Our 20s become one of the hardest 10 years we ever go through, especially as young females. Most of us are trying to find out where we fit into society as a whole—whether it’s job wise, socially etc. A lot of us in our early 20s are trying to figure out what love looks like in a relationship, and sometimes we go through multiple bad breakups and heartbreaks. By the time we reach our late 20s, there is a lot of pressure for us to have the perfect job, to be engaged and ready to start a family. Here are just 10 little reminders for the average 20-something-year-old
1. Don't measure your worth by your appearance.
Just because magazines, media, boys and other females have made you feel less than beautiful, it doesn’t in any aspect diminish your worth. You are a beautiful, independent being who should be cherished by everyone you come in contact with. Whether you wear makeup, don’t wear makeup, leave your hair straight or natural, nothing external determines your beauty or value.
2. That one boy isn’t as important as you think.
Yes. He was your whole world for like a year. Everything you did was in relation to him. But now that the relationship is over, you still find yourself consumed with the memories and the absence of the love and powerful connection. I’m here to remind you that you can feel that feeling again. He showed his true colors for a reason, and the breakup was a small gift from God; a gift that will allow you to find someone who really values you and really loves you. That boy won't be the one paying your rent or going to work for you. So don’t forget your independence.
3. Drink a lot of water.
I don’t know how much I can actually stress how important water is. Of course, it has all the nutritional benefits of balancing the electrolytes and making sure you don’t get thirsty. But it’s also important to make sure your skin is clear, and it just keeps you feeling healthy. Girls on the run always grab juice, Starbucks or even soda. Water is such an important staple for anyone to have, especially young women.
4. Never forget to take care of yourself.
Most 20-something girls really do forget this. It's OK to spend money to get your haircut or get your nails done or even spend a day relaxing. It's important because we often put everyone and everything else in front of ourselves. The only person who will ever really look out for you 100 percent is you.
5. Be open to new music.
I never listened to country before my best friend played it all the time in his car. I hated it at first, but eventually I found that certain songs really spoke to me more than the genres I typically listened to. If a friend recommends a song, don’t be afraid to take a listen even if it’s completely different than what you usually listen to. It may be a song that you’ve been looking to describe all the emotions you feel, from heartbreak to happiness.
6. Just because you are closer to 30 doesn’t mean you need to be married.
I think this is the hardest piece for a young woman to understand. We have so many external pressures from society telling us that we go to college to find our husbands and need to be married before we are 25 so we can start having kids. This, however, doesn’t take into consideration how long it actually takes to go to school and establish ourselves. And sometimes we just don’t want to get married. We love our careers. Don’t let it stress you if you don’t find prince charming. It will happen if it's meant to be.
7. Stay in school.
A career is something that no one can take away from you. Education is something that sets you apart from everyone else, and it can help you excel in every aspect of life. Don’t let any obstacle or any boy stop you from achieving your dreams.
8. Take a vacation.
Save up to take a trip with your girlfriends. Take a day-cation with your mom to a winery. Vacations are key into making sure you don’t burn out. They also help you enjoy the little moments. Appreciate the day slowing down and nature. Don’t be afraid to be adventurous and try something new like rock climbing or a high ropes course.
9. Say "I love you" a lot more.
I think we all know this and say we are going to do it, but we never actually get around to it. Life is beautiful, but it can also be unexpected. One minute you can be sitting with a loved one, and the next you are getting the phone call you never want to get. Saying “I love you” can change someone's whole day and can remind them how special they are to you. It’s the little gestures that often mean the most. I myself say it way too much but I know the important people in my life will never doubt how much I care for them. Go ahead. Send a text to someone you care about and say “I love you.”
10. You are beautiful.
This one is self-explanatory. Don’t let anyone dim the beautiful flame that burns inside you. You are a radiant and unique soul.