10 Lessons We Learned in Our 20s: Reflections Before Turning 30
As we edge closer to our 30th birthdays, we’ve been looking back on the whirlwind that was our 20s. This decade was a rollercoaster of self-discovery, hard lessons, joyful moments, and unexpected turns. We laughed, cried, grew, and—most importantly—learned.
In this post, we’re sharing the 10 biggest lessons our 20s taught us. Whether you’re in your 20s now, have already lived them, or are still looking forward to them, we hope these reflections encourage you to live with more presence, grace, and courage.
1. Be Okay with Who You Are
One of the hardest but most rewarding lessons was learning to stop shrinking ourselves to fit into someone else’s mold. We realized that we are not meant for everyone—and that’s okay.
Whether you’re “too quiet” or “too much,” your personality is perfectly designed for the life you’re meant to live. The right people will love you as you are.
2. Change Is the Only Constant
Life is always evolving, and what’s true today might not be true in a year—or even tomorrow. In our early 20s, change felt threatening. Now, we see it as an invitation.
It’s freeing to know you can change your mind, redirect your path, and start over at any time. Nothing is set in stone.
3. Time Is Your Most Valuable Asset
Losing loved ones and going through difficult seasons taught us that life is fragile and fleeting. You only get one shot in this body, in this lifetime.
Stop waiting for “someday” to do the things that matter to you. Choose relationships, experiences, and work that truly light you up.
4. It’s About the Journey, Not the Destination
We’ve spent too much of life rushing toward the next milestone—only to realize the milestones themselves aren’t the point.
The real beauty is in the moments in between. The late-night talks. The spontaneous road trips. The unexpected detours. That’s where life happens.
5. Family Is Everything (However You Define It)
Family isn’t always the people you share DNA with—it’s the people who love, support, and stand by you.
Invest in those relationships. Celebrate the people who show up for you, and be that person for someone else.
6. My Body Is a Gift
Body image is something many of us wrestle with. Our 20s taught us to see our bodies not as problems to be fixed, but as miraculous homes that carry us through life.
Your body is worthy of care and appreciation no matter its shape, size, or season.
7. Experiences Matter More Than Things
Stuff breaks. Trends fade. But memories live on.
We’ve found more joy in travel, adventures, and shared moments than in any material purchase. Invest in experiences—you’ll never regret it.
8. There’s a Lesson in Everything
Good or bad, every experience carries wisdom. Even painful moments are invitations to grow, strengthen, and see the world in new ways.
Life isn’t happening to you—it’s happening for you.
9. Things Don’t Always Go as Pictured
Our lives look very different from what we imagined a decade ago. Sometimes that’s been disappointing; other times it’s been better than we could have dreamed.
Let go of rigid timelines. Leave room for life to surprise you.
10. It’s Okay to Change Your Mind
Changing direction doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re listening to yourself.
Whether it’s a career path, relationship, or personal goal, you’re allowed to pivot when something no longer serves you.
Final Thoughts
Your 20s are often called “the middle school of adulthood” for a reason—they’re awkward, messy, and full of trial and error. But they’re also filled with incredible opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
As we head into our 30s, we’re carrying these lessons with us, knowing there’s still so much to learn. And maybe, ten years from now, we’ll look back and laugh at how much we thought we knew at 29.
Here’s to embracing the journey—every twist, turn, and lesson along the way.
