Here’s What You Should Know About What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20
Oh, twenty! The age of boundless energy, questionable fashion choices, and the glorious belief that you have all the time in the world. If I could beam a little wisdom ray back to my 20-year-old self, it would be a full-on laser show of "Seriously, listen up!" Because, let me tell you, there are some things I wish I’d clued into a little sooner. Not life-altering, earth-shattering secrets, mind you, but the kind of nuggets that would have smoothed out a few bumps and maybe saved me from some truly epic face-plants.
First off, let's talk about money. My 20-year-old brain saw money as this magical entity that appeared in my bank account and then promptly vanished into thin air, usually on things that seemed absolutely essential at the time. Like that vintage band t-shirt that was only slightly better than the one I already owned, or enough fancy coffee to fuel a small nation. What I wish I’d known is that even a tiny bit of planning goes a ridiculously long way. Seriously, imagine if I’d started putting away, like, $5 a week back then. By now, I’d be… well, maybe not a millionaire, but I’d definitely have a much comfier emergency fund. Think of it as planting tiny money seeds. They might seem insignificant now, but give them time and a little sunshine, and they’ll grow into something pretty darn nice. And hey, those fancy coffees? Maybe one less a week. Your future self, the one who isn't panicking about a surprise car repair, will thank you.
Then there's the whole "What am I even doing with my life?" existential dread that seems to hit like a ton of bricks around age 20. You’re surrounded by people who seem to have it all figured out (spoiler alert: they don't). Some are going to college, some are traveling the world, some are starting businesses that will probably fail spectacularly and then succeed even more spectacularly. The key here, my friends, is that it is okay not to have your entire life mapped out. In fact, it’s more than okay; it’s practically a rite of passage. Embrace the uncertainty! Try things. Mess up. Learn from it. That internship that sounded boring? It might turn out to be the most eye-opening experience. That hobby you’re dabbling in? It could be the start of something amazing. Don't be afraid to be a beginner. Everyone starts somewhere, usually with a lot of fumbling and probably a few embarrassing moments.
And speaking of embarrassing moments, let's talk about people. Specifically, the people you think are going to be in your life forever. Some will be. Cherish those relationships like the precious gems they are. But others? They'll drift away, and that's also okay. It's not a reflection on you or them; sometimes, people just grow in different directions, like two trees that started close but whose roots eventually want to explore different patches of soil. The real magic happens when you learn to surround yourself with people who lift you up, who inspire you, and who genuinely make you laugh until your stomach hurts. Don't waste your precious energy on those who drain you or make you feel small. Life's too short for that kind of drama. Invest in your real tribe.
Seriously, don't be afraid to ask for help or advice. People are generally way nicer than you think they are, and most of them are secretly hoping you'll ask them about their expertise because it makes them feel important (and who doesn't love feeling important?).
Now, for the really juicy stuff: your body. At 20, you probably feel invincible. You can stay up all night, subsist on pizza and questionable energy drinks, and bounce back like a superhero. And for a while, that’s true! But here’s a little secret: the habits you build now are like the foundation of a house. If you build it on a shaky base, things might get a bit wobbly down the line. So, while I'm not saying you have to become a kale-guzzling, marathon-running saint overnight, a little bit of movement and some actual vegetables wouldn't hurt. Your future knees will thank you. Your energy levels will thank you. Your skin (yes, even your skin!) will thank you. Think of it as a long-term investment in feeling awesome for decades to come.
And finally, learning. At 20, you're probably knee-deep in textbooks, trying to cram information into your brain that you'll probably forget the minute the exam is over. But learning doesn't have to be confined to classrooms. Read books outside your comfort zone. Listen to podcasts. Watch documentaries. Talk to people who have different life experiences than you. The world is a giant, fascinating classroom, and the more you explore it, the richer your life becomes. Don't ever think you know it all. The moment you stop learning is the moment you start… well, not aging gracefully, but definitely stagnating. Stay curious, my friends! Stay endlessly, ridiculously curious.
So, there you have it. A few gentle nudges from someone who’s been there, done that, and probably bought a few questionable t-shirts along the way. Embrace the mess, enjoy the ride, and remember: the best is always yet to come. And maybe, just maybe, start saving a little bit of that coffee money. Your future self will be eternally grateful.