We put so much pressure on ourselves to enter our 20s knowing exactly who we want to be, what we want to do, and what we want to experience. Yet, what happens when we change our minds?
For years, I believed that following a routine, avoiding change, and maintaining stability meant I was doing life the “right” way. I had this idea imprinted on my mind that having everything figured out was the ultimate goal. Looking back, I guess it was less about wanting stability and more about fearing change and the uncertainty that comes with it. Somewhere along the way, my mindset began to evolve. The more I tried new things, met new people, and stepped outside of what felt familiar, the more that vision began to change.
There’s something truly so special about the little experiences that make up our 20s. The excitement of trying a new restaurant, getting dolled up for an unexpected dinner with your girls, trying a new fitness studio, or having those late-night conversations where you realize just about how much you’ve grown. One of the most courageous aspects of your 20s is taking opportunities you once thought were out of reach and finally finding the courage to pursue a new vision. Within the memories you never saw coming, you begin discovering different versions of yourself. And maybe that’s one of the most beautiful parts of growing into womanhood.
Our 20s are for making mistakes, taking risks, and discovering who we are beyond the expectations we’ve placed on ourselves. They’re for trying new experiences, changing directions, and allowing ourselves to grow and outgrow. Figuring out what you don’t want is just as important as figuring out what you do. Perhaps changing your mind doesn’t mean you’re lost. It might actually mean you’re getting closer to the life you’ve always desired.
Change is inevitable. People change, dreams evolve, friendships shift, and the things that once felt so certain may no longer hold the same meaning. Although that uncertainty can be intimidating, maybe even heartbreaking, it’s so freeing knowing we don’t have to remain the same person forever. We are allowed to reinvent ourselves, discover new passions, and leave behind versions of ourselves that no longer reflect who we’re becoming. It’s about learning to appreciate the moments that once scared you, and the versions of yourself that brought you to where you are today. This is what makes our 20s so special.
Although it may not always be easy, there is something astonishing when looking back one day and realizing that everything you thought was “wrong,” was actually helping you find the right direction. Your 20s are meant for trying everything, feeling everything, and embracing it all, even if it means changing everything. There is beauty in being able to let go, carve ourselves into new versions of who we are, and remain ever-evolving.