A few weeks ago I turned 35. The funny thing is… I don’t feel 35. I still see myself as the vibrant, young, feverous girl I saw in the mirror ten years ago. Just rounder. And motherly.
(photo taken by the über talented Niki Aguirre)
I began to wonder how my life would be different if I could actually transfer the wisdom I have gained over the last decade. What would I say to that bright spark of energy? Would any of it sound familiar, be similar to phrases passed through my ears over my lifetime? I imagine I would say something like this:
- Let things go. Do not harbor anger, sadness, disappointment, or frustration. Releasing your emotions at the end of every day brings your soul full circle, allows you to revisit your true passions, and hone in on your intuitions.
- Lower your expectations. Let’s face it: the world is not perfect, and neither are we. There is no possible way we can be all things to all people at all times.
- Just listen.
- Be alone. Learn to spend time with yourself. Love the nuances that make you special and unique; exemplify those things that make you who you are. One day, you will know what it means to love someone else more than you can ever imagine. Until that day, love you.
- Have fun. Feel the breeze in your hair and the fresh airs surround you. Don’t make things so complicated all the time.
- You cannot plan your life. Period.
- Keep going. When your life is so overwhelmed with activity that you cannot fathom to lift your head in the morning, think of the outcome. It is worth it. It is all worth it. Keep doing.
- Infatuation and lust are not love.
- Feel your actions. When your mind, your heart, and gut all agree, it is the right thing to do. Do not hesitate. Listen to yourself, and just do it.
- You are the most amazing woman you will ever know. You can do anything you put your mind to. You will feel the lowest lows and the highest highs, and still not feel satisfied until you realize that you are your own best friend and your own worst enemy. You can accomplish everything.
In addition, I would tell my 25-year-old self to start drinking better wine, and because my 25-year-old palate is not my 35-year-old palate, I would start with a 2010 La Scolca Gavi Bianco Secco. Because Piedmont’s La Scolca was the first producer of quality Gavi, founded in 1919, it finds itself among scores of historic white wine producers in Italy. No one does it better.
Gavi hails from Cortese grapes, which have been traditionally blended into sparkling wines. With hand harvesting, cryo maceration, and cold fermentation, the structure and acidity of the fruit is carefully maintained. This results in a beautifully crafted wine that is pale straw in color, with greenish highlights, intense lemon citrus, and flirty aromas. Crisp and refreshing, the 2010 La Scolca Gavi Bianco Secco would quench my thirst at 25 years old, or for that matter, 35 years old. Available at Specs, appropriately, for $35.
All in all, I must admit that I am loving life right now. At 35, I have an amazing husband, daughter, and career. And while at times I find myself hitting my head against the wall, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. All of my experiences have created this moment, and I am proud of who and what I have become.
Live well. Eat well. Drink well.
Love it! If only we knew ourselves 10 years ago! Miss you.