"I think a lot of your 20s is trying to figure out who you really are."

Your 20s can feel like a whirlwind, right? You're out of school, diving into the workforce, maybe moving to a new city, and just trying to get a handle on adulting. The core idea here is that this decade is all about self-discovery. It's a time when we're figuring out our values, our passions, and what kind of life we want to build for ourselves. It's messy and exciting and confusing all at once.

Let’s take a step back in history for a bit. The whole notion of the '20s as a time of exploration and self-realization isn’t new. Think back to the early 20th century. In the Roaring Twenties, young people were breaking away from traditional norms and trying new things, from jazz to flapper dresses. They were redefining what it meant to be young and free. Fast forward to the 1960s and 1970s, and you see something similar with the counterculture movement. Young adults were questioning everything—politics, societal norms, even the concept of happiness. Sound familiar?

Now, imagine someone you know—let's call her Sarah. She's 25, working her first real job at a marketing firm. Sarah thought she'd be thrilled finally earning a paycheck, but she finds herself restless. She’s always loved art and took a few painting classes in college, but never thought it could be more than a hobby. One day, feeling particularly uninspired at work, she signs up for a weekend workshop at a local gallery. That class reignites her passion. She starts spending evenings painting, eventually setting up an online store and selling her art. Over time, Sarah realizes she wants to pursue art full-time. It’s risky, but it feels right. Her 20s were all about figuring out that her corporate job wasn’t her true calling—painting was.

So how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? First, don't be afraid to try new things. Take that cooking class, volunteer for that charity, or travel to that place you’ve always been curious about. These experiences can teach you a lot about what you love (and what you don’t). Second, be patient with yourself. Self-discovery doesn’t happen overnight. It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out by 30. Lastly, listen to your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Trust yourself enough to change direction if you need to.

Picture this: Imagine you're at a friend's party, and you strike up a conversation with someone who just spent a year backpacking through South America. They talk about the incredible experiences they had—hiking the Andes, learning Spanish, and meeting people from all walks of life. They mention how they felt lost before the trip, unsure of what they wanted to do with their life. But that year of travel gave them clarity. They returned home with a new sense of purpose and even decided to start a travel blog to inspire others.

This story isn’t just idle chatter; it’s a reminder that your 20s are a time for exploration. Whether it’s through travel, new hobbies, or different jobs, these experiences help you figure out who you really are and what you want out of life.

So, if you’re in your 20s (or even if you’re past them), embrace the uncertainty. Dive into new experiences, keep an open mind, and remember that it’s all part of the journey to discovering your true self.