A Dubai-based nutritionist has sparked discussion on social media after sharing how her idea of success has changed over the past two decades, saying she eventually became the “rich man” she had hoped to marry when she was 21.

Rashi Chowdhary, founder of Nutrition In Sync, reflected on her journey in a recent Instagram post, explaining how her goals and understanding of success evolved with age and experience.

“At 21, I wanted to marry a rich man, be a hot housewife, and have two kids,” she said in a video. “Today, I am 41, I am unmarried, I run two different businesses with more than 40 people in it, and I think somewhere along the way, I became the rich man.”

Chowdhary said her original plans appeared to be on track when she was 25. At the time, she had a wealthy partner, an apartment in Dubai and a lifestyle many people admired.

However, she recalled feeling disconnected from that life despite achieving what she once thought would make her happy.

“The funny thing is the original plan actually worked,” she said. “But I still remember thinking, ‘Why does it not feel like my life?’”

She said many women grow up feeling pressured either to become attractive enough to be chosen by a successful partner or successful enough to not need one.

“We are taught to either be desirable enough so a powerful man can pick you or successful enough so you never need one,” she said.

According to Chowdhary, the biggest change in her life came when she realised that her own wishes and goals mattered more than seeking approval from others.

“You know what? Realising that what I want for myself comes before any of that has changed me more than marriage, divorce, success, or money ever did,” she said.

In the caption accompanying the post, Chowdhary wrote that her life at 41 is neither better nor worse than what she imagined at 21, but simply her own.

“The older I get, the more I realise that freedom isn't about rejecting men, marriage, motherhood, ambition, or success. It's about having the courage to decide what you actually want and letting that answer be enough,” she wrote.

The post received widespread praise online. Actress Mrunal Thakur commented “Best,” while Dubai-based radio presenter Mariyam Kisat described the message as “so freaking inspiring.”

Many social media users also shared supportive comments, saying Chowdhary’s story highlighted how personal goals and definitions of success can change over time.

With inputs from NDTV.