#002 - 25 lessons i've learned in 25 years

April 13 is my birthday. 

And turning 25… is strange.

It’s that moment when you’ve lived enough not to call yourself a reckless teenager anymore, but you still don’t quite feel like you belong to the club of fully grown adults. 

It’s the middle ground, where you already know what you don’t want — but are still figuring out what you do. 

Welcome to the limbo of 25.

Congratulations, by the way: you’ve completed a quarter of a century (existential crises and unpaid bills included).

They say this is around the age when your brain’s prefrontal cortex finally finishes developing — and honestly, thank you, nature. That’s the part responsible for helping us make more conscious decisions (or at least think twice before repeating the same mistake).

In these years, I’ve made my share of bad choices. I’ve hurt people I cared about, walked away from myself, and lost direction more than once. 

But I’ve also lived beautiful things.

I found myself again, reconnected with others, opened space for new beginnings — and gave myself permission to forgive.

Others, and myself too.

So here it goes. Not as a definitive list — but as a gentle reminder. For me, for you, and for anyone still learning to find their rhythm.

1. Not everyone will like you — and that’s okay.

Trying to please everyone is exhausting and, most of the time, pointless. Authenticity is its own filter.

2. Being alone is not the same as feeling lonely.

Learning to enjoy your own company might be one of adulthood’s greatest gifts.

3. Your body changes.

It’s not a punishment — it’s adaptation. Life evolves, and so do we.

4. Saying “no” is necessary.

And no, it doesn’t need to come with three justifications or an apology.

5. Mental health isn’t optional.

Taking care of your mind is part of taking care of your life. Therapy, rest, breathing space — whatever it takes.

6. Some friendships have an expiration date — and that doesn’t make them less real.

Not all bonds are meant to last forever. But many are enough while they do.

7. You don’t have to have it all figured out at 25.

Even if it feels like everyone else does — most are just really good at pretending.

8. Revisiting simple things can reconnect you to who you were.

A childhood movie, an old song… sometimes that’s all it takes to bring back lightness.

9. Productivity does not define your worth.

Rest is part of growth too.

10. Self-love is built — and rebuilt.

It’s not a final destination, but a daily practice.

11. Comparison blurs the view of your own path.

You’re not behind — you’re just on a different timeline.

12. Not following the expected path might be what saves you.

Detours often turn out to be disguised shortcuts.

13. Taking care of your body is also taking care of your mind.

Movement isn’t just about looks — it’s about balance.

14. You’re allowed to like different things.

Not drinking coffee doesn’t make you less of an adult. (I’ll take tea, thanks.)

15. Not having your dream job yet isn’t failure.

As long as you’re still moving toward what makes your eyes light up.

16. Silence is also an answer.

And often, the most honest one.

17. Changing your mind isn’t weakness — it’s growth.

Holding on to what no longer serves you isn’t strength — it’s fear.

18. Holding onto resentment just adds unnecessary weight.

Forgiving is an act of freedom — for them, and especially for you.

19. Learning how to “be okay” takes time.

And patience. Always more patience than you think.

20. Life doesn’t come with a manual.

But we get to rewrite the chapters as many times as needed.

21. Not everything needs an immediate answer.

Some things just need time.

22. You don’t have to be strong all the time.

Letting yourself be vulnerable is a strength of its own.

23. Calm is underrated.

But it’s often what helps us see the clearest.

24. What feels small might be the most important thing.

Sometimes, the turning point is in the details.

25. You’re still becoming who you are.

And that never really stops — thankfully.

If you’re also living in this in-between space, or if any of these lessons resonate with you, I hope this text feels like a soft landing. 

And that more than just a list, it serves as a reminder: Life isn’t about arriving fully formed — it’s about continuing to give yourself permission to grow.