Twenty tidbits for twenty-somethings in 2020
The twenties are an odd in-between time of life. Since we’re in 2020, here’s 20 pieces of advice.
It’s okay to try out new things.
Just because you’re in your 20s, doesn’t mean your time to learn is over. Whether it’s an activity you find interesting or a food you’ve been itching to try, don’t be afraid to try that new thing. It just might become your favorite.
You’re allowed to feel your feelings.
We have emotions for a reason; why not experience them? Don’t be ashamed to have a good cry, laugh your heart out, or even be angry. Whatever you’re going through, simply feel.
It’s acceptable to take gap years.
Not everyone enrolls in college straight out of high school, and that’s okay. Maybe you had plans to attend grad school but you’re contemplating taking a few years off to figure things out or save up some money. Perhaps you want to travel before entering the “real” world. It’s absolutely acceptable to forge your own way and take as much time as you need between stages.
Care about yourself first.
You are important. Your mental health is important. Nobody should come before you. Be selfish with your needs!
There are other paths to success than college.
College is only one way to set yourself up for success. Trade and technical schools, the workforce, the military, self-exploration, and so much more can bring fulfillment. Just because you have a degree, doesn’t mean you won’t have to work hard to achieve your goals.
You can’t change someone who doesn’t want to change.
Don’t waste your time and energy trying to mold other people into your ideal versions of them, because it won’t happen. The only person you can change is yourself.
Know who your real friends are.
Find out who your true friends are and hold them close.
The time right after graduating college will feel weird.
Oftentimes, you’ll move back home and post-graduation depression will creep in. Graduating from college is a huge life change and it can be overwhelming. You might feel like you lost those elements of independence and spontaneity you had in college, and you could feel like you’re spending all your time searching for jobs. Recognize what you’re going through, and realize you’ll get through it eventually.
Only you can decide what you want to do.
This is your life. Don’t spend it following the path someone else drew for you. If you’re living out someone else’s dream, you’re doing it for the wrong reasons.
Say “yes” to opportunities that excite you.
You won’t want to look back at what life offered you and wish you’d taken that chance. Go for it!
Everyone has their own timeline.
When it seems like everyone else around us is graduating, landing jobs, getting married, and traveling the world, it can be difficult not to compare ourselves to them and wonder why we aren’t experiencing those things, too. Remember there’s no set timeline we’re required to follow, and it’s never too late to experience anything, no matter how old you are.
Drink more water.
Stay hydrated, folks! Water promotes cardiovascular health, cleanses toxins, and fuels muscles. It can also keep your skin healthy and help balance your blood sugar and relieve headaches. Take a few sips after reading this—your body will thank you.
Keep up with your hobbies.
Hobbies keep our minds engaged and help break the monotony of adult life. Keep up with your hobbies and explore new ones.
Create meaningful relationships.
There are all sorts of relationships that are crucial to your 20s. Friends, family, mentors, and romantic partners are just a few types. These relationships can help you grow.
Take more pictures.
Document your life! Take pictures of what you see and do, and don’t shy away from the camera. Later in life, you’ll want to look back on your experiences and the person you were then.
Read!
Reading improves communication skills, enhances memory, expands vocabulary, and stimulates your brain. There’s a lot more it does, but I’ll let you read more for yourself.
Spend your money wisely.
It’s hard to manage money as a twenty-something-year-old. You have tons of new expenses, such as rent, utilities, insurance bills, loan repayments, you name it. Enjoy yourself, but create a budget and stick to it. Debt is a deep hole to climb out of.
Give yourself a break.
Cut yourself some slack! You’re doing the best you can. Give yourself a break from time to time, and be easy on yourself. You’ll only make things harder if you kick yourself when you’re down.
Don’t rush into adulthood.
Adulthood is on your heels. Ease into it. You’re still a kid in many ways, and it’s okay to live out your youth a bit more. Adulthood doesn’t have to be a scary time, but when you’re burdened by the responsibilities and tribulations it brings, you might wish you hadn’t jumped into it headfirst.
Make life happen—don’t wait for it to happen to you.
Take control of your life. The one thing you don’t want to do is let it pass you by. Do that thing you want to do, go for that adventure. Get out and experience life!
