Life lessons from ‘Lavender Fields’ lead actress Jodi Sta. Maria
Turning 40 is often seen as a milestone, and for me, it felt like crossing a threshold into a season of self-awareness and growth.
It’s been a week since I celebrated this special chapter, and as I reflect, I am reminded of the wisdom imparted by Jodi Sta. Maria during a personal conversation months ago and a recent interview at the finale junket for Lavender Fields.
Poised yet approachable in a flowy purple dress, her radiant smile last week was illuminated by the soft lavender hues of the room. I was reminded of her grace—not just in appearance but in the way she moves through life.
Here are the things I’ve learned from her that I want to carry with me into this new decade of life:
Watch what you consume
Jodi has always emphasized the importance of being mindful of what we feed our minds.
“Limit your social media consumption,” she indirectly suggested, noting that negativity thrives where it is entertained. Instead, she chooses to immerse herself in nourishing reads that broaden her perspective and help her grow. This resonated deeply. Her tweets are often a source of inspiration with Jodi’s nuggets of personal wisdom.
Her passion for health and wellness includes a love for books. “Each book is a gift we can open again and again,” a quote once said. This holds true for our award-winning actress, as you see the sparkle in her eyes when she shares anecdotes about the lessons she’s gained.
Travel and see the world
I was reminded by Jodi to prioritize travel, not just for leisure but for the valuable learning.
While responsibilities may weigh us down, carving out time to satisfy our wanderlust is one way to live fully. As I look ahead, I’m inspired to map out journeys that will shape me and remind me of the beauty of life through nature.
At the junket, Jodi revealed that she had achieved her goal of visiting all the continents of the world. Her next aim? To see all the Seven Wonders of the World. She only has three left on her list, including The Great Barrier Reef located on the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia.
Master your craft
It’s still amazing to think that the girl we grew up watching in a teen-oriented show on ABS-CBN is now a seasoned and well-respected actress. This is the receipt of Jodi’s dedication to her work. Off-camera, she is soft-spoken and serene, but her onscreen transformations into fierce and complex characters are convincing.
To support this, a few years ago, I remember Jodi employing a special acting technique for her challenging role in The Broken Marriage Vow, which later earned her the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the 2022 Asian Academy Creative Awards. She was the first Filipina to win it.
Invest in yourself, fuel your creativity
“After Lavender Fields, what I plan to do is try something new. One day, you’ll find out what that is. For now, I’ll be taking a short break from [acting in a] series. I also need to recharge and re-energize, to refill my creative juices,” Jodi announced and acknowledged reaching a point in life where she runs out of ideas and just needs to refill her cup.
Put a premium on education; learning is lifelong
The dream of becoming a doctor always popped up in old interviews with Jodi. Her academic journey is another source of potential inspiration for many.
At the height of her career, Jodi earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with flying colors from Southville International School and Colleges. Now, at 42, she’s eyeing a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy.
Jodi is proof that learning has no expiration date and that age is but a number. The best way to end the constant debate on whether a diploma is better than diskarte [strategy] in real life is to just have both (if one can find ways). What’s her motivation for studying? She gave the backstory,
“Our family wasn’t well-to-do. Of course, for my lola and for my mom, if I wanted to get a shot in life, I had to do well in my studies because that’s what would bring me success and opportunities. It is one thing that cannot be taken away from me. But my life had a plot twist.” Jodi added, “Whatever happens, I knew I had to finish my studies. I just looked for the right timing.”
Let go and let God
After sharing her plans, Jodi repeatedly mentioned this disclaimer in Taglish: “Those are the plans laid out for this year that are my plans, but if God’s plan has a redirection, that’s what I don’t know. He might give me a plot twist.”
Jodi’s life is a masterclass in balance. She juggles motherhood, a thriving career, and personal goals with composure. Her secret? Jodi never claimed to have it all figured out. She’s realistic about tradeoffs and emphasizes setting priorities straight. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset and tools, we can compartmentalize different aspects of our lives and achieve more than we think possible.
I am reminded that life doesn’t begin at 40. Instead, it peaks and blooms. It’s the moment when all the lessons come together, creating a version of ourselves with more experience, developed self-awareness, and greater stability. If we think about it, midlife isn’t a crisis but an opportunity. True fulfillment comes with maturity and self-discovery.
As Jodi has shown, midlife isn’t slow — it flows. And if you are lucky enough to find your purpose, it grows.