In your twenties… The unknown
By: Ava Wilson
Being in your twenties is arguably the most confusing time. Some of our highest and lowest moments are all combined into one intimidating decade. You might be the girl who went to college, got a degree, moved to a big city, and became the ultimate it-girl. Or, you got your degree, moved somewhere unfamiliar, eat takeout because it’s easier than cooking, and work a job you aren’t even passionate about. Either way, both of those people are struggling with something we may or may not know, their twenties.
The change of going from your teens to your twenties is unknown. It’s the anticipation an uneasiness about how the rest of your life is going to play out. Is this who I am going to marry? Do I really want to be a nurse for the rest of my life? If I don’t travel now, will I ever get to? So many questions with answers that are… guess what? Unknown. Often times there is a pressure for young adults in their twenties to have all of these goals, and intentions figured out by the time they finish out this decade of their life. This phase of life and the transitions become so much quicker and carry more weight. In high school maybe your biggest worry was making the sports team you wanted or impressing your parents by making A/B honor roll. But your twenties, they feel like the decisions you make will determine where and who you will be 30 years from now. But who puts all this pressure on us? Who is telling us we must have these things figured out? Its name is society.
The contributing factor to this feeling of anxiety is if we will make the wrong decisions. These are determined by either yourself, your family members, or the people you are surrounding yourself with. But is it the wrong decision if you learn and grow from it? There is no set place in life that you need to be at in your twenties. And quite frankly, every single person has a different perception of where they “should be”. Meaning, it is up to you, it is in your control. Although you may not know where you’ll be in a couple of years, or who you’ll be with or what job you’ll be working, it is in your control. This is all up to you, at your own pace. If you think you have made the “wrong” decision that is also up to you. So, whether you are the it-girl who makes it seem like she’s figured out her twenties, or you’re the person who thinks their twenties aren’t going the right way… you are not alone.
Reducing your stress can be hard and easier said than done, but if you need some tips to ease this transition you might find this helpful.
1. Be kind to yourself. It’s your first time living, accept that there will be challenges but that you can figure out the right path for yourself. Give yourself some grace.
2. Reflect. Get to know where you are at emotionally and take care of yourself. This could be by reading, journaling, exercising etc. take the time to learn about you.
3. A “wrong” choice is only temporary. There may be some setbacks that can be upsetting or frustrating, but they will not last a lifetime.
Resources:
