10/12/2024
10 Things I Learned in My Early 20s
1. Adulting is Harder Than It Looks.
Bills, responsibilities, and making decisions for yourself—it’s a lot to handle. But you learn to adapt and figure it out along the way.
2. It’s Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out.
Society pressures us to have a clear path, but I realized that it’s okay to be unsure. Growth happens in uncertainty, and exploration is part of the journey.
3. Friends Come and Go.
Not everyone you started with will stay in your life, and that’s okay. People grow in different directions, and it’s part of life’s natural flow.
4. Romantic Relationships Take Work.
Love isn’t just about feelings; it’s also about effort, understanding, and compromise. Being in a healthy relationship requires maturity from both people.
5. Self-Care is Essential, Not a Luxury.
Whether it’s skincare, mental health breaks, or doing something you love, taking care of yourself is important. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
6. Comparison is the Thief of Joy.
It’s easy to compare yourself to others, especially in the age of social media. But I’ve learned to focus on my own progress instead of someone else’s highlight reel.
7. Mistakes Are Great Teachers.
Failure feels terrible in the moment, but it’s through mistakes that I’ve learned the most valuable lessons. It’s all part of the process.
8. Time is Your Most Valuable Resource.
Whether it’s spending time with loved ones or investing in your personal growth, how you spend your time matters. Be intentional with it.
9. Your Passion Won’t Always Pay the Bills Right Away.
Chasing your dreams takes time, and sometimes you’ll need to do things you don’t love to make ends meet. But don’t give up on what lights you up.
10. Celebrate Small Wins.
Life isn’t just about big milestones. Learning to appreciate the little victories along the way makes the journey more fulfilling and joyful.
Your early 20s are full of challenges, but they’re also a time of discovery. Embrace the messiness and trust that everything you’re learning is shaping you for what’s ahead.
