10 Essential Life Lessons to Master in Your Early 20s

While Trini Gypsy focuses on empowering BIPOC women travelers, I dedicate this first post to my younger self. Consider these tips as essential guidance for your unique journey. Thank you for being part of my adventure.💛

Lesson 1 – It’s Okay If They Don’t Like You or If You Don’t Like Them

Throughout life, you’ll meet people with whom you don’t connect. Remember, energy can both attract and repel. Not everyone is meant to stay in your life forever; some are only around for a short time. The discomfort you feel isn’t a reflection of you. It’s a chance for growth and to practice facing adversity with openness, love, kindness, and compassion.

Lesson 2 – You Are Worthy of Good Things

As women, we’re often taught to center others in our lives and feel we aren’t “good women” unless we sacrifice enough. This mindset invalidates your feelings and efforts if you haven’t endured enough suffering. Your worth isn’t determined by how much you sacrifice. Remember, you are worthy of good things just as you are.

Lesson 3 – Don’t Let Discomfort Control Your Fear

Anxiety can quickly take over when you’re uncomfortable. It’s not always about “Do they like me?” but more about “Am I safe here?” Fear and anxiety can arise when you’re around people who don’t care about you and may have poor intentions. Recognize this and don’t let it control your life.

Lesson 4 – Learn to Set and Maintain Boundaries

People often avoid setting boundaries due to fear of confrontation. However, not communicating your boundaries can negatively affect your mind and damage relationships. Setting and maintaining boundaries is crucial for your mental health. It may hurt initially, but it’s essential for your long-term well-being. Boundaries create peace and space for you to work on emotional or mental blocks.

Lesson 5 – Give Yourself Grace

Be kind to yourself and others. When people say hurtful things or act unkindly, offer them grace. Often, how people treat you reflects their own issues, not yours. While this doesn’t excuse poor behavior, it helps to approach it with compassion and understanding.

Lesson 6 – Speak Up for Yourself

People can’t read minds. Communicate your thoughts and experiences, even if others might disagree. Learning to effectively communicate takes practice. Stand firm in your experiences, but remain open to new perspectives. Speaking up for yourself is crucial to being heard and understood.

Lesson 7 – Stand Back Up

Pursuing your dreams involves risk and potential emotional damage. People can be cruel, but don’t let their negativity keep you down. Stand back up and keep trying. Resilience is key to achieving your goals and dreams.

Lesson 8 – Keep Going

Persistence is essential. Don’t let setbacks defeat you. Learn from your experiences, give yourself grace, and continue moving forward. Everyone has to stand back up after falling. Keep pushing forward no matter the obstacles.

Lesson 9 – Choose Your Hard, But Choose Joy

Every path has its challenges. Don’t make decisions out of fear. Pursue what brings you joy. Opportunities arise when you consistently show up for yourself and follow your passions. Choose joy and let it guide your journey.

Lesson 10 – Be Present and Take Action

Overthinking can cause you to miss out on the present moment. Take action to pursue what you love. Don’t take for granted the ability to do what you love right now. Being present and taking action is key to living a fulfilling life.

Bonus Lesson – Operate from Source

Developing a strong spiritual foundation can help you navigate difficult situations. Cultivate your relationship with the source energy within you. Having faith is a choice that allows you to live authentically and confidently. I highly recommend the book Breaking The Habit Of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza. Feel free to check out the book via the link. It offers a different perspective on facing difficult life challenges and offers tools and resources on how to make the necessary changes you seek for your life.


Embrace these lessons and let them guide you on your journey. You are capable, worthy, and deserving of all the good things life has to offer.

girl in bikini under a palm tree and blue skies
Keep Your Head Up – You Got This Friend! 💛