Things I Wish I Knew in My Early 20’s

Figuring things out all by myself isn’t easy and I know, most of us are afraid of the unknown. However, that’s where the thrill exists. Life would be boring if we’re already aware of what’s going to happen next. Just like when we watch movies, there’s no more excitement when the next scenes are predictable.

While I’m writing this post, I can’t stop myself from smiling and think about the things that I did when I was 20. I was young, reckless and stupid which made me do all those things out of curiosity. But I’m really glad that I was able to experience all of it because if not, I’m not going to be more mature and independent as I am today.

Here are some of the few I wish I knew back when I was in my early 20’s.

1. People come and go. 

No matter how hard we try to keep all of the good people in our lives, it’s not possible. I used to think that it works that way, that when we make friends, it’s going to be forever. But as time goes by, I realized it’s not that easy because they also have their own lives to live, dreams to reach and problems to deal with.

2. Always trust your gut. 

I wish I knew back then how to trust my gut when it comes to trusting people. In that way, I no longer waste my time dealing with them because, in the end, they’ll just ruin it.

3. Family is more important.

It’s ridiculous to think that I once had ignored my family when I was away from home. I can say that I was overconfident and I never thought that home is still the last place I’m going to when things go wrong.

4. Everything will be okay.

I worry too much. When I graduated from college, I got worried about not getting a job right away. I was worried about not having my savings. I was worried about not having my own place after 2 years of working. Now, it sank into me that worry won’t do me any good.

5. A bad relationship isn’t worth the fight. 

This one always makes me laugh. I used to have this kind of mindset that if you love the person, you have to fight for them. I didn’t realize that by doing it, I’m slowly destructing myself. Relationships shouldn’t be difficult. If it’s right, you’ll be peaceful, happy and relaxed.

6. Don’t rush things.

Looking for a job, getting into a relationship, or even establishing your own business, all take time. I didn’t know the value of proper planning and tend to get excited to start something even when I don’t know what I’m doing. Now I learned my lesson.

7. It’s fine to live with your parents. 

I used to love the idea of living alone in an apartment once I got out of college. Yet, after a year or two of doing that, I found out how difficult it was. I need to budget for my food, fare, apartment rent and savings. I always get a headache. Being adult sucks.

8. You should take care of yourself. 

Get a dental checkup, treat yourself to derma, stay hydrated and eat healthily. I thought that I’ll stay as young as I am before but when I see fine lines on my forehead, I freaked out! Don’t underestimate the importance of sunscreen and moisturizer!

9. Save money and make investments. 

I was too excited to spend the money that I’d worked hard for. New shoes, clothes, makeup and bags were all the things that made me happy. But one day, when I saw how much money was left in my wallet, (100 Philippines peso=$2), I got scared that I might live like that my whole life if I didn’t change my habit.

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10. Get enough sleep. 

I deprived myself to sleep when I was in my early 20 just to finish watching movies, reading books, and going out with friends. I got insomnia and it took me two years to get back to my normal sleeping habit.

Thank you so much for reading!

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