How to feel less lost in your 20s
Feeling lost in your 20s is a common experience for many young adults. It's a time of transition, where expectations clash with reality, and the future can seem uncertain. It's okay not to have all the answers right now. Take the time to explore different paths, try new things, and learn about yourself along the way. Remember, it's a journey, not a race.
Don’t feel like you need to do what everyone else is doing or what others expect from you. This is literally one of the only times in life where you can explore what truly interests you. You can find new friends and try new hobbies. This is a great time to create long-lasting hobbies which are part of a good self-care routine.
You can change your mind. That time you told everyone you’d never date someone with kids or said you would never move out of state, that was old you. You made decisions based on the information you had at that time, but we are always getting new information. Currently you can use that information to make a better decision, even if it is different than what you believed before. And even if some people might be confused by the change.
Don’t be afraid to try new things. Just because you always envisioned yourself as a dance teacher doesn’t mean that you might not enjoy a job as a bank worker. Sometimes we go to college or train in one area and then we change our minds, and that is okay. Your education specialty is not a life sentence.
Your 20s are a weird time, like a really weird time. Some people are having kids and some people are going clubbing and that’s okay. You can fall into either category or neither category and still do your 20s right. Seriously don’t worry if you don’t fit into the mold, just worry about becoming you! Comparing yourself to others is not always helpful. We al have different paths and different destinations. Focus on what is the best choice for you.
You might lose friendships. You might think you’ll keep the same friends forever, and maybe that is true. But it is just as likely that you will not keep the same friends. This happens and is totally normal. Friendships fizzle out, and you don’t need to feel guilty about it. Prioritize finding friends that are the type of friends you want now, rather than trying to change yourself to keep old friends.
Accept that you might just feel lost for a bit and that is okay. In all honesty, we all feel a bit lost all the time, even after our 20s. That is just part of being human. You might not have it all figured out and that is perfectly fine. Your thoughts, opinions, and personality are likely to change throughout your 20s and you can either welcome that or fight it. Typically welcoming it is easier.
Get connected with a therapist. There is no better time than early adulthood to find a mental health therapist. Someone who specializes in working with those in their 20s and 30s. If you are feeling like you don’t know what to do or where to go, seeing a therapist can really help you sort things out.
Trust that you will find your way, even if the path isn't always clear. Keep moving forward, one step at a time. You're not alone in feeling lost, and it's okay to ask for help when you need it. Stay true to yourself and have faith that brighter days are ahead.
