
The other day, I found myself immersed in a TV show on Peacock about SNL and the behind-the-scenes world we rarely see. It was fascinating, but what struck me most wasn’t the glitz or the chaos—it was the reminder of what it feels like to be young, daring, and navigating the whirlwind of chasing dreams.
Watching the show transported me back to my 20s, a time that can only be described as an emotional rollercoaster. The highs of growth and discovery were matched by the lows of stress, failure, and uncertainty. I remembered those feelings vividly—the overwhelming waves of trying, failing, learning, and summoning courage in the face of life’s unpredictability.
The Beauty of the Journey
What stood out most in my reflection was that, even amidst the chaos, I was always moving forward. There was no time to let fear or failure fester because I was constantly working toward something. Whether it was a goal I had set for myself, an opportunity I was chasing, or simply figuring out who I wanted to be, I kept going.
The most pivotal decision I made during that time was to stop comparing myself to others. I decided that my growth, my success, and even my failures were uniquely mine. They couldn’t be measured against anyone else’s journey. That choice—to compete only with myself—was life-changing. It freed me from the suffocating weight of comparison and allowed me to live, grow, fail, and succeed in my own shadow.
"The most pivotal decision I made in my 20s was to stop comparing my journey to others. Once I realized my growth and success were uniquely mine, I found the freedom to live, grow, fail, and succeed in my own shadow."
Shani T. Night
The Courage of Youth
There’s something commendable about being young and brave enough to chase your dreams. It requires courage to step into the unknown, to try and fail, and to keep going despite the nerves and self-doubt. And nerves? They’re not a bad thing—they’re a sign that you care.
If I think back to my 20s, I realize how tumultuous that time was. For many, it feels like being dumped out of high school and thrown into college or adult life, often with little preparation. It’s shocking, exhilarating, and terrifying all at once. You’re discovering who you are while learning how to navigate a world that doesn’t come with a guidebook.
Lessons From the Past
What watching that show reminded me of is this: The 20s are a time of immense bravery, even if we don’t recognize it in the moment. It’s a time of building, dreaming, and becoming. And though it’s easy to get caught up in the stress or the failures, it’s also a time to celebrate the courage it takes to show up every day and keep trying.
If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, it would be to embrace the chaos and trust the journey. Every stumble, every heartbreak, every success—they’re all part of the story that shapes who we become.
So, to anyone in their 20s (or any stage of life, really):
Be kind to yourself.
Stop comparing your path to others.
Know that it’s okay to fail—it’s proof that you’re trying.
And most importantly, remember that your dreams are worth chasing, no matter how scary or uncertain the journey feels.
Looking back, I’m grateful for those years. They taught me resilience, courage, and the power of embracing my own unique path. Watching that show reminded me of the strength it takes to chase dreams and the beauty of youth’s boundless potential.
What about you? If you reflect on your 20s, what comes to mind?
Let’s celebrate the bravery it takes to grow, learn, and live fully, no matter the season of life we’re in. 🌟
About the Author
Shani T. Night is a certified happiness coach, award-winning children's author, and positivity advocate. With a passion for helping others embrace joy and personal growth, Shani empowers individuals to live their happiest, healthiest, and most fulfilling lives. Through her books, coaching, and blog, she inspires readers to find their light, nurture their dreams, and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace.
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