Embracing Growth and Change in 2025
- Jordyn Mayes
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 16
Navigating Growth, Embracing Change, and Finding Balance in the Mid-20s
As we approach spring and the energy of 2025 continues to build, there’s a growing sense of anticipation in the air. With the season of renewal just ahead, people are setting new goals, planning big moves, and getting ready to step into their best selves. The world feels ripe with possibility, as if everyone is on the brink of something life-changing. Whether it’s career shifts, personal growth, or emotional breakthroughs, it’s clear—everyone is gearing up to take on the world.
But for some, including those who have been navigating life’s twists and turns for the past few years, there’s also an underlying sense of uncertainty. The excitement of a new year doesn’t come without its emotional contradictions. There’s the bright optimism, the desire to reach new heights—but at the same time, a sense of being caught in a transitional space, unsure of what comes next.
At 24, a writer finds themself entering a new phase of life—one that bridges the gap between early adulthood and the "mid-20s," a time when everything starts to feel a little more... complicated. There are moments of pure joy, fleeting moments when everything seems to click, but then, there are the lows. The emotional highs seem to be counterbalanced by the deepest lows. One conversation, one decision, one single thought can send everything into a whirlwind of emotions. And it’s hard to understand why. Is this phase just a part of growing up? Perhaps, but is there more to it?
The Quest for Meaning in a Changing World
What’s really at play here? Is this just the inevitable transition into adulthood, or is it something deeper—something tied to the evolving sense of self and purpose? The development of the frontal lobe, a concept often thrown around in conversations about the brain, could be the root of these conflicting emotions. In fact, the brain’s frontal lobe, which helps regulate emotions, decision-making, and self-control, continues to develop well into one’s mid-20s. Could this be the source of the emotional rollercoaster?
But it doesn’t stop there. As people navigate their 20s, they often find themselves bombarded with external influences that seem to have a magnetic pull. Social media, societal expectations, and the American Dream all work in tandem, creating a pressure that can be overwhelming. Suddenly, there’s this question: Are we really in control of our own lives? Or are we merely following a script, adhering to a timeline that others have set for us?
This is where the true battle begins—between what society says should be and what the individual feels in their heart. The fear of falling behind, the desire for success, and the pressure to achieve can sometimes cloud the clarity of one's own journey. In this noisy world, it can be easy to forget that the path is personal, unique, and unfolding in its own time.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
There are lessons to be learned, some of them hard-earned. The kind of lessons that shake up the foundation of who one thought they were. But these lessons are also critical in helping navigate life’s complexities. Financial literacy, mental health management, and establishing firm boundaries—these are all aspects of life that many struggle with in their early adulthood, yet they are essential for moving forward in a healthy, balanced way. The path to success isn’t just about career accomplishments; it’s about emotional and psychological growth as well.
And the relationships one forms along the way? They, too, evolve. Some people come into one’s life for a season, while others stay for the long haul. That’s the way it goes, because life is constantly changing, and with change comes the necessity of reevaluating boundaries. The days of people-pleasing are over. It’s no longer possible—or healthy—to bend to the will of everyone who pulls at one’s energy. Recognizing the limits of one’s capacity to help others is crucial, but it’s also about making sure that one's own needs are met first.
The Importance of Boundaries
Boundaries are not just buzzwords—they’re survival tools. In the midst of emotional highs and lows, it’s vital to maintain a sense of self, to stand firm in one’s beliefs, and to practice saying “no” when necessary. This is something that the mid-20s mind starts to truly understand: the need to carve out space for oneself, even if it means disappointing others. People might not always understand, but ultimately, it’s about preserving one's own peace of mind.
This period of growth is a reminder that everything—and everyone—changes. People change, beliefs change, and so do the circumstances around us. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay; it’s necessary for personal development. Change, even when uncomfortable, is the driving force behind progress.
Yet, it’s not just about change—it’s about being intentional with the change. Exercising boundaries, putting oneself first, and even learning to say goodbye to things that no longer serve a purpose can feel uncomfortable at first, but it is ultimately freeing. In a world that often pushes individuals to conform and please others, it takes strength to stand in one's truth and make decisions that align with personal values and goals.
The Role of Consistency and Faith
The journey is rarely linear. It’s full of twists, turns, and unexpected detours. Some days the effort is at 5%, other days it’s at 100%. But consistency is key. The ups and downs might feel frustrating at times, but there’s a quiet assurance in knowing that hard work—whether at full capacity or a fraction of it—will eventually pay off. The results may not always be immediate, but they will come.
In the midst of this rollercoaster, one thing remains crucial: faith. Whether it’s faith in the universe, a higher power, or simply the belief that things will work out, it’s necessary to hold onto that trust. Life will throw curveballs, but it’s important to stay grounded, continue putting in the work, and trust that everything is unfolding as it should.
Copyright 2025 WAFFLE. Magazine All Rights Reserved.
Comments