5 Life Lessons for Women in Their 20s

I gave it all up when I was 16 — my sport, my friends, and even my family situation at the time. I was completely lost and bedridden, feeling like I had no purpose or desire to keep going.

I met Paris during that time. I don’t remember our first encounter — honestly, I blocked out most of that year — but I do remember the feeling when she was around. She had a glow I’d never seen before.

One day, Paris took me paddle boarding on the Intracoastal. The calm water, the warmth of the sun, and the peaceful surroundings seemed to lift the weight of everything I had been suppressing. When we made our way back to the dock, she sat beside me.

“I’ve been there before,” she said.

Her comment caught me off guard because I hadn’t told her I was struggling to keep going. Paris began to share her life story, and that’s when I decided that life was worth living.

Ladies, here are five life lessons Paris would love to pass on.

Stay Focused on Your Passions

“When I was younger, I was busy doing what I thought I was supposed to do,” Paris said.

“I loved aviation, teaching, ballet, and marine science, but I put my time elsewhere because adults told me those things wouldn’t pay the bills.”

With maturity — and hindsight — she realized her passions were God-given, not distractions.

She wished she would’ve taken the time to explore those avenues. Now that Paris is a wife and mother, she's learning that she loves specific types of aviation, gardening, and baking. Those things bring her peace.

Many women like the idea of passion but don’t know how to nurture it. We tend to prioritize finding our soulmate, or being a mother, and put our dreams aside.

"We have to surround ourselves with people who foster our interests. There are so many organizations and communities that want to support people who are passionate.”

Don’t let fear or others’ opinions steer your path.

“Before I knew God, I based decisions on what would lead to marriage, kids, or comfort. But when you partner with God, He’ll guide you where you’re meant to go. The anxiety fades because your life becomes abundant.”

Invest in Friendships That Strengthen You

Beyond personal growth, one of the most valuable parts of life is having friendships that truly strengthen you — the kind that bring peace, not pressure.

“I once heard a quote: ‘Godly friends pray behind your back, not talk behind your back’ That stuck with me,” Paris said.

We should want people in our life who honor us when we're not around — who make us feel safe being fully ourselves.

At one point, Paris’s family was offered a job opportunity that would have taken them back to her hometown — promising stability, comfort, and familiarity. But when she sought advice, one of her mentors told her something that shifted her perspective: ‘Every season of life is richer when you have the right community.’

That advice stayed with her. “We ended up not moving, and I wouldn’t trade the friendships I have now for anything. The people I have around me challenge me to grow, support me when life feels heavy, and celebrate me without competition.”

Surround yourself with people who make you better — friends who listen, encourage, and show up for you in ways that remind you what real connection feels like. The right community can completely change the way you experience life.

Focus Less About Men and More on Growth

Paris had her first boyfriend at 12, a relationship that lasted eight years. It was all she knew — the rhythm of familiarity, comfort, and routine. But deep down, she had a zealousness for life — a quiet longing to experience something more.

She ended up leaving her home at 16 and pursued a life of chaos, and dated the wrong guys. Eventually her choices caught up to her and she let her old life go.

“I’ve learned that your emotions and your circumstances can make you lose track of who you are — especially in relationships.”

Ladies, trust me I understand it’s easy to get caught up in infatuation. The problem is when we prioritize a romantic relationship over ourselves, we lose our identity.

“You start to shape yourself into what someone else wants, instead of who God designed you to be.”

“Stay the course, no matter how you feel or what’s happening around you. If you stay grounded in your identity and faith, you’ll be less likely to lose yourself in the emotional roller coasters of life.”

Invest in Your Health and Well-being

Paris believes your twenties are the foundation years — the time to build habits that will shape your future.

“When you’re young, you have the opportunity to mold your brain and your lifestyle,” she explained. “The small choices you make — your posture, your routines, your hobbies — all become your norm.”

She referenced Atomic Habits, a book that helped her understand the power of small, consistent changes.

“People say they don’t know how life got the way it did — but it’s all built from little habits that stack over time.”

“Everything is permissible, but is it beneficial? You can replace a bad habit with a better one — in your health, your relationships, and your faith.”

When we're young we push things off because we think we have time. Build your healthy habits now, before you look back and it's harder to.

Allow Yourself to Fail - and Learn from It

Paris believes that failure is one of life’s best teachers — if you let it be.

“Life experience comes from trial and error,” she said. “When I was younger, I thought, Maybe when I’m older, I’ll explore my interests because I’m not good enough yet. But it’s not about perfection — it’s about the process.”

She’s learned to embrace imperfection as part of growth. Don’t wait to be the best before you start. Stop worrying about what it looks like. Improvement comes from trying — from gaining experience and letting yourself learn.

“When you’re young, it’s the time to explore. Try new things. Find mentors who can help you. Don’t be afraid to start small — every experience adds to your story.”

Conclusion

Looking back, I realize that meeting Paris wasn’t just a coincidence — it was a turning point. Her words, her light, and her story reminded me that even when life feels heavy, there’s always a reason to keep going.

Paris’s life lessons aren’t just advice; they’re reminders that growth is a lifelong journey. Whether it’s rediscovering your passions, building meaningful relationships, prioritizing your well-being, or allowing yourself to fail and start again — it’s all part of becoming who you’re meant to be.

Life isn’t about doing everything perfectly or following someone else’s path. It’s about learning to slow down, to listen, and to have faith that every step— even through the uncertainty— leads you to an abundant life.

You don’t have to have it all figured out to live fully. Just start where you are. Nurture your passions and goals. Surround yourself with people who truly support you and want you to succeed.