Dear Little Sister - For Women in Her 20 :

💌 To the Woman in Her 20s:

You’re not behind. 

You’re not lost. 

You’re becoming.

Your 20s are not about having it all figured out — they’re about figuring out what’s worth keeping, what’s worth fighting for, and who you are when no one is watching.

You’ll change your mind — about people, about dreams, about yourself. That’s not failure. That’s growth.

You might feel pressure to be perfect : to succeed early, to look flawless, to meet everyone’s expectations.

But I’m here to tell you this :

> You are not a project to be fixed — you are a person to be discovered.

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🌱 What I’ve Learned & Wish You Knew Sooner :

1. You don’t have to be chosen to be valuable.

You don’t need a relationship, a job title, or Instagram likes to be worthy.

2. No job, no man, no degree will give you the confidence you’re looking for.

It comes when you show up for yourself, consistently.

3. Healing is hard, but necessary.

Don’t carry unprocessed pain into the next decade.

4. Stop saying yes to what drains you.

You’re allowed to protect your time, your peace, and your energy.

5. Friendships matter more than followers.

Keep the people who clap for you in private.

6. You’re not dramatic — you’re just learning what hurts. And what doesn’t feel right.

Trust your feelings, then learn to guide them.

7. Forgive yourself.

You were surviving. Now you’re growing.

8. Be curious about yourself.

Who are you without the noise? Without people-pleasing? Without fear?

9. Build your life, not just your resume.

Travel. Learn. Mess up. Begin again.

10. Learn the difference between attention and respect.

And choose the one that sustains you, not just the one that flatters you.

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✨ A Final Word :

Don’t rush becoming her.

Be deep, not just successful.

Be kind, not just liked.

Be real, even if it makes people uncomfortable.

You have time.

You have power.

You have purpose — even if it hasn’t revealed itself yet.

And no matter what the world tells you…

> Being a woman is not your limitation. It is your superpower.

Let it roar. 

Let it rise. 

Let it lead.

With all my heart,

— A Woman in Her 30s who believes in you 💛

xoxo, 

Maria Soedira | another side of Alicia Van Akker