I know what you're thinking, how can I learn things in my 20's when I'm not even 23 yet? I do turn 23 in December which is coming up fast so at least give me that. Even though I am only 22, I feel like so much has happened in my 20's. I can't imagine where my life will be when I'm actually done with being a 20-something. I have attempted to put together the top 3 things I have learned in the last 2 years of my life.
1. Take care of yourself.
I feel like this is a huge thing that young adults struggle with. We are too busy trying to pass school, work, keep up with our friends, and also trying to be adults. We neglect our health and self-love. I could preach all day about how important is to take care of yourself. School is important, work is important, your loved ones are important, but YOU are important too. If you do not take care of yourself, how can we expect to give 100% in all other aspects of our life?
I know that it is easier said than done and it's hard to change habits overnight. Start by simply going to bed earlier, put a face mask on, or go to the gym. Do something that fills your heart and makes you happy. Bottom line, you matter just as much as all of the responsibilities you have as a young 20-something. Your future self will thank you.
2. Don't compare your path to someone else's.
Everyone has a different path in life. Do not compare your grades, your job, your income, your physical appearance, etc. to others. You are not them. If you are so focused on someone else and what they are doing, or the "success" they are having, how do you expect to focus on yourself? Someone's success is not your failure. Failure is inevitable. Every single successful person has failed in their life and will fail again. When you are happy, passionate, and filled with joy in your everyday life... that is when you are truly successful.
3. You're going to feel like you have no idea what you're doing.
And that is okay. I repeat that is okay. Take chances. Take the job that you know you have zero knowledge on. Learn new things. You will figure out that really no one knows what they are doing. I graduated from college ready to go. I was ready to get that job, get that apartment, and kill it at life. There are various obstacles that come such as that entry-level position, living at home for a few months, not getting your "dream" job. I asked myself if college was worth it, did I waste my time, or maybe I just was not meant to be who I thought I was. That is fear. The only thing fear does is hold you back and I learned that the hard way throughout my life. It's okay to not know what I'm doing but at least I will fake it till I make it.
Bottom line, life can be hard and upsetting or you can take it on with open arms and motivation. It's up to you. It's normal to be lost but that what your loved ones are for. Fall back on your family, significant other, or best friends. Don't try to learn all about this life alone. God puts people in your life to help you, build with you, cry with you, celebrate with you, and love you.
