I wish I would've known: top 8 tips everyone in their 20's should know.
As a young woman, you should be allowed time to be young, wild, and free. Some people feel as though you only have two years for that and thats when you are 18 and 19 years old (bish whaaaa?!!!) In today's society, (especially with social media), there is so much pressure to have your ish together. There is a HUUUUGGGGGEEE contradiction that social media puts on women in their twenties. Chile, all this pressure is quite EXHAUSTING to say the least! Everyone is trying to figure it out. With that being said, as a woman in my 30's, here are some things i wish I knew in my 20's that I know now.
Skincare is IMPORTANT: This cannot be stressed enough. It is very important to take care of your skin. Even though you feel forever young right now, you will not be for long, sis. Make sure that you DRINK WATER AND MIND YO BUSINESS SIS!!!!! Along those same lines, moisturize and use SPF as well (hee-hee). How you take care of your skin now, will definitely go a long way in the future and you will definitely see how your skin changes in your 30's. To my African American queens, you too need SPF to protect that melanin.
It is OKAY, to not be in a serious relationship!: Sis.......true relationship goals, is the relationship you have *clap* WITH *clap* YO *clap* SELF. Being by yourself can be a beautiful thing. Living for you and knowing what you want is helpful in the long run. However, it is ok to be a serial dater (NOT to be confused with serial intimacy, however, do you boo! *wink*). Date and get to know as many people as you please and it is ok to not be married before 30. Women, especially, have this stigma that they must be married and/or have children before 30 or else something is wrong with you. Do not let society or your "friends" and family (who may be in relationships) make you feel that something must be wrong because you are not involved with anyone emotionally. This is your time to figure out what your deal breakers are, who you are, get your career in order, travel, or just be by yourself. Whatever you choose, it is okay.
Learn how to properly save...: By save, I mean save money. THE RIGHT WAY. In my 20's, I would spend, spend, and spend. When I did save, I would view it as back up money for me to spend again. Learning how to PROPERLY save. What people do not tell you, is you DO NOT have to have hundreds of dollars to put in the bank all at once. You can start with $1 a day, per pay period. If you get paid biweekly, thats $14 that will add up until you are able to add more into that account. **SIDE NOTE: do not keep up with the Jones. Trust and believe sis, the Jones are saving too.
It is OKAY to not have a solid career yet.....: Our parents grew up with the mentality of 'go to school, get a job, and stay there until retirement.' This is ok, if this is the path that you choose. We know now that a college degree does not always equal success. There are millions of ways to make a lucrative coin and live the life that you prefer. It is ok if you do not have a solid career choice. In fact, you can go down several career paths but just choose the one that will make you happy.
Travel...: Traveling at any age is not only humbling but good for the soul. However, traveling in your twenties (especially if you do not have responsibilities) is a good way to see things differently and can also help you to discover some things about yourself that you may not have known.
Learn to appreciate your own company: In my twenties, I felt like I needed validation from my friends and I needed company. I would not DARE go somewhere by myself. Now in my 30's, I can go out to eat, go to the movies, go shopping ALL BY MYSELF!!! Learn to appreciate yourself and your moments of solitude. There is peace and serenity in solitude and it can be contagious.....*wink wink*.
GET OUT!!!!: No, sis not like the movie. I mean get out and enjoy yourself. Party, date, enjoy your friends and have a great time. Make memories that you will talk about for years to come. Just have guiltless fun. I sometimes look back on my twenties and think, man I wish I would've gone out more and enjoyed just being my bad, youthful self. Which brings me to my last point.
Don't take your 20's so seriously: Who says you have to have everything down to a science straight outta high school. Enjoy yourself, learn new things, and give yourself time to grow because once you get in your 30's the REAL party begins, honey! In the BEST way possible.....;)
What are somethings you have learned now that you wish you knew in your 20's. Leave a comment below and let me know chile!