Things I wish someone told me in my early 20's
/If you are in your early 20’s or late 20’s here is a list I have put together that I wished someone told me while in my prime. I am currently 25 and I never had a role model in my life to tell me the ins/out of life. I was just birthed and not given the correct path by my family. I believe that they have failed me to prepare me for the real world. I have so many trials and errors due to the lack of provision from my family. Don’t get me wrong I am not saying my father did a bad job at raising me but I feel he could have done better. He’s the best man any little girl could ask for. I just feel so dependent of him instead of an independent woman. So I am here as a big sister to tell you, here are some things I wish someone would have told me.
Don’t waste time being fearful
Go for that job that you’re certain you’re not gonna get. What’s the worse that can happen? You are rejected, but you gain interview experience. Self-doubt is really a waste of time.
Live in the present
Yes, it is important to plan for the future, but it is easy to put off living until it is too late. Make sure that you have no regrets about what you should have done. Make sure you do one exciting thing per year. Make that your goal.
Know your worth
This applies to both your job and relationships; never sell yourself short. No job or romance is more important than your self-respect. Also, charge for any unique skills/services that you can offer.
Don’t be afraid to leave bad situations
I left my family behind in order to protect my mental health. Even though this was a big risk, it was the best decision I ever made. NOTHING is more important than your mental health.
Most 20 somethings feel that they are underachieving
This is normal - especially in today’s financial climate. Don’t feel bad if you are still living at home and cannot afford to rent/buy your home. Save your money until you are finically stable to get a place on your own. But go big and buy a house.
Learn to enjoy your own company
Your 20s can be a lonely time as your social sphere narrows, due to employment, finances, and exhaustion. Use this time to find out more about yourself and do the things that you enjoy. There is something liberating about eating at a restaurant alone.
Regarding love, nobody owes you anything
Even if they made a promise, take it as a grain of salt. Everybody has the right to change their mind and to leave a situation that is not beneficial for them. This is hurtful and hard to accept, but it is the truth. Just focus on yourself and love yourself, never settle.
People will disappoint you!
This is the most important. Everybody has their own demons and traumas that make them behave in certain ways. If somebody disrespects you, assert your boundaries and keep it moving. But DO NOT let it eat away at you.
It is important to travel
You have little responsibility, you are focused on yourself, and your sense of adventure is in full force. Put money aside in a travel fund. As soon as you save enough for a plane ticket, go wherever it is you want to go!
Surround yourself with positive people
Some people may be the best thing that have ever happened to you, while others may be the worst. Don’t allow negative people with hidden agendas to be a part of your life. They will only bring you down. Instead, surround yourself with people who love you, support you, motivate you, make you laugh and lift you up.
I hope you take my advise and to not make the same mistakes I have! We are not perfect and remember to always smile, until next time 💋
