A Circle of Women #2
I’m following up this week with my other two questions that I posed to a select few women over fifty.
So let’s get into it!
2) What advice would you give your younger self?
Working Woman: “Maybe I would tell my younger self to have more confidence in herself, because after all you were an awesome person as a kid, and if you’d had more confidence you would have ruled the world!”
You are an awesome person today Working Woman and guess what…there is always time to rule the world!
Retiring Woman: “A lot of shit doesn’t matter, but some does… do not be afraid of change”
Very true Retiring Woman, the trick is to figure out what matters and what doesn’t in our lives, and learn to let go of what doesn’t. And more importantly…to be ok with letting go of it. (Like I know you have)
Next Chapter Working Woman: “Many many things, but most notably, don’t worry what other people think of you. Don’t follow the pack, be your own individual.”
Can I get an Amen on this one??!! This rings so true for so many women of the over fifty crowd like myself! Good for you for doing your own thing!
Senior Woman: “To be content with whatever I had.”
Simple put from my Mother. Excellent advice I’d say. When we are constantly wanting more and seeing people around us getting more, we can forget to take time to appreciate what we already have.
Last question
3) How have you changed from say five or ten years ago?
Working Woman: “I think over time I’m slowly maturing. I will always be a kid at heart, however I’m learning to be ok with myself and have no need to depend on a man to complete my life. I’ve been through a few relationships which I thought I needed, but in fact I was running from emotionally immature parents. Now that they have both passed on, I can say with confidence…Hey kiddo…you’re alright!”
This is a big one…breaking free of what is thought to be the norm, women do not need to be in relationships to be complete. Good for you!
Retiring Woman: “My world is completely changed from ten years ago. So many new people in my world and I have new ways of thinking about things. I find myself stepping back, observing, and having tremendous pride in my family. From the new little grand girls, step family and my own “babies”!
I find I am way more tolerant, learning not to sweat the little stuff.
I’m excited to think about life without 9-5. Figuring out what I want to do. I’m learning to make cheese from scratch! Everyone needs a hobby…lol”
A whole new chapter awaits you Retiring Woman! Embrace it and as you know, the sky is the limit for learning and growing! Let me know how that cheese turns out!
Next Chapter Woman: “I have changed immensely over the last many years in all respects. Mentally emotionally and my way of thinking. Letting go of fear was a big one, actually facing my fears and discovering they were false was huge. Believing in myself was also a huge change and practicing self love, knowing I will be ok on my own and actually be able to enjoy my own company. Spirituality is also a big part of my life and I believe it brings me home in times of fear and frustration. I am also able to self regulate my emotions and take time to sit with them before acting rashly like losing my temper and freaking out about things that are out of my control.”
These are tremendous life lessons, letting go of fear is a tough one. Believing in yourself and self love…are amazing accomplishments. Bravo!
Senior Woman: “I am more accepting of people as they are.”
This is a great life lesson as well. People are as they are, it’s not up to anyone to change anyone else.
Well that completes my women over fifty question and answers.
I know some amazing women, and the spirit and determination truly shines through in each of them! I love their sense of believing in themselves, not sweating the small things in life, accepting others, and continuing to learn and grow.
I’d like to give a big thank you to all involved. I really appreciate you taking the time to participate in my blog.
Hugs to each and every one of you!
I was asked if I was going to give my own answers, so in all fairness I will. But I will keep it short and sweet.
My biggest source of inspiration: “I have to say my son and daughter. They go after what they want in life. They go at things with a plan and work at it until they achieve it. I’m very proud of both of them!”
Advice I would give to my younger self: “Jeez louise…there isn’t enough time in the day to answer this one! Lol My top two would be…Do not care what others think about you. And learn to rest, not to quit.” Which I have talked about in this blog.
How have I changed from five or ten years ago: “I am not as hyper, I deal with anxiety issues better now. There are chapters in my kid’s lives I wish I could do over. But I can’t. I can only learn and move forward, so that is what I do.
I am more grateful for what I have. Like Next Chapter Woman, I practice self love and believe in myself. I have learned I can do things I never thought possible.
Life Experience Wisdom
* As women we need to cut ourselves some slack. We do the best we can at that time.
* When we know better, we do better.
* Learn…grow…move forward. Be excited not fearful of new life chapters.
* Sometimes our heroes are looking at us in the mirror!
As always, thanks for stopping by. Cheers til next time!
Grace
My Motto
When life throws baseball size lemons at you, that smack you upside the head, stomp on those damn things and make yourself a cocktail!