But then he hit thirty and things changed. He needed stability, not just for himself, but also for his family. That's when he buckled down, assessed his skills, and chose a path in digital marketing. He’s still there, flourishing, because he embraced the need for clarity and direction.

So, how do we apply this nugget of wisdom? First off, it’s about self-awareness. Take stock of your life periodically—your goals, your aspirations, your daily routines. Ask yourself, “Am I wandering aimlessly, or do I have a plan?” If the answer leans toward aimlessness, it’s time to recalibrate. You might even jot down your thoughts and plans. There’s power in writing things out—it makes them more concrete.

Next, seek guidance. We’re not islands, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for advice. Whether it’s a mentor, a career coach, or a trusted friend, leaning on others can provide the clarity you might lack. They might see things in you that you can’t see yourself.

Imagine this: You’re in your mid-thirties, working a job that pays the bills but leaves you longing for something more fulfilling. You’ve always had a knack for baking but never thought it could be a career. You remember the quote and decide it’s time to stop being confused about your path. You take evening courses in pastry arts, start small with weekend markets, and slowly but surely, you build a thriving business. It wasn't a rash decision—it was a calculated shift born from the realization that you can't drift forever.

In essence, remember that growing older doesn't mean you can't explore—it just means your exploration needs to be more focused and deliberate. You don’t need to have all the answers right away, but you do need to commit to finding them. Use your experiences to guide you and give yourself the permission to pivot when necessary. But don't get stuck in perpetual confusion—ground your decisions in wisdom and intention.

So, next time you’re feeling lost, think about where you are in life. Are you young enough to afford confusion? If not, maybe it’s time to chart a clearer course. After all, clarity is power—and it's a power we gain with time and introspection.