In a few days, I’m turning 25. It’s one of those ages that feels significant—not quite a milestone, but a moment that makes you stop and reflect. I don’t have life all figured out (who does?), but I’ve learned a few things along the way that I wish my younger self had known. Some lessons were fun, some were hard, and some I had to learn the long way.

Your mid-20s can feel like a whirlwind of contradictions. You’re old enough to have responsibilities, but still young enough to feel like you’re winging it. You’re constantly balancing ambition with burnout, independence with loneliness, confidence with doubt. Some days you feel like you’re thriving, other days like you’re falling behind—sometimes both in the same afternoon.

So, if I could sit down with her over coffee (probably an iced latte, because some things never change), here’s what I’d say:

Say Yes—You Never Know Where It Will Lead You

Some of the best things in life happen when you stop overthinking and just go for it. The last-minute trip you almost didn’t take? The event you went to alone? The job you applied for even though you didn’t meet all the qualifications? Those are the moments that change everything.

New experiences—whether through travel, career moves, or personal challenges—shape who you are. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities you create. And even if something doesn’t turn out the way you hoped, you’ll always regret not trying more than trying and failing.

If They Like You, You’ll Know. If They Don’t, You’ll Be Confused.

This applies to love, friendships, and even career opportunities. The right relationships—romantic or otherwise—won’t leave you questioning where you stand. When someone values you, they show up. They make time. They make it clear.

If you constantly feel like you have to prove yourself, analyze mixed signals, or chase clarity, that’s your answer. The best relationships—whether in love, friendships, or work—are built on mutual respect and ease. You don’t have to fight for what’s meant for you.

The Best Things in Life Happen Outside Your Comfort Zone

Some of the most memorable experiences won’t happen in your daily routine. They’ll come from booking that solo trip, moving to a new city, saying yes to an opportunity that scares you, or even just pushing yourself to do something unfamiliar.

It’s easy to wait until you feel “ready,” but the truth is, confidence comes from doing, not from waiting. You don’t have to have everything figured out—just be open to the unexpected. Life expands when you let it.

You’re Never “Behind”

It’s easy to compare your timeline to everyone else’s—the friend who’s engaged, the one who’s climbing the corporate ladder, the one who seems to have it all figured out. But there’s no set schedule for life. The things meant for you will come at the right time, and sometimes what feels like a delay is actually just life setting you up for something better.

Success, love, adventure—it all happens at different paces for different people. Just because your path looks different doesn’t mean you’re lost.

Every Experience Adds to Who You Are

Some experiences will be incredible. Some will be uncomfortable. Some might not go the way you planned. But every single one will teach you something.

Travel will change the way you see the world. New opportunities will show you what you’re capable of. Taking risks—big or small—will make you realize how much you were holding yourself back. Even the experiences that don’t turn out as expected are still worth having, because they add depth, resilience, and perspective.

As I approach 25, I’ll be honest—it feels a little daunting and scary. There’s this quiet pressure to have everything figured out by now, like I should be in a perfect relationship, at my dream job, or living my “best life.” But what I’ve come to realize is that mindset is everything.

Getting older doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means growing, learning, and embracing the messiness of it all. Instead of stressing about where I “should” be, I’m choosing to focus on where I am and where I’m headed.

In your mid-20s, it’s easy to feel like time’s ticking away, but the truth is, there’s no rush. Life is full of surprises, and not having everything in place is part of the process. We don’t need to have everything figured out today; we just need to trust the journey and keep saying yes to the things that challenge and excite us.

Love, Laura