I am already in my twenty's. I'm actually 22 years old now. I believe that the twenties are the most crucial stage of life.
People would expect you to graduate from college at the age of 20, find a stable job before you turn 22, perhaps have a successful career, buy a house or car, or have huge savings in your bank account at the age of 25, have a prosperous business at 28, and then settle down before you turn 30.
To be honest, the future seems so scary for me because I feel like I am carrying too much weight of expectations not just from my family, friends, teachers, and relatives. In fact, their expectations do not scare me anymore. Because I am more frightened of my own expectations.
Although I have planned down my whole life already, the thought of not being able to pursue and achieve these goals and dreams I have set for myself is haunting me every night before I go to sleep.
That is why I keep reminding myself that life is not a race, it is a journey. And that it is okay to fail, as long as I keep trying in life. I also remind myself about the things I should focus on, instead of wasting my time on unimportant things.
Dear Future Self,
Please be patient with yourself and with others. Be responsible for your actions. Forgive yourself. Forgive easily. Say Sorry more often. Learn to ask for help when you need it. Always say Thank you.
Stay focused on your dreams. Don't forget to celebrate your accomplishments and small victories. Give yourself a reward. Treat yourself to a portion of good food. Go and buy that chocolate. Eat that food you've been craving.
Be adventurous. Live life to its fullest. Explore what the world is in store for you. Capture photos. Visit your dream travel destination. Don't be afraid to get lost in the city. Collect more memories. Learn different cultures. Enjoy every moment.
Acknowledge your feelings. Take a deep breath. It's okay to cry. Be courageous. Don't be afraid to take risks. Do whatever your heart desires. Don't fear the uncertainty. Don't dwell in the past. Look forward to the best days.
Dream bigger. Aim higher. Work harder. Study smart, and be street-smart. Learn more. Listen more. Communicate more. Be more open. Be stronger.
Trust yourself, but trust God more. Practice humility. Give without expecting something in return. Embrace your flaws. Dress in your most comfortable way. Be confident of who you are. Stop doubting your capabilities. Don't be afraid to be different.
Be the change you want to see in the world. Learn to take a stand. Join a good campaign. Be more vocal about your advocacies. Practice what you believe in. Make a sound decision.
Walk at your own pace. You don't have to rush. Don't rush things because great things take time. Trust God's perfect timing. Learn to wait for the best is yet to come. God is preparing the best for you.
Say Hi and don't forget to give a smile. Learn to give a hug. Love unconditionally. Tell your parents you love them. Make them feel special. Keep your friends close. Go out with your friends. Make new friends. Stay connected with your old pals. Be grateful for the people around you. Be patient with kids. Listen to what people are saying. Examine their actions.
Don't let other people define you. Don't be easily swayed by the opinions of others. Don't hesitate to remove the toxic people in your life.
Life is going to break you, and that's okay. Rest if you must, but never give up. Be open to experiencing the best and the worst.
It's okay to commit mistakes, but make sure to learn from them. Take every challenge as an opportunity to grow. There is no such thing as failure, only lessons to learn.
Always remember that you are not a mess, you are God's masterpiece.
This message is not only for my future self but also a letter to those who feel so demotivated and lost as if they are no longer on the right path. Always remember that the wrong train may lead you to the right destination.
Cheers to living the best life you want!
I am close to being twenty too. And right now, I can feel the breeze of challenges and opportunities in my way. And I hope my future self is strong. And to those who are in their twenties and older whobare reading this, i hope you keep fighting and thriving.