12 Little (But Life-Changing) Things I’ve Started Doing In My 20s

One of the biggest reality checks of my life was turning 20. There’s nothing like realizing you’re halfway to 40 and officially initiated into the “20 something” club that is so celebrated in this day and age to make one terrified and question how they even made it this far. However, when I got past the fear of the changes that I was about to go through that I couldn’t even predict, I felt empowered. I remember waking up the morning of my 20th birthday feeling an indescribable type of inspiration, and for the first time, I truly felt older on one of my birthdays. But as they say, “Another year older, another year wiser.”

I recently turned 21, and with a full year of being a “20 something” under my belt, I have had experiences that made me realize what all of the fuss is about. Your 20th decade is a beautiful, terrifying, exhilarating, and emotional rollercoaster, and if you blink you’ll miss it. As I sit here, a little over a month and a half after my 21st birthday, I started reflecting on my first year of my 20s. That was when I noticed that I had already created a list of decisions that I had made this year without even realizing it. This list reflects a (very) small step towards me becoming a mature adult that can spread my wisdom to all that wish to listen, but a giant leap towards me becoming the person that I’m meant to be.

I know that there are going to be days when these decisions seem impossible to abide by; there is no such thing as a perfect person. However, it’s a long journey ahead, and it’s about the paths I decide to take, not the end result. So here’s to the next 20 years. May they be filled with more decisions and lessons, because I don’t plan to ever stop learning.

1. I know what I want and make it known

I do this unapologetically, in every facet of my life. And not settling for anything less.

2. I have my nails done always.

It’s a small upkeep but will always make me feel a little more presentable.

3. I force myself to honest with myself.

And I force myself to stay true to it.

4. I do not care about what others think.

Because they’re going to form opinions regardless.

5. I hold more doors open.

There is always enough time to be a better person.

6. I’m more patient.

With others, myself, and everything in between.

7. I trust first, without apprehension.

As hard as it may be.

8. I live life authentically.

Not for Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media.

9. I remove myself from toxic situations.

And once I do I don’t look back.

10. I’m able to forgive people.

If not for them, then for my own peace.

11. I think before I speak.

Nothing good ever comes from the opposite.

12. I do not let anybody mistake my kindness for weakness.

And I never will again.