The Best Years Of Your Life | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Best Years Of Your Life

Why you need to avail your 20s while they last.

48
The Best Years Of Your Life
Ameera Minhas

Life consists of numerous phases. From the time we're born to the time we're on our deathbeds, it can be described as a "blink" of an eye. Every stage is special to its own meaning. Since birth, a newborn represents a sense of something special and optimistic, both for its caregivers and the world at hand. During childhood, the energy, imagination, and inspiration given off by these young souls illustrate their naivety and innocence. As we begin to grow older and enter adolescence, we strive to adjust ourselves to the norms of society, fitting in, and dealing with principles of ingenuity and passion. As time progresses, the entrance into adulthood marks one of the greatest periods of our lives.

Your twenties, otherwise classified as early adulthood, is the only real time of your life. It's the only few years that are entirely yours. For a majority of us, this is the time when the only responsibility we have is to ourselves. Sure, there's responsibilities to fulfill, classes to attend, shifts at work to cover, student loans to pay, or even rent and utilities to cover too. But for a moment, put that all aside. Whatever you're doing is for YOU. Many of us may not have children to look after or a spouse to attend to. We may not have other responsibilities, such as providing for a family and ensuring there's a roof over their head and food on the table. This is the prime time of discovery, the prime time of making our mark on the world. All of us have a passion of some kind within us - whether it be starting a new band, becoming famous, or serving the world through humanitarian services, there's this flame of passion within each and every one of us that is dying to be fulfilled. Is there a goal you want to achieve? Something you've always wanted to do but were too afraid of its outcome? Too scared to think what would happen because you don't have a "plan"? Take a step back - this is your own time. It's the only time span in life, the only years where making a mistake is OK. Risk-taking is perfectly fine, even though it's not encouraged by societal norms. What's going to happen if your life dreams and goals don't turn out as planned? At least you tried. That's all that matters. At least you tried pursuing your dreams and weren't stopped by societal expectations, familial limitations, or most importantly, the doubtful voice within yourself.

Sure, you can still pursue your goals in the later phases of adulthood. You can still change career paths after you're married, settled and have had children. You can still follow your dreams and passions in your 30's and 40's. There's nothing wrong with that. But there's something special about your twenties. The passion. The zeal. The burning flames of risk-taking and adventure-pursuance. A time where there are days with no worries except for turning in an assignment that will have no value 15 years from now. This time is absolutely special. Absolutely amazing.

So go out there. Go out there and start the business you've always wanted to. Pursue the political route you've always desired. Enroll in the graduate program you've doubted you would be accepted into. So what if it doesn't turn out as planned? At least you can continue throughout life knowing that you've tried. Avail this four to five year time span. It'll be over before you know it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189948
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14747
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457725
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26562
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments