a week in nyc | mid 20’s struggles + my sister moved to nyc! 

Thank you for sharing your struggles. I feel exactly the same at the moment. Tired of figuring stuff out on my own, but at the same time valuing my independence. Nice to know I am not alone!

I'm glad you shared your struggles toward the end of the video because it inspired me to reflect on what I would tell my 20-something self when I was thinking the same exact thing...I'm 40yo btw (& a therapist). I would tell myself to expect to continue reflecting on this question because if you're alive you're growing/changing and therefore your priorities, needs, and cirlcle are also going to shift so I would encourage de-centering getting to X 'life destination' and settle into the grey (sorry if that's irritating to hear). Also, question what is motivating that desire to seek the next thing--is there an internal unrest or is it more externally motivated? Next, I would focus on what is working and reflect on how you can magnify that, what the steps that might require, and what could be barriers (mental and material) to moving on it. Lastly, I would focus on gratitude and self-regulation--I promise you, life is sweet, and there is no need to rush.

Your chat really resonated with me. Especially the part where the constant growth has become overbearing - what’s so bad about being content with what we have? Idk but this mid-20s part feels extra lonely without those 3 aspects of life figured out yet lol but at least not alone in feeling this way! Great video, as always :)

Early in my 20s, I read and loved the book, The Defining Decade! Now I'm my late 20s, I still find it handy to come back to when I'm feeling lost.

I started watching your videos when you would go thrifting in Point Loma and you lived in that cute little bungalow with your friends and I was living in San Diego going to SDSU to become a nurse, so when you said "it feels like we've grown up together" that definitely resonated lol I'm a little older than you (I just turned 30 this year) and I also got married young but everything you said about being in your late twenties and defining and re-defining your identity and not being able to control peoples' perspectives of you is something that I also went through. I know we all keep saying it but it's part of the process, you're doing exactly what you should be doing, and your 30's are where it all comes together! Sending you vibes for better days and more moments of peace

4 months away from 30 and I’ve been feeling this way for about 5 years. Lean in, feel all the feels, TALK ABOUT IT. No one knows what they’re doing, so you might as well put it all out there.

I had a bit of an end-of-twenties crisis, where I definitely felt like I was floating along. I decided to go back to uni and completely retrain in a field I am much more interested in pursueing. Still currently in that transition as I am in the final year of my PhD. I would say stay curious, focus on the things you enjoy and you'll get there in the end! :)

I completely understand. I’ve felt this twice in my life so far and I’m 34 now. I think the more uncertain the times, the more we crave certainty.

Woman to woman Late 20s is the time you really start forming strong opinions. You will start understanding what you really want. Your choices, needs and dreams that you form in this era slowly, will become non negotiable. You will work harder, learn harder but all to reap the benefits when you start your 30s. And the 30s! Gosh! I wish i could freeze this era🙏 But this is my perspective and i am unmarried. Not sure if it is same for married ladies

THIS. You are SO not alone. I feel exaaaaactly the same.

Oh man your mid twenties talk hit home for me. I wish I had a friend like you to talk about these things with. I graduated in 2020 for undergrad, lost my job, had to move home with some very toxic family members and fell into a bad depression. From there all my college friends kinda moved on and started other lives that are so different from mine. A lot of them found jobs where I didn't I've found some remote work as a video editor but nothing that is actually a career. I turned 25 earlier this year, I dont have a best friend, I dont even really have many close friends, I had to move into my aunts second bedroom with my mom and sister for 4 months this year as we had a bad home environment and that put me on a whole other whirlwind of "what is my life, im 25 and have so little control over anything, I cant find a full time job, I dont really have a passion anymore, I miss school but dont want to go into more debt to get a masters" what a strange time. Im hoping I can finally start youtube which has been a small dream and maybe that will spur some sort of change, but I miss having connections with others, I miss feeling like I had some sort of direction, its been a strange year, and our age group has kind of lost 3 years to COVID and are just now coming out of that odd fog and are now going whats next? I hope you find some answers, and me too. I hope you also feel able to share more about this because it does feel nice to hear about it from someone else.

thanks for being open! honestly you’ve been a motivation of mine to travel and post on yt since i’m in a post grad funk and i appreciate you not hiding/glorifying your life! it’s really helpful :)

i love your vlogs elena!! so refreshing and fun to watch :)

I’m so grateful to have tumbled across this video. I moved to a new city 4 months back - I don’t know anyone here and felt like I would never be able to make friends and settle in. Good to know you’re not alone.

The part about the 3 areas is so true and simplifies the situation. I am seeing lots of people in the comments getting into new adventures in one of these three areas. As someone who once was in the same 'Im choosing adventure over safety and this is my personality' phase, I decided to choose safety and ease one day and it is okay too! I wanted to write this down to maybe help putting someone's mind at ease because I needed that back in the day too

I moved to a new city in the summer and am trying to make new friends, finish my studies and find a job. I also want to move in with my partner some time soon. Sometimes I get the feeling that I need to figure these things out all at once, all at the same time. But then I notice: no, taking my time is what brings me further, exploring the things I love is what is actually leading me closer to these goals. A lot of love and light from Germany✨

I feel the same way and I’m in my early 30’s, it’s so tough and I’ve never posted on any video before but you summed up my thoughts entirely. Sometimes unsure if it’s the city or me, glad to know I share the same feeling

I've been following your channel for about 4 years now, and it's so great to see you thriving in life (even when we're in the middle of a crisis). I also feel lost (I'm 25, finishing my masters, single and living in Paris for 7 years), but if it helps : I feel proud of you and your perseverance gives me hope :) Thank you for sharing your videos and it feels great to know I'm not the only one who feels this way (shout out to all of those who all ready commented).

I loved this vlog, I think this was one of the first times where I actually saw you be truly vulnerable and so honest and real! I think all those thoughts are super normal at the age, but you already accomplished so much and traveled so much. just go with the flow, go with your intuition and most importantly don't stress! lots of love from a 26 year old from Germany :-)

As usual, love your videos!!! Just visited NYC last week and miss it so this was nostalgic. 💛

Hi Elena, I'm on the same boat LOL In my mid-late 20s and you really hit the nail on the coffin of those 3 pillars. Just moved back to North America after living in EU for 3 years. Still figuring it out but also just giving myself a little grace. I find that talking to people who have similar experiences help and this podcast called The Happiness Lab (made me very introspective without being invasive). We got ourselves this far, we're gonna figure out the rest!

Oh man girl, your talk was so amazing! I am so glad your corner of the universe exists. You help so many people understand the hard times and struggles that you go through in your 20s. I recently turned 31, and man I am so thankful that all the struggles helped form me into who I am today! The appreciation I wish I could go back and hug my younger self ❤ 15:13

cackling at “for many reasons which I will not get into!”

The mid-late 20s struggle is real! I resonated with your thoughts a lot. Despite any uncertainty, I'm very excited to see where life takes you :)

Thanks for keeping it real and sharing your struggles. I totally vibe with that, feeling the need for independence while navigating life's puzzles. It's comforting to know we're in this together. Elena, your NYC escapades are killer, and I'm hyped for all that Paris goodness dropping soon in the next 2 months! Much love from India! ❤🗽🥖🇮🇳

Omg the Antoni part. I would have shit my pants. 😂

Hey Elena! Thanks for sharing an honest & real life update. You are doing amazing things and making the most out of your 20’s- travelling the world, having fun with your friends, and making core memories. I know you will figure out your next steps in due time. You’ve developed an incredible work ethic & skill set with RU-vid and it’s no doubt you will bring passion and value wherever you go. Keep up the amazing work- you are inspiring to watch!

I appreciate you and thank you for making content.

Loved this video and seeing Sage in New York! I so feel this. Currently 26 and it is hard out here. Questioning everything and trying my best to be financially independents but then trying to take advantage of the fact I'm in my twenties

I love your nyc vlogs so much

Always a pleasure watching and listening to you speak. You have a beautiful personality and i'll just say 20's are HARD even if you have all three categories figured out i still question myself and those things. I don't think we can always be 100% sure and that leaves room for growth and change which is just a part of the living experience! Love u Elena 😘

Thank you for this chat!

MIGRANTS are so excited to make NEW YORK CITY their new home. Work and housing are abundant in NEW YORK CITY. And that free bus ride from TEXAS? WOW, what a deal. Thanks girls!

Have always loved how honest your videos are. Been following along your journey since the beach bungalow!! Your videos always seem to resonate with exactly how I'm feeling/where I'm at in my own journey. Approaching the the 30s club, recently picked up my life and moved to the UK alone, and the existentialism has been LOUD.

Thanks for sharing your struggles....20's is rough

Totally resonate with that chat at the end and I just turned 34 haha! I felt exactly like you at 27, as I had just finished my Masters and was starting a new career. Now I'm doing a PhD, about to move countries for the third time in a year for my research and feel like I'm starting all over again repeatedly. And while I have an idea where I want to go career wise, I'm not completely certain. Really have no idea what country I will be in or what I will be doing in a couple of years. I'm so glad you mentioned those three factors though, I never thought about it like that before, but you're absolutely right - we usually plan for or make decisions based on one of those things, and without them you can feel a bit adrift. Being a student again, not being tied to a city and not being in a relationship, I'm definitely feeling like this all over again at the moment, and it's a bit unsettling, but also exciting. All the best for the years to come, things always have a way of working out!

Hi, I'm from Portugal and I love your videos, they give off an incredible vibe.❤

I'm glad it's not just me haha. I've been hit with a little more than the average person in my early to mid twenties loss of the last of my family, loss of a partner, and a loss of self in amongst it all. I thought it was all because of those things but it's also just the fact we're aging and having to deal with more and more. Thanks for bringing the conversation to light.

Ah I'm tearing up because I would be over the moon if my little sister moved here!! My first year in NYC has felt more lonely than I thought it would 😭 so thank you for putting the part in there about how much has changed for you compared to your first year

I loved the chat on navigating the 20's. I'm a male, but totally could relate to the identities issue, decision fatigue, and just generally trying to figure out purpose. I work a super corporate job (strategy/management consultant) and have to constantly generate tons of output, as you so eloquently put it. I'm glad to know I'm not alone though, thanks for sharing your perspective :)

Hi Elena! Book recommendations for your existential crisis in the mid-20s haha: "Quarterlife: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood", "Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life", and "The Quarter Life Breakthrough" (in the order I liked them best). Good luck for this next stage! Rooting you on!

Also I felt the entire 20s section of the vid

casual antoni content haha love your content Elena

Great to see ya sharing ya struggles. 💖 I think many of us can clearly relate. I just turned 36 and I don’t have it “figured” out. My dream was to live in New York since I was about 12 years old. I’ve visited many times. Then I came this year and had a total 180. I LOVE the people though! Such great people in New York. So that draws me back. My point is we can dream up xyz and then they can completely make a u-turn on us. I’d say go with your gut, make the moves you wanna make. The world, God, the universe will continue to guide you. Keep dreaming! Even though dreams and plans change they’re so great for motivation and dedication and meeting new people etc. Never stop dreaming. We all play the comparison game but we all know everyone’s on a totally different journey. Things are going to happen for us all at different times. I feel like you want something more than youtube? I’ve watched your videos over the years and you seem incredibly intelligent! I think you have every option to be whatever you want, so go for it!! Dream BIG and go for it! If you really don’t know what that is try one thing and that might point you in the direction of something you do enjoy? ( I’m a UK pop star tryna make it in my field so I defo don’t have all the answers lol 😂) The relationship will come and enjoy every moment of the relationships you have in your life right now. Remember you are a big inspiration to many of us tuning in to your content. Me included. Best of luck girl!! You got this! Ps. Get dancing it feeds the soul 💃 Oh and ya may wanna check out Michael Singer, I’ve had some light bulb moments this week from tuning in to his wise words. All the best! 💖

Life is short, but the process is long.. You are doing amazing 🩵

Ahhh Elena. I love your videos, thank you for your vulnerability! I am 27 & absolutely have felt/feel all of the things you described. One book I did read this time last year that helped with some of these big decisions was The Defining Decade by Meg Jay. I feel like maybe I saw you've already read it, but for anyone in the comments feeling the same who hasn't - would highly recommend!

Your summary is so accurate. All three points … Feel the same ☺️🫶🏻

Hi Elena! Thank you for sharing your struggles! I think we all arrive there at some point in life. I am 32 and I am completely lost career-wise. I have no idea of the next steps, but I am sure we'll find our way!

Book Rec! Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar. It was one of the most powerful, relatable things I've ever read. :)

you're doing great, keep on living one day at a time- it's pointless to try to live any other way x

Excited to see sisters in New York diaries!

dude you make me miss nyc way too much 😩

Girl i feel you and i am not even in my late 20s. Also i like the glitter/sparkle effect over stagnant why can't we just be that i sometimes wonder😂

Thanks for the mid-20s chat! I feel like I never hear much talk about this stage of our lives. I’m also 26 and just like “what’s going on?!”

Omgggg I would die seeing Antoni behind me!!

Read “The Defining Decade” if you haven’t yet! Hint: the decade is your 20s ;)

Being Still ✨

All I can say is that I love the hair cut and your amazing plants 🪴 love you and your brilliant channel prayers and blessings to you and your family love your Aussie family friend John ❤❤❤

this was nice:)

Are cycle paths in NY good and safe? A NY on bike video would be nice.

I get where you are coming from completely! I’m not quite mid twenties but those 3 things dictate so much of our lives! Also would love to know where your black top is from when you were sat in the park!! Xxx

Elena! Your video showed up on my recommended videos and I was like “wait I know that girl from college!” We used to speak French in calculus together 😂 so glad you continued with French - I have too! Anyway love your videos and hope you’re doing well!

Hey! I'm very happy ur back! can i ask u where is ur cross gold necklace from??? Thanks❤❤

I always cut my own bangs🤪 we rock girl❤🎻🍂🍁🕊

Hi Elena :) Here’s my book recommendation 📖: “The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now”. I’m currently reading it and I hope it can help you, too

where are you buying those beautiful crosses that you lately have in videos?

Thank you for this video. I found the book Quarterlife, by Sarah Doyle Byock, help me think about a lot of this. And I’m still thinking and figuring out where to go next! So, yea, mid-20s are hard lol.

Enjoy the rest of your 20’s

i love stagnant!!

omg where is your white or green tie front top from, it's so cute!!!

Elena.. I just finished watching your travel vlogs. I just want you to know how much joy your videos bring me. You inspire me to grab life by the horns and to live my best life! I’m goi g to turn 57 in a couple of weeks ( freaks me out a bit just saying it?🤷‍♀️) and I want to be you when I grow up?!!!👍😂🥰

I think the only thing that gives me solace is the realization that everyone that ever was, is, and will be is going through life for the first time. No one has it all figured out. We all have the same struggles.

can we get the salad recipe LOL it looks SO good!!!

I would love to know how sage got the apartment..the rent etc etc .. because park slope is such a pretty area ...and im also thinking to move to NYC next year ..plz share ..what she'll be studying at NYU etc etc ..🥺❤️

Book recommendation: The Defining Decade: Why your Twenties matter and how to make the most of them now by Meg Jay, PhD. I read this when I first came to NY and it’s a short read. It’s the observations of a psychologist working with people in their mid-20s (with quarter-life crises)… lots of good advice there, especially when it comes to “getting out there” and how accumulating certain life experiences continues to provide benefits beyond one’s 20s.

Girl, you’re about to enter your Saturn return which explains all the existential thoughts. I promise things get way better in your 30s!

I wrote a whole album about these feelings literally called “20something” 😌 I think you’d enjoy the songs “Wilderness” & “I Breathe” for what you’re going through rn❤

I agree

I’m reading “At the extentialist cafe” which is a book about French and German philosophy about life and being. Would highly recommend to dive into Extentialism Philosophy and read more about Jean-Paul Sartre and Simon De-Beauvoir who both a

The only thing I think I get more comfortable with every year is the not knowing. It’s the ride called life!

I want to hit my stagnant stage 🤣I am 29 and for the majority of my 20s I was GRINDING and grinding hard. I got really really burnt out from a job I was putting 70+ hours to, granted I was incredibly financially stable. I was pretty miserable and anxious due to work so I took a step back, and felt like I started over a year ago. Now I am very content and happy and just want to relax. Not making as much but work is less demanding. Happy where I am now, there's room to grow but I can take my time now. I can move on when I am ready to :)

Exactly what my mid/late 20s felt like. Every question you mentioned, I asked myself relentlessly! I don’t think I got all the answers by the time I turned 30 this year but I put less pressure on myself to figure it all out and find appreciation for the journey of it all🫶🏼

not antoni LMAOOOOO

Good video

Can you please give us a tour of your place?

I would highly recommend Heart minded by Sarah blond in as a self healing self compassion book….a lot what we grow through as adults would be easier if we were taught how to hold ourselves and others in love which this book demonstrates (10min -14min meditations included

Read the alchemist!!!!!

Where is your chrome multi bulb light from?!

i think it's cool that you cosplay as yourself

Urgh yeah... its weird how the openness of the future can be so freeing and oppressive at the same time? Like I could live anywhere but I also could live ~anywhere~ (!!!!)

Nice post

Totally understand those thoughts and feelings, Elena. Though of course, it is a privilege that we have the freedom to explore and work out what to do I do feel that this modern freedom almost allows "too much" time to think. Since the beginning of human existence up until the past 50 years we as women would be married with children by now and not that I'm saying that is either good or bad just that when your fate was already decided for you there wasn't time to question. We have to give ourselves grace and acknowledge that whether or not we want to be married with children, the concept of feeling lost is a relatively new concept. 100 years ago and all of the time before that all you knew was your family, community, and faith. Supporting that network of close people, providing for your family, and staying alive was the primary focus. It is a common line of thought that we in the West have lost our minds since we have "everything" and yet are still unsatisfied - there is a purpose in having need and in people needing you.

Haha I would have freaked out working out next to Antoni 😅

In my 30’s and still trying to figure this life thing out 😂

Whats the song 1:50??

Anyone else worrired seeing elena ride a bike with only one hand in NYC and without a helmet

If Sage started a youtube channel, I'd watch - just saying 🙈

I'm happily married, we own a condo, and have friends and hobbies that i enjoy and yet i still be out here depressed and not knowing what the fuck im doing. Being human on this crazy planet is hard. Thanks for being real, its refreshing. But also lol, omg antoni at the gym? I would of died

I think adding in all the crazy stress and insanity that come with being a creator is a bit unique and stressful. I have appreciated the events I've been able to go to where I can talk with other creators about what we're going through, feel like we're not alone/insane, and get ideas and inspiration from them. I don't even think therapists know how to deal with the stuff we deal with, so we're in some uncharted territories 😅

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