Dear 20Something,

After my 10th birthday, my mum got so sick even she was scared of dying. As a child, I couldn’t do much than stay by her sick bed, help her sit up, get her stuffs, cry with her while I assure her she’ll get through (which she eventually did) and I’ll make promises of things I’ll do for her. I begged her one night to please stay with me and my brothers, that, in ten (10) years time, I’ll be old enough to take proper care of her (commonsensically, my 10 year old self summed up 6 years in high school and 4 years in the university and figured I should be okay enough to take on huge responsibilities by age 20).
Well, I did my 18th birthday as a freshman in the university and had my 23rd birthday just a month after graduating (I did a 5-year course). I definitely grew into taking up responsibilities long before I was 20 years old, but, the point is, left to my futuristic calculations at age 10, I wouldn’t be ready by that age 20 for that which I promised her. Four years into my 20’s, I’m still not there yet.
I was depressed for my 23rd birthday worrying about figuring it all out (thought I was having midlife crisis until a friend asked me if I intended to die at 46 – lol). After that brief dark moment, I realized if I want to enjoy my 20’s in a peaceful fulfilling way, I can’t fit everything into just this magical decade.
There is so much pressure to discover purpose, travel around the world, get a bearing on your career, find a healthy balance, stay committed to your fitness routine, get partnered, make millions, write a book, make babies, start a podcast, get your doctorate degree – all in a space of a decade.
Some people probably get it right before age 22, and some age 25 or even 29, that’s them. I’ve purposefully chosen not to accomplish some goals until I’m 60. I probably won’t explore the world until I’m in my 70’s. I don’t plan on making babies until my late 20’s and early 30’s. You probably won’t catch me lifting weights until I’m in my 40’s (and my bones have started hissing). I may even not get to the peak of my career until I’m in my mid 50’s (I look forward to 2040’s already). But, in my 20’s, I’ll take my vitamins, do my situps, dream, find myself and live like I mean it.
Dear 20something, you don’t have to be pressurized to fit everything into this decade (that is one hell of a recipe to future midlife crisis). Take some things off your plate and re-prioritize. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. You are not running out of time, nor will you become irrelevant or peak at the end of your 20’s.
Much Love,
Oluwafunmibi Fayemi

17 Comments
Odunayo
Wow,I had peace of mind when I read the article because I have been under pressure for while now thinking I am running out of time(I am 21 tho)
I really need to re-prioritize.
Thanks ma
FunmibiFayemi
Thanks Odunayo. I’m glad you find it helpful and I hope you enjoy trusting your growth process. Cheers!
Hussein Mujidat
This actually touch something deep inside me….and now I’m at peace with myself…I don’t have to rush or be pressurized unnecessarily… Will try to take it at pace…thanks Funmibi.
FunmibiFayemi
Thanks for the feedback sweets. Keep shining and soaring!
Rogue
Hi babe.. thank you. I’m taking my time. Na them day rush us.??
FunmibiFayemi
Abi na. Goal diggers like us, na achievements dey rush us. . .
Michelle
I always feel like I’m running out of time.
Like if I don’t get the things right now I’d never get them right again.
Sometimes I feel I’m not doing enough.
I double my hard work and then I get chocked with work.
A lot of times I wanna slow down but if it feels like slowing down is letting life and every other thing pass by me.
Nice job ma’am
FunmibiFayemi
Truth is at the end of this decade, there is still more decades to get a lot done. I believe in you and you’ve got all it takes to make it all happen. Keep winning!
AbdulRasheed Sanjo
This is quite impressive sister, I’m more optimistic. I feels downcast and inferior at times, seeing my friends having gone far from me, you know you and I and the rest used to be mate years ago, but you’ve gone far. Though time runs, but thanks for letting me know this 20something is still around, I’ll definitely make use of it wisely.
What a wicked and loving 20s, did I say wicked? ?
FunmibiFayemi
It has never been how far but how well dear. And always remember, your greatest competitor is yourself, you’re not in a race with anyone other than being a better version of yourself. That said, keep soaring and shining!
FunmibiFayemi
And thanks for the feedback.
Juliet
Your words are in season….God bless u ma
You are an epitome of wisdom
More grace
FunmibiFayemi
Thanks a lot. Glad you find it helpful! And Amen!!
Idorenyin Udosen
This got me like…nice one Darling!
FunmibiFayemi
Thanks sweets!
Disi_b.e.d
Keep growing,keep inspiring and keep being inspired. Lots of love
FunmibiFayemi
Thanks Darling! You too. I’m super proud of the woman you’re evolving into.