I didn't date for my entire teen life - it just wasn't on my

Kiesza, with candor and simplicity, once said: “I didn’t date for my entire teen life—it just wasn’t on my mind.” These words, though humble, reveal a profound truth about the freedom of living according to one’s own rhythm rather than the expectations of the crowd. In a world where youth is often consumed with the pursuit of romance and belonging, her declaration is a reminder that one’s path need not mirror the multitude. The heart awakens in its own time, and the calling of destiny often outweighs the fleeting dramas of adolescent love.

The origin of this quote lies in Kiesza’s own story, a woman of many talents—singer, dancer, sailor, and survivor—whose early years were shaped more by discipline, creativity, and exploration than by the rituals of dating. She chose not to chase the common script of teenage life but to invest her energy elsewhere. In this choice, whether conscious or instinctive, there is wisdom: that the years of youthful formation need not be bound by convention, but may be spent cultivating talents, dreams, and the inner strength that will serve one far beyond the passions of the moment.

The ancients, too, knew this truth. In the writings of Plutarch, we read of those who, as youths, turned not toward romance but toward craft and discipline. The young Alexander, long before he knew intimacy, gave himself to the mastery of leadership and strategy. The poet Sappho spoke of love with passion, yet even she knew that the flame of art could outlast the flame of desire. Kiesza’s words echo this tradition: that to abstain from youthful distractions is not loss, but sometimes a strategic preparation for greatness.

Consider also the tale of Joan of Arc, a maiden of only seventeen, who did not spend her youth in the courtships and romances of her village, but instead heard the call of visions and rose to lead armies. She, too, was untouched by the pursuits expected of her age, and in this, she preserved her focus for a greater destiny. Like Kiesza, Joan shows us that not dating, not seeking romance, can be a path of power, allowing the spirit to be undistracted as it forms its true mission.

From Kiesza’s reflection emerges a lesson of self-honor: that the life of the individual must not be measured by the milestones of others. For some, love blooms early; for others, later. Neither is superior. What matters is that one’s energy is not squandered on what does not call to the heart. To confess “it just wasn’t on my mind” is to declare freedom from false urgency. It is to remind us that life is not a race to romance, but a journey toward authenticity.

Practical wisdom follows. If you are young and feel no urgency for dating, honor that instinct. Use the time to build your skills, deepen your friendships, and discover your passions. If you are older and regret not having followed the common path, remember that your story is your own, and its uniqueness is your strength. Do not allow the expectations of society to dictate your choices; rather, walk in alignment with the truth of your spirit.

Thus, children of tomorrow, take this teaching to heart: you are not defined by when or whether you date, but by how fully you grow into yourself. As Kiesza reminds us, the absence of romance in one season can be the fertile ground for creativity, strength, and resilience in the next. Do not measure your worth by comparison, but by the depth of your becoming. And know this: the heart will awaken when it is ready, and when it does, it will be strong enough to love without losing itself.