25 lessons far from a Quarter-Life Crisis
I turned 25 years old a month and a half ago — and I realize that if I don’t pause and write, life will always continue to fly past me… without an ounce of time to catch a breath.
It’s weird to reflect upon the past year and to conceptualize the different chapters I started and finished, the people who came and go, new and old titles of “home” — and how those definitions changed along with my shifting communities.
When I look back at 24 years young, I’ll transport the vivid memories of the year I lived in Taiwan, became a teacher to 400+ students, went on spontaneous island excursions and scooter road trips with strangers that became family, ate my weight in 水餃, connected with lifelong friends with a shared passion of making the world a better place, rediscovered home in Seattle, found comfort in family, started medical school, found community, mentorship, friendships bound by the challenges and thrill of school, found solace in someone I love, reunited with old college + study abroad friends, felt inspired by patients, gained perspective on the highs and lows of a career in medicine, felt even more confused about my career path, loss a sense of self through routine, and during all of this, experienced a plethora of shared laughter, adventures, and simple, yet joyful moments. So thank you to those (you know who you are), who have been a part to share all of this.
To continue the annual tradition, here are the 25 lessons I learned and relearned this past year:
The one constant in life is change. Uncertainty can be scary, but what you can have control over is how you choose to embrace it.
The simple joy of cackling with your friends until your stomach hurts.
Making a difference doesn’t mean you have to change the world — it can simply be the way you made someone feel, even in the smallest moment.
Becoming a teacher allowed me to discover that middle schoolers are silly, creative, and curious -- and in doing so, I learned to reembrace my inner child.
Teaching also helped me realize what it means to empower and guide others to find their confidence through patience and understanding.
Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is being an active listener.
Remind your long-distance friends how much you mean to them, and the in-person reunions will feel even sweeter.
Friendship breakups suck, but it’s also okay to realize that people change, you change, and it is all part of life.
You regret the things you didn’t do. Find the balance of saying yes more yet prioritizing self-care when you truly need it.
Life is too short to give a shit about what people think of you because they're probably busy searching for themselves -- so live in a way that feels most authentic to you!
Meaningful conversations with people you trust or even complete strangers can be healing.
The best investment you can make in yourself is physical and mental health. Prioritize it.
Family will be there for you, even when you forget to acknowledge how much you need them.
Your five closest friends are a reflection of you — surround yourself with friends who inspire yet challenge you.
It's never too late to discover a new hobby or passion.
Life is long, but it moves quickly. Learn to remind yourself that it's okay to pause and be present.
No one truly has their shit together, but we’re really good at hiding it.
Romanticize your life like you're the main character, and appreciate the little moments.
Be spontaneous. Go on adventures! These are the memories that you’ll hold onto.
Embrace taking risks and making mistakes and the lessons you learned from them.
Dream big — the only thing that's stopping you is yourself and your will to persevere.
Not everyone will like you, and that’s okay.
Home is wherever I find my community.
Learn to give yourself grace.
Do the things that make you feel excited, invigorated, and alive.
