Dear 27-year-old Me,

Another year has passed and with it, another phase of your life. Perhaps you're growing older and wiser, I understand, it’s a feeling that can’t be described as a good one or a bad one. You’ve probably written another chapter in your life, or finished your life story altogether! A few things that were once a part of your life could have become distant. Your likes could have changed too, and people whom you were once closest to, could have left too.

If you want to go back in time, you can choose the eve of your 25^th birthday. You began it with a bang. You thought it was a milestone then and hell yeah, it was!

27 is an odd number and I’m sure you’ve probably gained 5-6 years of professional experience. People expect you to take control of your finances by now too. Your parents may have begun pestering you for your marriage and your to-do lists include travel plans, way more than you had planned earlier. Amidst all of that, you’ve started your own journey of finding your calling.

By this time, you may think that you’ve got your life sorted out. But, for some, it still is a quest of knowing what else is out there for you to explore.

Every year, you might wonder, that you’re stuck in the same city, doing the same things. Well, you need to understand, everyone has plans. From celebrations, some planned, some unplanned, they at times take a break, they’re put on hold as you and everyone you love around you, are putting their busy work schedules and work deadlines ahead of it.

So unlike all these other years, this year, you’ve decided to make it different. You head out on a solo trip which by the time you begin actually turns into a holiday with two of your flatmates.

When you landed in Goa, a day prior to your birthday, you had no idea that among the peace and chaos of Goa, you’re going to find an unexpected happiness. You’ve come to understand that there’s a lot that unplanned trips have to offer: and you’re loving it.

From walking down, the streets in a summer dress, to genuinely not caring about what society has on their minds, there’s a different kind of happiness that all of this brings to you.

As you sit there, watching the sunset, it reminds you of your favourite poem- Leisure. As a kid, I always found myself wondering why people didn’t spend enough time enjoying themselves.

The truth is, all of us are running after something.

So the year that started with a bang, has made you realize that you need to strike a balance between your personal and professional life. You need to make time for things like self-actualization and to grow your skillset.

If you really had to go back in time, I have one advice for you. That it’s better to be thick-skinned and care less about what people think about you. You need to have a clear head and put your goals ahead of everything else; even if it means taking out time to spend with yourself.

Weed out the things that bother you, make you sulk and stress you out. Love and spread love. Make time for your friends and family. Value and respect their time too. It’s extremely important.

And lastly, don’t ever forget the YOLO policy!

Time is premium and you shouldn’t waste it on people who aren’t worth it. Live some more each day, and learn to forgive and forget too.

Love always,

Your 25-year-old self.

Share This Story