scripod.com

reviewing *every* year in my 20s

soju with sarah

2025/04/25
soju with sarah

soju with sarah

2025/04/25
In this reflective Soju Friday episode, the host embarks on an intimate, year-by-year journey through her twenties—unpacking pivotal moments, emotional turning points, and hard-earned wisdom from ages 20 to 27.
The host traces her evolution from age 20—a year defined by self-doubt, mental health struggles, and reliance on external validation—to age 21, a rare peak of clarity, joy, and community. Age 22 brought disillusionment with adult reality, marked by physical pain and her mother’s serious illness. At 23, she channeled pandemic isolation into creative growth, home ownership, and caregiving for her cat Gata—yet hesitated on professional risk. Age 24 delivered professional milestones and a liberating breakup, while 25 plunged her into burnout amid relentless hustle and the harrowing care of Moose, a kitten with FIP. At 26, she confronted the consequences of an unstable foundation, leading to a mental health break and pottery as quiet renewal. Now at 27, she embraces slow living, presence, and self-faith—acknowledging uncertainty but grounding herself in gratitude and intentionality. Throughout, spirituality and the tension between fear and self-belief emerge as central themes.
00:00
00:00
Raspberry pique tea is a seasonal favorite
00:48
00:48
The host launches a reflective series reviewing each year of her 20s
09:25
09:25
At 20, mental health issues hit hard for the first time with waves of depression from exams, friendship problems, and romantic complications
22:06
22:06
Age 21 was rated nine out of 10 for happiness and thriving
27:56
27:56
Mother's sudden illness derailed the first year of independence in New York
36:32
36:32
Declined a founding engineer role due to scarcity mindset, not regretting the choice as it enabled steady growth
38:14
38:14
They rated the year 9 out of 10 and considered the next year the most pivotal
49:18
49:18
Caring for Moose with FIP required importing illegal medication and daily injections
55:28
55:28
Maintaining health is easier than fixing it
1:01:42
1:01:42
Writing down accomplishments is a practical tool to sustain motivation and perspective
1:03:28
1:03:28
Geminis toggle between self-belief and fear, and one should focus on self-belief for a bright future
1:05:10
1:05:10
The host asks listeners to share their favorite year of life and the reason