Your 20s can be some of the greatest years of your life and also the most terrifying. It’s when you learn who you are and what you want. It’s a time for discovery and constant change. Ready or not, your 20s are going to bring about a lot of uncomfortable transitions.

1. Friends will come and go.

You are going to grow up and grow out of a lot of relationships. It’s sad, but sometimes no matter how long you’ve known someone, you find that the years have made you strangers. But, you’ll also find friendships that only grow stronger with age. You’ll learn to accept that not all friendships are meant to last. Some are forever, but some are out of convenience. And, that’s okay.

2. You’ll fail. A lot. And, you’ll change your mind. A lot.

Your 20s should be called your “trial and error” years. You are going to fall on your face more times than you can count. You’ll get frustrated. You’ll change your mind. You may change your major or switch career paths. You may switch jobs or try living in another state. And you may change the plan again. This doesn’t make you a failure. It just means that you’re brave enough to start over and try something else instead of staying unhappy in your old routine and habits.

3. You’ll experience love (or something like it) and you’ll get your heart broken.

You’ll likely break some hearts yourself. You’ll get frustrated with the dating culture and with all of the grey areas that go along with talking to someone. But, you’ll also learn what you’re looking for, and with that comes a renewed sense of self-worth. You’ll stop settling for people that are reckless with your emotions. You’ll know what personality traits are important to you. You’ll learn that it’s okay to be picky and that you shouldn’t have to apologize for waiting for what you know you want. It’s liberating.

4. You’ll compare yourself to others.

Especially in a world of social media, you will constantly look at what other people your age are doing and reflect on if you feel you’re successful compared to them. Don’t let yourself fall down this rabbit hole. Because it’s not a fair comparison in the first place. There is no “right way” to live your life and everyone is going to accomplish things in their own time. Speed doesn’t matter. There is no correct pace, so don’t let self-imposed timelines rob you of your happiness.

5. You’ll start to find yourself and learn to love what you find.

You’re going to start figuring out what life looks like when you’re settling into your own routine. You’ll learn what it takes to be independent and the pride that accompanies that process. You’ll learn how you like your apartment to look, what you’re looking for in a job and in a relationship, and you’ll learn which friendships and habits are worth nurturing.

So, don’t be afraid to try and to fail, to change your mind, to tighten your friendship circle. Keep your eyes on your goals and never stop working toward them. Don’t let another person’s path distract you from your own. You’re going to grow and you’re going to change. It is all just part of it. But, all of these changes are going to lead you to where you’re meant to be, living a beautifully real and unfiltered life.