As a teenager, you probably counted the days until you could finally drop the ‘teen’ part of your age and be a twenty-something. Each of us have our own reasons for being excited about embarking on the ride only our twenties can offer.
For me, I was excited because I could finally say goodbye to people around me challenging my decisions and beliefs. My twenties were like my years of becoming, of freedom and of chasing my dreams.
I’ve journeyed through it for six years now and, so far, I’m enjoying the ride. This is all because I have made a conscious decision to say goodbye to these 10 things.
1. Say goodbye to the need to explain your decisions
Unless it’s an important person in your life questioning your decisions, stop feeling bad about not wanting to waste your time justifying your choices.
Now that you’re in your twenties, you’re capable of thinking about the consequences of each decision you make and responsible for anything that comes out of it. So, forget the people who question your personal choices in life. With or without their approval, you can conquer the world.
2. Say goodbye to toxic people and destructive relationship
Your twenties are when you figure out what you want to be in life. It’s also when you discover what your passion and dreams are and how you can make them a reality.
With this said, it matters to have a social network that’s willing to support and encourage you to dream and chase your dreams, day in and out. The last thing you want is to be around people who bring nothing but negative vibes into your life.
3. Say goodbye to drama
You spent about six years dealing with or creating drama. By now, you know that drama sucks and doesn’t get you anywhere near where you want to be in life.
So, whether it’s in your friendships or romantic relationships, drop the drama (and all the unnecessary bickering and fighting that comes with it) and act like a grown-up because you are one!
4. Say goodbye to people-pleasing
Gone are the days when you turn in front of the mirror 100 times figuring out whether you look decent enough before you go out because you don’t want to be laughed at by your friends.
Now that you’re in your twenties, just be yourself and roll the way you want to. Yes, not everyone will applaud you for it but who cares? It’s not like their opinion will determine who you’ll be in life, right?
5. Say goodbye to pretensions
Remember how you used to be a second-rate copycat of someone famous in school because you were so afraid that you wouldn’t be accepted for who you are?
In your twenties, know that you will be laughed at and embraced for who you are and what you believe in. You’ll be damned if you do certain things and damned if you don’t. So, drop all pretensions and embrace your real self because, at the end of the day, you only have you.
6. Say goodbye to the belief that your career determines your worth
Not all of us will be President of the United States but we can all dream. The point is, no matter what it is that you dream of becoming, pursue it. What matters most is that you do what you love, are happy and contented with it and are able to make a contribution to your community.
7. Say goodbye to the careless way you treat your body
Your body isn’t a trash can, so treat it with the love and care it deserves. Exercise and choose to be active amidst a busy working schedule. Make healthy choices when it comes to what you eat, too. Your future self will thank you for it.
8. Say goodbye to the need to be in a relationship to be happy
Obsessing about having a boyfriend so that you can finally be happy is not the answer to lasting happiness. The key is to decide to be happy regardless of your relationship status.
This way, whether or not someone comes along, you’re okay with your life and can live it because your happiness does not depend on someone else.
Yes, the rest of your twenty-something friends have partners, but who cares? It’s not like they’ll end up together forever, right?
9. Say goodbye to comparing yourself with other people
One of the greatest mistakes you can make is to compare your life to those around you. It’s one of the worst habits and a total time waster. Remember that you are unique.
Their lives will never be yours because it isn’t the course you’re meant to take. So, just sit tight and stop the comparisons. If you must compare yourself to someone, compare yourself to your old self so you’ll be encouraged to improve and make yourself better than ever.
10. Say goodbye to the idea that you’re only as good as the education you received
Just because you didn’t finish college doesn’t mean that your future has ended. What you’ll achieve in life isn’t dependent on your qualifications (although it helps). If you have an indomitable will, unmatched resilience, incredible talent and strong work ethic, you’re sure go places.
To make your journey as comfortable, safe and enjoyable as possible, you can’t carry everything. You have to unload these things so you’ll be free from any negativity and you’ll have a fresher perspective of life, no matter how challenging and unfair it may be.
Yes, you will make mistakes and lose friends and boyfriends along the way, but it’s all part of learning and growing up. In the end, you’ll be thankful that you stayed true to yourself.
What other things do you think we should say goodbye to in our twenties? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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