As I approach my mid-twenties, the concept of a ‘legacy’ has become increasingly more prominent in my thoughts
While it may bring to mind grand accomplishments and establishing an enduring impact, I can’t help but wonder, does making a true mark in this world require doing something extraordinary, or is it simply living life the way you want to? When you hit your twenties for many it feels like the pressure is really on. Questions like: ‘Why haven’t I found my dream job yet?‘ or ‘Should I be settling down and starting a family?‘ start to haunt one’s thoughts. It’s a period of self-reflection and evaluating where we stand in life, but at the same time we feel like we’ve only just come out of our teenage years.
Now that I have hit the ripe old age of twenty-four I can wholeheartedly admit that I’m still grappling with a sense of uncertainty on my path in life. When I was younger I held the belief that those in their twenties would have their lives organised, with a clear direction to follow. Now that I’ve reached that age I see that’s not the case at all.
The truth I’ve come to realise is that age doesn’t automatically grant us all the answers
Despite feeling older and more mature, uncertainty is a natural part of life. It’s crucial to understand that not knowing what lies ahead is perfectly normal. The outdated societal pressure to have our lives figured out in our twenties and to possess a crystal-clear vision of the legacy we wish to leave behind is — to put it bluntly — crazy. It’s almost comical to think that we put these pressures on ourselves to have these answers, when we’ve barely been thrust into the unpredictable world of adulthood.
We live in a world that often glorifies the idea of constantly striving for more success, achievements, and possessions. We’re bombarded with messages that urge us to plan meticulously for the future, to always be one step ahead. However, in this relentless chase, we can easily lose sight of the value of the present and the experiences that shape our lives in the here and now.
Rather than succumbing to the fear of the unfamiliar, we should be embracing this phase as a time for exploration and self-discovery
Our twenties present a chance for personal development and uncovering our true selves. For example, if you find yourself trapped in a job that fails to ignite your passion, pursue fresh opportunities that align with what you feel is right for you in the now. Instead of regretting wishing away these years while anxiously pondering the legacy we’ll leave behind, we should aim to reflect on them with appreciation and growth. It’s led me to conclude that no matter how society says we should be living our lives, or where your friends are on their journeys right now, the only thing that really matters is that you are enjoying the now.
If you’re always chasing the future, when are you ever really going to enjoy the present?
And with that I leave you with one (slightly cheesy yet wholesome) final statement: let the legacy that you leave behind be that you always lived in the moment and enjoyed it every step of the way and everything else that comes along with it is just an added bonus.
Featured image: Eliza Alves / Capturenow
