AGE: 55

PROFESSION: Healthcare Administration

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What is the best thing about being your age?

Every year is a blessing.  At this age, I feel comfortable with myself. I am exactly where I should be in my journey.

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What hardships have you endured that you feel have made you stronger?

I was 33 when my mother passed away; she was only 59. I was engaged to be married at the time. She missed the wedding and birth of my children. This is one of those marks in the sand of my timeline that forever changed me. It changed the way I see the world and experience life. I know that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. That made me a little softer and more forgiving of others. I relied on my mom for advice and guidance. I had to learn how to be my own guide in life. She was not there to advise me about marital problems, especially the abuse I experienced. My husband of nearly 21 years left me earlier this year. This is another life changing experience that turned out to be a blessing. I finally had to learn what self care and self love is. I am currently on a healing journey. I will grow even stronger over time. I now know that I can be both compassionate and assertive. I don't have to sacrifice myself to make others more comfortable.

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What's your favorite thing you have checked off your bucket list?

I have two great kids, and I have achieved a lot of successes in my career. These things have been important to me, and I believe in manifestation. One of the biggest material things is my kitchen remodel. That was on my bucket list for nearly 15 years before it became a realty. There are still many other things on that list, and I will continue to work on checking them off.

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What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Happiness is the ability to find gratitude in every situation, especially the bad ones. I was in a long and toxic marriage, but I never felt unhappy. I stayed focused on all our blessings such as our kids and house. I am truly grateful for all I have, even if it's not perfect.

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What advice would you give your younger self?

I didn't know how to love myself when I was younger. My brain understood that it was important (my mom always told me that), but  I never really knew what that meant or how to do that. I would show my younger self how to get there through self care and boundaries. I think boundaries are important, and they sometimes get pushed aside with fears of abandonment.

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What is your motto or favorite quote?

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." ~ Albert Einstein

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Words of wisdom to younger women…

Don't settle for anything in life if you are not fully satisfied. Eventually you will regret it. Take that chance when you see it. Life goes quickly so make it worthwhile.

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