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Janine's avatar

My early 20s (and to be fair, mid 20s as well) were pretty much all about finding validation in external factors too. I turned to just studying non-stop. Getting the best of the best grades.

Realizing that real confidence is inwards changed everything and I wish I knew earlier... but I guess that's what our 20s for - self-discovery, failures and experiences.

Thanks for the honesty and authenticity in this story, loved it :) It inspired me to also reflect on how my self-image has changed over the past decade.

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Irene Chu's avatar

Hi Janine, thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story, too. I'd love to read your reflection on how your self-image has changed over the past decade if you decide to write an article/email about it. And you're right - Our 20s are for self-discovery, failures, and experiences. But I also believe self-discovery is an ongoing process. I don't think it ever really ends, does it?

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Denis Gorbunov's avatar

The pen and paper way rocks. I love writing down my thoughts. There's this connection between your hand and the real "you". If I decide to reflect on my life, then using a pen and paper.

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Irene Chu's avatar

"There's this connection between your hand and the real "you"." - Love this! Thank you for sharing, Denis. 🥰

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