Your 20s are hands down the most difficult decade of your life. I would know as someone who just turned 30 and am now looking down the barrel of a crippling existential crisis. If I could go back in time and tell my younger self everything I know now, I would’ve definitely ignored any advice from some geriatric 30-year-old. Gross! But here’s what I would’ve said anyway.
Have More Money – At the stroke of midnight on my 30th birthday, after my debit card was declined, it dawned on me that I really should’ve accumulated more wealth in my 20s so I could’ve had enough money to buy another vodka Red Bull from the bar. I finally understand what economists mean when they tell young people not to buy things like avocado toast. You’ll need to save that money for booze.
Don’t Care What People Think – There were so many times in my 20s I woke up after a night of binge drinking wondering if my friends still liked me. What can I say? My toxic personality comes out in full force after a few Applebee’s Bahama Mamas. Now I can get blackout drunk and insult all my friends without caring what people think! It pains me to think how much time I wasted considering other people’s feelings. Not anymore.
Appreciate What You Have Now – I remember fondly waking up after a night of drinking in my 20s with only a mild headache. I didn’t realize hangovers in your 30s actually hinder your day and last like almost a whole morning. I wish I would’ve appreciated my body back then for processing ungodly amounts of alcohol daily. Now my body is worthless. Make sure to really appreciate life in your 20s. Your body sucks the moment you hit 30 but, hey, at least it can’t get any worse!
Stop Negative Self-Talk – It is downright lethal to your well being to listen to your negative self-talk. A lot of times I’ve caught myself saying, “I’m such a terrible person for backstabbing another friend.” It’s important to catch this negativity in the moment and shift it elsewhere. Stop blaming yourself for things that could easily be blamed on someone else.
No Regrets – I’m totally done regretting my past. It’s time to start living now! I vow to spend my entire 30s reliving my 20s, only with more wisdom and shit. No apologies!