Hey girl, how’s life in your 20s? I hope you’re where you want to be—or at least working towards it—no pressure. Being in your 20s can be fun, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Your life is literally in your hands, and every decision you make can either define or change your path. This is the time when you learn more about yourself, become more mature, and realize that your circle of friends might shrink. You’ll also come to understand that not everything requires your reaction. Keeping to yourself and minding your own business can be incredibly healing. 

This is the perfect time to spend with loved ones, learn new skills, invest in knowledge, and prioritize your health. No one is supposed to tell you how to live your 20s—that’s valid. This decade is about making mistakes and learning from them. It’s about self-reflection, understanding what you want today, and accepting that tomorrow you might want something else. It’s okay not to always feel your best. During this time, you’ll discover what makes you vulnerable, what irritates you, what brings you joy, and what gives you peace. And if you ever feel alone, talk to God. Trust me, you’ll feel better afterward.

One key lesson in your 20s is not getting lost in distractions, because that could lead to a permanent shift in your life. It’s okay to be selfish when it comes to protecting yourself. Time invested in yourself is never wasted.

The worst mistake you can make is comparing yourself to others. Stay true to who you are. Don’t be a people-pleaser, because in the end, you’ll make others happy at the expense of losing yourself. Don’t be afraid to take risks. What’s life without them? And if you fail, so what? What matters is how you rise from it, what you’ve learned, and what you can do better. Explore the world, go on dates, be adventurous.

I recently came across a blog that resonates with me: “Guard your heart is a way of saying, be careful with who you let in and what you give them access to. Some people come in for the long haul, and others come with no intention of staying. Choose wisely. What you give to someone is often given for good, and you’ll have a hard time getting it back. The most valuable thing you can hold on to is your self-respect.”

It’s important to focus on what matters most to you. One thing I’ve learned so far is to remain teachable, move at your own pace, and listen before responding. Not everything is worth your time. Family is important, and friendships where you pour into each other are invaluable. Time is precious.

There’s so much more to say, but I’ll stop here for now…

Writer: Bontle Mogoane