I am fascinated by the power of responding intentionally, not reactively, through pausing, breathing, and thinking before speaking.
How old are you?
66
What does the way you spend your time today mean to you at this stage of life?
Spending time, now more than ever, means finding joy in the moment. Meeting new people, gathering with beloved family and friends, quiet evenings at home, brushing my cat and watering my houseplants, learning anything new, and marveling at the diversity of people–there is joy to be found everywhere. Time well spent can be expansive or intimate. My goal now is to be
present in the moment.
What is/has been the biggest roadblock to you in your life?
Myself. Self-limiting beliefs.
How did you/are you pushing past that roadblock?
Through a variety of healing modalities, I have and continue to release false beliefs and programs, mostly from childhood. Reiki, intuitives, energy healers, and tarot provide to me invaluable insight and understanding. A tireless spiritual seeker; meditation and visualization are a daily practice. A course of hypnotherapy sessions also was powerfully healing. This inner work, I believe, is essential to grow and evolve, and we never get that done. It changes your vibration, which brings a freedom and liberation like none other! I feel unstoppable.
What do you think it means to age gracefully?
Aging gracefully is the clear knowing my value and worth are innate. It’s living life with confidence, authenticity, and kindness. A desire plus willingness to learn, grow, and embrace the ever-changing world is paramount.
What has been challenging for you since you passed the age of 50?
An unexpected divorce was the most painful experience of my life, yet proved to be the greatest platform for growth. I am a different person now. I have become my true self. The Rebuilding Divorce Recovery Seminar enabled me to understand who I was in my marriage and why. I gained the courage and awareness to look within and find the authentic me, the person I wasn’t being, then confidently moved forward as a single woman. After thirty-eight years it was big, hard work, but absolutely priceless. There is so much from this experience I take forward both in life and relationships.
What is the greatest blessing, in your opinion about getting older?
Wisdom gained from life experience. A few of the many revelations and realizations I hold close from living life include the freedom of letting go of what others think, how fear can hold us
back, the power of forgiveness, and knowing that no matter what, we are all doing the best we can. I am fascinated by the power of responding intentionally, not reactively, through pausing, breathing, and thinking before speaking. It takes practice, and infinitely more awareness when we are triggered, tired, or hungry! Listening to our intuition, that inner voice or knowing, cannot be understated. Time and experience has taught me to always listen.
What worries you most about the future?
I once read worry is imagined fear. I strive to take worrisome thoughts out of my head and heart, acknowledge the answer will appear, and let them go with intention. This is not easy for me and requires faith and mental discipline. Worry-provoking issues inevitably pop up. For example, I have logged many sleepless hours worrying how I would accomplish home projects or resolve needed home repairs. When at last I release it to the Universe, knowing the answers and the right people will appear, they always do. The same is true for personal worries. I seriously strive to not worry about the future. However, when I get a good worry going, from personal problems to practical problems to world issues, the sooner I return to trust, the better my life unfolds.
Why did you decide to participate in the Wise Women project?
We have so much to share, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so. As I move through life, I understand more and more how different men and women are. Women have a divine feminine power and perspective that leads us to interpret, respond, and influence the world differently. The benefit of time and experience can place us on a path of personal evolution that, if we both share and receive, can collectively move the world forward. We can learn from each other how to be better humans. I believe with all conviction that humanity is evolving. This opportunity for women to share our wisdom, gained through time, is a beautiful example.
The 2021 Wise Women Project features interviews and portraits of women over 50 with the goal of recognizing the many ways women contribute and provide inspiration to our community. These are their stories. I am expanding this project into 2022 and am hoping to travel to meet women in locations outside of Colorado. Want to participate? Learn more here.
