Navigating the Rollercoaster of Your Early 20s
Your early 20s are a whirlwind—a time when life seems to change at lightning speed, often in ways you never expected. It’s exciting, confusing, overwhelming, and honestly, a little terrifying. In just a few years, you start to notice that almost everything about your life is shifting—your friendships, your interests, your body, and even your mindset.
People Change, and So Do Friendships
One of the first big changes I noticed in my early 20s was how people—and my relationships with them—began to evolve. You gain friends who feel like family and lose others you thought would always be there. Some friendships fade naturally as life pulls you in different directions, while others might end abruptly and painfully. It can be hard to let go, but I’ve learned to cherish the connections that truly matter while also making room for new people to come into my life.
Your Interests and Dreams Evolve
The things I thought I wanted at 18 or 19 are not the same as what I want now. My goals, passions, and even my “type” in a future significant other have shifted dramatically. As you get older, you start to understand what really matters to you—what aligns with your values and what doesn’t. It’s like you’re constantly rediscovering yourself, and that’s both empowering and exhausting.
Facing Health Challenges in Your 20s
This past year, just before I turned 23, I was diagnosed with diabetes. It felt like my entire world was flipped upside down. Suddenly, I had to think about every bite of food, every drink, and every activity in a way I never had before. At first, it felt like my life had completely changed, like I’d lost control. But over time, I learned to adapt. It wasn’t easy—it’s still not—but I realized that this diagnosis didn’t define me. It was just another challenge to overcome, and I’ve grown so much stronger because of it.
The Mental Weight of Growing Up
As we get older, mental strength becomes a bigger struggle. Stress creeps in—whether it’s from work, school, relationships, or simply trying to figure out what you’re doing with your life. Navigating life in your 20s feels like a constant balancing act between staying focused on your goals and trying not to lose yourself in the process. Coping with this stress isn’t easy, but I’ve found that leaning on the people who love me and giving myself grace when I stumble makes all the difference.
Boys, Boys, Boys
Dating in your 20s is a whole different ballgame. The guys you meet aren’t the same as those you knew in high school. Some are more mature and ready for a real connection, while others are still figuring out who they are—and let’s be honest, some haven’t changed a bit. It’s a weird mix, and navigating relationships during this phase of life can feel like trial and error. But every experience teaches you more about what you want and, more importantly, what you deserve.
How to Cope with Change
All these changes—big and small—can feel overwhelming. But here’s what I’ve learned:
Be Patient with Yourself: It’s okay to not have it all figured out.
Focus on What You Can Control: When life feels out of control, focus on small, manageable steps you can take each day.
Surround Yourself with Love: Lean on the people who lift you up and make life a little easier to navigate.
Embrace Growth: Change is uncomfortable, but it’s also what pushes us forward.
Your early 20s are a time of growth, self-discovery, and transformation. They’re messy and unpredictable, but they’re also beautiful. Embrace the changes, roll with the punches, and remind yourself that you’re stronger than you think. One day, you’ll look back on this chapter and realize just how far you’ve come.
Comments