Top 10 Things You Should Have Done in Your 20s

Hello, beautiful soul! Just the other day, my mom was so furious at me because I appear to be older. It was a funny experience and I had no idea how to answer her. I’m actually approaching mid-20s; everything was happening so fast. I came to realize how far I’ve been and I tried my best to assess if I’m happy with what I’ve become now. I thought of sharing you how to make the best out of your early adulthood. I hope this post could help you! Share the love! Happy summer!

1. Book that ticket!

Pack your bags and go to trips at least once a year. Work and daily routines could be stressful to your mental health. Take a break from the usual – immerse in another culture, get lost in a sea of strangely familiar frowns and smiles, give in to gustatory cravings, and learn to say one or two things in another language. It’s nice to be in a different space where you’re nowhere near your comfort zone. It would be a perfect reminder to keep your feet in the ground. Like the passing of every person on your way, you get to realize that you’re indifferent and that your problems are mere specks of dust against what glimmers. There’s more to life than what you’re accustomed to.

2. Go to dates

Whether you’re single, searching, have settled down or still unsure, go out on a date. Take a deep breath and ask the person whom have made your throat the driest out. Don’t fret if you got declined. There’s always a positive side on every rejects in life. If you got a yes, then take this time to know more about yourself and what you would want in and from your partner. Putting your heart on your sleeves does not automatically imply, but I’m not saying that it’s a bad thing to do. Those married for years or days are no exception. Don’t forget about young love!

3. Prepare a meal

Ahhh, adulthood. Have you gone as far as buying your own place? Or purchased that car you’ve saved up for every paycheck? The most basic of all adulthood responsibilities is, I think, the ability to prepare a meal for yourself. From planning what time of the day you’ll consume a certain food, to the necessary ingredients and corresponding volumes that’s just right for you, until the timing, tasting and presentation that suits your preference. Simple as it may seem, but that in itself is self-love. How well you’re able to prepare a meal for yourself affects the way you do so to others.

4. Set your emergency fund

Your list of needs could only be a half-page long, but when it comes to your wants… it’s never-ending! Don’t worry, it’s just a human thing. Don’t be angry at yourself if that list could never be emptied. I understand that you’re working hard because you want to get something you badly wanted for so long. But don’t forget to save. The rule of thumb, at least from financial advisors and conferences I’ve attended, is to set your emergency fund which is equivalent to 6 months of your monthly salary or 9 months of your monthly expenses. The reason why it’s called emergency fund is because this fund is solely allotted for emergency purposes like disasters from calamities, repairs and maintenance.

5. Keep your mind working

Pursue post-graduate degrees or additional degrees. It’s also easier to do so if you don’t have a family yet, or haven’t settled down. This is good if you’re career-oriented and want to rise in ranks. The labor market is becoming very competitive nowadays. If in case you don’t want to enroll in the academe anymore, spur your creative juices. Learn to play a musical instrument or master playing a classical piece. Indulge yourself in arts, attend conferences, join in debates or publish an article. There’s a not-so-fine line between meeting the demands of work and the freedom to do something out of schedule and deadlines. Maintain your balance.

6. Get an insurance

You may think that this is unnecessary, but the thing is, it actually is. Insurance could be life and non-life, and benefits are financial protection in case of uncertainties, medium to long term savings and of course, secured future. You can also invest your money while you get insured so it’s a nice way if you find it difficult to save.

7. Eat healthy food

Eat your green leafy vegetables. Cut off your fast-food consumption and limit frying your food. Don’t use too much condiments and go for organic vegetables. It’s true that you are what you eat. Remind yourself of the risk you’re taking whenever you eat something unhealthy. You may not see the effects right off the bat, but I read somewhere that the effect will show in 20 years. You wouldn’t want to be sick and frail at that time. More so when you already have a family and you have to support them with a healthy body and mind.

8. Walk that Talk

In this digital era, the society is more inclusive thus brought us higher exposure to social issues. Compared before, the level of awareness and relating to issues is far different because of the minimized boundaries brought by the internet. Social media is such a great influence and it’s very easy to comment and speak your thoughts out using various virtual platforms. Yes, you’re entitled to your own opinion. But what’s worse is appearing apathetic in the real world but otherwise in the virtual world. There shouldn’t be any difference. Speak your thoughts and act with conviction.

9. Choose your battles

Every now and then we get into conflicts. I’m not really saying that it’s the physical type but clashes of thoughts as well. There are times that things go out of hand. Sometimes it even gets harsh, dirty and personal. Be careful what you say and what you do. Close your eyes and breathe for a while.

“Does this really matter?”
“Will this be something I’ll be proud of when I look back on it?”
“Is this a worthy fight?”

10. Don’t be afraid to say no.

Don’t believe when they say that selflessness is by far the greater good. It’s okay to be selfish at times. It’s okay to turn to the next page even if you’re not yet done. It’s okay to not meet everybody’s expectations. It’s okay to put yourself first. It’s okay to take your time, your own pace, and your own path. In the end, it will always be you against the world.

Thank you for taking your time to read my post! I’ll see you again in 5 days! Happy April Fool’s and enjoy your summer!