I Learned the Hard Way: Why Delaying Life’s Big Moments Can Cost You More Than You Think

Posted on 14 July 2025 by Priya Nair 4 min

Ever put off something really important, telling yourself you’ll get to it later? Maybe it’s pursuing a dream, starting a family, or even planning for retirement. We all do it, caught up in the pace of daily life, convinced there'll always be ‘tomorrow.’ But what if tomorrow is not guaranteed?

Kim Hunter-Borst, a healthcare professional, shared a profoundly moving story recently that’s shaking up how we think about life and timing. In her article, I delayed retiring for years. My husband's heart attack taught me we could not take time for granted, Kim reveals how she postponed retirement, tied down by her identity at work and the so-called ‘golden handcuffs.’ Then came the wake-up call: her husband’s heart attack. Suddenly, all that waiting felt like lost time.

Her story isn’t just about retirement. It’s a universal message about seizing the moment — and it resonates deeply for anyone facing infertility or exploring the complex world of conception.

Why Do We Delay?

Life’s big decisions are often tangled with fear, doubt, and uncertainty. Kim’s ‘golden handcuffs’ metaphor perfectly captures the emotional chains holding many back: the fear of leaving a familiar role, the worry about the ‘right time,’ the stress of uncertainty.

In fertility journeys, those chains can look like: “I’ll try next year,” “Maybe after I finish this project,” or “We’ll see if it happens naturally first.” And yet, fertility isn’t always a wait-and-see game. Biological clocks tick, health circumstances change, and opportunities can slip away.

The Power of Taking Control in Your Own Home

What if you could reclaim your journey without waiting? Modern fertility solutions like at-home insemination kits are game-changers for so many hopeful parents. For those who feel trapped by clinic hours, costs, or personal health challenges, these kits offer a way to take matters into their own hands—literally.

MakeAMom’s range of home insemination kits is designed exactly for this reason:

  • CryoBaby supports those working with low-volume or frozen sperm.
  • Impregnator assists users managing low motility sperm.
  • BabyMaker is perfect for those with sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus.

These kits aren’t just about convenience—they’re about empowerment, privacy, and hope, with a reported 67% average success rate. Plus, they’re reusable and discreetly shipped, a compassionate nod to the emotional and financial realities families face.

If Kim’s story taught us anything, it’s that waiting can cost us dearly. But taking proactive steps, even when it feels daunting, can open doors to the future we want.

What’s Holding You Back?

Ask yourself:

  • Are fears or doubts stopping you from starting your family journey today?
  • Could modern tools make the process less intimidating?
  • How might taking control now change your story?

You’re not alone. Many have wrestled with these questions and come out hopeful and empowered. Remember, the right timing isn’t always ‘perfect’ — it’s the moment you choose to step forward.

Your Journey, Your Terms

The story of Kim and her husband is a vivid reminder: life is unpredictable. But fertility, like life, is also about choices. Choosing when and how to grow your family can be an act of courage and love.

If you’re curious about how at-home insemination could fit into your story, explore how at-home insemination kits are helping people around the world create joyful beginnings on their own terms.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Life’s uncertainties never disappear; they only remind us to value the time we have. Whether it’s retirement, family, or any dream that’s been on hold—think about what your future self would thank you for doing today.

What will your legacy be? Will it be the story of hesitation or the one of bravery and hope?

We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories—drop a comment below or connect with our community. Let’s inspire each other to embrace the moment, unapologetically.

Remember: the best time for life’s biggest steps is now.