Alicia, 38
What would your 30 something self tell your 20 something self if you could?
Follow your bliss. I was too caught up in making money and following a path to securing an executive position in the fashion/publishing industry. Money isn’t everything and if you are doing something you love then the money will come.
What do you wish you took more seriously in your 20’s?
Enjoying life, being young and free. Don’t get me wrong, my 20’s were a wild ride but I was so focused on my career that I wasn’t being true to myself. I moved to NYC from San Francisco when I was 22 years old, landed a job at Jane magazine doing marketing and events and was determined to become a power player.
What do you wish you took less seriously in your 20’s?
I wish I wasn’t so hard on myself after I dropped out of college. I was worried I’d never find a job because I didn’t have a college degree and was nervous about entering the workforce. Thankfully, my Dad constantly reminded me that many successful people never finished college or even high school and went on to do great things.
Favorite memory from your 20’s?
Hands down moving to NYC. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I really grew up and became who I am today because of it. I recently moved to LA after being there for the past 15 years, which is the longest place I’ve ever lived. Now that I’ve been in LA for almost a year now, I realized I’m more of a New Yorker than I thought and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
In your early 20’s where did you think you would be (work, live etc) by 30?
I thought I would be married with two, maybe three children. Living in NYC and having a house by the beach.
And where were you by 30? What did your life look like?
I was not married but in a long-term relationship living in NYC. Traveling a lot both professionally and personally.
I took the leap of faith and started consulting after having a pretty successful career working at various magazines and fashion brands. I was really proud of what I had accomplished up until that point. I worked on some incredible high-profile projects and met some amazing people along the way. To this day, a majority of them are now dear friends.
Were you ever worried that it wouldn’t all fall into place?
Yes, all the time! I still worry about that now even being 38 years young. I see myself as a work in progress and I always want to challenge myself to do more. Life is a beautiful gift and I never want take it for granted.
What is the greatest gift about being a woman in your 30’s?
Discovering the value of self-love. Sure I “liked” myself enough but didn’t realize the importance of loving myself until my long-term relationship ended. I went to Rome by myself after the break-up to have my own Eat, Pray, Love experience and not only did I eat and pray A LOT but I realized how vital it is to love and nurture yourself. This was something I had neglected for so many years.
When you look out onto the horizon what do you hope your life looks like at 40?
Being happy and at peace with where I’m at in my life. I hope to have children, travel the globe and give back in some way.
What’s a quote/ saying you try to live your life by?
Follow your bliss. This is my mantra and my daily reminder to push myself to always do more.
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Tags: 20's versus 30's, 365, 365 til, 365 til 30, alicia barone, bliss, Explore, goals, Gratitude, growth, Inspiration, inspiring women, inspiring women in their 30's, Joy, Kate McClafferty, Love, project 30, project 30's, travel, turning 30, universe
