Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Education

9 Things I Would Tell My 20-Year-Old Self Now That I’m 25

Being young isn't a valid excuse to be a hypocrite.

Hannah Sundell

Nov 06, 2018

National Writers Society

241

9 Things I Would Tell My 20-Year-Old Self Now That I’m 25

Hannah Sundell

As the months, weeks and days approached my 25th birthday, I had this fear in the pit of my stomach like a rock.

25 is uncharted territory. I mean, I can now rent a car. And I've been able to drink for four whole years. What milestones are left, aside from just getting older?

Old classmates are getting married and having babies. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for them, and I'm happy with my own life choices. I don't feel like I need to settle down just to settle down, but it's scary.

It feels like adulting — even though I still watch Disney movies on occasion and go to my parents' for advice. Proudly, I might add.

In a quarter of a century, I have experienced and learned a thing or two.

Reflecting back, I believe I have grown the most emotionally and intellectually in the past five years. But if I knew then what I know now, it could have saved me from learning the hard way.

Without further adieu, here are nine things I would tell my 20-year-old self.

You’re not an adult yet.

I know it seems like you're on your own, but you're not #adulting right now. Not even close.

You’re human.

It's OK to make mistakes, as long as you learn something from them.

Trust your gut.

You’ve got good instincts.

It’s not all downhill from 25.

I mean, things change, constantly and unexpectedly, but you've made it this far. And I've said it to so many people: I'd be a hypocrite not to believe that you're only as young as you feel.

And it's OK to feel old, as long as you remember how to be young.

It’s OK to start over.

Reinventing the wheel is the spice of life.

The hardest part isn’t over yet.

The crazy thing is that it hasn't even started for you. So, don't expect life to get easier because you've struggled in the past.

Practice what you preach.

Being young isn't a valid excuse to be a hypocrite.

Learn to forgive.

Learn to forgive for your own sake and others. Holding onto anger and living in the past are road blocks on the path of learning.

Take the hits and learn from the misses.

Things may not work out the way you intend them to. In fact, I know they won't.

But don't let setbacks in life inhibit personal and professional growth. Because babe, you've got a lot of growing to do. But you've got a good foundation, so don't be afraid to let life branch off in whatever way it will.

Who knows, it may turn out better than what you expected.

life stages

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Entertainment

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton

30706

Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less

best beatles lyrics

Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College

94583

college students waiting in a long line in the hallway

StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

waitlisted

Recommended for you

9 Things I Would Tell My 20-Year-Old Self Now That I’m 25

Being young isn't a valid excuse to be a hypocrite.

You’re not an adult yet.

You’re human.

Trust your gut.

It’s not all downhill from 25.

It’s OK to start over.

The hardest part isn’t over yet.

Practice what you preach.

Learn to forgive.

Take the hits and learn from the misses.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Education

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter