Christina, 62
Loyal, honest, lovable
“Don’t ask permission to do something that is completely insane, even from yourself.”
✨ Twinsight: Christina presents nuggets of advice that are inspiring and always delivered with a side of humour that makes us smile (and sometimes LOL). In her new book she shares her life lessons that can only come with living this life with all the good, the bad, the messy and the joys. It’s a must read.
How old are you and how are you feeling about that?
A: I’m 62????? When did that happen?
Three words that describe you.
A: Loyal, honest, and lovable
What’s the one life lesson that you wish you had figured out earlier?
A: It's interesting in life how many times we reinvent. Our bodies are cellular different every seven years, so science tells us. So, in essence, a brand new you. We've often had several careers, and don't get me started on the vast array of "loves of my life" I have fallen in and out of love with. I have had many, many lives, and every one of them was extraordinary, varied and ripe with lessons.
In my early twenties, I had a career in the glitzy cosmetic retail industry, and then I spent over a quarter century deep in the world of advertising and production. Hell, I even produced a feature film that opened TIFF. I moved countries and pretty much shed most of the labels that defined who I was to the world and, truthfully, to me as well. This isn't some sort of right-to-brag CV but rather an introduction to my thinking that anything is possible when no one tells you no.
Proudest accomplishment?
A: In April 2023, I became a published author with my first book, In Search of Mr Darcy: Lessons Learnt In The Pursuit of Happily Ever After. When I sat down to write my book, a talent that had not publicly been acknowledged since Miss Bonvalane, my grade two teacher, accused me of plagiarizing my extraordinary poem about the joy of hotdog buns, I had absolutely zero, and I do mean zero notion that this was something I could/should/would do, little alone have the talent for. I had effectively spent my career managing other people's creative talents but never my own. I didn't know I had any.
Christina recording the audio book of her new memoir, In Search of Mr. Darcy.
What was your most monumental aha moment?
A: I’ve had a lot of aha moments. In every chapter of my life. They are the pivot in which everything either makes sense in blinding clarity, or you change direction, or both.
Have you experienced ageism?
A: Yes. Every time I walk into the Soho House. Just kidding. Not really. Although when I was away in Mykonos with a girlfriend, I believe the young hostess saw two older women and placed us in a shitty table by the bathroom, AND the restaurant was completely empty.
What’s your message to the world?
A: I finished and sold my book. And I am super proud of this accomplishment. But if you take anything from this, don't ask permission to do something completely insane, even from yourself. I never heard no, mostly because I never asked the question. Should I write a book? Start a production company? Produce a film? Am I good enough? Am I too young? Am I too old? Will anyone like it? I wrote it because it needed to come out, and I got out of my own way and let it happen.
So call upon those inspiring spirits who give you permission, and thank them. Visualize the ending even if you can't quite see the path. No is not the answer to all those unasked questions. Those treasures buried deep inside of you are hoping you'll say yes.
Favourite band, book, artist?
A: My favourite band or artist changes with my mood. MatchBox Twenty if I am feeling nostalgic for my post divorced self. Garth Brooks if I want to go kick up a little dust. Old Tony Bennet if I want to dance in my kitchen, a little Pink or Gaga if I need to feel empowered and kick some serious ass. And if I am looking to feel happy instantly, ABBA
What sparks your joy these days?
A: Being with friends, great wine and food, and laughing so hard that you pee, just a little.
What’s next for you? What does your future self look like?
A: I’m writing a novel. Will turn my memoir into a film and cast Charlize Theron to play moi. And of course, more travel. Travel is my religion.
You can find out more about Christina on her Instagram @abroad.inlondon or on TikTok @insearchofmrdarcy. And to buy her book go here.