Life advice I wish I hadn’t learned the hard way.

At 25, I thought I was “pretty balanced.” And sure, I went out, I traveled, I flirted with hobbies I never committed to, but beneath all of that? I was kinda stressed. If I could sit my 25-year-old self down, here’s exactly what I’d say — no sugarcoating, no faux-inspirational Pinterest bs.

1. Stop Stressing About the Future

You don’t need the perfect grad school plan.
You don’t need the perfect five-year career blueprint.
You don’t need the perfect job title at 25, or 35, honestly.

Life is not linear; it’s a mess of unexpected pivots, and detours that end up mattering way more than the straight path ever would. You will not “fail at life” because you didn’t have your entire existence mapped out at 25. Obsessing over the future doesn’t make it arrive any faster, it only steals the joy of the present.

Breathe. Relax. You’re not late; you’re living.

2. Leave.

Just… leave.
Leave the relationship the first time it shows it gets dark.
Leave the job that drains you.
Leave the friendship that feels like emotional quicksand.
Leave anything and anyone stealing your joy, your energy, or your sense of self.

The universe will always replace what you release, and usually with something better, healthier, and far more aligned. You don’t earn loyalty points for sticking around where you’re undervalued.

3. Save More Money

At 25, I spent money like it had an expiration date. Beauty hauls. Drinks I didn’t remember buying. Décor I didn’t need. Random Hobby Lobby and Ross purchases that ended up in a landfill.

If I could go back, I’d say one word: Save.

It doesn’t matter if it’s $5, $50, or $500 a month! Consistency beats perfection. Your future self doesn’t care about the outfits you wore once. She cares about financial peace, options, and freedom.

4. Work Out More (Because Your 30s Don’t Play Fair)

Here’s the truth: I’m trying to course-correct now in my thirties. And while it’s absolutely never too late, drinking less in my late twenties and moving more back then would’ve made this entire journey a hell of a lot smoother.

I’m not saying live in the gym. I’m saying move your body because you love it — not because you’re punishing it. Your joints, energy, and mood will thank you ten years later.

5. Drink Less. Yes, Even “Socially”

At 25, binge drinking didn’t feel like binge drinking. It felt like “being fun.” But your liver, your skin, your sleep, and your mental health keep the receipts.

Cutting back in your mid-20s makes your 30s feel less like an uphill battle. And again — it’s never too late. But earlier is easier.

6. You Don’t Need to Prove Anything to Anyone

Not to your parents.
Not to your coworkers.
Not to your ex.
Not to the internet.

Stop overworking, overgiving, and overperforming for applause that won’t matter in five years. Your worth isn’t a performance metric.

7. Boundaries Are Not Mean

Say no.
Say “I’m not comfortable with that.”
Say “I can’t make it.”
Say nothing and simply rest.

Boundaries are how you keep your life clean, your energy protected, and your sanity intact. Learn them at 25 so they’re not emergency repairs at 35.

8. Invest in Experiences, Not Aesthetics

You will not remember the outfit.
You will remember the trip.
The concert.
The weekend with people who made you laugh until your ribs hurt.

Spend on memories, not clutter.

9. Start a Hobby That Isn’t Side-Hustle Adjacent

Not every interest needs to make money.
Not every passion must become a brand.

Do things because they light you up. Paint badly. Dance terribly. Read slowly. Let yourself be multidimensional without monetizing it.

10. Have Faith — In Yourself and Something Bigger

If I could whisper one thing into my 25-year-old ear, it would be this: Have faith.
Faith that things will work out even when you can’t see the roadmap.
Faith that you’re stronger and more capable than you think.
And yes — faith in a higher power, whatever that looks like for you.

We all need something bigger than ourselves to lean on, especially when life gets heavy. Hope and spirituality aren’t weaknesses; they’re anchors.

What I Want You To Remember

Your 20s aren’t a race; they’re a rehearsal.
Your 30s aren’t a deadline; they’re a reset.

If I could tell 25-year-old me anything, it’s this:

Relax. Leave when it hurts. Save when you can. Move your body. Drink less. Protect your peace. Have faith. And trust that your timeline is unfolding exactly as it should.