Chapter 1: The Reckless Youth

Reflecting on my 20s, I realize how chaotic those years were. Despite moments of fun, I made poor choices that often put my life and the lives of others at risk. Here are eight critical mistakes I made—learn from them to avoid repeating my errors.

At one point, my reckless behavior almost led to tragedy when a baseball bat struck my head, and my best friend was stabbed. It should have been a wake-up call, but it didn’t stop our wild antics. Your 20s are often glorified as the best time of your life, yet many squander them with bad decisions that can haunt them into their 30s.

Section 1.1: Seeking Attention the Wrong Way

Movies often portray misguided antics as a way to attract romantic partners. In my own experience, I engaged in dangerous stunts—like jumping in front of cars and speeding in school zones—believing it would impress others. I threw caution to the wind, made racist jokes, and behaved inappropriately to get attention from women.

It took me far too long to realize that genuine respect attracts better relationships.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Illusion of Violence

During this time, I found humor in violence, largely influenced by the rise of YouTube. Watching videos of fights and laughing at the suffering of others became a pastime. We idolized artists like Tupac, conveniently ignoring the tragic outcomes of their violent lifestyles.

The harsh reality is that violence is not a joke. It desensitizes us, and over time, we became numb to the gravity of such actions. Video games did not help; they created a false sense of reality where violence was glamorized and celebrated.

Chapter 2: The Consequences of Poor Choices

The first video titled "Mistakes I Made in My 20s That I Regret" outlines various lessons learned from poor life choices.

I also struggled with unhealthy habits. I relied on sugary drinks and energy boosters to survive college, neglecting my health and academic responsibilities. While my peers focused on nutrition, I was stuck in a cycle of poor dietary choices, which affected my mental clarity and performance.

The second video, "I Wasted My Early 20s… Here Are 25 Lessons I've Learned," highlights various realizations about life and growth from experiences similar to mine.

Being around drugs, even as a non-user, exposed me to dangerous environments. Friends spiraled into addiction, and I became a bystander to their struggles. The consequences of their choices impacted not only them but their families and friends as well.

The nightclub scene seemed glamorous at first—free drinks, celebrity encounters, and late-night escapades—but it ultimately led to unhealthy lifestyles. Many of my acquaintances from that era now face severe health issues as a result.

Education was another area I neglected. I dismissed its value, believing that learning ended after school. However, embracing lifelong learning became crucial for my growth and success.

Finally, I wish I had sought help sooner. Struggling with mental health issues and an eating disorder clouded my youth. It’s crucial to recognize these challenges as common and to seek support without shame.

Reflecting on these experiences, I encourage you to reassess your choices and seek the help you need. Break away from the harmful stereotypes of youth, and you may just save your life—or the life of someone you care about.