Long hair lock envy really getting to me

I didn't realize how important it would be to me to have long hair. I see sisters with the beautifully long locks of all sizes and I just wish that could be me. I will be a year in December and my hair is growing, but the shrinkage means no length. So, I am growing out, not up. Really big out. I've lived more than 40 years longing for long hair...the kind that hangs down your back. I've had weaves and wigs, but it's different, I imagine, when it's your own hair. Well, not sure the point of this post. I guess I am hoping, like so many things, in a few years I'll look back and laugh at how silly I am being.