I can’t say I have lived my life to the fullest. As I write this page, I have some regrets, but it is not for things I have done but for things I didn’t do. I am turning 30 next week, and here are my top ten list of things I advise every twenty-year-old to do.
- Conquer Your Fears
A famous quote I truly love is that whatever you desire is on the other side of fear. Fear holds us back, and conquering it can open up a new world of excitement and adventure. There are so many different types of phobias, acrophobia, the fear of heights, try climbing a mountain and taking in the view; Thalassophobia fear of large water bodies; start by watching the beautiful sunset on the beach, listening to the waves sing, and maybe later dip your toes and feel how refreshing the water is on your skin.
Pyrophobia is a fear of fire; pick up a marshmallow and roast it on fire as you watch the flames dance. Zoophobia pet an animal, let them lick your face see how warm and loving they are, dare I say, way more loving than humans. No matter the fear, take a new angle and see how beautiful it can be.
- Go On A Trip
The world is a big place. There are 195 countries in this world; do not restrict yourself to just one. There are so many beautiful cultures to experience, music to dance to, and food to savory don,t miss out on it. As much as most of us in our 20s don’t have our finances straight yet, we save up and hack the system.
Travel as a group to get discounts, book your tickets in advance and get cheap airline tickets in low seasons. Ship your car with a trusted company to avoid the cost of rentals and gain travel flexibility. There are so many ways to travel the world for cheap.
- Take A Business Risk
We live in a digital world. The ever-evolving technology has birthed many business potentials, especially for broke youths. It may be hard and tedious to begin, but it will all be worth it in the long run. I started a store on Etsy selling t-shirts from printify. I was initially scared, for I didn’t want to fail or be ridiculed for my ideas, but I utilized social media platforms for advertising my products. Eventually, I found my niche and people who loved my creativity. That business idea you’ve been thinking about, do it; you have nothing to lose.
- Learn Something New
Did you know learning something new is an exercise for your brain? It enhances cognitive functions making your mind sharp and active. Aside from the physical benefit of it, learning new skills can later translate into a lucrative financial opportunity. So many classes are offered online and in person; try attending one. I found a passion for art that way.
- Start A Self-Care Routine
In our 20s, our bodies are young and active; we can easily get away with clubbing all night and be okay to go to work the next day. What most people don’t realize is that our bodies take in everything. Every hour left in the sun, your skin will age; every time you dunk into a pool back first, your spine will feel it; whenever you go for the wine and not water, your body takes notes. So, take care of your body now. Start an exercise routine, a healthy meal schedule, and a skincare routine to nourish your body. Your future self will thank you.
- Give Your Heart A Chance
My first heartbreak was when I was 16. I found out my boyfriend was flirting with my best friend then. It hurt; I felt foolish and ashamed and swore never to fall in love again. But that was just one bad relationship; not everyone will hurt you. I found value in myself and eventually gave a chance to people who could prove their intentions aligned with mine. Say yes to dates; you may find the greatest love story waiting for you on that coffee date.
- Spend Some Time Alone
We find ourselves when we are truly alone. The more you spend time alone, the better you understand your likes and dislikes. When we are alone with no distractions, our true self comes out. This is a great time to meditate and reflect on yourself. Take a long walk in nature or read a book while drinking coffee or tea. The most important relationship we will ever develop is our relationship with ourselves. Once you quiet down all the noise, you’ll see how much peace you find in your space.
- Find A Cause / Volunteer
Doing something for other people and things without a voice can be very fulfilling. The easiest way to find joy is by looking after someone else. I recently decluttered my closet and took some of my clothes and shoes to a nearby shelter; it meant nothing at the time until I passed by the place on my way to work and saw a young girl wearing my jacket every day for that week. That jacket clearly made a difference In her life. I was so touched that I took some of my other new clothes to give to her, she cried, and my heart melted. Find a cause, and volunteer to make a difference in the world.
- Heal
By age 20, we will have gone through so much in life. As much as we don’t realize it, these past traumatic events affect so much of our daily lives. Don’t be shackled by the past; learn to forgive the people who wronged you and forgive yourself. If some baggage is too hard to handle, seek help and talk to a therapist. Start a journal and write everything down everything. I write letters to my past and future self every time, and whenever I am feeling low, I read those letters to remind me to fight for myself and to live each day as if it were my last.
- Go Out and Have Fun!
We only have limited time here, so why not go crazy? Dress up and enjoy yourself with a few drinks, dance with friends, ship a car, and go on a road trip to Mexico. Get out of your head space and live life to its fullest! As they say: “life is too short,” especially in our twenties; take advantage of it by creating wild memories that will last.
These are my top ten tips for things to do in your twenties. Also, don’t forget that no two lives will be the same, so create your own path and live it to the fullest. Life is what you make of it, so embrace every moment!
