5 WAYS TO NAVIGATE YOUR 20’s

Your twenties are an exciting yet important period, it can lay the foundation for the years to come. Many in this period discover the realities of life and grow.

The reason why you may be reading this article is either for 3 reasons; one you are heading towards this stage of life, two you are currently in this demographic or three for the nostalgia. Out of the 3 options I am smack bang in the middle, which is the driving force behind this particular piece. Join me while I discuss the ‘5 ways to navigate your 20’s’. We shall begin with...

1.Finding Yourself

Stop for a moment, and I want you to ask yourself who am I? Now can you answer that question in one sentence or does it take you a few attempts to figure out what you want to say. If so then that’s great! but for those who struggled it is not a problem you are still have time figure it out.

Identity is key in finding yourself. It is about how you identify in society and how society identifies you. Are you accepting of the labels, prejudices and definitions that are created about you? Society categorises me as a ‘black young female’ because of the percentage of one ethnicity outweigh others in my heritage. I choose to decline that identification as ethnicity is more than just putting people into boxes.

In order to find yourself you need to explore through trial and error. What I mean by trial and error is try different things. An example could be what are some of your interests and why. Knowing what you like, dislike and the grey areas helps to shape the type of person you grow into. Of course they may change as you enter the various decades, however it is always good to at least have a point of reference.

2.Travel

HOLIDAY!!! There are so many beautiful places in the world to travel to. Go and see the diversity and experience the richness other cultures have to offer. We can transform ourselves in to well rounded individuals by going on adventures and stepping away from our busy lives. Not to mention there is lots of tasty food waiting to be eaten.

This is your time to enjoy, whether you go with a travel buddy, a group or by yourself you will probably meet other travellers. Mix in with the locals and shock them with your knowledge of their language. Be sure to do some research prior to the trip so you are aware of where you are going. You never a place until you go, pictures are not enough.

I dare you to travel to 1 new place but remember to be safe and have fun.

3. Finances

SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! Yes I know you want to look amazing and eat good, but money is important for the future. To attain a place to live money is required, to pay the bills again money is required, and to drive a car money is required. The list could go on, so I would advise that you save and spend equally. If you want to ensure that you have enough funds for the plans you are making you cannot spend it all.

To prove how savings are so beneficial my parents own their home and my farther was ablW to retire early. Now my lovelies doesn‘t that sound wonderful, I know that’s the type of future I’m working for. Relaxing before the time is my goal 100%.

Another financial tip I’ve learnt and will be working on in the coming months is credit. You need credit that is good to have access to loans, or credit cards. Credit is set upon the promise to pay it back at later date. Once you have the opportunity I would suggest start building your credit. So by the time you need anything you will not be denied because of the good credit you built. Go and check your credit score!

Be wise when making decisions Because they can change the course of your life.

4. Relationships

Relationships are not just about who you are romantically involved with, it includes friendships. At the brink of my 20’s I had a few nasty “friends”, the word toxic is appropriate. I realised that if I am to grow into a strong young women who is sure about herself, I must let go of those individuals. You need to surround yourself with positivity and people who are going to support you. The journey through life is not always flowers and sunshine sometimes its hail stones and frost.

In terms of romance you are still young, do not compare yourself to others. Society is always pressuring us to be a certain way before a certain age and if we don’t hit those milestones we must have something wrong with us. What a load of rubbish we are all individual and develop at different rates. This means we find love in our own time, we need to be ready to commit to a relationship with another person. Marriage especially is not easy, I talk about this in the “The four stages of getting married“ https://violethotspice.wixsite.com/website/post/the-4-stages-of-getting-married-there-is-more-to-it-

Life is about making meaningful connections with those around us and that takes time. Be patient and those beautiful connections can be made.

5. Plan Ahead

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What type of person do you want to be in the future? Do you want to be financially independent? Planning ahead provides you with goals that you can actively work towards. Make a note that it may not be straight forwards and plans can change. My plans have definitely changed and I am trying to work out what to do next. The plans I make not only affect me but my soon to be husband and my son. Even if you a single now think before you act because you may not always have that status.

Make sure to come back for more!