Self Help: 5 hard truths I learnt in my 20s

Hey everyone,

Welcome back!

Today I'm going to reflect on my 20s and see how things have changed, what I have learnt and I hope this can help you not go through some of the things I did. Let's get reflecting!

A little disclaimer before I begin. I am writing this when I'm 29 years old and yes, I'm still in my 20s but a lot has happened especially in my early 20s that has allowed me to grow to who I am today and this post, is dedicated to acknowledging those things that I went through. Let's begin.

Things I learnt in my 20s.

1) Knowing yourself and standing up for yourself is vital.

This was the biggest struggle for me. Going through high school up to university, I was known to be generous to the point I became a doormat. Everytime I would try to pull outself out of that mentality, I just felt guilt so I resulted in being a doormat for a really long time. As I got older and slowly question why do I allow these people to run my life, I started to pull back and it allowed me to think who I want to be. Now, I am more aware when someone is taking advantage of me compared to when someone is being genuine.

2) Never forget your passions and your interest. 

I used to love photography, blogging, dancing, creating songs and etc. In my early 20s, I discovered how much I love doing those things, but as life starts to get harder and you enter the peer pressure stage of finding a job and having a stable income, I got lost and stopped doing those things. Now looking back, these things are still what I love to do and I make time to do these hobbies now. Why? Because now that I'm working, I enjoy these activities as part of my self care routine. Not only does it reduces my stress, it gives me a new world to escape to. 

3) Don't be fooled by social media.

For someone who grew up with social media, it was tough. We had Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, blogging, Instagram, and all the messenger chat rooms you can think of. It was way too much for a teenager to keep up with. Don't get me wrong, it was a great time having to chat with friends on the internet but it created this social bubble that made it harder for me to communicate to people in person. Secondly, it also added on peer pressure and the need to compare myself to others. This is where it started to get toxic. As we know, social media is so addictive so it was hard to stay off. Now, in 2020, I learnt to switch on and off with social media and to take it with a pinch of salt. Also, reminding yourself that what you see is majority the good parts of someone's life and that it isn't their everyday life is key.

4) Trust your instincts/intuition.

This goes with deciding which path you would like to take, who can be trusted and what feels right for you. Your instincts will never lie to you. I learnt especially during hard times, that my gut feeling became my beacon of hope when I couldn't see any way out. Things aren't always so straight forward or easy in your 20s and it's ok, it does not mean its the end of the world. 

5)Never ignore your relationships (friends and family)

I understand, in your 20s, there are a lot of things to worry about such as finding your other half, career, discovering yourself and finding your social circle, which can make you reconsider your friends. The thing to think about is that, you are growing up but so are your friends and family. Everyone is changing together and if you want to stay connected to them, do what you can to stay in touch. It's the one thing you won't regret as you get older. 

Those are my 5 key things I have learnt in my 20s. Being 29, I am definitely more mindful of the people in my life as well as who I am and who I want to be. Yes, it took me a long time to figure out and to realize what is important to me. If you're in the same boat as me, please feel free to leave a comment down below what was your major learning lesson in your 20s.

With that,

I hope you have a great day and see you in my one,

G.