A blink of an eye, and here I am, turning 20… in the city I once wildly dreamed about. Here are 5 self-reflections I’ve come to by this point in my life: 01: Anything and everything is possible. Life is unpredictable—you can lose your home, access to your country, or meet the love of your life—all at once. Even surviving in one of the hardest, most expensive cities somehow works out. It all comes down to the choices you have the courage to make and how you handle the unpredictable beauty of life. 02: Every day brings 2-5 chances to change your life. Whether it’s shifting your mindset, breaking an old belief, or starting a habit that nurtures your body and mind, those small decisions add up. Take the chances—they’ll lead you closer to the life you truly want. 03: You are your strongest supporter. NYC may be inspiring, but the magic comes from you. Be your biggest fan, even if it feels selfish at first. It’s not your friends’ or coworkers’ job to keep you going—that’s on you. This city will push you, but you’re the one responsible for creating your transformation. 04: No dream is overrated. If you desire something, it’s yours to achieve. At 12, I dreamed of NYC without a clue how I’d ever get here. Now, at 20, I’ve lived here for over 1.5 years. It’s been one of the best experiences of my life—no matter what anyone says about NYC, it’s worth every moment to me. Opportunities are everywhere—take them. Even the smallest opening in the direction of your dreams is worth pursuing. 05: anything is possible. Keep moving forward, even when it feels uncertain. If any of this resonated with you, let me know in the comments! What were your reflections when you hit 20? I’d love to hear your story 💫