I’m a 29-year-old Japanese woman, unmarried, no kids, no 9-5. (advice to young people)

Being 29 feels like standing at the edge of two worlds—no longer part of your carefree 20s but not fully immersed in your 30s either. Friends around you are getting married, having kids, or dealing with heartache and divorce. It’s an age where certain things that once seemed vital no longer matter, and you start to care less about other people’s opinions. You understand yourself better, and with that understanding comes a sense of relief, as though a burden has been lifted. But life, with its endless complexities, continues to throw challenges your way.

The weight of responsibilities becomes evident in personal reflections. For instance, one day, a simple call with your mother transitions from catching up to subtle pressure about getting married and having kids. Conversations with grandparents become more poignant—especially when they are still holding on to dreams for you, dreams like seeing you in a wedding dress or meeting their great-grandchildren. These conversations are bittersweet, as the reality of aging loved ones, like a grandmother with dementia, comes to the forefront. She may forget many things, but somehow she still remembers the things that are most important to her.

Growing up, you spent so much time with your grandparents, creating memories that now feel more precious as they age. There’s a fear that you may not fulfill their hopes before time runs out. Yet, you realize not everything is within your control, and even if you can’t make all their dreams come true, you can still make their day by staying connected with them.

The shift from your early 20s to the brink of your 30s also brings a new understanding of time. Life, which once seemed long and full of infinite possibilities, suddenly feels shorter, especially as you see loved ones age. It’s a reminder to cherish moments with those who matter most and spend time with them while you can.

The overwhelming possibilities of being in your 20s can make you feel lost. You might question if you’ll ever find your passion or the one thing you were born to do. But as you grow older, you realize passion might be overrated. Instead, trying new things and embracing new experiences can be just as rewarding. Hobbies can bring unexpected joy, and who knows, they may even turn into a career.

As you reflect on your life and the lives of those around you, you realize that no one really has it all together, despite what social media might show. Those perfectly curated images of influencers with spotless homes might be just that—curated. Behind the camera, they might have the same messy reality you do. It’s easy to romanticize life online, but everyone has their bad days.

A significant lesson from a professor you admired in university comes back to you: don’t stress too much about the future. Worrying solves nothing, and many people—even those well into their 40s—are still figuring life out. Embrace uncertainty and accept that life will always be unpredictable, but trust in the process.

The wisdom imparted by that university professor resonates deeply as you navigate this transition. It serves as a gentle reminder to cherish your youth and recognize the power and beauty it holds. You learn not to stress excessively over the future or worry about finding your path. Each person’s journey is unique, filled with its own set of challenges and opportunities, and it’s essential to embrace that unpredictability.

Through this journey, you discover that many of life’s lessons come from personal experiences rather than a predetermined roadmap. You learn to value your body, to enjoy it in all its forms, and to dance even when there’s no audience. Surrounding yourself with loved ones becomes a priority as you realize how fleeting life can be. The bonds you share with friends and family are invaluable, and nurturing those relationships can bring immense joy.

As you reflect on the advice from the past, you also recognize the need to filter the input you receive from others. While advice can be helpful, it’s essential to consider its origin and remember that everyone has their own journey, complete with its struggles. The realization that life is full of uncertainties—and that no one truly knows what lies ahead—can be liberating. You find comfort in the idea that it’s okay to be lost sometimes and that the pursuit of clarity is a continuous process.

Ultimately, being 29 is a unique blend of reflection and anticipation. You’re on the cusp of a new decade, filled with possibilities yet to be explored. As you embrace the changes, you remind yourself to live authentically and to celebrate the messy, beautiful aspects of life. Every moment, every challenge, and every triumph contribute to your story, shaping who you are becoming as you step into your 30s.

As you stand on the threshold of your 30s, you reflect on the lessons learned and the growth experienced throughout your 20s. This decade has been a time of exploration, filled with moments of joy, pain, and profound realizations. You’ve come to appreciate the beauty in imperfections, understanding that life is rarely as polished as it appears on social media. Those perfect moments captured online often hide the struggles and chaos that come with real life.

You also acknowledge the importance of maintaining connections with loved ones, especially as life progresses and changes. The heartfelt conversations with your grandparents highlight the significance of family ties and the weight of expectations that come with them. These relationships remind you of your roots and the love that has shaped you, motivating you to nurture them while you still can.

In navigating the uncertainties of adulthood, you’ve learned that it’s okay to be unsure about your future. Many people around you share the same feelings of doubt and confusion, and it’s essential to find solace in knowing you’re not alone in this journey. Each step forward, even if it feels small, contributes to a larger narrative—a narrative that’s uniquely yours.

The wisdom shared by your professor serves as a guiding light. The idea that worrying serves little purpose resonates as you reflect on the choices that lie ahead. Instead of being paralyzed by indecision, you choose to embrace the opportunities that come your way, whether they lead to success or failure. This acceptance brings a sense of peace, allowing you to focus on personal growth and self-discovery.

As you prepare to step into this new chapter of your life, you embrace the notion of living authentically. You commit to pursuing your passions without fear of judgment, exploring new interests that could lead to unexpected joys. The path may be winding, but each experience will contribute to the richness of your life story.

In this transitional phase, it’s crucial to remind yourself of the importance of self-compassion. Life is an ever-evolving journey, and it’s okay to navigate it imperfectly. By honoring your feelings and being present in the moment, you create space for growth and joy, paving the way for a fulfilling and meaningful future.

As you close this chapter of your 20s, you look forward with optimism and an open heart, ready to embrace all that the next decade has to offer.