Not Lost, Just Beginning: My Unglamorous Reality of Turning 20- New Seasons, New Lessons.

A lot has changed in the past few months—changes that have broken me down, but all in the name of rebuilding myself into a version I truly love. The unexpected decision to drop out of what I once thought was my dream university and course to pursue what my heart felt was missing at that moment. A choice that took many sleepless nights of tears, prayers, and questioning whether I was throwing away an opportunity I had once begged for.

Now, four months later, words cannot describe the peace and joy I feel. It was, without a doubt, the right decision.

But then came my second round of applications—putting myself out there again, hoping my previous choices wouldn’t affect my chances of getting in. I worried, I wondered, and I stressed about the possibility of rejection. But now, I no longer have to worry because I have officially received an offer for the exact course and university I prayed would accept me the second time around!

This whole process has taught me so much—trusting my intuition, trusting God, fighting for what I want, believing in my abilities, and holding onto the vision I have for my life. If something feels like it’s missing, then it probably is, and that feeling is worth listening to.

In the midst of all this change, I also turned 20—my not-so-anticipated exit from my teenage years. I’ve always felt deeply connected to my teenhood, wanting to be one of those wildly successful teenagers. But sadly (not really), I’m not. I mean, I did technically become a millionaire at 19 from my press-on nails business (in Naira, but a million is a million lol). Just don’t ask me where the money is now because I couldn’t tell you.

Still, that has to count for something, right? I constantly remind myself that even though I’m not a “rich teen,” I’ve accomplished so much in my teen years that I should be proud of. Money is not the only marker of success. My academic achievements and my business are worth celebrating, even if I’ve been conditioned not to value them as highly. The big goals we set for ourselves aren’t the only ones that matter—dream big, but don’t forget to applaud your smaller wins too. Like they say, it’s about the journey, not the destination.

Turning 20, with that big, intimidating “2” announcing my so-called adulthood, is honestly terrifying. It feels like I’m suddenly supposed to have it all figured out, but by whose standards? Using social media as a blueprint for my early 20s would only leave me burnt out and feeling behind. As I said at the start, I’m in the process of building myself into someone I love—that’s what I want my early 20s to be about. I have a lifetime ahead of me to hustle, but right now, while I have the opportunity to slow down and truly discover who Omeyi is, I’m going to take it. That doesn’t mean I’m not working towards my goals—it just means I’m not tying my success to a rigid timeline. Maybe it’ll take a year, maybe five. Either way, when I reach it, I want to be able to say I enjoyed the journey, without feeling like I had to compromise my happiness to get there.

So, here are a few things I’ll be doing this year to embrace the newness of being 20 and discovering myself:

1. Disconnecting From the Toxic Hustle of Social Media Content Creation

I want to go back to the days when social media was about connection—sharing things that genuinely matter to me and others, or just silly, lighthearted content. Instead of churning out content to satisfy the algorithm and chase profit (no hate to those who do!), I want to focus on creating more wholesome posts, blog pieces like this, and long-form YouTube content. I want to build real connections with people who, like me, crave something deeper than a quick dopamine hit from a TikTok.

2. Moving My Body

I have officially become a couch potato. As someone who won gold and silver medals in track during secondary school, it’s honestly embarrassing how I can barely last five minutes in a workout without feeling like I’m about to pass out. I tried the gym, but as a shy girl, the awkwardness of struggling in front of people was not cute lol. So, instead, I’m following an at-home workout plan and heading to the gym only for treadmill walks. My goal? To stay healthy and build a body I love even more.

3. Reading More (Fiction & Non-Fiction)

I’ll be real—I’ve always been envious of book lovers. So this year, I’m giving it a try! Since I’m cutting down on mindless social media scrolling, reading is the perfect replacement. Plus, it’ll help me build an intimidating vocabulary to flex on people (this is not a joke lol). I also want to read more medical science books because, while I love the subject, I am definitely a lazy reader.

4. Eating Healthier

I recently found out pasta is an ultra-processed food, and I have never felt more betrayed. Cutting down my pasta intake is going to feel like a painful breakup, but anything for my health. I’ve had gut issues for over a year now (yes, I will get it checked soon, I promise!), so focusing on healthy, home-cooked meals should help. And no, healthy food isn’t gross—you just need good recipes. If it’s naturally sourced, it’s good for you. If God made it, then it’s definitely good for you!

5. Gaming

Gaming is such an underrated way to escape reality and just have fun. I’ve recently gotten back into The Sims 4 (custom content makes it even better!), and I’d love to learn how to create my own mods one day. It seems like such a fun hobby to explore.

6. More Crafts & Hobbies

Sewing, jewelry making, drawing, beading—anything that lets me engage my creativity. I got a sewing machine for my birthday, so as soon as I figure out how to cut patterns easily, I’ll be unleashing my inner fashion designer!

7. Getting a Job

I’ve never seriously tried to get a job before—every time I applied, I gave up after one attempt. If I’m honest, my true passion lies in entrepreneurship, and I’m more driven by passion than money. But I still need money lol, so while I continue to grow my nail business, I’m finally getting a job to relieve some financial stress. Because money stress? It’s not cute.

All of this is not just for me, but hopefully for you too! Stepping into a new stage of life can be terrifying, but it’s your life. You get to decide what you want to pursue, in your own time, in your own way.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you on YouTube as well. If you’re also trying to be more mindful about your social media consumption, I humbly ask that you add my channel to your chill-time list—let’s figure out this thing called life together.

Stay beautiful, my lovely!

I love you!

– Omeyi ✨