The Cast Of "Harlem" Shares Advice They Wish They Knew In Their 20s

Life really starts making sense in your 30s. But wouldn't it be nice to have a guide to manage the chaos of your 20s? Watch this sisterhood own their lives in a big way in the second season of Harlem on Prime.

We asked the cast and creator of Harlem to share the advice they wish they heard in their 20s. Take it and run with it.

Be Authentically You

"I would tell my 20-year-old self that it’s not that serious. Everything will always be okay even when it feels like it’s not. And I’d tell myself, don’t worry what others think about you... Boldly walk in your authenticity because that’s your superpower. We all have a purpose but our collective purpose is to help each other, and the only way to be truly useful in the world is to be authentically you. Be free. The only opinion to be concerned about is God’s."

—Meagan Good, Camille in Harlem

People-Pleasing Is For The Birds

"In this cycle, who you are (your identity, desires, purpose, and true self) takes a backseat. It becomes a disservice to the part you are to play in the world and the big, brazen light that is deep within you that is destined to shine and ultimately bless and inspire others. It’s a process but choosing to step out of this cycle creates more room to step onto the God-given path that has been specifically curated for you to walk on."

—Grace Byers, Quinn in Harlem

You Aren't Only Your Career

"You aren’t only your career. I heard advice while in my 20s that if you spent your 20s sacrificing, you could live in your 30s. And I took it literally. With hindsight, I’d say, go to the party. Go on the date. It’s important to be focused and disciplined and career driven, but don’t allow all of the other beautiful parts of life to pass you by. You can have it all — the job, great friendships, a partner, and travel. Don’t wait to conquer one dream to start living."

—Shoniqua Shandai, Angie in Harlem

Trust Your Inner Voice

"Although I am just shy of 30, I do have advice for people in their 20s as I spend my last year in mine. Don’t disconnect from your inner voice. People talk a lot about authenticity and we can’t find that if we don’t connect with those “gut feelings.” When I was in my early 20s, I realized that I was living in my survival persona — the person that I created in order to get myself out of tough situations. She was the life of the party and a source of energy for everyone else, but hadn’t yet learned what replenishment looked like, hadn’t released the guilt of saying no, and didn’t know the difference between being giving and being taken advantage of. I had to learn how not to judge and ignore the voice. The one that tells you to go home when the party isn’t over yet. The one that tells you that certain people aren’t right for you even though you love them. The one that tells you to quit that job that makes you miserable although it’s paying your bills. It’s the only way to learn and expand your truest self. I realized that I’ve been guided all along; it’s just up to me to listen."

—Jerrie Johnson, Tye in Harlem

Stop Comparing Yourself To Others

"I'd say we have to get rid of arbitrary timelines and the notion that certain milestones have to happen at a certain age. Some of us will discover our career passions early and some of us will go through 17 jobs before stumbling on what we love. Some of us will meet our soulmate at 22 and have kids and be married before 30, and some of us won't meet our person until we're 38 (or older) and happily decide not to have kids. Some of us will be happily single forever. It's not about how quickly we figure everything out or following society's rules for women. We should embrace our individual journeys and find our own happiness, whatever that looks like for us. And stop comparing our lives to others'. After all, comparison is the thief of joy and joy is what we're all ultimately seeking."

—Tracy Oliver, creator of Harlem

The bottom line is you don't have to be flawless to be inspiring! And watch four friends move into a new age of modern Black womanhood together on Season 2 of Harlem on Prime.

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All images courtesy of Prime Video