The Exiting Our Twenties Reflection

Episode 8 – The Exiting Our Twenties Reflection 

In celebration of her thirtieth birthday, Berkeley shares an intimate reflection on her twenties and the essential lessons she’s carrying into her thirties. She offers a 3-prompt framework for discovering the essential data you’ve collected about yourself over the last decade, and setting yourself up for an extraordinary adventure in your thirties (or whatever chapter is around the corner for you). Finally, she shares another story from her twenties and the six words she heard recently that changed her life –– This Is Not Working For Me.

The Exiting Our Twenties Reflection

To join in on the reflection, grab a journal or a piece of scrap paper and a pen, and take some time to answer these three prompts: 

1. What are 3 things I did right in my twenties? 
2. What are 3 things I wish I had done differently in my twenties? 
3. What are 3 Essential Lessons I learned in my twenties? 

You can also review the prompts on our Instagram: @exitingourtwenties

Berkeley’s Answers – Listen to the Episode to Hear More! 

1. What are 3 things I did right in my twenties?
   1. I traveled solo 
   2. I read a lot (especially nonfiction)
   3. I allowed myself to change my mind (and followed through for myself)
2. What are 3 things I wish I’d done differently in my twenties?
   1. I wish I had prioritized my physical fitness  
   2. I wish I’d focused less on who might be in love with me – and more on what I wanted to do with my life / who I wanted to be 
   3. I wish I’d stayed in better touch with my girlfriends  
3. What are 3 Essential Lessons I learned in my twenties?   
   1. What I put in my body has everything to do with how I feel 
   2. I’m never as stuck as I think I am  
   3. Having quiet time alone with my thoughts is essential to figuring out who I am and creating a life that feels good

Books Referenced in the Episode 

• Digital Minimalism and Deep Work by Cal Newport  
• The Anatomy of Anxiety by Dr. Ellen Vora
• Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker 
• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron  
  • The Morning Pages are a great tool for self-reflection as you're exiting your twenties or navigating any big transition in life. 

If you enjoyed the solo travel story in this episode, check out Berkeley’s blog post about the experience at Chasing Joy Travel (originally published Aug. 2021). 

Share Your Story
If you’re a woman in your late twenties or early thirties with a story to tell (trust us—everyone has one), fill out the guest form linked HERE or at ExitingOurTwenties.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Chapters

• 2:12 The Exiting Our Twenties Reflection
• 2:58 Three Things I Did Right In My Twenties
• 8:49 Three Things I Wish I Had Done Differently In My Twenties
• 14:08 Three Essential Lessons I Learned In My Twenties
• 17:30 Life-Changing Advice from Elizabeth Gilbert
• 19:36 Berkeley's Story: A Life-Changing Experience in France
• 26:21 Ask Yourself: "When Was the Last Time You Were Alone With Your Thoughts?"
• 30:19 Outro