EP04: 20 Years Ago...!

Someone said, “20 years ago.”

I said, “Yeah, the 1980s.”

They said, “No… 2005.”

And suddenly, I needed to settle down. It was another Existential Crises I did not see Coming.

Because… what do you mean 2005 was twenty years ago — the year I was obsessing over playing Snake on my father's Nokia phone? 

The year of downloading songs from websites, MP3 players, flip phones, and friendship bands. That’s my childhood, not history!

And collecting glitter pens—is now a two-decade-old memory?

Time is not flying. It’s teleporting.

In just three months, I’ll be 23. 

Twenty-three.

When my parents were 23, they were married. At 24, they had a child.

They were raising a tiny human at this age. They had wedding albums. Tax-saving plans and of course matching curtain sets.

They were running households, attending PTA meetings, buying mixer grinders. Meanwhile, I consider a day successful if I remember to drink enough water and don’t accidentally nap for five hours.

Moreover I am just—going with the flow, unsure of what that "flow" even is. I still read horoscopes hoping the stars will tell me what to do next. I consider making dal without calling my mom an achievement. Responsibilities? I’m still ghosting them like unread emails.

Sometimes I wonder… is it just me? Or are we all collectively floating in this weird in-between?

I think it’s both.

And honestly? It’s not just about turning 23. It’s about realizing how different adulthood looks for us compared to the generation before us.

Big purchases
THEN: A double door refrigerator.
NOW: Concert tickets.

THEN

NOW

THEN: My dad debated paint colors.

NOW: I debate hair colors.

THEN

NOW

THEN: Sunday lunches and one TV for all.

NOW: Pizza and "Lo-Fi for Existential Dread" on spotify.

THEN

NOW

But I believe that our generation is different. We’re dreamers. We want more out of life than just ticking boxes. We want purpose, peace, passion—and a good Wi-Fi connection. We’re figuring things out at our own pace, navigating a world that’s changing faster than the trending audio on Instagram.

But some days, it hits harder. Like when a 2000s song plays and it’s now considered “retro.” Or when a cousin who used to be in diapers is applying for internships. Or when you realize you're closer to 30 than to 15, and you still don’t know if you should learn Excel or become a cafe owner.

It’s easy to feel lost. To feel like you’re behind. Especially when your feed is filled with people announcing promotions, engagements, and “just bought a house” posts—while you're still figuring out how to cook rice properly without it getting sticked to the pan.

But here’s the thing: timelines are a scam. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to life. Some people bloom early, some later. Some follow the map, others draw it.

You’re not late. You’re not wrong. You’re just on your path.

Let’s be honest—we don’t have it figured out. We’re a generation raised with the belief that we can do anything... and now we’re paralyzed by the pressure of choosing everything.

We romanticize slow living but also want fast WiFi.
We want to travel the world but can’t handle airport security anxiety.
We crave deep conversations but still text “hahaha” because typing “lol” feels too emotionally distant.

We’re a little confused, a little chaotic, but deeply self-aware. We talk about childhood trauma over iced lattes, start side hustles, journal at 2 am, and believe in healing—even if we have to do it with memes and music playlists.

And maybe… that’s okay?

Maybe this is what our version of “adulthood” looks like: messy and delayed but more emotionally conscious, more curious, more kind to ourselves and others.

So if you're 23 and still finding your way, still asking questions, still unsure of what “settling down” even means—you're not alone.

And this is to all the almost-23s and already-23s and mid-twenty somethings:

• It’s okay to not have a five-year plan.

• It’s okay to live with roommates or parents or plants.

• It’s okay if your life doesn’t look “sorted.”

You’re growing. Slowly, beautifully, uniquely.

Because 20 years ago may be 2005, but guess what? You made it here. And despite all the confusion and chaos, you’re doing better than you think.

So take a deep breath. Make that cup of chai. Text your best friend. Rewatch that comfort show.

You’re not behind.

You’re just living life. 

Take your time. Reflect. Laugh at your confusion. Cry a little if you need to. Make impulsive plans. Learn a new skill. Hug your people tight. Grow at your own speed.

Because honestly? No one really knows what they’re doing. Some are just better at pretending.

So cheers to us—the generation that’s learning, unlearning, re-learning… and occasionally panicking when someone says “20 years ago.”

It’s okay. We’ll get there.
Eventually.
Maybe.
Probably.
Hopefully.
Definitely.

Snake game, anyone?