17 March 2008 09:01
Someone once told me, or I read somewhere, that after seven years you’ve literally become a completely different person - because every cell in your body has changed. Freaky concept, huh? I’m open to believing it, but I’m pretty sure I’d at least have some ten-year old hair hanging around.
And I’m not sure if I’m making this up, but I think some criminal has used this as a get-of-jail argument. As in: “I’ve been in jail for seven years now, so I’m no longer the person who committed the crime, so please your honour, may I be set free now?” Nice try … but no.
The seven-year theme is an interesting one. There’s that relationship itch (which actually seems to be seven months these days). And then there’s the concept that you live your life in seven-year stages. It’s been years since I read about it but it goes something like … 0-7 is about self-awareness, 7-14 imagination, 14-21 maturity, 21-28 developing judgment … Or something like that. I was reminded of it all when I recently read a feature on Christina Ricci in New York magazine. Having just turned 28, she feels that she’s turned some kind of corner. 28 being the age when most people start to hit their stride and come into themselves – and going by Christina Ricci’s look here (pic from New York mag) and all the hype about her upcoming movies after such a string of flops – it seems true enough.
And then there’s the next phase – 28-35. I bring this up because a gorgeous friend of mine just turned 35 and has had a bit of beauty freak-out. Her freak-out is actual my Q&A for today, if you’re interested. The thing about reaching this stage of life, as every skincare expert will forebodingly tell you, is that this is when you start to really see your first wrinkles. You don’t necessarily look old, but you can see how you’re going to age.
But now for the good news: according to seven-year-theorists, when you’re 35 you’re at the absolute peak of potential and power. So this is why you can really come into your own and make sure your life is heading where you want it to. It’s a lovely thought. Although I’m not so sure if that makes it any easier to deal with those first wrinkles.
Photo: New York magazine