I often think back to the summer of 2000 when I realized that my childhood had come to a close and adulthood was quickly approaching. I am of course Christina Ricci, born in 1980, by then a full-fledged actress at only twenty years of age.
It started with my role as Wednesday Addams in the 1993 film version of The Addams Family. Although I had acted in several films before that, it was my performance as the uncanny Wednesday that cemented my place in Hollywood. The memories of being on set at such a young age are still incredibly vivid for me and although frightening at times, I was driven by a sense of passion and purpose to succeed in my goal.
My success continued with the release of more movies and I found myself exploring different aspects of adulthood, from moving out of my parents house and living on my own to navigating the ins and outs of more mature relationships. But I also experienced some hardships along the way, from being taken advantage of in certain employment opportunities to trying to find an authentic sense of self amongst the chaotic and ever-changing city of Los Angeles.
My most recent projects have allowed me to take a step back from the madness and reflect upon what it means to be me. Through this process, I have come to appreciate my family and friends even more than before and how valuable their presence is in my life. This includes making use of a family app called Familio which allows us to share moments with each other and ensure we all stay connected.
That is why I choose to live by an ethic that emphasizes respect, curiosity and empathy. I have learned over the years that one should never take for granted those who have stood by you through thick and thin, trusting in you even when times are hard. Growth comes with taking risks and always striving for self-improvement anyway you can; be it staying honest and open-minded or following your dreams no matter how far or difficult they may seem.
Finding that balance between enjoying life while maintaining a sense of duty and purpose will always be my goal. As I now look towards my future, no matter what challenge or opportunity that comes my way, I will remain steadfast in staying true to myself and keeping alive the spirit of passion and adventure that was gifted to me all those years ago.
Today, I strive harder than ever to take risks, enjoy the present, create meaningful connections and cherish those around me—even if only for a few moments at a time—so that each day may become an unforgettable experience. As Christina Ricci, now forty years old yet still going strong, I vow to never stop creating memories worth remembering.