Life Lessons I Wish I Knew Before 25

corliadpreez
Mar 26
3 min read

(A letter to my younger self—and maybe yours too)

If I could sit down with my 25-year-old self over a cup of coffee, there’s so much I’d want to say. Not because I had it all figured out—but because I didn’t. I thought I had to. I thought everyone else did.

Now, with some lived experience (and a whole lot of grace), here are the life lessons I wish I had known before turning 25:

1. You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out

Seriously. You’re not late, and you’re not lost. Life is not a checklist of achievements by a certain age. Careers shift. Relationships change. Passions evolve. Give yourself permission to explore, stumble, start again, and grow at your own pace.

"Uncertainty isn’t failure—it’s freedom in disguise."

2. Rest Is Productive

I used to equate busy with valuable. I chased exhaustion like it was a badge of honour. But rest? Rest is essential. You do your best thinking, creating, and loving when you’re not running on fumes.

Sleep. Breathe. Log off. You're not a machine.

3. People’s Opinions Are Not Your Truth

So much energy is wasted trying to be liked, to be understood, to fit into boxes you were never meant for. What really matters is: Do you like yourself? Are you proud of how you treat others and show up in the world?

You’ll never please everyone. But peace comes when you stop trying.

4. Failing Is Not the End—It’s the Beginning

Failure doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It means you were brave enough to try. Some of the most defining moments in my life came from what I thought were disasters at the time. Failing taught me things success never could.

"You’re not failing. You’re learning. You’re refining."

5. You Can Love People and Still Choose Yourself

Boundaries aren’t cruel. They’re kind. You can love people deeply and still say “no.” You don’t have to shrink yourself to make others comfortable. And anyone who truly loves you won’t ask you to.

6. Your Value Is Not Tied to Your Productivity

You’re worthy even on your laziest day. You’re worthy when you’re sick, sad, slow, or struggling. You were never meant to prove your worth by ticking boxes.

You matter simply because you exist.

7. The Right People Will Find You When You’re Being Your Real Self

Pretending gets you connection—but only on the surface. When you’re brave enough to show up as your full, quirky, growing self, that’s when real connections begin. Your people? They’re looking for you. Not the polished version. The true one.

8. Healing Takes Time, But It’s Worth It

The pain you avoid doesn’t disappear—it just buries itself. Facing it is hard, but healing is possible. Therapy, journaling, coaching, support groups—whatever your path looks like, just know: you deserve to feel whole.

9. It’s Okay to Change Your Mind

You’re allowed to pivot. To un-choose what no longer fits. To outgrow the dream you once fought for. Changing your mind isn’t flaky—it’s wise.

10. You’re Stronger Than You Think

You’ve survived every hard day so far. You’ve gotten through moments you thought you couldn’t. That strength? It’s yours to carry into every new chapter.