Turning 40

My avid readers might have wondered about my lack of posting. Usually, I blog on a daily base but I have been offline for five days. The reason was my birthday, I turned 40 last week. Friends have asked me why I share this number and my answer is that there is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. I have been on this planet for over 40 years. I am happier than ever and achieved all the milestones in my life that I had set for myself. I have travelled the world and enjoyed life most of the time to the fullest. Now I am ready for the real fun…

40 has a lot of beauty and I will explain you why. In comparison to a younger age, I  am no longer taking decisions based on what I am supposed to do. I am making them based on what is right for me which is so liberating. I know that all social media channels don’t show the real world. If you still think that people are all so confident living their perfect lives, you might be mistaken. Most of them are just as screwed up as everyone else.

My longtime friends who visited me from all over told me this weekend that they admire my consistency through all these years they have known me. True, I have never lost the my zest for life, I always stayed true to myself. In my high school book, I found a quote of mine: “Be yourself, no matter what they say.” This has been a common thread. If it made me happy, I would never cared about other people’s opinion, which goes most importantly for my way of dressing.

I still like getting silly and I have always loved dancing like no one is watching or like everyone is watching. I like the attention. One thing that has definitely changed is that I never feel guilty again, more like a teenager, but less loud. You I know that there is always a plan B and that is is indispensable to get rid of the toxic people in your life.

I am thankful for the amazing people that surround me and I never forget to tell them how much I love them. I had an unforgettable birthday and I would like to thank everyone who made it so special.

Below you will find my different stages in life. Why? Because they are fun to look at!

1981: Being in first grade… a happy 6 year old Sandra.

1994: Having my own band and being on tour with the Backstreet Boys. I was 19 and had just finished school.

1997: My first trip to Hong Kong. Blond and ready to see life at the age of 22.

2004: Before my 30th birthday and before moving from Chicago to Zurich I did this cover shoot.

2013: Finally back to my natural hair color that you appreciate at the age of 38.

2015: And that is me one week ago, a selfie in bed. 40 and I personally think that I look better than I did at 20.

To life and its beauty!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Christian Dietrich (2013)
And a huge thank you to the Park Hyatt Zurich team for the amazing picture to my birthday! I love u guys!