I’ve decided to start a new series on the blog, a little q & a with some fabulous woman in their 30’s. First up, my delightful, smart, witty and soulful friend Alison. We’ve known each other since we were twelve (!) and I am so grateful that she’s still in my life because I love the woman she is at thirty.
What would your 30 something self tell your 20 something self if you could?
I would say the same thing I will probably always need to say to myself—Live in the moment! My 20s “head” was bombarded with questions—Who am I? Is this the right job? Who will I marry? Where will I live? Am I happy? I wish I enjoyed the uncertainty, the fluidity of my life and all the possibilities.
What do you wish you took more seriously in your 20’s?
Sleep.
What do you wish you took less seriously in your 20’s?
Myself. I was way too serious. I wish I made more mistakes and, perhaps, not the same ones I made 😉
Favorite memory from your 20’s?
Choosing one memory is so difficult BUT if I had to pick one, it would be my trip to Milan with my mom (which, actually, happened in the last days of being in my 20s). Being away with my mom was so magical. We always hang out but for some reason, that trip changed something….made us more friends, made me see her as a woman (not just a mom) and reminded me that my mom is incredible in so many ways and that I am so lucky to be her daughter.
In your early 20’s where did you think you would be (work, live etc) by 30?
I am pretty sure I imagined being a completely different person— someone who had their shirt tucked in, hair blown out, and make-up on perfectly. Of course, I would be living in a magazine-worthy, super modern, loft apartment in NYC. I thought I would be head of marketing for some cool lifestyle brand and drinking lattes as I run around from meeting to meeting. The funny thing is that I always saw my outfit. The funnier part is that I am pretty sure it was always on Gwyneth Paltrow. So I guess I imagined being thin and a WASP.
And where were you by 30? What did your life look like?
At 30, I was about to be engaged to the most awesome guy. I lived in an apartment in NYC that would only be featured in a magazine if they were covering small spaces. I was working as the head of a marketing group at a strong, but by no means cool, brand. And, of course, my outfits were not chic, my hair still remained un-brushed, and I was lucky if I put on make-up.
Were you ever worried that it wouldn’t all fall into place?
Umm, YES
What is the greatest gift about being a woman in your 30’s?
Caring a bit less about what people think (emphasis on “a bit”)
When you look out into the horizon. What do you hope your life looks like at 40?
Kind of how it looks now… I would be a bit more evolved and there would be some awesome and healthy kids around me.
What’s a quote/ saying you try to live your life by?
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. –Dr Seuss
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365til30.com 
A very nice idea coming from someone almost 65 with 2 daughters in their thirties:)
I plan on getting both of them to do it!!! 🙂
Great series, my love! Wonderful interview!
Loving your new series – thanks for sharing:)
Excited for this series! xx
THIS: “What do you wish you took more seriously in your 20’s?: Sleep.” (It’s what I covet most now and take more seriously than anything really).
Love the idea for this series and look forward to more interviews with fabulous 30-somethings!
Ha, I know! Sleep is the best! So glad you like the new series- I’m looking forward to reading along as well!!
Adore the start of the series. Great questions and great responses from Ali. I so look forward to 30! xx!
As an uncertain 20-something, this is especially appreciated 🙂 looking forward to more from this series, too!
Oh good!!! I’m so glad you like it!
I’ve been enjoying following along on all your exciting adventures…:)
I love this new series of your blog ! As a 28 year old woman it’s nice to see different perspectives of life then, now and what we are hopeful the future holds 🙂
I’m so happy you like it!! I’m excited to read the answers every week too!
in my studies of my authentic self the Dr. Seuss quote is inspiring… and true, as I continue my walk of life.. enjoying your new blog..
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I am so grateful to have you as a reader:)
LOVE this series! Thanks for sharing… looking forward to more 🙂