I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Christiane Seidel and her husband, Eddie, at a fashion week party and was so riveted by our conversation, which covered topics ranging from sourcing inspiration to TV obsessions to beauty product favorites (hers are coming in a separate post; you will know the secrets to that shiny, shiny mane soon enough, trust) that I was perfectly at ease standing in my heels for over an hour. If you know me, you know this simply does not occur, especially at the tail-end of NYFW. For the uninitiated, the actress played Sigrid Mueller on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire as the murderous Norwegian nanny-wife to rogue FBI agent, Nelson Van Alden. Fun fact? She’s never actually been to Atlantic City, a place about with I’m irrationally obsessed. Here, she shares her 5 Rules For Life. In Christiane’s words:
1. Family First
I’m at my best when my work schedule is filled back-to-back. That’s when I go into Beast Mode on Songza. But I’ve learned that no matter the situation, circumstance, or event, family always comes first. Family is always there for you because you’re bonded by blood. They help us look to the future and still give reason to appreciate our past. Even if you don’t get along for the moment, they keep us grounded and real. And since my immediate family is very small, I love my dearest friends all the more. Because when stuff hits the fan, those are the ones who stand behind you, whom love you most. And in return, I just love them back. Call your mom, dad, husband, sister, brother, cousin, lover, friend, whoever is important, and tell them that you love them!
Related: Read Rachel Hollis’ 5 Rules For Life.
2. Girlfriends
There’s nothing more comforting than a sister-like connection with another woman. At times in my career field, acting creates unintentional competition between women where perfection, beauty, and public image tend to overshadow talent, heart, and desire. While it’s understandable in today’s world, it’s still uncomfortable and awkward. But when women come together to support and care for each other, something truly beautiful happens. A camaraderie takes shape and a bond is formed. As cheesy as it sounds, I’m so #blessed to have some gorgeous, amazing, and inspiring girlfriends in my life. The sum truly is greater than its parts! We gotta stick together.
3. Me, myself, and I
I’m a big believer in having a passionate activity in life that allows you to forget just about everything. Something that you do for sheer pleasure and that gives you a break from anything result- or career-oriented. Maybe you love playing an instrument, painting, or practising yoga . For me, it’s skiing. I love to ski. I’ve done it my entire life and even though it’s seasonal, skiing still gives me the biggest thrill. It’s an independent activity that gives me freedom. We all deserve something like that.
4. Go non-GMO
I can go on and on about thisWhile growing up in Europe, I never had to think about whether I was eating genetically modified food. It’s simply not permitted by law. And it wasn’t until recently when I watched a documentary called “OMG GMO” that I became aware of this growing problem that most citizens aren’t aware of since labeling isn’t mandatory in the US. I mean, even China labels GMOs! At least we should have a choice. It’s a big profitable experiment whose outcome is unpredictable. And the argument that GMO’s can cure world hunger sadly doesn’t hold up. If anything, we will establish an economy based on corporate slavery. But this is just IMHO. The Non-GMO Project is a great place to find out more. Getting off my soapbox now.
5. Have a Cocktail
Having a couple of staples in your life is really important. When meeting up for drinks and dinner after a long day or week, the last thing I want to fuss over is finding a speciality cocktail. After going through a vodka soda phase, I discovered the classic Negroni. One part gin. One part sweet vermouth. One part Campari. Garnish with an orange peel and serve in an old-fashioned glass. It’s not too sweet or too bitter, and it looks pretty! And when a cocktail isn’t in the cards, I always have a some chocolate. Every. Single. Day.
BONUS: Life Is Not A Race
Before “instant gratification,” it was probably just called impatience. Unfortunately it’s something I’m guilty of – always wanting everything yesterday, and fast. In the end, all that matters is that we do get there. But not all paths are easy, connected, or laced with rose petals. Still, there’s virtue, honesty, and self-discovery in the individual journeys we take. And each story, challenge, and struggle is justified by the end. I’ve learned that as long as my goals are the same, having the patience and understanding that “life is not a race,” let’s me really appreciate what’s waiting ahead all the more.
Thanks, Christiane!
“Five Rules For Life” is a series on Rouge18 in which I ask others to share their five rules for life about anything and everything. You can learn a lot about a person by reading which five things govern their actions, no?
