Embracing Change in Your Late 20s: The Soft Life Chronicles
Didn’t really know where this post would go, but I started writing and this just came out. Writing it brought me back to when I was 17 starting up my first blog which only my family read. But it’s fun so keep reading to get a very chaotic, vulnerable rendition of my recent realisation.
It hit me earlier this year: I’ve changed. Kind of obvious I guess, but it’s something that has taken me a while to fully accept and embrace. My weekends used to be filled with endless parties, fuelled by FOMO and the thought that if I wasn’t there, I would miss out on the best night of my life. Or worse, that my friends would think I was boring. Don’t get me wrong, those nights hold memories I wouldn’t trade for the world. I have met some of my bestest friends through these moments. But as I edge closer to 30, I’ve found myself craving something...different. Enter: the soft life.
Now, I’d love to say this shift has been all roses and daisies. Is that the correct saying? That I’ve effortlessly transitioned into this new version of myself without a hiccup, but the reality is a bit messier. What I can say is that the past couple of years have taught me the true value of slowing down, showing up authentically, and savouring what matters most.
Trading Chaos for Comfort
I’m not saying I was a ¨party animal¨, but I definitely had my chaotic period, like most 20-something girls. One of the biggest changes? Swapping the ¨I must go out it’s Friday night¨ for intimate midweek coffee dates and dinners with friends who genuinely get me. The conversations are richer, the connections got deeper, and honestly, my body thanks me the next day. I’ve learned that quality always trumps quantity, whether it’s in friendships, meals, or even my fashion choices.
The me of two or three years ago? She would’ve laughed at the idea of spending a Saturday night making a nourishing meal, lighting some candles, settling down with a book, and enjoying an early night. But there’s something grounding about the ritual of it, about knowing exactly what’s in your food and taking pride in the process. Goodbye instant ramen (we only meet now and again instead of twice a week). Don’t get me wrong, my food choices are far from perfect but the intention behind my choices has definitely transformed. I definitely eat processed foods and sometimes skip meals. I’m only human.
A lot of this change started in 2023, when I enrolled to become certified as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. It showed me I wasn’t really living with intention. I enjoyed my life, but I wasn’t really satisfied. I always felt something was a bit off. I didn’t really know what my purpose was. This started to change as I started reflecting on how I spend my time, what I consume (not just foods, but also entertainment, and even cosmetics). Don’t get me wrong, I still indulge in my guilty pleasures (looking at you, Love Is Blind). But I’m more intentional with my downtime. I’ve traded hours of mindless scrolling and reality TV marathons for books that challenge and inspire me. And the off romantic novel to escape in. Do I feel a twinge of guilt when I say no to plans that used to be my norm? Sometimes. But the key is balance, not perfection.
Rediscovering Movement
Another surprising shift? My relationship with exercise. I’ve never been a sporty person, and for years, I rejected the idea of working out. Because it felt like something I had to do to make my body look a certain way. I would do a short workout at home, hate it, and expect to see an instant difference… and I just couldn’t enjoy the process. That all changed in January this year when, on a whim (and let’s be honest, a silly decision at the time), I signed up for a half marathon with my girls.
I had zero running background. None. So, I went into it completely unprepared, and paid the price with injuries and very humbling training runs. But something incredible happened along the way. I started trading late Saturday nights for early morning long runs in the cold. Who even was I? I was changing. And I truly loved how it made me feel.
Fast forward to October 2024, and I crossed the finish line of my first full marathon, with my friends by my side once again. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like being cheered on by your people as you achieve something you once thought impossible. Am I making marathon running my entire personality now? Maybe a little. But honestly, finding a form of movement that feels good and isn’t about changing my body to meet some ridiculous standards has been a total game-changer. (More on that in another post maybe?)
The Bottom Line
Transitioning into a slower, more mindful life in your late 20s isn’t without its challenges. But the rewards are unmatched: a clear mind, authentic relationships, and a deeper connection to yourself. What’s surprised me the most in this transition is how much I’ve had to re-evaluate the people around me. Growth is beautiful, but it can be lonely. Not everyone will understand or respect your new boundaries, and that’s okay. As hard as it is to let go, staying true to yourself is always worth it.
So here’s to embracing change, even when it feels awkward or uncertain. To being intentional with your time, unapologetically prioritising your needs, and chasing the kind of joy that lasts longer than a night out. And remember, it isn’t about perfection. You’ll still find me binge-watching Netflix on a rainy Sunday, snacks in hand. But it’s all about knowing what brings you true contentment, and giving yourself permission to evolve into the person you’re meant to be.
