The defining decade : Lessons so far...

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There's no better time to shape up and form the rest of  your life than your twenties that is why the years between when you turn twenty and thirty make up the DEFINING decade of your life. That's when you decide what direction your career, relationships, personal life etc would take. Contrary to popular belief that' it's the time to "have the time of your life" it's the time to setup yourself so that you can have the best life. 

Defining: [dih-fahy-ning]: decisive; critically important

I turn twenty-two in December and the past two years have definitely been a learning process for me. I don't have all the answers, and I definitely don't know everything about being a twenty-something but here are a few lessons I've learned so far [from personal experiences, pep talk from parents and other peoples experiences shared with me]  that I thought to share on the blog. 

Matthew 6:31- 33- For majority, the moment you turn twenty is when different concerns about your life and future start to creep in but the oldest advice in the book which will never be cliche is in Matthew 6:33. I love how the message translation puts it!  "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." 

Steeping yourself in God's reality means getting interested in what God loves. He loves people so you have to love people, he helps people, so you also have to love people!etc and what better time to do this than in your twenties! Do what God Loves and every other thing (an amazing job, career, spouse, children you name it! Would be added unto you etc ) 

Proverbs 23:4-5 - Labour not to be rich . You have to understand the its not your hustle or grind that would make you rich, but the blessings of the lord. Put God first in everything. When others are rising and grinding, rise and receive grace for everything you do. Pray a whole lot because the devil is up and about and its very easy to fall into his trap of depression when things seem rough.

Always find a way to be a blessing to those around you. You are not in a competiton with anyone Ditch envy and worry less- Stay in your lane and trust your process. Everyone has a separate journey. There are definitely going to be people that would  move ahead faster than you  be happy for them, pray for them, congratulate them and be content with where you are. Envy would burn you out and keep you from moving forward. At the same time don't look down on those that bloom later than you do. Encourage them, not in a pitiful way but in a way that shows support.

-Don't try to keep up with the Joneses. Spend your money wisely and live within your means.

-Make a business of something you love to do. Be a DIY person I wrote benefits of being a DIY person in this post here

-Have big passionate dreams but start small. Make beautiful mistakes and learn from them.

-Live consciously and not just by wishful thinking. If something is not working for you, leave it and find what does. 

-Set realistic goals, divide them into feasible units for the short run so you can stay motivated in the long run

-Be prepared, your life would take a lot of turns you might not be ready for but set yourself up in a way that no matter what life throws at you, you would find a way to stay/get back on your feet.

-Read a lot! And not just anything, read a lot of books that apply to where you are at any point in your life. 

Recommended Books

The Defining Decade -Meg Jay

The Purpose driven life- Rick Warren