It’s official, I can’t stop time, therefore today I turn 28. And I’ve been struggling a lot with what the message of this article should be, but I think I’ve got it. It’s about honouring time. I feel like most of the time we get stressed and somewhat nostalgic about growing old, about time passing us by. Whereas I feel that this year has taught me that time should not be measured in minutes, but in moments.

This time last year, for my birthday, I wished for Paradiso to come to life, and at that moment, Paradiso was a clothing brand. Today, it’s an open space for me to share my thoughts, the place where I share the conversations I wish I had.

What I’m trying to say is that one year ago, I couldn’t fathom the thought of being where I am today. We tend to believe that life is like a stairway and that each year we should do whatever we can to climb at least one step. But looking back I’ve learned that life is actually more like hiking up a mountain. It’s definitely rocky, easy to get lost, and somewhat dangerous if you don’t follow the trail, but then again, the most unique experiences and views come from straying off the path.

To this I want to shout out loud, please don’t follow the path. The most important rule of the game is to not let anyone impose their own rules onto you. You can’t figure out who you are if you’re trying to be what others tell you you should be. Break the concepts imposed by society and draw your own life. It often feels like too much, and for sure it feels scary, but the rewards are beyond the limits of your predictable imagination.

All these little acts of courage you’ll end up wearing as a crown will shape your mind and your heart. You’ll look at people with empathy, you’ll feel strong because you’ll prove to yourself that you can handle the unknown, and most importantly, you’ll start evaluating time differently. Life won’t feel like Groundhog Day anymore, but more like a celebration.

That’s what I’d tell my younger self, and that’s how I’ve been guided by my family ever since I was a little girl. I am forever grateful to them for teaching me the right values, for always being my biggest supporters, and for never trying to cut my wings, but rather fly beside me. 

Best,

P