Your 20s are like a rite of passage and an extended delay into adulthood. As long as the number of candles you blow out each year are fewer than 30, you’re in the best decade of your life. Here are seven ways to soak in the glory of your 20s and make every day awesome.
Stay Consciously Uncoupled
“Being single doesn’t just make you more independent, it makes you more interesting,” says Ann Friedman, a Marie Claire contributor who went from a professionally stagnant serial girlfriend in her 20s to a “deep single” independent woman in her 30s. On a quest to be in an exclusive relationship with herself, Ann spent four productive, fulfilling years being unstoppable in her career. Does your relationship hold you back, or do you resent your prolonged detached status? Either way, embrace singlehood or even seek it out. This decade is a time to fly solo, explore your world and discover who you are.
Dream Big
Twenty-something free spirits live by John Lennon’s legendary words, “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” And the beauty of this time in your life is that you’re still young enough to dream big and fantasize freely. Typically untouched by adulthood’s letdowns like divorce or bankruptcy, a young dreamer can savor her youth and create wild dreams to chase. Trek Machu Picchu? Move to Seattle? Fall in love with a coffeehouse crooner? Publish a book? Believe in the limitless possibilities of dreaming.
Indulge in Life’s Luxuries
Most young professionals land their first real job during their early 20s, and a gal’s new career income stream is beyond exciting. Once you settle into your awesome new apartment and get rent and bills under control, reward yourself. Give yourself the gift of a designer handbag that elevates your wardrobe, goes with everything and becomes a lasting investment. For a city girl, a designer crossbody bag is the perfect weekend accessory for traveling around the urban jungle and gallivanting around town with your girlfriends.
Laugh at Your Mistakes
Drink too much on a Saturday night and lose your ID. Get a tattoo. Become emotionally attached to the unavailable bad boy. Withdraw the last 20 bucks from your checking account. It’s all OK, because you’re young and foolish—you’re supposed to make mistakes. Ages 21 through 29 are practically deemed pre-adulthood years and a time when wicked hangovers, permanent ink, emotionally irresponsible love and poor budgeting are all part of the experience. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes aren’t just learning opportunities for the rest of your life; they’re also fun. Really fun.
Raise a Glass to Rejection
The best way to overcome a fear of rejection is to face the possibility of it happening. Throughout life, you’re going to get rejected, over and over again. Rejection may punch you with pain, weaken your confidence and create a feeling of powerlessness. Didn’t get the job? Feelings of inadequacies flood your head. He didn’t text to plan a second date? You question every ounce of who you are. Remember, rejection teaches resiliency and builds character for your future self. And if you can’t stop obsessively overthinking the rejection, talk it out with a girlfriend over a glass of wine—because that’s what friends are for.
Be the Cool Aunt
Kids are great. They’re silly and say funny things. But as a hip 20-something who has mistakes to make and rejections to face, there’s absolutely no time to have your own kids. Luckily, you can be the cool aunt. Dote over your beautiful newborn niece and proudly show her off by posting too many Instagram pics. Make time to play with your nephews, and you’ll be best buddies for life. Family’s important, and as the cool aunt, you’re obviously going to be the favorite.
Live Boldly
Have you ever heard the motto, “The only things you’ll regret in life are the risks you didn’t take?” If not, it’s on Pinterest, and it’s true. A life without risks is no life to be lived at all. One who takes risks knows how to live life to its fullest. Or something along those lines; you get the idea. Take chances. Make a change. Run outside your comfort zone. Turn your life into a fierce adventure full of dives and jumps. Take a solo vacation, run a marathon or ask a stranger on a date—it can liberate your soul. Just ask yourself, what’s the worst that could happen?
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
Living in Maui and paddleboarding every day is just a fantasy, sigh. Actually, I’ve accepted that I’ll never be a girl who loves to wear heels and look glamorous. I’m a low-maintenance sneakers girl with a beachy carefree style who would rather stay in, than go out.
What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
My honesty, loyalty and my family and health
What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
Writing something that entertains or deeply resonates with a reader and still a goal is to write a memoir of short stories.
We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
I stumble socially around new people and make bewildering sarcastic remarks to make up for my social shortcomings. I can be optimistically challenged with a cynical sense of humor, but can always count on the positivity of my loved ones to create a harmonic balance. I drink too much wine, say the wrong thing and go to work with toothpaste in my hair. Life is a comedy.
“I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!)
Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?
I love my family and friends who complete my universe…and my CrossFit gym.
