By Shradha Sinha – April 23, 2025
Table of Contents
Before I blow out my candles, here are 5 life lessons that shaped me!
Hello, my lovely readers! I’m turning 23 tomorrow, and I felt it was the perfect time to reflect on the lessons life has been teaching me over the past few years. This is more than a birthday post. It’s a note from me to you, sharing five of the most important lessons I’ve learned so far across different areas of my life: education, career, relationships, self-image, and the big picture of it all.
Each lesson has helped shape who I am today, and I’m still learning, always am. I hope that in reading this, you’ll find a little comfort, encouragement, or clarity of your own.
Lesson 1: Education doesn’t end in the classroom
If there’s one thing I’ve realised about education, it’s that it’s not confined to school or university. We often grow up believing that once we graduate, we’re “done” with learning. But truthfully, the real education begins after we leave formal institutions.
Learning is constant. Whether it’s teaching yourself a new skill, staying informed about the world, exploring new interests, or simply becoming more self-aware — that’s education. And the best part? It doesn’t require anyone’s permission. You can start learning anything at any time, all on your own terms. If you’ve ever wanted to study something new, develop a habit, or explore a passion — do it! Curiosity is a gift, and feeding it will take you further than any degree ever could.
Lesson 2: Your degree doesn’t define your career
This one’s for anyone who feels boxed in by what they studied. I come from a Science background and hold a degree in Zoology, and yet, most of the work I do today falls under event management, digital creation, operations, and a mix of everything in between.
Since the age of 17, I’ve been anchoring events, building my confidence through on-stage experiences, and learning how to connect with people. My communication skills didn’t come from a textbook — they came from putting myself out there, learning by doing, and staying curious about different fields. Over time, that curiosity led me to opportunities I never imagined.
The truth is, your career path doesn’t have to follow a straight line. You can pivot. You can grow. And you can absolutely build a fulfilling, successful career, even if it doesn’t match your degree. What matters is your passion, your drive, and your willingness to learn.
Lesson 3: No family, friendship or relationship is perfect — and that’s okay
Growing up, my family life wasn’t exactly the most stable. There were financial struggles, unresolved issues, and pain that sometimes felt like it would never end. My father hasn’t been the most supportive or ideal figure, and watching my mom carry the weight of so many responsibilities, especially while caring for my grandfather, who struggled with severe mental health challenges, taught me strength in its rawest, most resilient form.
For the longest time, I used to envy others who seemed to have it all, especially those with close-knit families or supportive fathers. But as I got older, I realised: no family is perfect. Everyone has their own version of pain, of struggle, of trying to hold things together. And sometimes, the love we seek in many people can be found fully in one person. For me, that person is my mom — my constant, my strength, and the one who never stopped believing in me.
When it comes to friendships, one of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is that not all of them are meant to last forever. Some friendships fade — not because of anger or betrayal, but simply because life takes us in different directions. It can be painful when people who once felt like home start to feel distant. But with time, I’ve come to understand that letting go doesn’t mean those connections weren’t real or valuable. It just means we’ve grown. And in that space, there’s always room to meet new people — people who match our energy, values, and the stage of life we’re in.
When it comes to romantic relationships, I’ve learned that’s it’s a journey in itself. Some people enter our lives to teach us something, to help us grow, or to prepare us for the love we truly deserve. I’ve had my heart broken, and I’ve broken hearts too. The most painful moment was losing my ex-boyfriend when I was just 19. That experience shifted something deep within me — the way I saw the world, how I loved, and how I understood loss. But even through the grief, I never stopped believing in love. I held onto hope, and eventually, love found me again — in the most unexpected way.
Today, I’m with someone who offers the kind of love that feels safe, genuine and grounding. It’s true what they say: the right people often come into your life when you least expect it, reminding you that love is still very much alive — and always worth waiting for.
Lesson 4: Loving yourself is a journey, not a destination
For years, I struggled with the way I saw myself. Like many of us, I grew up constantly comparing — wishing I looked taller, prettier, or more “put together.” Social media only amplified those insecurities, feeding me images of “perfect” people and making me feel like I was somehow falling behind.
But over time, I’ve come to realise this: there’s no rush to glow up. Growing up messy, sun-kissed, and carefree is part of the magic. There’s no timeline for becoming who you’re meant to be. And self-acceptance doesn’t mean you stop evolving, it simply means you grow from a place of love instead of criticism.
Now, I care for myself not out of shame, but out of deep respect. I move my body, nourish it, rest it — because it deserves that kind of tenderness. Even when life gets overwhelming, I always return to myself. Just remember that self-love isn’t loud or perfect — it’s patient, intentional and kind. Let your glow up be slow. Let it be real. And most importantly, let it be yours.
Lesson 5: Life is all about evolving — and staying open to what’s next
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: stay open. Open to learning, to unlearning, to changing your mind. Open to outgrowing dreams, starting from scratch, and rediscovering yourself over and over again.
Your path may look nothing like what you imagined at 16, or even last year — and that’s perfectly fine. Life has a way of reshaping us, of nudging us towards the unexpected. And the truth is, we’re not meant to have it all figured out. Not in our twenties, maybe not ever.
What matters is that you keep evolving. That you let yourself grow without shame, without the need to prove anything to anyone. Every version of you — your past selves, your present one, and the person you’re still becoming —matters. Each one has played a role in bringing you here.
To end this note…
If you’re in your twenties feeling unsure, behind, or overwhelmed — take a deep breath. You’re not late. You’re not lost. You’re just living. And living takes time.
Here’s to being 23, and embracing the beauty of not having all the answers.
And here’s to you, wherever you are, however you’re feeling, you’re doing just fine.
Shradha Sinha, founder of SL 24, is a System & Process Specialist at Seven01 and an Emcee from Shillong, Meghalaya – India. Currently, she is enthusiastically exploring the world of digital creation. Through her platform, she warmly invites everyone to join her on this new journey of personal growth and discovery.
For any queries, visit the contact page.
Follow Savvy Lifestyle 24 on Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook
Shop Page: SL 24 STORE
Check out Video Hub for YouTube Videos
Listen to all the Savvy Lifestyle 24 Podcast episodes here.
