Your early twenties can feel like everyone else was handed a map that somehow never made it to you. I spent so much time thinking I needed to have everything figured out when, really, I was only beginning to figure out who I was.

Looking back, there are so many things I wish I could tell my younger self. Mostly to worry less, trust herself more, and stop treating every decision like it was going to determine the rest of her life.

You Have So Much More Time Than You Think

• You don’t need your career, relationships, friendships, or entire future figured out at 22. There is so much life ahead of you.

Stop Trying to Make Everyone Like You

• Some people simply won’t understand you, and that’s okay. Being liked by everyone usually means editing yourself for people who were never meant for you anyway.

Friendships Will Change

• Some of the people you thought would be around forever won’t be. It hurts, but it also makes room for friendships that fit the person you’re becoming.

Trust Your Gut Earlier

• If something consistently feels wrong, pay attention. You don’t always need proof or a perfect explanation before deciding something isn’t right for you.

Save Your Money

• You don’t need everything immediately. Having money put away gives you something far better than another purchase: choices.

Don’t Rush to Become Someone

• You’re going to change so many times. Let yourself try things, make mistakes, change your mind, and start over without feeling embarrassed about it.

I wouldn’t want to go back and do my twenties perfectly. Half the point was learning everything I know now by living through it.

I just wish I had been a little gentler with myself while I was figuring it all out.