In case you forgot about this fact, here is your reminder: Your twenties will be the most confusing time in your life—at least for many of us. We’re constantly being bombarded with messages that tell us what we should be doing, or what we should be working towards. “Busyness” follows us around like a stray dog, begging to be fed and paid attention to.
Through all of this, it’s easy to lose sight of what is really important to each of us individually. What do you love to do in your spare time? Are you a writer at heart? Are you musically inclined? Does cooking rid your mind of stress? What about yoga? We can’t forget yoga.
At 22, I moved from my hometown of Cleveland to Denver for my first big-girl job out of college. I was excited, I was confused, and I was scared. I was excited to start my job at a top 10 advertising agency in Denver, but I was not nearly prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that comes with picking up and leaving everything and everyone you know behind. At the time, I was so inside my head, preoccupied with becoming acquainted with my new city, that it was hard to see the bigger picture. It was hard for me to grasp the idea that despite feeling lonely and tired and confused about every decision I had made up until that moment, I was going to be OK.
Now at 25, I can’t in good faith say that I have “figured it all out”, because that would be a blatant lie. But if these words can make you feel a little lighter, a little happier, a little more hopeful, then I have done my job.
Go easy on yourself, you are a work in progress. I’m a firm believer that we don’t stop evolving once we reach a certain point in our careers, a certain age, or even certain milestones in our lives. We are always growing and always changing. It’s easy to beat yourself up for not getting it right on the first try, or for not feeling like you are heading in any particular direction. Your journey looks different from everyone else’s. Remember that.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Scrolling through Instagram and seeing images of your friends, mentors, colleagues, etc. Living Their Best Lives can easily trigger that pesky thing called comparison. Don’t let it get to you. Seriously. You are on your own journey and you are doing just fine if you want to stay in on Friday night and watch Netflix.
Don’t get caught up in the future. Be where your feet are. Of course, setting goals and making plans for the future is extremely important, but don’t lose sight of where you are now. Don’t wish time away. Be present and have a little more faith in yourself that you did before.
Author: Kaitlyn Ambrose
Email: [email protected]
Author Bio: Kaitlyn is a twenty-something aspiring writer living in Denver. She lives with her boyfriend and their succulents.
Link to social media or website: Instagram @kaitlyn_ambrose
