With my 30th birthday just around the corner, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned in my 20s. The first lesson I shared this month was to own your financial narrative. This week, I’m sharing another major life lesson, which is:
Lesson 2: Explore outside your comfort zone and pursue your passions
One lesson I learned in my early was to learn how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I spent my early 20s trying things I had never tried before. I picked up partner stunting (I did gymnastics in middle school and high school) in college. I tried out for the University of Washington cheerleading team three times and never made it. I tried pilates and ballet for a quarter. I took hip hop lessons and drop in $5 yoga sessions. And during senior year, I decided to start a blog.
I continued to explore my passions through my 20s.
I decided to start taking my blog and Instagram seriously in 2016. At 24 years old, I still remember when I published two blog posts in one month and the thrill of landing my first style ambassador opportunity with a major brand. In 2017, I decided that I was going to get my master’s in communication and digital media. Originally, I wanted my MBA but as I stepped into content creation and social media, I realized I had a real passion for digital media.
From 2017-2019, I balanced my aerospace job, a master’s program, and I continued to create content for my channels. Instead of slowing down my blog, I ramped it up and used my online channels as often as I could for graduate school assignments. I learned so much in my UX courses, content strategy, copywriting, and more. I graduated and finished my program in spring 2019, but there were 4 more classes I wanted to take. You could say I became a professional influencer through my master’s program. I truly refined my craft and applied the digital marketing strategies I learned into Emma’s Edition.
I’m grateful I took the time to explore outside my comfort zone because it ultimately led to my passions and eventual career. I want to give 21-year-old Emma the biggest hug. Little did she know that almost a decade later, her blog would evolve to a full-time content creation career!
Aside from my blog, I’ve also continued yoga as a part of my work out routine. Yoga has continued to help with both my mental and physical well-being!
I hope you enjoyed my second lesson of my 20s. I encourage you to explore outside your comfort zone and pursue your passions.
For more about the lessons I’ve learned and my goals, check out:
Love,
Emma