To My Twenties: A Birthday Wish
By Angelica Ruiz
Twenty was always a frightening number. It was the physical representation of “dun dun DUNN.” It’s a milestone that feels suspended between the echoes of adolescence and the beckoning call of adulthood. It’s an interesting and confusing age, where the heart still yearns for youth’s simple joys and laughter as the mind wrestles with the responsibilities and uncertainties of the future.
I’m currently standing on this weird threshold of welcoming in a new decade full of possibilities and leaving behind my precious yet tumultuous teenage years. These years were a rollercoaster of blossoming friendships, friend break-ups (the worst kind), self-discovery, and the navigating of an unimaginable health crisis. They were years of exploration, where every emotion was raw, and every experience felt monumental. I recall the thrill of newfound independence, the comfort of familiar routines, and the constant, often chaotic search for identity. My teenage years were a mix of rebellion and conformity, of certainty and doubt, and in their wake, they leave a tapestry rich with lessons learned and stories to tell.
As I stand in this liminal space, I blow out my birthday candles and make my wishes for my twenties, a decade that feels like a blank canvas, ready to be filled with the strokes of my ambitions, dreams, and goals.
I wish for a sense of self that is grounded and confident. I don’t think I’ve ever questioned who I was or denied myself of an identity that grows within me. I have always — for the most part — known and accepted who I am. But, as the years go on, I want to share my love and hate with others without fearing judgment. I want to share all aspects of my personality and not care what others think. I want to embrace my flaws and strengths and understand that I am a work in progress, which is perfectly okay!
I wish to build meaningful relationships, to find a balance between giving and receiving love. I want to nurture the bonds that have sustained me through my teenage years and forge new connections that will accompany me through the twists and turns of adulthood. I don’t think I would have fully enjoyed my teenage years without the friends that I have around me. They have helped me through everything from my major existential crises during high school to the minuscule, brain-wracking crisis of what nail design I should get. I have deep love and appreciation for my lifelong friends that I simply cannot express. I hope to deepen these friendships and carry them on through my twenties. I wish for new connections that will complement my existing relationships and teach me new lessons I can cherish and carry. In these relationships, I hope for authenticity and depth, the kind of connections that withstand the test of time.
I wish for a kinder, healthier version of myself, where I nurture my well-being and growth with compassion and care. For most of my teenage years, I was consumed with a tsunami of anxiety and panic. I always overthought every action that I did or every situation that I found myself in. I have struggled to sleep from the weight of these anxious thoughts. In the most recent years, these anxious thoughts have been combined with a new health diagnosis that I would have never expected. I’m constantly overthinking my every move, hoping not to get hurt to trigger my condition. If I do get hurt, my brain immediately panics, wondering if I’m okay or if I need to make a quick doctor visit for reassurance. I want to put these panics to an end. In my twenties, I want to prioritize my mental and physical well-being; it’s the only way to say goodbye to the consuming anxieties I feel.
I wish to embrace a bit of selfishness, dedicating this decade to focusing on myself and my growth. I want to prioritize my dreams, aspirations, and well-being, allowing myself the space to explore who I am and who I want to become. My sun sign is cancer; of course, I’ve lived the majority of my life looking out for others and putting other’s best interests ahead of my own. While I enjoy looking after others, I think it’s time to indulge in a little me time. My twenties are the perfect time to say no to others occasionally, splurge on items that will make me happy, take time to travel and cultivate the habits and skills that will shape my future. By putting myself first, I foster my self-awareness and confidence, ensuring that I emerge from this decade as the best version of myself. I am passionate about this journey of self-discovery and growth and hope to inspire others to do the same.
Lastly, I wish to be a beacon of happiness and love, radiating joy and compassion in everything I do. I aspire to fill my days with moments that make my heart sing, surrounding myself with people who uplift and inspire me. I want to embrace love in all its forms — self-love, romantic love, the love of family and friends — nurturing these connections with sincerity and care. By creating a life filled with positivity and warmth, I simply hope to overflow with happiness.
So here’s to twenty — a number that once haunted me but now feels like a gateway to endless possibilities. I’m ready to leap into this new decade with enthusiasm and optimism, knowing that it will be filled with growth, discovery, and a whole lot of love. Cheers to the twenties and all the beautiful adventures that lie ahead!
