20 Lessons I Learned in my 20s
This week I turned thirty! As I reflect on the past decade, by scrolling through my camera feed from the last 10 years, I am in awe of the friendships, lessons, experiences, ups and downs, and celebrations that have shaped my 20s. These ten years have been the best I could have asked for, with periods of growth and changes. I lived in 3 different countries, learned a new language, and ran a marathon. I developed new relationships, graduated with a Master's degree, and changed career paths. As I prepare to leave my 20s behind and embark on a new chapter, I want to honor this beautiful era by sharing 20 invaluable lessons I've learned along the way. Here they are, in no particular order, offering a glimpse into the wisdom and insights that have guided me through this remarkable journey:
Finances: Understanding a Roth IRA, utilizing credit card points, investing wisely, and mastering the art of frugality.
Navigation: Traveling the world taught me how to find my way around any city, transforming me from someone who got lost easily to a confident explorer.
Listening: Developing the skill of truly listening takes work and patience; it’s a muscle that needs regular exercise and is well worth the practice.
Friendship: Being a better friend means looking out for and cheering on the people I care about, recognizing that thoughtfulness and celebrating others' successes go a long way.
Apologizing: Learning to say "sorry" has been challenging but essential. It’s about finding the balance between making it a habit and using it only when necessary.
Self-Discovery and Reflection: I spent too long not knowing who I was or what I wanted. Embracing alone time has profoundly benefited me and helped me grow.
Healthy Relationships: Through self-reflection and discovery, I learned what I wanted in relationships, developed boundaries, and communicated openly and lovingly.
Geography: Exploring Europe, South America, and Asia taught me about different countries, landscapes, and how geography influences history and economics. It also helped me distinguish between Switzerland and Sweden!
Language: Becoming fluent in Spanish by 25 was an unimaginable achievement for my 19-year-old self. Dedication and commitment made bilingualism one of my proudest skills.
Mental Health Awareness: Recognizing the importance of mental health has been transformative. Small steps like meditation and journaling, and understanding that my thoughts are not me, have been crucial.
Self-Care: Observing my parents' work ethic, I thought tireless work was the key to acceptance. However, I learned that taking time for self-care makes me more productive and happier.
Giving and Volunteering: Initially, I sought to take more from life. But volunteering with the Peace Corps showed me the profound fulfillment that comes from giving more than I thought possible.
Goal Setting: Adopting SMART goals has been instrumental in my personal growth. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals lead to success.
Continuous Learning: I now relish learning because I can choose my subjects and methods, enjoying the rewards of expanding my knowledge.
Embracing Diversity: Traveling broadened my perspective and taught me to appreciate cultural differences, helping me achieve more by embracing diversity.
Gratitude: Simple acts like saying "thank you" for another day and turning negative thoughts into gratitude have been transformative.
Avoiding Negativity: My bad mood is my responsibility. No one likes negativity, so I work to fix it. Also, no one cares about excuses.
Self-Advocacy: I no longer seek validation from others. I trust my gut, learn from mistakes, and believe in myself.
Ignoring Others' Opinions: Most people don’t care about what I’m doing. If they do, it doesn’t matter. People are inherently judgmental, and that’s okay.
Taking Action: It’s better to act now than to wait for a perfect moment that may never come. Don’t overthink—trust your gut and let go of unimportant things.
I can’t wait to see what my 30s have in store. I know it will include deepening my relationships, traveling more, making mistakes, and learning so much more.
