Help! I'm Turning 20

I don’t know why but the concept of turning 20 and moving away from my teenage years has always felt extremely daunting. The big 2 0. What does it mean? What does it bring? 20 to me rings a bell of sophistication and class, but why do I feel far from ready to not be a little teenage rat anymore?

Why You Don't Need To Be Everything And More At 20 

It’s just 20 right? I mean we were only just teenagers. Idk if it’s just me, but why do I feel as though I should have it all together by now. I know that’s silly to think but I can’t seem to shake the feeling that I’m not achieving enough. It seems that despite what people tell us, being harsh on ourselves and comparing our paths to others is so inevitable at this time in our lives (I hope our 20s means breaking this pattern). 

I know it may sound hypocritical coming from me – as I’ve had approximately 4 breakdowns about turning 20 this weekend - but you really don’t need to be all that and more at 20. I mean we’re only two years out of high school. We really are still figuring it all out as we go. With age comes responsibility (scary I know), yet with responsibility comes knowledge. Knowledge brings understanding and growth, meaning with every year older we turn, we are another leap into discovering true passions and learning more about the ordinary miracles in life. Another year older means another year of learning to love all the little quirks about ourselves and spending more time with the people who make us who we are. 

Things To Look Forward To In Your 20s

At this point I don’t know if I’m trying to convince you guys or myself, but here is a little list of things to look forward to in your 20s (I’m taking a guess here, so if you’re reading this and you’re in your 20s, feel free to confirm). 

Ok, here we go - moving away from silly little teenage drama, the big win right here. I feel like in your 20s, you defs become more independent and those little friendship dramas that felt like such a big deal when you were younger will slowly start to drift away (here’s to hoping). 

Another one has to be travel. We are working more and that cash is flowing in, and your 20s seem like the perfect time to start seeing more of the world. Going into this time you will begin to get an idea of the career field you want to get into, meaning exciting new work opportunities and potentially some cool events. This stage of adulthood means that you have all the jurisdiction in the world to make up your own mind on big decisions, plus you get to choose how you spend your time and where you put your energy - this is where you will really start to learn who you are and what life is all about.

Learning To Be Okay With Change In Your 20s 

For me the hardest part about turning 20 is accepting change in my life. I feel as though this brings on a whole new chapter which can feel daunting, but this is normal. Whether or not we feel ready, this is something that we need to accept because growing up is the one thing that we can’t change. As this age draws closer, I have begun to learn it is something that will be exciting. Maybe even writing this article has helped me convince myself. Another year older, another year wiser, they say - and there is something about having wisdom that is very appealing to me. Being a teenager can feel so fun and free, so letting go of this can be hard. But as the seasons change, so do we. Even though I don’t know what this next chapter will bring, I am looking forward to finding out. As I have seen my older sisters grow up and come into themselves, I have watched them flourish and become more confident than ever. I have seen the cycle of comparison drift away, and they have learnt to love themselves for who they are. Now, this is something I know that I look forward to. 

For a lot of us, reaching a point where we are so content within ourselves that we no longer compare ourselves or our paths to the people around us, sounds like a dream. And I know we will get there. As for the ageing part, my Mum has always told me: “age gracefully and with kindness, and you will always be a star”

Look at it this way - 20 is really only the start for you. There are so many exciting memories to be had, opportunities to be taken, people you haven’t met yet, people who you will love, people who will love you, gifts to be given, gifts to be received, new foods to be eaten, new restaurants to try, new songs to be discovered, new books to be read and a whole lot of happiness to be felt. You are truly only at the beginning. Get ready, cause things are about to get really fun.

As you begin this next adventure, we’ll be here with all the advice you’ll need, whenever you need it. Don’t forget it <3