I recently turned 24 and as each birthday comes along, I like to reflect on the lessons I’ve learned in the past year.
Being in your twenties can be tough. There’s a lot of change, transitions and transformation. We’re adults yet we’re still so young. This really is the time to learn, risk, and fail.
23 was a year of change, growth and stepping more into my confidence. There were lots of tears shed but also much more moments of joy. Here are 23 lessons, tips and takeaways I gained during my 23rd year of life.
- Stick to your boundaries. Going back on them will bite you in the ass.
- Fuck a dress code. Wear whatever you want, wherever.
- Don’t save an outfit for another day, there might not be another one.
- If you truly want to go home, don’t let people convince you not to.
- Worrying is a waste of time.
- Live in the present as much as you can. Catch yourself when you’re in your head.
- Expect less and meet people where they are.
- Don’t take yourself so seriously. You’re bound to make mistakes, and have setbacks. You’re not perfect.
- Rest/Lazy Days are needed. You don’t always have to be consistent, productive, or journaling.
- When it comes to consistency, start off small. Like really small.
- ex: set ONE small goal to complete each day/week. “Go on a walk”, “Show up to the gym”
- Figure out what works for you. It doesn’t have to look like the schedules/workouts they do on social media. Find out what suits your lifestyle and interests.
- Initiate more deep conversations with friends.
- You have to believe in yourself more than anyone
- There’s no rush! Stop trying to achieve all your goals in a month. Stop thinking you’re running out of time. Be patient.
- Most of the time it’s better to walk away than react.
- Let go. Be okay with letting go of control and trust that things will fall into place when they are meant to.
- Exercise for your health, not just for external validation and appearance.
- Aim to look a way that best suits you, not what all the gym influencers look like.
- You can learn so much about yourself and life from reading fiction books.
- You are worthy of love for just existing. You don’t need to prove your worth.
- All that you need is within yourself. You have the answers, look within.
- Trust yourself. Listen to that inner voice when things seem “off”.
- Give self validation more importance than external validation.
As each year passes, I continue to evolve and I am super grateful for the life I have. Despite certain circumstances I wish I could change, I always remember to be grateful. Gratitude really is a choice. With gratitude, you can focus on all the ways you are blessed. Your feelings of disappointment, sadness and anger are valid but remember the bigger picture. You get to experience this wonder of human life. No matter the cards you were dealt, you are now responsible for what you make of it.
To the 18-22 year olds that need some tips and reassurance for navigating their early 20’s, I hope you can gain something from the lessons I’ve learned.
Whether you’re a returning or new reader, I hope that you join me on the journey of evolution and healing. I’m excited for what’s to come for us. Thank you for being here and have a great day/night <3