I’ve got a story to share—a story of the winding, sometimes tumultuous journey that has been my twenties. It’s been a whirlwind of self-discovery, peppered with moments of triumph, heartache, and everything in between. And let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride.

As I reflect on the past decade of my life, I can’t help but marvel at how much I’ve grown and evolved. From the wide-eyed optimism of my early twenties to the more grounded sense of self I now possess, it’s been a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. But through it all, I’ve learned valuable lessons about life, love, and finding fulfilment.

Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? When I first entered my twenties, I had all these grand plans and dreams. I was determined to conquer the world—to climb the corporate ladder, travel the globe, and maybe even find true love along the way. But little did I know, life had other plans in store for me.

As I navigated the ups and downs of early adulthood, I quickly realized that mindset plays a huge role in shaping our experiences. It’s not just about what happens to us; it’s about how we choose to perceive and respond to those events. And so, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, determined to cultivate the right mindset to navigate the challenges ahead.

In my quest for self-discovery, I stumbled upon three fundamental pillars that became the guiding lights of my journey: unlearning, being, and doing. These pillars represented a roadmap toward personal growth and fulfilment, and I clung to them like a lifeline as I navigated the often murky waters of my twenties.

Unlearning, for starters, was a game-changer. It was about shedding old beliefs and societal norms that no longer served me. It was about breaking free from the constraints of my past and embracing the limitless potential of my future. It wasn’t easy, of course—old habits die hard, as they say—but with each passing day, I felt a little lighter, a little freer, as I let go of the baggage that had weighed me down for so long.

Then there was being—a concept that was all about living in alignment with my true self. It was about digging deep, getting to know my innermost desires and values, and having the courage to honour them in every aspect of my life. It was about authenticity, vulnerability, and self-acceptance, and it was one of the most transformative experiences of my twenties.

And finally, there was doing—the action-packed pillar that propelled me forward toward my dreams. It was about taking bold leaps, stepping outside my comfort zone, and fearlessly pursuing my passions, even in the face of uncertainty. It was about embracing failure as a necessary part of the journey, and it was about never giving up, no matter how daunting the road ahead.

But perhaps the most profound lesson of all was the power of ownership. It was about recognizing that I was the architect of my own destiny, the captain of my own ship. Every decision I made, every action I took—it all shaped the course of my journey. As I took ownership of my life, I felt a sense of empowerment and agency that I had never experienced before.

Of course, my journey hasn’t been without its challenges. There have been moments of doubt, fear, and insecurity—times when I wondered if I was on the right path if I was capable of achieving my dreams. But with each challenge came an opportunity for growth, and I embraced them wholeheartedly, knowing that they were an integral part of the journey.

And so, as I stand on the cusp of a new decade, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. Yes, there will be challenges, setbacks, and obstacles along the way, but there will also be moments of joy, triumph, and fulfilment. As I continue to navigate the twists and turns of my twenties, I invite you to join me on this adventure. Let’s embrace the messiness, celebrate the victories, and learn from the setbacks. Because in the end, it’s not about reaching some arbitrary destination—it’s about embracing the journey and all the growth and wisdom it brings. So, here’s to the next chapter—may it be filled with endless possibility and boundless joy. Cheers!