I will be completely honest. I was very hesitant and anxious about turning 20 a few months ago. I did not want to get older or be closer to turning 30. When my birthday rolled around, I was having a great time celebrating and when I finally said that I was 20, it felt…good. One day I was scrolling through Facebook and I saw this video of Judge Lynn Toler giving a young 20-year-old girl advice on what 20 was for. Her words really inspired and excited me even more on why I am excited to be in my 20’s.

1. I can learn what the world has to offer.

This world is a cruel place due to recent incidents and tribulations, but now that I am in my 20’s, I can explore what I want and I can do it at my own pace. No rush and no hustle. I can go on spontaneous adventures with friends or solo and explore the world through my own eyes.

2. I realize that I don’t have to settle.

Your 20’s is for getting out there in the dating scene. Most people also define your 20’s for finding someone to settle down with. I disagree with this. Now that I am 20, I am allowed to have options to experiment what I like and what I don’t like, and when someone doesn’t act right, they’re fired, according to Judge Lynn Toler. Settling is not a part of being in your 20’s, being savage is.

3. I have the right to be selfish…sometimes

Now that I am in my 20’s, I am all about me. I am a team player for me. Of course I don’t mean to sound conceited, but I have the right to demand the best for me, myself, and I, because in the end that’s all I got. At this point in my life, I need to focus on things that will better me and help me out. If something does not make me happy, get rid of it, if it does, keep it around until it is not worth it anymore.

4. I can take my time to grow

As young as I may be, or the older that I am getting, I can grow into the woman that I want to be. Being in your 20’s is for growth so that in your 30’s and 40’s, you can be the woman that you were destined to be. I am excited to blossom into someone that people will admire or maybe even envy. However, the prettiest flowers do not blossom overnight, it takes time.

5. I understand that my 20’s are for me

Being in my 20’s is something that is meant for me. The ten-year period is time for me to get myself together so that when I graduate to 30, I have a degree in womanhood. During this time, I need to put my expectations, my life, and my needs first. This time is precious, because it is the only time I get for myself, so I need to use it wisely.

If you’re like me and are nervous about turning 20, believe me, it is great. At first, I didn’t want to tell people how old I was. I would beat around the bush and say “19+” or “10 years away from 30”, but when I say that I am 20, it is almost a threatening statement, because any woman that is in her 20’s is working toward becoming the most fearless woman out there.