Being a woman in the 2020s can feel like you’re running a marathon you didn’t sign up for—one where the finish line keeps moving, and sometimes you’re not even sure which way you’re supposed to be running. It’s a time of incredible progress and opportunity, but also one where the fast pace of life can leave you feeling like you’re stuck on a hamster wheel. For every woman breaking barriers and achieving big things, there’s another asking herself, How did I get here? It’s a reality we don’t talk about enough: sometimes, the sheer pressure of doing it all leaves you feeling like you’ve lost yourself in the process.
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of modern life. Between managing careers, raising kids, caring for aging parents, or simply trying to keep up with the endless to-do lists, there’s often little time left to think about your own satisfaction and joy. Days blur into weeks, and before you know it, you’re wondering if you’re truly living or just surviving. This isn’t about not trying hard enough or failing to seize opportunities—it’s about the reality that life’s demands can sometimes overshadow your own dreams and goals.
For women who feel this way, it’s important to know you’re not alone. The 2020s have brought unprecedented pressure to “have it all,” and that image of the perfect woman—balanced, thriving, and always on top of things—is both exhausting and unattainable. Social media doesn’t help, with its endless highlight reels of other people’s “best lives.” It’s hard not to compare when you’re scrolling through photos of perfectly decorated homes, high-powered careers, and curated vacations, all while you’re sitting on the couch eating cereal straight from the box.
The truth is, there’s no one way to define success or happiness, and it’s okay to feel stuck sometimes. Life isn’t always about the big moments or grand achievements. Sometimes it’s about pausing, reflecting, and giving yourself permission to rethink what you want. It’s okay to ask, What do I need right now? What brings me joy? It’s not selfish to put yourself on your own priority list—it’s necessary.
For the women who feel paralyzed by the question How did I get here? the first step is small. You don’t have to reinvent your entire life overnight. Start by carving out little moments for yourself—a walk, a hobby, or even just five minutes of silence to breathe. Those moments can help you reconnect with who you are outside of the roles you play for everyone else.
And for those who are thriving, breaking barriers, and smashing ceilings—remember that it’s okay to slow down, too. Success doesn’t mean sacrificing your joy or losing sight of the things that make life meaningful.
Being a woman in the 2020s isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about embracing the complexity of this moment—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re chasing your dreams, trying to find them again, or just taking it one day at a time, you’re part of a generation that’s rewriting what it means to be strong, resilient, and real.
So here’s to all women—the ones who are running full speed, the ones who feel stuck, and the ones figuring it out as they go. Wherever you are, give yourself grace. Life isn’t about being everything to everyone; it’s about learning to be enough for yourself. And sometimes, that starts with just taking a deep breath and asking, What do I want today?
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