FashionTiffany RolleDecember 17, 2021Birthday, turning 40, evolution to 40, princess dress, best outfit, pretty dress, PinterestComment

Once & FUTURE

FashionTiffany RolleDecember 17, 2021Birthday, turning 40, evolution to 40, princess dress, best outfit, pretty dress, PinterestComment

How do you feel about turning 40?

I feel proud. I know that making it here is truly a blessing. All the struggles I went through in life, have lead me to this very moment. I remember as a kid being concerned about what age I would make it to, and what kind of legacy I would leave behind. I am proud to tell my 12 year old self that in 40 years I have accomplished a legacy of love and compassion. Now, I hope to share that love even more.

What is something you would tell your twenty old self?

Make the mistakes, being perfect isn’t real, and stay away from people that always bring up old shit. You know, the kind of people that always remind you of your failures instead of recognizing your success. Yeah, them! Leave them where they at. 🤷🏾‍♀️

How did you evolve over the past four decades?

Whew child. I don’t remember much before age 10, so I’ll start with my teenage years. If I could pick a title for that part of my life, I would call it confused. I had no clue what life was about. Being pregnant as a teenager didn’t help either. However, after giving birth a switch occurred. All the confusion didn’t go away, but I definitely became more focused. I suddenly knew what I wanted and what it took for me to get there. Once I was in my twenties, it was goals goals and more goals. I just kept checking personal boxes. By the time I was in my thirties, I was established and settled into the life I wanted for myself. I remember one day in my early thirties thinking, you’ve accomplished everything you’ve wanted what are you going to do now? We all know how tricky life is, so you could imagine what happened next. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, shit just started happening. Although, I was able to push through it all it took this past year for me to realize there is more to life than checking boxes on those goals we set for ourselves. I now believe the true purpose of life is to love whole heartedly even in indifference.

What was your greatest accomplishment?

Mine would have to be becoming a mom. My children opened my eyes a lot. They showed me what it means to love unconditionally. Most importantly, they helped me tap into strengths I didn’t know was there.

What would you say your biggest struggle is?

For the past year, my biggest struggle was regret. I regret not answering ALL of my mom phone calls. She use to call countless times though out the day,for no reason at all. I wish I had answered ALL of them because now those calls aren’t made anymore.

How have your friendships evolved over the years?

This is a loaded question. I still have friends from high school, early twenties and new ones. However, I don’t measure friendships based on longevity. I measure them based on accountability and loyalty. Someone that actually holds you accountable, values you. It takes a lot of time and effort to nurture someone. Anyone that takes the time out to correct me, or steer me in the right direction is a friend for life. Now let me offer this advice as well, make sure you’re able to recognize the difference between accountability and jealousy. Some people may act like they are trying to help you, but meanwhile they have a self serving personal agenda.

As for the few friends I’ve lost along the way, they did not gain an enemy. I’m a strong believer that everybody ain’t for everybody.

I also have friends that I haven’t talked to in a while, but once something significant happens, or we decide to reach out to each other it’s always love. In life we aren’t going to balance everything, the only thing we can do is be present in whatever moment we are in. I really appreciate the friends that understand that.