Amber, 35
What would your 30 something self tell your 20 something self if you could?
Live life open-hearted and don’t try to fit into a mold. Work hard, trust your instincts and judgment and dedicate way more time to your dreams and way less time to finding temporary joy or romance. The biggest mistakes I’ve made in my career and otherwise were trying too hard to be something I’m not or trying to go down a path that wasn’t true to myself. Once I realized that I can create the life that I want, I actually did it and I was actually way happier.
What do you wish you took more seriously in your 20’s?
I was more serious about one career path rather than trying out many. I interned for everyone and wanted to try everything, which was great in some ways, but detrimental in others. I see people in their 20s now who are at the top of their game because they jumped right in and made themselves an expert even though they weren’t. I wanted to learn and work my way up the hard way. I did learn a lot, but I also wasted a lot of time. I think if I just trusted my gut, I would have moved faster.
What do you wish you took less seriously in your 20’s?
The search for true love. I now believe that love finds you when YOU’RE ready. If you are half a person, you won’t ever be complete until you find your other half. Your other half isn’t another person, it’s within yourself. Once you’re whole, you can give what you have to another.
Favorite memory from your 20’s?
There are so many great moments with my best girlfriends when I was living in Florida and New York City. We were so silly, carefree, emotional, supportive, compassionate & unsure of ourselves. It was a magical rollercoaster.
In your early 20’s where did you think you would be (work, live etc) by 30?
I wanted to be in a big city and in a fast paced high-profile position in fashion or art.
And where were you by 30? What did your life look like?
By 30 I had fulfilled that wish. I was working in fashion at big magazines with big stars. It was exciting, but I realized that the fast paced fashion life was not fulfilling for me. I realized I felt more fulfilled by working on my whole life, not just my career. I actually achieved that by slowing down.
Were you ever worried that it wouldn’t all fall into place?
I think that’s always a fear, but I trust the universe to lead me to the right thing at the right time.
What is the greatest gift about being a woman in your 30’s?
Finally feeling confident in my own skin! I think in your 20s you are working out who you are and by 30 you finally get it. It was nice when I finally saw myself clearly.
When you look out onto the horizon. What do you hope your life looks like at 40?
Being a mother who can share this experience and these memories with kids. I also look forward to my next career iterations, since by then I will be an expert!
What’s a quote/ saying you try to live your life by?
Surround everything with love.
connect with Amber-
365til30.com 
She’s fascinating. Being with an open mind will no doubt lead her through her 30’s in grand style. Love is sure to find her, on her own terms.
Yay! I love this.
I do love this series so much. Her first answer is something I wish my older twenty year old self (27 currently) had been able to say to my younger twenty year old self. Don’t cut yourself to fit someone’s idea of who you are – listen to your heart (and also, listen to your mother, she’s nearly always right…).
Love this post! Wise words on love, life and balance.
Such a cool series.. such a huge milestone/transition in life to reflect on.