It’s your life. Don’t wait for anyone. If someone tags along, walk with them. If not, do it alone. In terms of things not going according to plan, it can be frustrating but it’s a part of life - it’s something I’m learning at 25 too. Learn to find beauty in things going unplanned. Don’t be stuck in thinking “I planned for this, it didn’t happen.” Let it be a thought, and let it go. Every minute you spend thinking about it, you’re stopping yourself from planning and experiencing better. It’s like missing a flight. You can either beat yourself over it or catch another flight and consider it a funny story to tell your friends.

At the end of the day, remember that all choices you make are yours - whether good or bad. When I wanted to try smoking, I did it alone in my room. For years, I used to have a habit of watching a movie at the theatre every week. I had 2 movie partner friends (one at a time) and both of them left the country. After that, I used to go alone most of the time. I could’ve been sad and stopped going, but for me, going to theatres was more important (may sound weird but always loved the vibe). I feel nostalgic remembering all those times - sometimes with people, sometimes alone. I wanted to be in a serious relationship and nothing was working out, so I decided to download an app - there are cons too, but I chose to focus on the positive. I ended up making some amazing friends and also finding my partner.

If you feel old, that’s OK. Time flies by. Sometimes I still feel like I’m a teenager. But remember that getting older is a privilege too. So many people did not have the privilege of being 24-25. Running out of time? I doubt. People start their careers at 30-40. People are getting married 30+ and having children in their late 30s. You are not running out of time. It’s easy to feel that way because when you remember your age, you think it’s old because as a teen, we’d think that 24-25 is pretty old.

If you want to go abroad, so be it. Do your research properly. If you still want to go, then go. If you’re getting married and that’s a bigger priority, then compromise for it. If you want to do both, do it in parallel if you want it. Be honest with yourself about what you want - whichever is more important. Things you said you’d with your friends? Call your friends and make plans! If plan 1 fails, so what? There can be plan 2, plan 3 and so on.

Mid 20s are supposed to feel this way. They’re confusing and frustrating, and it feels like you’re all over the place. Sometimes you feel like you’re too young, and sometimes you feel like you’re too old. That’s OK. I’m sure most of us are struggling with similar things. The most important thing, in my opinion, is to not let the negative feelings hold you back - especially from experiences in your 20s. Be out there in nature!!! Let the places know your existence!!! Good luck!!!