Embracing the Journey: Reflections on Turning 40

From Style and Self-Care to Career Challenges, How I’m Navigating It All

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In my first month of writing this newsletter, I realized that vulnerability deeply connects us. I’m turning 40 this Sunday and feeling it all— nerves, excitement, and a clearer sense of who I am. As I approach this milestone, I’ve been reflecting on a quote from Diane von Fürstenberg’s recent documentary, Diane von Fürstenberg: Woman in Charge. Her words resonate deeply:

“If you take all your wrinkles away, the map of your life is different.”

Turning 40, I’m starting to see the wrinkles (I know you can hear me in the back). These marks have shaped my style and health resilience, but there’s still one wrinkle I’m working through: the path of my career. So let’s get a little personal and dive in.

The Style Ingredient To Any Outfit

In the summer of 2004, I showed up to dinner in an outfit that left my parents baffled: a vintage yellow lace skirt, a periwinkle Ralph Lauren button-down, and a Gap denim vest. Do you blame them? Despite their confusion, I was determined to carve my path stylistically, building my confidence in those early NYC days despite others' doubts.

Fast forward to last week, and the reaction was quite different. I wore leather pants, a white tank, and aviator eyeglasses for a Soho work assignment. The compliments caught me off guard—this outfit was so simple and thrown together in seconds. Reflecting on both moments, it’s clear that it’s never been about the clothes themselves, but about how I wore them and the confidence behind them.

I always find strength in a statement sleeve, a ruffled flair, or a bold pair of eyewear.

The Hidden Power Behind Self-Care.

In my twenties, a melanoma diagnosis set me on an 18-year journey focused on skin health. Initially, I avoided sleeveless clothes and beach days, worried about how others might view my scar. While the scar (or the wrinkle) remains, it’s virtually invisible to me now because I realized there was power in my story. Through regular health checks, diligent sunscreen use, and my determination not to let it define me, I've turned it into a symbol of resilience and growth.

A Raw Truth About My Career

And you might be wondering, with all the work I have put into building confidence in style and health, how can I still struggle with confidence in my career? I'd be lying if I said climbing the corporate ladder has been easy for me. Over the past two decades, I've faced numerous layoffs, navigated struggling businesses and bankruptcies, and dealt with management that didn’t fully recognize the potential I saw in myself.

Despite this, I’ve kept pushing for a seat at the table. Each setback has only strengthened my resolve to prove myself and my worth. It’s a constant challenge not to compare myself to colleagues who’ve quickly moved up to Director, VP, or even SVP. I remind myself that my title should never define my success because there is so much to celebrate with all that I have achieved.

This newsletter is my chance to overcome insecurities, share my ideas, and showcase my potential. I’m excited to connect each week with this supportive, like-minded community.

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At the end of the day, we are all exactly where we should be, even if it doesn't look the way we originally envisioned. Each of my wrinkles adds to my unique narrative. I’ve built a solid foundation of confidence in my style and self-care. And even if I don’t have it all figured out in my career just yet, I’m shaping myself into the woman I want to be at 40.

What story do your wrinkles tell?