In my first post, I will take a moment and reflect what I’ve learned in my 20’s. So, with that in mind and a touch of emotion fueled nostalgia, I give you (in no particular order): 20 lessons I learned in my 20s…
- No one has it all figured out – No one has it all figured out. If you’re feeling lost or like you’re not on track, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Everyone is just making it up as they go along.
- You don’t have to love yourself to love someone else – You don’t have to love yourself to love someone else. But it is important to like yourself. When you like yourself, you are more likely to make healthy choices and create a space that promotes self-love.
- And on that note, Love Takes Work – It takes effort to communicate and understand each other. Love takes work….even if it’s meant to be.
- Intuitive Eating – Unlike traditional diets that restrict or ban certain foods, intuitive eating requires you to stop looking at food as “good” or “bad.” Instead, you listen to your body and eat what feels right for you.
- Eating disorders don’t have a look – A common misconception around eating disorders is that they only effect thin, young white women. The reality is that eating disorders affect ALL ages, sizes, and races. If you don’t fit the stereotype that society expects, your experience can be questioned or invalidated.
- You don’t have to do it alone – being independent is great, but there is no shame in asking for help when work, life or love suddenly feels overwhelming.
- Enjoy the little moments – take a walk, kiss your mom, and slow down.
- Don’t take anything personally – Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves. Even if others insult you directly, it has nothing to do with you.
- Even the opinions you have about yourself are not necessarily true – They are just your brain trying to process what’s going on around you and what might happen next; just because you think it, doesn’t make it true.
- Feelings are not facts. Again, they are just part of your brain processing what is going on around you, they are sensations in your body and they will pass however…
- Do the things that make you happy – lLife is too short to do things you don’t enjoy. Make time for the things that make you smile.
- Follow your dreams – Even if it’s scary, don’t be afraid to go after what you want. The journey may be challenging, but it will be worth it in the end.
- Take action – Don’t just sit around and dream about your goals. Make a plan and take steps to make them a reality.
- You’re the expert of you – Listen to advice, but don’t take it all to heart. Everyone has different experiences and opinions. It’s important to listen to advice, but ultimately you have to make your own decisions.
- Mistakes are a part of life – YEveryone makes them. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and move on.
- Be yourself – Don’t try to be someone you’re not. People will appreciate you for who you are. Unapologetically, authentically, you.
- You Can’t Please Everyone – Quit trying to be a people pleaser, and please yourself first.
- Personal finance – No one teaches you this stuff. You have to take control by learning about financial basics ranging from budgeting to retirement planning.
- Travel is worth the investment – The older you get, the more you’ll realize how experience trumps material things.
- People come and go in your life, and that’s OK – You’ll outgrow certain people in your life, and sometimes the only place they’ll have in your life is in your past — and really, that’s just part of life.