This is 40: Musings, Reflections, & Lessons Learned

MEE in the ancient village of Kastro in Sifnos, Greece - July 2024

1. Stop living for the applause. Do it for yourself.

2. You are energy, attracting what you emit. If you want high-vibration experiences, focus on radiating positive energy.

3. You can keep rebranding and redefining yourself. Look at Madonna! Look at Pamela Anderson!

4. Put out content in the world that your past self needed to see. Every alcohol-free article is dedicated to me ten years ago; she desperately needed to read and see this.

5. No revenge; focus on evolving and growing into the best version of yourself and shine like never before.

6. You need a friend like Donna Kim. Donna approaches friendship with a “When you win, I win” POV. Surround yourself with people whose collective energy is all about growth and elevation. Some of Donna’s pearls include, “Get addicted to joy.” and “We are in an abundance mindset. We are grateful. We don’t subscribe to a scarcity mindset.”

7. Resentments are natural, but working through them can lift a tremendous weight off your shoulders. I once heard “Forgiveness is the ultimate weight loss”.

8. The most important decision that I’ve made was to get sober and stop using alcohol and substances. I can’t believe how much this decision has changed my life, my thoughts, my skin, my body, and my heart. February 12, 2025 is six years. It has painted my world from black and white to full-spectrum color. Without this foundation; my castle crumbles. It’s my sacred choice.

9. Relationships and friendships change, and that’s perfectly fine. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic breakup; it’s part of the ebb and flow of life.

10. You are enough. You are good enough. You are worthy of every single thing that you desire

11. From a style perspective, celebrate your body by discovering which silhouettes make you feel your most confident. I’m eternally grateful to Will Kahn of Will’s Notebook for imparting this wisdom during our time at TOWN & COUNTRY. Will taught me to embrace fitted silhouettes that highlight my curves. Hence why you’ll usually find me in a ruched midi dress and form-fitting knit skirts.

12. Because “everyone else is doing it” is not an authentic reason to do anything.

13. Sobriety is what you make of it. I identify as Sober Glamorous—celebrating, wearing the heels, having the fun—sans all substances.

14. Ask people whose taste you admire what’s on their playlist. The soundtrack of their lives just might improve yours.

15. Movement is medicine. It helps you release emotions, eases anxiety, and makes you happier.

16. Bitterness ends and sweetness follows. Every challenging moment you’re going through, you’re growing through.

17. Seeing the divine in everything is a fulfilling way to live.

18. Sleep is #1—it’s the best beauty hack and is essential for me to operate at “Peak Micaela”.

19. Go to therapy.

20. Be courageous. Do the hard things and face your fears, even if you have to channel your inner alter ego. No regrets. Go for it.

21. Don’t expect people to read your mind—state your expectations out loud.

22. Allow yourself daily moments of silence to recalibrate so you don’t miss the signs and omens guiding you through life.

23. You will not live forever. Don’t wait to take that trip to Greece or send that dream job email.

24. You’re not everyone’s cup of tea.

25. Define and know your ‘Why’ for doing things. Whether you're starting a business or cultivating a new habit, understanding your underlying motivation and intention is clutch ✨.

26. Effort and hard work pay off. It’s the only way you’re going to achieve goals. There is no luck.

27. If you want to get a tweakment done, get the tweakment done. Botox is popular for a reason—it works. Don’t feel shame or judgment around it. You do you. And while I have many friends at Allergan, this is unsolicited: I truly believe that preventative Botox has changed my skin.

28. Your inner child is your forever muse. Listen to what lights her up.

29. Some of life doesn’t make sense, you just have to laugh!

30. Travel alone. You might find a personal revelation in a foreign place.

31. Try new things. Try new things. Try new things.

32. Change is inevitable, nothing is constant. These moments are ephemeral—that's the beauty and heartbreak of it all.

33. The people who challenge your growth aren’t your people.

34. When life feels overwhelming, simplify. Assign yourself one task for the day and crush it.

35. Give time time. Let it do its thing.

36. Gratitude is the attitude.

37. Tell the people who inspire you that they do—it’s more meaningful than any material gift.

38. Take a moment to sit with something before making a decision or sending a text message. If it feels too good in the moment, it probably is. Just press pause.

39. The old adage is true, it’s the journey not the destination. We’re in a constant state of becoming

40. Stay true.