The most enduring image of the author’s father is of a man in a suit, perpetually in transit – arriving from places he disliked or departing for more of the same. He spent his career in banking, enduring a daily commute and often struggling with frustration.

A Plan Cut Short

Despite his unhappiness, the author’s father meticulously planned for retirement at age 55. However, his life was tragically cut short at 52, leaving his plans unrealized. This loss profoundly impacted the author, prompting a significant shift in her own life choices.

Embracing the Unplanned

Following her father’s death, the author left fashion school without a defined plan. This decision, she reflects, was the first truly authentic one she had made, as she was no longer adhering to a pre-determined path of education, career advancement, and eventual retirement. Instead, she chose to simply live.

Initially, this involved a sense of nihilism, but quickly evolved into actively seeking and embracing opportunities. She married twice before the age of 30, viewing these experiences as evidence of a life actively pursued. By 22, she was dubbed 'London's most invited' by the Daily Mail, and by 25, she had relocated to New York City.

From New York to Media Leadership

Moving to New York with limited connections and financial resources, the author embraced the challenge with confidence. This led to a career as Fashion Director at a major women's media company, overseeing a website with 500 million monthly visitors. She even briefly had Anna Delvey as an intern.

Prioritizing Experience Over Security

The author’s choices often defied conventional financial advice and appeared “irresponsible” on paper. She produced a documentary on a critical issue with no filmmaking experience, accepting that it likely wouldn’t yield a financial return. She consistently prioritized experiences over accumulating wealth or adhering to a traditional career trajectory.

The True Risk: A Life Deferred

The author argues that we often fail to acknowledge the most significant risk of all: the risk of deferring life and never fully experiencing it. This risk isn’t quantifiable or easily represented in a financial plan, yet it can be profoundly impactful.

A Legacy of Living

Now a mother, the author is mindful of the life model she presents to her 9-year-old daughter. She emphasizes the value of time as the most precious asset, and the importance of seizing opportunities. She aims to live a life worthy of a New York Times obituary: 'the girl who lived.'

The author concludes that simply showing up, fully and imperfectly, is often the greatest challenge. She has chosen to live a life already, and anticipates never retiring, embracing the journey wherever it may lead.