Top 10 lessons from my first 40 years

Welcome to my YOLO year

Hi there!

Today is my 40th birthday and I’m headed to one of my favorite islands to celebrate with my husband Glenn, my twin sister Liz, and our close friends. Before I get the celebration started, I wanted to take the time to share what I’ve been reflecting on.

I’ve condensed my thoughts into “my top 10 lessons” to share with all 2,000+ of you, but my kids (Tyler, Penn, and Isla) were top of mind when I was writing this and thinking about the life lessons I want to teach them. 💞

40✨

My Top 10 Lessons From My First 40 Years

1. If success is not on your own terms and sucks away the time and energy to do the things in life that give you joy, then it is not success at all.

2. Friends that sit with you in silence are the most important kind to have.

3. Pay it forward. The smallest gestures usually mean the most - dropping someone off their favorite dessert, following-up after an important interview to see how it went, grabbing coffee with a friend, etc.

4. There is only so much you can plan for and think about, but action is what really creates confidence and courage. Know that great things take time and you’ll probably be embarrassed by what you put out there at first. As long as you’re making gradual progress, you’re on the right track.

5. If you’re unhappy at work, you’ll be unhappy in life. The kindness and intelligence of the team you work with is just as important, and most of the time even more important, as the type of work you are doing.

6. Depression is a disease that does not discriminate. 

7. Optimism & perseverance are the two most important ingredients for success.

8. Take the trip & throw the party.

9. Natural beauty is truly the most beautiful. A few years ago, I met Christy Turlington (who is now 55) at an event in Miami for her charity, Every Mother Counts. Christy was dressed casually in a white tee and khakis, ponytail, and very light make-up (pic below of my friend Jamie and me chatting with her). She was insanely gorgeous both inside and out. After meeting Christy and being blown away by how stunning and kind she was in person, I went down a rabbit hole to find out about her self-care routine (details in this Vogue article).

Photos from the event in Miami; Photo from Vogue; Photo from Christy's Instagram

And finally, had to save the best for last:

10. The OG ah.mi mantra: Greens. Water. Move. Repeat (& an early bedtime) is really all you need to “bio-hack” it.

Thank you for being along for the ride! I feel so lucky to have you all on this journey with me. :)

Xx,

Rach

P.S. - What lesson sticks with you the most? Let me know in the comments.