Sam Saffold-Geri breaks down why it’s okay to not have everything figured out at 21 years of age.
Having turned 21, Sam sits down to share what he’s learned over the past 21 years – and then he admits, “I learned nothing”.
Having come to the realisation that there is not one big, profound thing he has to share with us, he instead opens up about “what 21 years have given me and what I have given back”, which we much prefer and actually find more relatable. After all, 21 is when you’re suppose to start learning about yourself, rather than having it all figured out.
He starts off talking about things many of us hear regularly, such as keeping in touch with family and friends and eating three meals a day, and while this may seem like generic advice, we can confirm you will appreciate his words as you reach your twenties.
Diving deeper, Sam discusses how “you are definitely an acquired taste” and how we tend to keep our true selves under wraps when socialising with others. One of our favourite quotes from the video is during this part, when he says, “You’re always going to be scared to show people, like, the other person, the neurotic person”.
He also talks about the importance of making memories – memories with yourself, memories with your loved ones. Something he plans to do is take more pictures, so he’s able to cherish these moments for years to come. After all, as he points out, none of us live forever and our future selves will thank us for capturing such wonderful moments.
Communication is a key theme throughout the video, and something we picked up on was the importance of the lost art of a phone conversation. Not a voice note, not a text message or an email, but a good old-fashioned conversation. As Sam says, “You’re always nervous to hit ‘dial’, but you’re always thankful afterwards”. While we live in the communication age, it can also be quite isolating and cold. It’s only when you move away from friends and family that you begin to really appreciate the conversations you have with them.
One thing we are glad he spoke about is heartbreak – something we feel more male creators should be open about. He talks about how heartbreak hurts, but, after the healing is done, it creates a unified feeling that allows you to better understand others.
The overall message from the video is simple. In Sam’s words, “You are going to be fine. You are only 21.” You have time, so go live your life, make mistakes, fall in love, and discover your true authentic self. That is what being 21 is all about.
On behalf of the TenEighty team, we would also like to wish Sam a belated happy birthday. We cannot wait to see what the next year has in store for him!
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