I don’t know about you, but having recently turned twenty-two, I think it’s safe to say that life up to now has had its ups and downs. If you’re a similar age to me and reading this, I’m sure you’re as wary as I am about the next couple of years, and what the future has in store. Here are a couple of things I’ve learned on how to look at life, how to handle situations, and how to attempt to survive my early twenties, as daunting as it may seem.
1. Be careful in choosing the people that you put around yourself. I know you’ve probably heard this a million times, but it really DOES have an effect on you, who you choose to spend your time with.
Being young and starting out in life, we obviously want to make as many friends as possible and be as sociable as we can be. However, don’t jump into friendships with the wrong people. Although there are many people out there who definitely do have good intentions for you, you don’t want to find yourself in a friendship with someone who doesn’t, and who makes you act in a way that just isn’t you! It is surprisingly easy to slip into behaviours because of the people around you. Whether you realise it or not, we can be very easily swayed by our friends. Now you’re entering your twenties, surely you want to be more selective with who you choose to spend your time with, I know I am.
2. Know that it’s ok to be selfish sometimes.
Remember when you were in school and you would be taught that it was a bad thing to be selfish? That being selfless was the goal. Yes, being selfless is definitely a good deed, but sometimes we NEED to be selfish too. Being selfish isn’t always a bad thing. It can be as simple as saying no to a night out if you just can’t afford it, or not answering a call and turning your phone off because you simply can’t be bothered. Or even just having a chilled night in with a take away and a glass of wine. And that is absolutely fine. Now you’re in your twenties, I’m sure you want to live life YOUR way. If you think you’re doing something just to please someone else, and you know it won’t really be worth it, maybe think again?
3. Recognise that not everyone is going to like you, and that’s ok.
I used to get so upset if I thought someone didn’t like me. Now, frankly, it doesn’t bother me at all. By this age I have a pretty good idea of who I am, and I’ve come to realise that if you don’t see eye to eye with someone, then it’s really not the end of the world. Even if you know someone doesn’t care for you don’t let it bother you, it’s a good idea to develop a thick skin because not everyone is going to be nice in this life, and that’s just the way it is. There are so many different types of people out there and we weren’t all made to get along. If you think about it, sometimes the differences you have with someone can create opportunity for an interesting debate. Comparing your opinion to someone else’s can make you see things from a different point of view, which can sometimes be helpful to ourselves. Anyway, for every person you don’t seem to get along with, and who doesn’t agree with the things that you say, there will definitely be someone that does.
4. Work. Really. Hard.
I’m guessing if you’re my age you’re probably at university or working, or looking to find a job. Whatever you’re doing, make this time about YOU, no distractions. Distractions can come in the form of romances, partying, etc. While these things are very important parts of enjoying life, and don’t get me wrong I love them to; don’t make the mistake of focusing on the wrong thing at this time in your life. I say this as I have made those mistakes, and they’ve cost me time I don’t have and upsets I can’t handle. The time and emotion you waste on something that doesn’t matter, is the time you could have spent on brainstorming that idea that will eventually turn into your business. You catch my drift? If your twenties are supposed to be your selfish years, then do just that and focus on YOURSELF, in the right way. You’ll thank me later.
5. Love your family and your friends.
I’m sure you have definitely already realised by your early twenties that your parents were never actually the enemy, they were the people supporting you most. Being a teenager, I used to want to rebel against my parents, shout at them and blame them for everything that was going wrong in my life. All the normal things hormonal teenagers do as they’re growing up. Looking back, my parents were only doing the things they were doing because they care. The hard truth is that your parents are two of the only people who will always, and have always loved you, and will support you through the good times and the bad. I know this is not true for all people, and if that be the case for you, love the friends you have around you that you consider to be like family. Appreciate these people, and tell them you love them every day.
Have I missed anything?
Love, Elizabeth