5 Frustrating Things Everyone Goes Through In Their Early 20s

1. You deal with a roller coaster of emotions.

Sometimes you will feel like you’re on top of the world, while other times it’s like you’re drowning. There are moments when happiness seems to grow out of you and then moments when the world looks colorless and dull. The changes in your emotions, moods, and attitudes toward certain things is simply part of the process. I am not saying it’s all good, but experiencing all these acquaints you to knowing yourself better. It can give you a perspective on the things that make you tick, sad, or happy.

2. You struggle with comparing yourself to your peers. 

Sometimes you go on Facebook or Instagram and see these grand vacations some of your friends are going on, or these cute romantic dates that girl you knew from high school is having, or maybe that college friend thriving so well in a career which seems very purposeful. Then you look at your own life and ask, “What exactly am I doing?” Don’t be too hard on yourself, though. Everyone has their own pace and time. Instead of comparing, how about setting them as inspiration while grinding towards the story you want to narrate for yourself?

3. You’re still out finding your passion, and it can be frustrating. 

Some of us are on paths we’ve been planning from an early age. And if you’re one of those people, good on you! But some don’t actually know what to do or may have an idea of what it is, but the road is so full of obstacles and challenges that it seems impossible to achieve. I know you’re thinking, “Well, you can reach it if you try hard enough,” and that is true, but on the other hand, you gotta acknowledge the fact that there are factors that are out of our control. Nevertheless, it is too early to give up. There’s still a whole world out there full of possibilities that can be explored until you finally find the thing your soul is searching for.

4. You get nostalgic about the good ol’ days.

Remember when you were in such a hurry to grow up? Well now that you are, how’s being a grown up coming along? As little kids or teenagers, we thought being an adult was this amazing thing, especially the freedom that came with it. But as the famous line goes, “With great power comes great responsibility.” That’s exactly what everything feels now—a responsibility. You are now expected to step up and become responsible for stuff like a job, paying rent, bills, and everything in between. All these things you have to go through will be learning experiences that will teach you how to cope and figure out the best way through these new “adult” stressors. A little reminiscing can’t hurt, especially when you’re thinking about the good times and formative experiences that made you YOU.

5. Most things won’t be a walk in the park, but they might be rewarding.

This is a phase of life where everything seems new and unfamiliar. It will definitely challenge you. There will be people who will try to bring you down and others who will be there to pick you up. There will be times you will have to cry your heart out just so you can wake up the next day and start over again. But trust that at some point you will be surprised how much progress you’ve actually made, and by then you’ll be proud that you were able to confront things head on. So maybe for now just take your time, learn as much as you can, and take in everything. These little puzzle pieces will surely be vital in building the bigger picture. Just don’t forget to have a little fun!