The Expiry Date with SK-II

Being born and raised in China, with my very traditional Chinese parents who wish me nothing but a happy and ordinary ...









Being born and raised in China, with my very traditional Chinese parents who wish me nothing but a happy and ordinary life, surely my career and life choices catch them off guard. I cannot remember the number of times that they call and ask when I will find a "real" job, or when I will go back to China and live a "normal" life, start a family and get a 9 to 5 job like everyone else does. Living alone in a foreign country where no families and old friends around is not easy, I'll admit. I still remember when I first came to Canada 7 years ago, all the awkward and funny things I've done because of language and cultural differences. But hey, if I feared and had cold feet I won't be who I am and be where I am today, right?

When SK-II reached out to me and shared their latest campaign video The Expiry Date, I felt very emotional and couldn't relate more as I'm in the exact culture background as the main characters. In China, there is a saying called "leftover women", which refers to single or unmarried women over age 25. They are under extreme pressure from their parents and the society to get married. Turning age 25 just in two months myself, with more and more friends back in China getting married and even having kids. I would be lying if I said I wasn't anxious at all. It's not a shame to admit having quarter-life crisis and the questions we often ask ourselves are, where my life is going and am I doing the right thing? Will I be able to ticked all the right boxes before turning 30 and if not am I worth less?

 When I was little I always knew I would have a successful career, a home with a husband and maybe a kid by the age of 30. These are the "right boxes" the society let us believed. But lately I realized that things could be different and I can do so much more. I'm happy and proud of the women I've become today and I love what I'm doing with my life. I no longer let the questions "are you in a steady relationship?", "when are you getting married?" or "is your job even a real job?" getting into my head, but instead embracing the job that sets my creativity free every day and exploring the world one city at a time. When you can work by the beach why would you choose to work in an office, just because everyone does? I'm certain that by changing thoughts we can change our destiny.

Trust me when I say it's your ability and how you live your life defines who you are and differs you from others, not your sexuality or ages... So, ladies, now please take 3 minutes to watch this inspiring video below and let me know your thoughts.



*In collaboration with SK-II but all opinions are mine.


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9 comments

  1. Great read. Thanks for sharing!

    Liv

    http://livforstyle.net

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  2. Turning 30 was not my proudest moment. It took me a while to get over the facts that I had not ticked off a majority of the things I felt I would have by that age. Even now, I have not, a few year on, ticked off those major life moments. But, there are amazing lessons and experiences along the way that I would probably not trade them in for. :)
    xx Jenelle
    www.inspiringwit.com

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    1. Well said Jenelle! It's true that we may not ticked off all the boxed that we have planned years ago but it's the experiences along the way that count the most.

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  4. Oh my gosh! What a incredibly POWERFUL video, Chantal!!! I agree. As I near 32 this fall, it's hard not to think about being married at the very least. When I was younger, I always got questions of, "Do you have a boyfriend?" or "When are you getting married?" and it really discouraged me because the guys I did have in my life were not for me or not interested. I thought I'd have my life together by 30, but I'm just NOW figuring it all out. I'm happy to say that it doesn't bother me as much anymore. Seeing my friends RUSH into their marriages right after high school only to divorce with children involved reassured me that I was doing the right thing for me by discovering myself first. I'm still single, but I know who I am and am living out my dreams. That's something I don't regret at all. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. I cannot agree more! Age is definitely not the only factor that defines who you are and I'm so glad all you ladies out there are so independent and courageous! It's truly inspiring and reassuring me to live my dream to the fullest without worrying other's judgments.

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  5. I was born and raised in Russia and we do have the qualities and tags of "leftover" women. Almost all my friends have kids, even my younger sister will have her second child this fall. And me... living with the boyfriend for several years and don't think to get married and have a child because we are not done with our lives to fulfill for each other. I know that the kid will enlighten my life but I'm not willing to give him or her a birth until I know that I am ready. I was exactly in your shoes when I turned 25. Now I'm 30. For the past 5 years I decided to learn 2 more languages, learn how to play harp, bought my first house, got a dream job and just a few month ago went to Harvard to get my master degree. Oh, it wouldn't be possible if I decided to have a kid with the guy I dated 5 years ago. This story truly represents my life. I'm so happy to be 30 and still planning to go any places and do the things I love without any sacrifices.

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    1. You are such a inspiration! I'd love to be exactly where you are now 5 years later to be honest! Learn more languages, buy my own house, travel to as many places as I can and maybe get a master degree too! I can't wait to hear more stories and adventures from you. Keep rocking!!

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