Now that I’m WELL into my 30s there are some things that I wish I had known in my 20s. I think I’d be a little further in life if I’d learned some lessons sooner. Here’s my top six list of things I wish I had known in my 20s. Let’s count backwards (David Letterman-style) – just because it’s more fun that way.
Now that I’m in my 30s I spend less time caring about what people think. In my 20s I was much more timid and afraid to speak up. I was afraid to just be honest with people because I didn’t want to hurt their feelings or I was afraid of what they would think. These days, that’s not an issue. Not that I’m going rouge and taking no prisoners but I’m not biting my tongue nearly as much as I was before.
As I get older, my definition of old changes big time. There was a time I thought 30 was over the hill! I am truly of the mindset now that life gets better with age. It all depends on how you live. If you live well and treat yourself well, life will return the favor.
With age, the definition of who I am starts to get clearer. I am learning so much about me and what I love, what I’m passionate about and what I want to get out of life. I’ve always known that I have a love for people. I have been known to take up for the underdog on many occasions. I just don’t like to see people get mistreated. Now, I’ve taken that a step further in wanting to help people by encouraging them to pursue their dreams and live the life they want to live.
I’ve learned that taking risks isn’t for the weak. It’s hard to step out on nothing and hope there’s another step below your feet. It’s not easy for sure. But aside from being hard, taking risks is good and necessary. Risks also make you grow.
Only those of us who risk going too far will ever know how far to go. –Anon (tweet this)
Envy just drains you. It’s so easy to see what other people have and convince yourself you’re missing out. I’ve learned, without a doubt that what’s for you is for you. Don’t worry about what other people are doing/getting/being.
There’s nothing more important than family. Whether it’s the one you were born into or the one you create. Family trumps everything – period.
Share in the comments what life lessons you would tell your younger self?
9 Comments on Notes to My 20s from My 30s
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just nice!
sage advice, camesha – thank you for sharing your insight. i especially like what you had to say about taking risks. this has become the most important thing for me to continue to do as i’ve grown older.
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Hi, nice article. I really like it!
The life lesson that I would tell my younger self is trust that everything is unfolding in perfect order. I stressed out a lot thinking that I was not good enough, that I needed to do more, be more, go harder, dig deeper… even if I was already deep.
I still remind myself… be cool Jazz. Sometimes sitting still is the best that I can do… and know that it is all unfolding the way it is suppose to.
What a great article. I would have loved to tell myself to take a deep breath. It’s not as much drama as it seems. I used to be so wrapped up in everything and now I am settling into loving myself and honoring myself by not gossiping or hurting others with secrets and words. I’m learning when to bite my tongue and when to let lose and it’s a wonderful balance.
Love this. I feel very similar.
Some thoughtful insights, especially the definition of age.
It’s weird, as we get older, we think of age as just a number but younger people see us as old…they will get there too one day!!
Family- yes, you treasure them, especially older relatives, the ones who used to give us a hard time. As you got older and were busy being busy, they were getting older too…
I would tell myself to not worry too much about what others may think. Life is too short to dwell on negativity.
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This is really good. Amazing how our mindset and attitude change as we age.
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