What are your thoughts on aging? 

As a nurse, I used to think of the aging process as a part of life as I was taught. Now that I’m 50 and have taken care of my dad for the past two years, I find aging is still a process, but something that should be celebrated and enjoyed. Life is what you make it, and we need to remember to work hard, but also to have fun and enjoy ourselves.

How is your age group relevant?

As I look at my friends and myself, I feel that my age group is relevant. We need to teach and empower our younger counterparts, kids, etc., with the knowledge that we possess. By sharing our knowledge, we will ensure that our legacy will live on in others.

Younger women, might think that it's scary getting older. What wonderful things can women look forward to at your age?

I like to share that hopefully getting older will bring a women freedom. At this age I’m not as worried about life’s challenges because I’m more confident that it doesn’t matter what is going on I can get through it.

Share tips on how you celebrate yourself, what you do for fun, and self-care.

I haven’t celebrated myself, but taking these pictures hopefully will be a start for me to feel pretty and confident. I know that I should celebrate myself, and I do things for self-care, like getting a massage, having lunch with friends, and spending time with my kids. But, I need to do more for myself. This year, I set a goal to take classes to learn new things. So, I did take a sewing class and made a bag that I’m proud of. So, I am open to learning and enjoying something new.

Share one experience or piece of advice that would lift other women and empower them. 

Know your worth!!!! Each of us has a lot to offer. So, if we are willing to share and be open, we can empower others.

What would you tell your 14-year-old self? 

Don’t worry too much and have fun. You are going to go through heartache, but you are a survivor and will be ok. Know your worth because you are worth more than you know.

Who inspired you as a little girl? Who inspires you now?

My dad has always inspired me. I lost my dad in November and he has taught me to be generous, compassionate, be willing to learn, and enjoy life. My dad also taught me to “know my worth” and don’t listen to people who will try to tear you down.

What was your greatest challenge, and how did you overcome it? 

I had many challenges in life that I would consider difficult.

At 19, I was a single parent. I took years to become a nurse and provide for my child.

20-30 going through nursing school. Only a nurse will know what I’m talking about. Nursing school will make the strongest people cry. I can laugh about this now.

At 38, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and then at 43, I was diagnosed with breast cancer again. This was a challenging time as life was not guaranteed.

Late 40’s taking care of my father. I saw the good, bad, and ugly of getting old. My dad taught me that life is sad and hard, but you will survive, and it will be ok. It’s ok not to be ok.

What is your definition of success? 

My definition of success is being happy with yourself and what you have to offer others. To me, it doesn’t matter what you have physically. Success, to me, is about sharing your heart. Being happy and loving yourself.

What is the best advice you have been given?

Know your worth because I am worthy. Even if it’s only to myself. It doesn’t matter what others think about you. All that matters is that you care about yourself and you treat others like how you want to be treated.