Speak Now

MANILA, Philippines - To help women overcome this quarter-life crisis, Olay Total Effects put together a team of lifestyle experts to help women succeed and thrive confidently as they approach this milestone. Olay invited young women to share their quarter-life crisis stories to www.ocircle.com.ph to get expert advice on skin, style and personality development.

Jenni Epperson, celebrity stylist and blogger (www.jenniepperson.com)

Twenty-five is a tricky age for most women. Between swiftly moving careers, love lives that are suddenly increasingly serious, and changes in their bodies, it’s a lot to take. How were you at 25? 

Twenty-five was all of that and more for me. At 25 I was unstoppable. I guess it’s a normal reaction. When you get to that part of your life when hard work starts to pay off, and everything you want feels close enough to grab, you just keep at it. Married with a kid and running a fashion business at the time helped me motivated to keep up with both the expectations of the industry, my family and myself towards the way I look and live. I strived to be healthy, successful and happy. I was a like machine! I had so much energy, passion and dreams! I was also unsure of the future, but I knew I wanted to try a lot of things and find out what would or would not work for me.

What was the most challenging part of this period for you?

Balancing family and fashion. Because I was handling Linea Italia Group at that time, I had a lot of responsibilities — 200-plus employees, hundreds of suppliers; plus, I had a toddler and husband to take care of. It was challenging but I had boundless energy and passion so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. It was more exciting than anything. 

Do you see any differences now? Are there any problems unique to 25-year-old women in 2011?

I’m not one to compare myself to other people. I think like most women in their mid-20’s I had to struggle with different issues and just trying to carve my own path. I know of many young women who are driven and ambitious, and I think this is a wonderful age where they can explore their skills and specialties. It is not much different from how it was back then. Mostly, I guess the only difference is that there’s more distraction to the goal, more stuff money can buy, more technology and luxuries to enjoy life with — but if a lady is smart, she’d know to dwell on the opportunities and advantages of these modern-day tools and utilize them. 

Dr. Mia Leuenberger, dermatologist

Twenty-five is a tricky age for most women. Between swiftly moving careers, love lives that are suddenly increasingly serious, and changes in their bodies, it’s a lot to take. How were you at 25?

The age of 25 centered on my medical internship at a major government hospital. This meant expected physical and mental stress from taking care of patients and learning at the same time. The endurance and strength of my youth were definitely put to the test. However, that time was definitely endearing with a lot of heartwarming and fun-filled moments.

What was the most challenging part of this period for you?

Sleep was a sweet luxury and meals were at odd hours and definitely not in the zone of the healthy food pyramid.

Do you see any differences now? Are there any problems unique to 25-year-old women in 2011?

I think it still holds true that most young women who pursue their profession or careers tend to settle down by their late twenties to early thirties. Hence, at age 25, they would most likely be focused on what needs to be done to improve themselves, whether it be an academic course or actual employment or entrepreneurship. With that might come the downgrading of the health priority, which would include taking the time to go for a general check up and observing the usual key points of a healthy lifestyle.

Abby Arenas, personality development expert

In your field, what difficulties do you see for women?

As an image consultant, the difficulties are keeping up with the times and accepting changes. Also, difficulties kick in when you don’t acquire a strong set of values and a strong foundation to plant your feet on the ground. A person’s upbringing has a huge impact and effect on one’s life-changing decisions. 

What can you recommend to this generation?

Know what you want for yourself and have faith in it. If you don’t, then take the time to rediscover things about you. Don’t be pressured by the illusion of time or be rattled by comparing yourself with others — life is not a race. Grab every opportunity that will make you learn and grow. Don’t lose curiosity — this will open your doors to the unthinkable. Don’t let fear take over your dreams. There is time for mistakes and risks so better now than later. 

What do you know now that you wish you could tell your 25-year-old self?

Hindsight is always 20/20. Now I know that you can do anything as long as you put your heart in it. Everything takes time, everything happens for a reason, everything changes. At 25, your problems may seem to be the be-all-and-end-all but they will heal. Problems are not permanent and no pain will stay for long. Above all, attitude is everything — it affects how you view matters and how you rise above difficulties. You always have a choice: whether to be pulled by the day’s troubles or to be in the moment, enjoying the moment.