The `This means War` actress - who has children Ava, 12, and eight-year-old Deacon with first husband Ryan Phillippe - has stopped worrying since reaching the milestone age last March but admits she was "miserable" in the months leading up to her birthday.

She said:" Once I turned 35 I felt so much better but the anticipation leading up to it was miserable.

"It was less, `How do I look?` and more, `What do I want to accomplish in life? Is this the career I love? Is this the legacy I want to leave for my kids?` "

Reese - who married second husband Jim Toth last year - admits her experiences have made her a "better" person but she regrets not making more notes about her feelings and desires.

She explained to Britain`s Glamour magazine: "A lot of women who go through different things - like going through a divorce or whatever - talk to me and I always say, `You`re going to get through this. I know that sounds simple, but you really are. You`re going to be a different person, but you`ll be a better person.`

"You have to look at all sides of everything - really look at your own behaviour. And be clear about the sort of person you want to be. And write it all down. I wish I`d written down more. All these life experiences. The good and the bad - all those feelings."
sections: Celebrities