As you celebrate the holidays, take time to appreciate what you have. Instead of fretting about the “perfect present,” stressing over cooking turkey, or dealing with cranky relatives, think about everything that’s right in your life.

We can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season: shopping, baking, wrapping, cooking, and decorating up a storm. It may sound cliché but it’s important to appreciate the blessings in your life.

In the end it’s not really about the ‘stuff’ or the food… well, ok, maybe a little about the food… It’s about how you spend your time on this earth. You’re only 40 (or 50) once, so be the best you can at every stage and every age in your life. Experience everything you can. Help others. Grow as a person. Explore your interests. Have no regrets.

Give yourself the gift of being present and involved in your own life. It’s not a spectator sport.

Photo: This is the model I dressed for the Oscar de la Renta FW2013 runway at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, New York City. I was a backstage ‘dresser.’ Not even kidding. #BucketList