Blanca Ilean Soto

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
Turning 40 gave me a different perspective on life. I am rediscovering myself with a new level of confidence, self-love, and maturity.  What I thought would be a scary birthday gave me the bravery and strength to explore new hobbies, adventures, and passions, like solo traveling and meditation.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
My health has sometimes been a barrier, but it’s also taught me the importance of self-care. Being a young mom was a challenge, but it pushed me to grow up quickly, find strength I didn’t know I had, and prioritize my children above all else.  And while difficult relationships have left their scars, they’ve also taught me valuable lessons about my own worth and the kind of love and respect I deserve. Losing my dad to cancer was incredibly hard- it shook me to my core and forced me to confront grief in ways I didn’t expect.  His passing left a deep void, but it taught me the value of cherishing our time with our loved ones.   Each of these experiences has shaped me into the strong, resilient person I am today. 

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My greatest accomplishment is graduating from college and earning my master’s degree.  As the daughter of immigrants, my parents sacrificed so much to give me the opportunities they never had, and it was important for me to honor their hard work and dreams by reaching this milestone. 

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
My greatest indulgence is traveling a few times a year- it’s my way of exploring the world and recharging my spirit.  I also have a soft spot for designer shoes and purses, which I can’t help but splurge on from time to time.  I like to think of them as investments and maybe even a future inheritance for my daughter, who loves fashion.  So, really, I’m just being practical, right?

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My children are my most treasured-borrowed possession.   

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
I would say completing my masters before my daughter finished her bachelor’s degree was at the top of my bucket list.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
My idea of perfect happiness is being at peace with who I am, fully embracing and loving myself.  It’s having my children, siblings, and mom healthy, happy, and close by.  Happiness is being surrounded by their love and knowing that we support each other through everything.  Their presence, joy, and their well-being create the foundation of my happiness.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
I would tell my younger self that it’s perfectly okay to cry and feel vulnerable.  You don’t always have to be strong; it’s important to lean on those around you for love and support.  Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.  Remember to be kind to yourself and give yourself the grace you deserve.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Remember to be kind to yourself, give yourself grace, and don’t rush through life.  Say yes to life adventures, take chances, live without regrets, … and always remember, treating yourself to shoes you’ve been eying is perfectly fine, too.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
The trait I’m most proud of is my loyalty.  I take great pride in being there for my friends and loved ones, no matter what.  To me, loyalty means standing by the people I care about, nurturing our relationships, and always being a source of support when they need me.  It’s a value I hold close to my heart, and it guides me in how I show up for those I love.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
Frida Kaloh’s quote, ‘Feet, why do I need you, if I have wings to fly” suggests a deep sense of personal empowerment and the desire to transcend limitations.  To me, it conveys that we all have the ability to achieve and explore beyond the conventional boundaries, and the constraints of everyday life. Embracing our potential and the freedom to rise above ordinary challenges.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
I value loyalty in my friendships because it reflects my commitment to being a loyal friend.  Trust and unconditional support are the cornerstones of any meaningful relationship, and I believe in giving the same unwavering loyalty that I hope to receive.  Mutual respect and dedication truly strengthened connections.

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
Over the years, I’ve evolved by being more open about my emotions and not shy away from asking for help.  One of the biggest changes has been learning to prioritize my well-being by setting boundaries and saying no to commitments that don’t align with my personal and professional priorities.  This shift has allowed me to focus on what truly matters and live a more fulfilling life.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
If I could change one thing about myself, it would be my tendency to second-guess my gut instincts.  I’ve learned that my intuition is usually spot-on, and trusting it more fully would help me make decisions with greater confidence and clarity.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
I hope future generations work toward fostering kindness and empathy in a society that isn’t always kind. I envision them actively engaging in positive social change, advocating for justice, and building communities grounded in equity and solidarity.  By contributing to a more inclusive and understanding world, they can help create an environment where respect and kindness thrive.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
At this stage in my life, seeing my children, whom I raised as a young mom, grow into strong, independent humans brings me the most joy.  Watching them thrive fills my heart with pride. 

I also find deep happiness in exploring the world; discovering new cultures, cuisines, and traditions is something that always brings a smile to my face. The excitement of planning my next adventure as I check off my bucket list is a delightful, new guilty pleasure that keeps my spirit young.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
My superpower is resilience.  Life has thrown its share of challenges my way, but each one has only made me stronger. I have learned to bounce back, adapt to change, keep moving forward no matter how tough the journey gets, and grow in ways I never thought possible.  Resilience is what empowers me to face each day with courage and grace.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
I absolutely love being 41. Just a few years ago, thinking about turning 40 filled me with certain worries and insecurities. However, this year, I can say that I have lived life without restraints. I am the happiest I have been in years, and I am looking forward to what the next decade will bring for me with excitement and much anticipation.

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
I am more in tune with who I truly am than ever before. My body has transformed in countless ways over the past few years, with signs of age beginning to appear.  While it was difficult to accept at first, I’ve grown to appreciate and even love the reflection I see in the mirror.  Though some health challenges have surfaced, creating barriers at times, they’ve fueled my desire to love myself more deeply and to invest in my well-being.  My spirit and mind have equipped me with the grace to accept these changes, the resilience to improve what I can, and the wisdom to cherish where I am now.  I feel a profound sense of wholeness, strength, and gratitude as I embrace this moment in my life.