A Quarter Century of Becoming: Reflections on Life, Career, and Self-Worth | by Auliyya Annisa | Aug, 2025
There’s something quietly profound about reaching the milestone of 25 years. It’s a moment that invites reflection and a checkpoint in the ongoing journey of becoming. Over a quarter century, I’ve learned that life isn’t about arriving at a fixed destination but evolving through countless small experiences, decisions, and inner shifts. Looking back on these years, I find myself contemplating not just what I’ve done or achieved, but who I’ve become in the process.
My first 25 years were shaped by a patchwork of experiences, family, friendships, successes, and setbacks. I used to think life was about having a clear plan and ticking off boxes in a neat order. But life has a way of rewriting the script. The unpredictability of relationships, the twists of fate, and the lessons learned in unexpected hardships have taught me more than any roadmap could.
I’ve come to appreciate the messy and imperfect nature of growth. Every challenge I faced and every moment of doubt was a vital thread weaving the fabric of who I am today. In these moments that I learned resilience and patience, two qualities I hadn’t valued enough in my younger years.
My career path has been anything but linear. Early on, I chased ideals that didn’t quite fit me and pressured by expectations, both external and my own. But over time, I realized that career success isn’t about climbing a ladder in a straight line. It’s about finding work that aligns with your evolving values, strengths, and being willing to pivot when necessary.
There were times I felt stuck or questioned my direction, but those periods of uncertainty became fertile ground for growth. Learning to embrace failure as feedback rather than a verdict was a turning point. I began to understand that resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are more valuable than any job title or paycheck.
Perhaps the most profound journey has been the one inward. For much of my early life, my sense of self-worth was tied to external achievements and validation. I believed that success, approval, or recognition would fill a void I felt inside.
Over time, I realized that true self-worth is an internal practice, one that requires kindness, patience, and honesty with oneself. It’s about recognizing your intrinsic value beyond what you produce or how others see you. This shift didn’t happen overnight, it was the result of conscious reflection, difficult conversations, and sometimes painful self-awareness.
Today, I try to nurture a sense of self-compassion, reminding myself that worthiness is not earned by accomplishments but inherent simply because I exist.
At 25, I don’t have all the answers far from it. But I’ve come to see life as an ongoing process of becoming, where growth is never finished and self-discovery is continuous. The journey isn’t about perfection or finality, it’s about embracing change, learning from every experience, and showing up authentically.
As I look ahead, I carry hope and intention for the next chapters more openness to change, deeper connection with myself and others, and a commitment to living purposefully.
If you’re reading this at your own milestone or crossroads, I encourage you to pause and reflect. Celebrate how far you’ve come and lean into the beautiful uncertainty of becoming. After all, life is less about who we are today and more about who we’re growing to be.
