Growing Beyond What’s Expected: Embracing Your True Self
“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” — Frida Kahlo
Life has a funny way of throwing situations at you that are just perfect for growth. For me, one of the biggest challenges has been coming to terms with what it means to be a woman, especially when trying to live up to societal expectations. While I’ve always strived to fulfill what society expects of me—and I think I’ve done a pretty good job—things got complicated when I started wanting more than what was expected. When I wanted to step outside the lines drawn for me, the challenge became real, particularly for the people I love.
Take my dream of exploring the world, for example. Since I was a child, I’ve always had this burning desire to travel, try new foods, and meet new people. It didn’t even matter if it was just about exploring my own country; the dream was always there. However, this dream wasn’t exactly welcomed by everyone, particularly my father, who was the authority figure in our house. He would often say things like, “What’s the point of traveling? It’s the same everywhere, so why waste the money?”
Those words hit hard. I was the good kid who did everything expected of me—getting good grades, helping out at home and in the family business. I didn’t cause trouble during my teenage years, unlike some of my siblings. I didn’t want to rock the boat; I just wanted to explore the world. But I was too shy to ask for what I wanted—until I wasn’t.
I’m telling you this because every time a new movie or show comes out that shows a woman struggling to be seen or heard—like Barbie or The Chemistry Lesson—it lights a fire in me. Sometimes, it even ends up with me looking at my husband, half-jokingly blaming him for all the stuff women have had to deal with because of male-dominated culture. I’ll say things like, “I know it’s not all your fault—it’s the way things have been. But we have the chance to change that.”
That’s exactly what Elizabeth Zott, played by Brie Larson, does in The Chemistry Lesson. She’s a chemist in the 1950s, a time when people couldn’t even imagine a woman being both smart and professional. I don’t want to spoil the show for you, but I highly recommend it. Elizabeth Zott isn’t just a character; she represents so many women who have fought to be heard. She, along with another character, Harriet Sloane (played by Aja Naomi King), faces some pretty tough challenges, but they don’t back down.
“If you have a chance to accomplish something that will make things better for people coming behind you, and you don’t do that, you are wasting your time on this Earth.” — Roberto Clemente
Breaking Free from Societal Expectations
There’s one part in the show where Elizabeth finds out she’s pregnant, and her boss tries to fire her, citing a “rule.” When she asks to see it in writing, he admits it’s an “unwritten rule”—unmarried and pregnant women can’t work in the lab. I was just as mad as Elizabeth when I saw that. And Harriet’s battle to stop developers from destroying her neighborhood? That hit home too. These women didn’t stop, even though they were scared and the people around them were uncomfortable.
Elizabeth Zott and Harriet Sloane are the kinds of heroes who make everyone around them uncomfortable, just like I made my parents uncomfortable with my dreams and ideas. But that discomfort is where the magic happens—it’s where real growth starts.
Breaking out of the mold that society sets for us is hard, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every time I watch something like The Chemistry Lesson, I’m reminded of how important it is to push boundaries and keep challenging what’s “normal.” Being a woman comes with its own set of challenges, but it also gives us the chance to grow and discover who we really are.
The Pressure to Conform
As women, we’re expected to fit into certain roles—be it as daughters, wives, or mothers. Society often tells us that our worth is tied to how well we fulfill these roles. But what happens when our dreams don’t align with those expectations? The pressure to conform can be overwhelming, and it can make us question whether it’s worth pursuing our own path.
For me, the journey to breaking free from these societal expectations began in university. I started saving money from part-time jobs, determined to fund my first trip abroad. I joined a hiking club, which was my first taste of independence and adventure. And guess what? I haven’t stopped since. I’m done apologizing for living life on my terms.
The Importance of Representation
Stories like The Chemistry Lesson are crucial because they offer representation that many of us never had growing up. When I see characters like Elizabeth Zott and Harriet Sloane, I see pieces of myself and my journey. These characters remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles, and that it’s okay to challenge the status quo.
It’s important to have role models who show us that it’s possible to live life on our own terms. When we see women on screen or in books who refuse to conform, it validates our own desires to break free from societal expectations. It tells us that we, too, can live boldly and unapologetically.
The Power of Stories
Stories have the power to inspire and to provoke change. They give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones and to challenge the limitations placed on us by society. When I watch shows like The Chemistry Lesson, I’m reminded of the power of storytelling to shift perspectives and to create a more inclusive world.
These stories aren’t just entertainment; they’re a call to action. They urge us to examine our own lives and to ask ourselves whether we’re living in alignment with our true selves. Are we following our dreams, or are we playing it safe because that’s what’s expected of us?
Embracing Your True Self
As I continue on this journey, I’m taking with me the lessons I’ve learned from my own experiences and from stories like Elizabeth Zott’s. These stories remind me that we’re not alone and that together, we can create a world where every woman has the freedom to live life on her own terms.
Being a woman means navigating a complex web of expectations, but it also means having the strength to redefine those expectations. It means having the courage to pursue our dreams, even when they don’t fit neatly into the roles society has assigned to us.
Living Unapologetically
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the importance of living unapologetically. For too long, I felt the need to apologize for wanting more than what was expected of me. I felt guilty for wanting to travel, for wanting to explore the world, and for wanting to live life on my own terms. But I’ve come to realize that there’s nothing wrong with wanting more. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big and going after those dreams.
The world might not always be ready for us, but that’s exactly why we need to keep pushing forward. We need to keep challenging the status quo and creating space for ourselves and for future generations of women.
“Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.” - Maya Angelou
Finding Strength in Community
One of the most powerful ways we can support each other as women is by building a strong sense of community. When we share our stories and our struggles, we create a network of support that empowers us to keep going, even when the road gets tough, especially whet it get tougher.
It’s in these moments of vulnerability and shared experience that we find the strength to continue challenging societal expectations. We learn from each other, we inspire each other, and we remind each other that we’re not alone in this journey.
The Road Ahead
As I look to the future, I’m filled with a sense of hope and determination. I know that the road ahead won’t always be easy, but I also know that it’s worth it. Every step I take towards living life on my own terms brings me closer to my true self.
I’m committed to continuing this journey of growth and self-discovery, and I’m excited to see where it takes me. I’m ready to embrace the challenges that come my way and to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Conclusion
In the end, growing beyond what’s expected isn’t just about breaking free from societal expectations—it’s about finding the courage to be true to yourself. It’s about embracing your dreams and living unapologetically, no matter what the world expects of you.
So, to all the women out there who are struggling to be seen and heard, who are pushing against the limitations placed on them by society, know this: You are not alone. Together, we can create a world where every woman has the freedom to live life on her own terms, without apology.
And as I continue on this journey, I’ll carry with me the lessons I’ve learned from the incredible women who have come before me—women like Elizabeth Zott and Harriet Sloane. These stories remind us that we have the power to change the world, one step at a time, simply by being ourselves.
Meet the Author: Moraima Caceres-Centeno
Moraima is a Venezuelan native who successfully navigated early retirement after a 30-year career as an engineer in the energy sector.
Married since 1990, she and her husband raised three children and moved to Canada in 2005. With a rich cultural heritage from both sides of her family, Moraima values resilience, compassion, and gratitude, especially after experiencing significant losses, including the deaths of her father and two siblings. Passionate about helping women achieve financial independence, Moraima draws on her life experiences to inspire others to create fulfilling retirements on their own terms.
For more information, you can find Moraima online:
Website: moraimawealthretire
YouTube: Navigating My Path to Financial Independence
Facebook: Moraima Caceres-Centeno
IG: moraima.wealth.retire
Moraima on the Life Changes Channel Podcast
Note: The author, compiler and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party due to these words coming from the author’s own opinion based on their experiences. This account is based on the author’s own personal experience. We assume no responsibility for errors or omissions in these articles.
