project 30 – danielle

Danielle, 32

What would your 30 something self tell your 20 something self if you could?

I hope I’d praise my younger self and tell her to keep up the good work. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t made the mistakes and progress of my 20’s. Maybe I’d tell myself to slow the f*ck down and enjoy the ride. But I bet everyone says that in retrospect, right?

 What do you wish you took more seriously in your 20’s?

Living with gratitude. And confidence.

 What do you wish you took less seriously in your 20’s?

My fantasies about what people might be thinking.

 Favorite memory from your 20’s?

This one is tough. There are so many memories to choose from. I graduated from college and graduate school in my 20’s. I fell in love with my husband, the father of my children. We were engaged on a sailboat in Spain. My wedding day might be my favorite memory. And then there was the day my son was born. Each memory is so full. If you’re forcing me to choose one, I’d say my wedding day and honeymoon were my favorite memories. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so full of unadulterated happiness for so many consistent, decadent, hours.

 In your early 20’s where did you think you would be (work, live etc) by 30?

I remember imagining I’d have a career in psychology and a child by 30.

 And where were you by 30? What did your life look like?

I was working as a therapist, seeing adults in private practice; and I was a mom to a perfectly rambunctious toddler. I was also teaching classes to new moms and their infants – a love and passion of mine. My husband and I had just closed escrow on a new house. I was thrilled to welcome 30 into my life and I continue to be grateful for the chance to live on this incredibly tiny planet for this incredibly brief amount of time.

 Were you ever worried that it wouldn’t all fall into place?

Sure, yeah. I worried I’d regret my choices. Each decade brings decisions that have ripple effects. I learned to be aware of how lucky we are for each day and not live worrying about fantasies – about the future or the past. Finding the balance between making mindful decisions with the knowledge that really it could all end tomorrow.

 What is the greatest gift about being a woman in your 30’s?

Gratitude. Getting out of people’s heads and into my own was a huge achievement of my 20’s. Knowing that I can fill myself with gratitude simply by looking around and noticing all I have – from my family’s health to easy access to clean water to my working vision, limbs and organs. The list is literally infinite. I believe gratitude is truly life’s greatest gift.

When you look out onto the horizon. What do you hope your life looks like at 40?

I hope my life continues on its current path. I hope my husband and I continue to watch and marvel over our children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. I hope my career continues to thrive. I hope we are all healthy. I hope we are all alive! I hope I haven’t lost my gratitude.

What’s a quote/ saying you try to live your life by?

“The problem is we think we have time.” – something Buddha once sort of said

connect with Danielle –

If anyone reading this is more interested in my professional work, feel free to peruse my website: Danielle Vorzimer If not, that’s totally okay too.