Top 10 Reasons to Love Your 20’s (Love Your Decade Series)

As I write this post, I am 29 years, 11 months, and 27 days old.

Translation: I am very, very, close to thirty.

And, as I look back on my 20’s, I’m overwhelmed at how much has happened in a decade.  Put simply: I am not the same woman now that I was when I was 19 years, 11 months, and 27 days old. In fact, I barely recognize the woman I was then.

I have loved this season of life.  And if you’re in your twenties, I want you to love it too. So, in honor of the late night show I watched in my early 20’s – here are my Top Ten Reasons to Love Your Twenties, a la David Letterman (who is now retired! What is even happening to my youth?)

10. So. Many. Firsts.

First job, first apartment, first time living away from your parents, the first time that you, and you alone, are really responsible for yourself. The newness of all of these experiences are what make your 20’s so rich and memorable.

9. Being a Little Broke

When I first graduated from college and was living in Dallas…I wasn’t exactly flush in cash. My financial priorities were to be able to go to happy hour with my friends and to buy dresses from Anthropologie.  So I called many a basket of chips & queso a well-rounded dinner and shopped the sale racks like a pro. And I loved it.

8. Your Metabolism Still Functions

Please see above re: chips and queso for dinner.  I got away with meals that would make any nutritionist cringe. Now that I’m pushing 30, and working on embracing my post-baby bod, I know that my metabolism is on it’s way out. Adios, metabolism, we had a good run – and by run I mean that I sat and drank copious amounts of margaritas while you did your thang. Now I will actually have to run.

7. Roommates

Living with roommates is a terrific part of your 20’s.  Even when you have crazy roommates.  If you live with kooky people in your 20’s then you are just better prepared for the the wackiest roommate you’ll ever have: your future toddler.

6. Forever Friends

A funny thing happens in your twenties, your circle of friends will shrink.  This is not a bad thing.  You’ll discover some of your Forever Friends by the end of your 20s.  Hint: They’re the ones who remember your birthday without a Facebook reminder.  These people are your village.  You need them.  Treasure them and nurture those friendships.

5. The Future is Abstract

I have asked myself so many questions in the last decade: What will I do for a living? Where will I live? Who will I marry? Will I have kids?  I wish I had just taken a deep breath and not worried about these things so much. There is excitement in the unknown.

4. College

This is (likely) your very first taste of independence and it is so exciting and scary and altogether wonderful. It’s the perfect stepping stone from childhood to adulthood and it is a time to cherish because it goes so quickly.

3. Your Parents Become Your Friends

The darndest thing happens as you grow older – you realize that your parents are actual people. Novel concept, I know. This is especially true once you become a parent – you have a whole new level of appreciation for yours once you have a child of your own.

2. Love

You may fall in love.  And then out of love.  And then in love again.  Maybe you’ll meet The One.  Maybe you’ll just meet Definitely Not The One(s).  Maybe, just maybe, you’ll become a momma and experience the indescribable love that accompanies motherhood.  This has been a time to figure out what I want from love and how to love others better.

1. You Are Becoming YOU.

In my twenties I have learned what I want in a partner and what I do not, what fulfills me in a career and what does not, how to say no, how to be a good friend, how to appreciate the little things…and so much more.  This decade has shaped me into the woman I am and – like iron sharpening iron – that hasn’t always been easy.  However, I’ve been strengthened by my experiences – good and bad – and I’m pretty happy with who I am as I leave this decade.

Bring it on, 30’s.  I’m ready for you.  And I’m convinced that the Best is Yet to Come.

What do – or did – you love most about your 20’s?  What advice would you give to a twenty-something today?