Well, hello to you, my reader chums! Being in your twenties is a rollercoaster; it's a decade of learning who you are, starting a career, new relationships and friendships and travelling the world, it can seem like a minefield to figure out what you want in life.

The beauty of our twenties is that you can try and fail. The problem with your twenties is the constant feeling that you're behind. 

If you're feeling behind in your twenties, here is my guide to reassure you about living in your twenties. 

How to deal with feeling behind in your twenties

Know you can't be behind in your life

Everyone has a different life. You can't be behind in your own life. It's the silliest phrase that you're behind in your twenties. How can you be behind in your life? We all experience things at different stages. Some people get in relationships young, some have kids young, some travel young, and some buy houses. But you're not behind if you don't do those things in your twenties or ever. You can experience love later in life and buy a house whenever (if it's something you want to do).

Everyone is following their own path

The only path you need to be worried about is your own. We're all following our own paths and have different goals. You may want to build your career or business in your twenties or spend them travelling as much as possible. Or, you may want to spend that time working on self-development. Keep your eyes on that path, rather than those around you, because we all experience different things that change the course of our lives.

We all have different priorities

This goes hand in hand with everyone following their own path. We all have different priorities. Some people spend their twenties at university and further education. Some people are parents. Some people have changed through different career paths. Some love to travel. Some are just trying new things until they figure out what is right. We all have different priorities - focus on yours, not everyone else's.

You're not failing

Repeat after me: You are not a failure. You may feel behind or sad that your friends are doing 'better' things, but it doesn't mean you're a failure. Keep trying. Keep failing. You'll find the right path for you.

It's your first decade of adulthood

Before your twenties, you are a child, in education, most likely. You haven't even seen or experienced the working world. Give yourself a break; it's your first decade living as an adult and doing adult things. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. 

 Well, hello to you, my reader chums! Failure is a terrifying thought, and often why many of us don't try something new or put ourselves out there. I've failed time and time again, and as much as it feels awful, it has taught me many lessons and made me feel more courageous and daring to try new things.

We don't always have to be good at everything; remember that.

If you're keen to try something new or fear failure, here's my guide on learning that it's okay to fail.

What is failure?

Simply, it's the lack of success in a desired outcome or goal. Failure can be seen as not getting the grade you want, not achieving your personal best, not getting your dream job or being rejected by an agent. Failure is an uncomfortable experience, and we don't want to have it as it doesn't feel good; in fact, it can make us feel insecure or low.

How to learn it's okay to fail

 The slow life. The peaceful life.

Seagulls and birds chirping every morning. The sound of the waves wherever I go.

Living by the sea is everything, a dream and all I've ever known. 

The coastal breeze, the endless 99s, sandy toes, the lingering smell of seaweed.

Mornings spent on the sands, watching the sunrise, lapping up that vitamin D.

The peaks of summer afternoons. Laughing children. Talking adults. Sandcastles everywhere. The cracks of can openings, the spritz of suncream. The pages of the book are turning. The endless waves, ebbing in and out of the shore. The sounds of the seaside are nostalgic.

The sunsets at the beach hit differently. Year-round, on a clear day, the colours of the sky are everything. Red. Orange. Pink. Purple. The joy of colour and magic as the sunset paints the beach every night. 

Living by the seaside is a joy all year round. The summer peak is underway for a hot minute. But the magic is during the quieter time when the beach is all mine. The tourists and day trippers leave, and my seaside town is mine again. I can roam on beaches and feel free with few people. The peacefulness of the waves is mine and mine alone.

The swishing of the water is more aggressive in the off-season, as it feels every season. The chillier air, the cold ears and hot chocolates. I love the power of the waves, the smiles from locals and the peace I feel at the beach.

Living by the sea has shaped me. Living by the sea has given me peace, freedom and joy in nature and the wonders it can bring to my daily life. 

 Well, hello to you, my reader chums! Folkestone is a creative and colourful seaside town in Kent, England. I'm in love with Folkestone and over the last few years, it has become increasingly popular with Londoners and other tourists for its art scene, cool Harbour Arm area and quirky shops.

If you're planning a seaside break for the weekend in Folkestone, here is my guide on what to see and do in the coastal town.

What to see and do

The Leas

The Leas is one of my favourite areas of Folkestone because it's peaceful, has lots of green space and many things to do. You can have a stroll along the Leas and enjoy the views of the seaside and Harbour Arm, listen to music at the bandstand, have a picnic,  and soak up the summer sunshine or make use of seasonal events.  

The Leas has easy access to the beach, town and Harbour Arm as there are designated paths, such as the zig-zag path, to reach the key destinations.

Harbour Arm/Goods Yard Market 

As Folkestone's main attraction, you'll fall in love with the Harbour Arm. It's a destination with more than meets the eye and endless things you can do for all ages. There's the Goods Yard Market, which offers various food vendors, local artists and shops selling their work and the big screen, which shows films and sporting events throughout the year, especially in summer. The Goods Yard also offers live music regularly.

The Harbour Arm has other cafes, bars and restaurants along the arm, mini golf, an interactive darts venue (The Board Room), and is an ideal spot for a walk onto the beach.

Creative Quarter

Right next to the Harbour Arm is the Creative Quarter, a hub for creative shops. It's a colourful strip with cafes and something for everyone, including art prints, vinyls, cakes, toys, organic foods and much more. You can spend a while mooching in the shops, supporting local vendors and taking home a souvenir.

Explore the beaches

As a coastal town, you can't miss the beaches in Folkestone. Folkestone has a few beaches to wander along, enjoy a picnic, swim in the sea and have an ice cream. If you prefer sandy beaches, there's also Sunny Sands.

Walk to Sandgate

Sandgate is a gorgeous village in Folkestone, and a charming walk from the main hub of Folkestone. You can enjoy the pebbled beaches as you walk into Sandgate. The village has many cafes, delis, furniture shops, and other places to eat.

Visit Hythe 

Hythe is Folkestone's quieter sister and well worth a visit on your weekend away. The beach in Hythe is massive and the town has cute shops, independent restaurants and cafes. It's also home to a gorgeous canal area where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll, have a picnic and hire rowing boats in the summer.

Book a show at The Leas Cliff Hall or Quarter House

Folkestone is a hub for art, including theatre shows, music and comedy. The two best venues include The Leas Cliff Hall and the Quarter House, which host seasonal events and shows all year round.

Visit the Folkestone Bookshop

I adore books and love to support independent bookshops where I can, and my favourite is the Folkestone Bookshop. Located on Tontine Street, behind the Creative Quarter, it's a hub for all your book needs with a reading room.

Where to eat

Restaurant recommendations: Marley's, El Cortador, Sotirios Bar & Restaurant, Dr Legumes, The Harbour Inn, Annapurna Nepalese Restaurant, Viet Street, Luben's, Burrito Buoy and The Radnor Arms.

Cafe recommendations: Yoke, Okay Folke, Steep Street, Brew, Orchard Lane, Sailbox, Harbour Coffee and Panataria.

Pubs and bars recommendations: Brewing Brothers, The Beer Shop, Cabron, The Radnor Arms, The Pullman, The Pilot Bar, The Blind Pig and Blackmarket.

I hope you enjoyed this post. When are you planning a trip to Folkestone?

Thank you for reading <3

Use Property Websites

Factor in Repairs & Maintenance

Have a Narrow Search Area

Be Ready to Buy Fast

 Well, hello to you, my reader chums! I know I'm now pushing 30, as I've fallen in love with nature more. I've always been wowed by the beauty of nature, the countryside, our beaches and the incredible natural landforms I've seen whilst travelling, yet as I'm getting older, it's becoming more profound to me.

I want to be present more, with the outdoors, listen to what's around me with no distractions and explore more of the countryside. 

If you're a nature lover or need to get outside more, here are my tips on prioritising and appreciating nature.

Leave the distractions at home on a walk

It's so easy and I do this a lot to use distractions when we're out and about on a walk or exploring any form of nature, whether listening to music or scrolling on our phones. When we do this, we tune out from the natural sounds of the birds, the wind in the trees and the waves of the water. Challenge yourself to leave those distractions at home and go out on a walk, and be present in what's around you. It can help you think clearly, come up with new ideas, reflect and be grateful for your surroundings. 

Get outside at least once a day

As a generation, we spend more time indoors than ever, with many people working online, going to the gym and having indoor hobbies. Some days, many of us don't spend much time outside. I challenge you to get outside at least once a day (the more times, the better). This could be for a walk, having your lunch outside, a run or reading a book. 

Research local countryside walks near you or plan a day trip

You'll be amazed at what's on your doorstep. I'm blessed that we have the countryside near where I live, but also amazing walks within an hour's drive. Research and book in time to do local walks to explore local nature, and see the wildlife, plants and beauty you can find. It can make for a lovely day out and show you what's around you.

Go sea swimming

I love to swim in the sea when it's warm; there's something freeing about it. If you have a beach near you, make the most of swimming in the sea or plan a day trip to nearby seaside towns where you can do that. If you're brave enough, you can swim in winter too!

Walk barefoot more in rural areas

This may sound a little hippy, but I love the feeling of not wearing shoes, especially when I'm at the beach or in the countryside where there's lots of grass. If you're having a picnic in the park or a beach day, take your shoes off and let your toes experience that relaxing feeling.

Have phone-free moments when out and about

It's sad how we're all so addicted to our phones, and I annoy myself constantly that I use it so much. Prioritise times in your day and week when you aren't on your phone when out and about, helping you be more present in your surroundings.

Explore in all weathers

I used to be that person who only wanted to go on a lovely, long walk when the weather was nice and sunny. However, I'm getting better at exploring in all weathers. The key is to be prepared for the weather, as it'll make the adventure more comfortable.

I hope you enjoyed this post! What would you add?

Thank you for reading <3