What I’ve Learned in My 20s

I turned 30 a few weeks ago. The first thing I did in the lead up to and following the date was upped my skincare routine. Obviously. However, I’ve also been taking time off to think about some life lessons I’ve learned, so I wanted to share those.

You don’t have to have a big party for your birthday

Or even your 30th birthday. This birthday I’ve learned that you don’t have to be fabulous on your birthday or be at a fancy holiday destination. You don’t have to and, in this case, cannot do anything, but stay home - and it can still be a lovely day. What actually matters are the thoughts and wishes of your loved ones. The pressure to do certain things comes from outside of ourselves; it has little to do with our physical and emotional well being. Who new it would take major generation altering event to learn that?

It’s all about gentle skincare

I have always had skin that is both oily and dry - an absolute nightmare combination when you live in a place that has seasons such as Melbourne. I used to think that if you have breakouts you should be using products that dry out your skin. What I’ve learnt is that the more nourishing products I use the better my skin is able to balance itself.

I‘ve been loving gentle Squalene cleansers (currently on The Ordinary cleanser), nourishing serums (also currently using Hyaluronic Acid Serum from The Ordinary), hemp seed oil (loving the one by Salt by Hendrix) to smoothie the dry patches and lots and lots of sunscreen each and every day.

Moderately healthy diet and semi-regular exercise is all you need

After a decade of trying all sorts of combinations (ie. always obsessed about eating less and working out more), I have settled on a mostly plant based diet and exercise 3-4 times a week.

I’ve learned that you can eat well, have a decent amount of treats, workout moderately and be in the best shape of your life.

Transforming your body and adapting healthy habits is a process that has taken me a long time to perfect. It is the consistency over the years that has shown the best results I’ve ever had.

Friendships are about quality, not quantity

In my early twenties having friends was all about being a part of a large group - the more people you can invite to a party you are having the better type of thing. Oh, how things have changed! These days it more about real connections with much fewer people - the kinda people you can have a lovely relationship with via texts or messages, less regular but a lot more meaningful catch ups (the kind where the conversation is not fueled by wine, gossip or relationship drama, but ideas, inspirations and mutual love and respect).

Fashion is also about quality

In my late 20s I started investing into higher end designer pieces to build a wardrobe that on, one hand, always looks chic and fashionable while, on the other, will stand the test of time. Now I buy 1 or 2 handbags a year (as opposed to more cheaper pieces in the past), but these are a perfect fit in my wardrobe and I can see myself getting years worth of wear out of them.

Being in the blogging industry, there is a lot of pressure to always be wearing the newest trendiest pieces and there are times I have to restrain myself. Either buying or being gifted pieces that you do not “love” generates a ridiculous amount of fashion waste and is not something I want to be a part of.

You will never regret traveling

I have said it before and will say it again - I believe that traveling is an investment. This is obviously my own personal opinion (probably the opposite of financial advice, haha). I believe in investing into your personal growth. Whether your trip is to a unique destination, where you learn about a new culture and tradition, or simply a week spent by the pool with a cocktail in hand, that will allow you to have a rest from your hectic daily schedule - you will always come back from a trip with new thoughts, perspectives and ideas.

You need to set goals, but enjoy the ride that’s life is

For a long time I have wanted to be a lawyer - don’t get me wrong - I still do. I have gone to law school and worked in the industry for a number of years.

I have also loved social media and blogging from the “early days”, but would never have thought that I would be doing what I’m doing now.

How these two parts of me will come together I still don‘t know, but life is long and it‘s so important to fill it will learning, challenges and project that you enjoy.

What I thought my life would look like at 30 is nothing like my life today and that is ok.

Xx

Lena