By the End of Your Teens (BTEOYT) is more than just a book to me—it was the beginning of a deeply personal series that reflects my journey through the different stages of life.
Writing this book was a way for me to process my own growth—then newly in my twenties, and now, I hope it can offer guidance and comfort to others as they navigate their own paths.
I wrote BTEOYT as a stand-alone book, but quickly realised this would become my most meaningful work—a series as I navigate life. It will be a 7-part memoir, that I hope gets serve as a self-help handbook for other people navigating their lives. Each book is an honest reflection on the lessons I’ve learned, the mistakes I’ve made, and the growth that comes with each decade.
The series began with By the End of Your Teens, which I published in 2018. I’m currently reworking this book, adding more reflections and insights that I believe will resonate even more deeply with readers. It was written as a guide for those standing at the threshold of adulthood, inspired by all the things I wish I had known during those transformative teenage years.
The Seven Books of the Series
1. Your First Ten (Years)
THEME: BLOOM
Your First Ten (Years) is a special project for me. It is the book I hope to write after I am done writing “Traversing the Terrible Twenties’—a collection of letters and reflections for my future child. I am certain that writing this will be a deeply emotional experience—thinking about the kind of guidance, love, and wisdom I wish to pass down. Motherhood remains a consideration (not yet a certainty) for me, and if I do choose to take the path of motherhood, I hope to instill curiosity, confidence, and kindness in those early years, and I hope this book will one day serve as a gentle guide for them.
2. By the End of Your Teens
THEME: WATER
This is where it all started. By the End of Your Teens is my reflection on the turbulent yet exciting years of adolescence. I wrote this book when I was 21, to share the lessons I learned—sometimes the hard way—about identity, ambition, relationships, and mental health. I wanted to create something that could help others feel seen, understood, and supported as they step into adulthood.
3. Traversing Your Terrible Twenties
THEME: EARTH
Your twenties can feel like a whirlwind, and this next installment, Traversing Your Terrible Twenties, captures that energy. As I stand at the margins of my 30s, I reflect on the chaos, the self-discovery, and the search for meaning that has defined this chapter of my life. From career struggles to personal growth and relationships, this book will be about embracing the messiness of your twenties while finding moments of clarity and joy along the way.
4. Thriving in Your Thirties
THEME: FIRE
As I move into my thirties, I begin to feel more grounded. I am excited to write Thriving in Your Thirties at the end of it all, reflecting on that shift—finding purpose, stability, and deeper connections. This book will focus on building meaningful careers, relationships, and personal goals. It will be about stepping into your power and approaching life with greater intention and self-awareness.
5. Soaring Through Your Forties
THEME: AIR
Soaring Through Your Forties will be about fully embracing who you are. By the time most reach their forties (I say this, though so confident, only from interaction and observation), there’s a certain confidence and freedom that comes with experience. In this book, I hope to reflect on how to stay passionate, lead with purpose, and continue growing while enjoying the life you’ve built so far.
6. Rooted in Your Fifties
THEME: NATURE
Rooted in Your Fifties is ideally the last book I will write, reflecting on my life in decade. I hope to look at the decade as a time to reflect on legacy and embrace the changes that come with age. It’s about nurturing relationships, finding peace, and staying grounded. This book will in a way be a love letter to the resilience and wisdom we accumulate over the years.
7. At One with Your Maker
THEME: AETHER
The final book, At One with Your Maker, will be a reflection on the later stages of life. Writing this will be deeply spiritual, and I see myself considering this for a documentary—one about accepting mortality, reflecting on the life you’ve lived, and finding peace. I see it as a meditation on gratitude, closure, and the beauty of returning to the essence of who you are.
Why I Am Writing This Series
Writing this series is as much for me as it is for anyone else. I wanted to document my journey, not only to reflect on my own growth but to offer something that others could relate to and find comfort in. Life is a series of chapters, and each one comes with its own lessons and challenges. I hope that through this series, readers will feel like they have a companion—someone who has been there, who understands, and who can offer perspective and encouragement.
If you’re just beginning your journey or deep into it, I invite you to join me as we navigate these decades together. There’s something beautiful about learning and evolving alongside others, and I hope this series will play a small part in that for you.
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About the Author
