As another birthday comes and goes, I have finally hit the age of 25. To celebrate this new halfway-to-50 turning of age, I decided to reflect on the past 24 years of my life and compile a list of 24 things I learned at the age of 24.
1. No one prepares you for the transition from college to adulthood
The transition from college to “adulthood” catches you off guard. No one really prepares you for the uncertainties, the 9-5 grind, the constant need to “figure it out,” not being around friends 24/7, and the daunting realization that this is what the rest of your life looks like. It’s a topic that isn’t given enough attention, and the struggles of life after college are unbelievably real. A new graduate faces a mountain of challenges, and it’s time we start talking about it more.
2. Never let things end on bad terms
This principle holds significant meaning to me. I understand that not everyone may share the same perspective, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Personally, I strongly believe in the importance of never allowing things to conclude on a sour note. This applies to a wide range of situations, be it relationships with loved ones or friends, professional endeavors, and more. Through my own experiences, I have come to recognize the profound significance of this principle. None of us can predict when we may encounter someone for the last time, and life, as we know it, is incredibly delicate. Living without regrets and without lingering animosity is a philosophy I strive to live by.
3. Take note of those who check in on you and those who don’t
When life feels overwhelming and you’re going through tough times, pay close attention to those who check in on you. Those who invest time and effort to ensure your well-being are the ones worth keeping by your side.
4. Just tell them how you feel
Stop beating around the bush and communicate to those about how you feel. After all, we are all human and want to be and feel accepted. Have a crush on someone and want to tell them? Express it. Feeling like you aren’t getting paid enough for the work you do? Communicate it. Whether it comes to a relationship or a professional setting, stop making yourself suffer in your own doubts and uncertainties. Express your feelings with those you surround yourself with. You never know what might come out of just communicating and being honest.
5. Listen to your gut instinct
I can preach this all day and still not trust it. Listening to your gut instinct is crucial. It can save you a lot of heartbreak and suffering. Usually, the gut feeling is legit and your instincts are trying to warn you.
6. Spend time with family
Spending time with family is super valuable. As you are getting older, so are your family members. Don’t take it for granted, as one day they won’t be able to communicate with you like they used to due to illnesses. It is terrible, but it is life. Make time with them and you won’t regret it!
7. Exercise is important
Prioritize your mental health and well-being with exercise! Not only does it get your endorphins pumping, it is a great way to stay in shape and give your body a nice refresh. Make goals to go on weekly or daily walks, get some natural Vitamin D, and get moving!
8. Your first job won’t be your forever job
Every journey starts with a single step. My first “career job” introduced me to incredible people and valuable experiences, but I always knew it wasn’t my final destination. It’s all about embracing the learning curve, soaking in every lesson, and growing with each passing moment. I will always be thankful for the lessons learned, experiences, and people met along the way.
9. Embrace the freedom to leave whenever you want!
As I grow older, I find myself reflecting on why I used to prioritize late nights at the bar over cozy evenings with my dearest friends. It seems like a rite of passage for young adults, especially in college and beyond. However, in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter. While socializing is enjoyable, the unpleasant aftermath of a hangover certainly isn’t.
10. Go on the trip
Life is short. Remember what life is about- living. You will never look back on your life and regret taking the trips and traveling. Live your life without fear of what people think. See all of the sights and do all of the things. Money comes back, but experiences and memories are once-in-a-lifetime!
11. Invest In Experiences, Not Things
Similar to what I mentioned above, invest in those trips. Save your money. Invest it in experiences. Life is all about growth and experiences. Make it what you want. Things are always there, but experiences aren’t. Are you wanting to learn a new skill? Thinking about trying a new hobby or restaurant? Do it!
12. Be wise about who you surround yourself with
Every single person you surround yourself with, you’re picking up on their energy and bringing it into your own. Surround yourself with people that make you feel good. Surround yourself with people who even make going to the grocery store an adventure. Be wise about who you spend your time with.
13. Therapy is important
Talking to someone is beneficial and extremely important. Not only is it good for your mental health, you can practice active coping exercises, improve your communication skills, and overall relationships with most people, and alter negative thoughts and behaviors. It is always good to talk through things that are bothering you. Be your best self and understand the importance of talking to someone to improve yourself.
14. It’s OK to have High Standards
Don’t settle. Let me repeat that, do not settle. I have settled way too many times for the wrong jobs, the wrong environments, and most importantly wrong people. Know your worth and know what you deserve.
15. Celebrate the smallest of things
In this life, there are many things to celebrate. Make life worth celebrating, even if it is the smallest thing you could imagine.
16. You don’t have to follow society’s timeline
Everyone is on their own path. Remember that. Don’t let others around you intimidate your own timeline. Still haven’t landed that career job you always dreamed of? It’s ok. Unsure of what to do with your life? We are all unsure (for the most part). The pressure that society has on us to grow up, go to college, get married, start a family, etc. is misguided.
17. Make the little girl in you proud
This one keeps me going. I always think of the little girl I used to be and how she would have all these goals for her older self. How she was strong, independent, and had dreams taller than mountains. I keep her on my shoulder and I want to make her proud.
18. You are not your past. But you are your patterns and habits
This! You are NOT your past. The past is the past, and don’t let anyone argue with you on that one. There is personal growth in every day, and you can continue that personal growth with newer patterns and habits that don’t make you stay in your past.
19. Treat everyone with respect and show joy
Be the bigger person. Yes, it is hard sometimes. But it goes a loooonnnnggg way. Know your morals and treat everyone with respect (even if or when they don’t deserve it). Show joy in each and every day. Be joyful and someone’s reason to smile every day.
20. Self-worth is not something you accumulate, it is inherent.
Your sense of self-worth shouldn’t depend on external validation, it should come from within. If you rely externally for your sense of worth, you will never ever feel good enough, regardless of how much you accomplish. Wake up each morning and practice this.
21. Get out of your comfort zone
This is a hard one. We cling to what feels familiar and comfortable within ourselves. Whether that be a person or a place (like our hometown). It is comfortable. It is what we know. It feels right. Yes, that is all valid and true. But… There is no growth in staying in a place where you are comfortable. You experience so many new things, learn so many life lessons, and grow as a person when you take that leap of faith.
22. Ask people HOW they are
You never know what someone is internally dealing with or going through. Make sure to listen more and talk less. Make sure to be there for people. Make sure to really listen and ask how someone is doing.
23. You don’t have to do things you don’t want to do
This one is for the people-pleasers out there. You do NOT have to do things that you don’t want to do. Don’t waste your time in a place you don’t want to be. Prioritize your own happiness and well-being.
24. You deserve the same amount of kindness and love that you give to others
Yes. Read that again. People take this for granted so much. You deserve the same amount of energy that you put out. You deserve to be loved the way you love others as well as treated the way you treat others. Remember that.
“The human mind will overestimate how much they can do in one month. But they will underestimate how much they can do in one year.”
lexieonline 
Leave a comment