What are your thoughts on aging?

I feel more comfortable, and more in-control of my own life now than I ever did when I was younger.

How is your age group relevant?

I like to think that we are entering the "wise woman" phase of existence. We have decades of experience, that hopefully we've learned from, that we can use to help shape the world into a kinder and gentler place.

What wonderful things can women look forward to at your age?

I *loved* everything about being a mom, and was entirely devoted to my children. AND, Now that I'm past the age of getting pregnant and raising children, I have much more financial freedom and time to pursue my own personal and creative interests.

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

My greatest challenge was the financial and emotional toll of raising my three children alone after my divorce. It took years to regain my balance. At one point, I was exhausted and feeling sorry for myself, and my mother (who had also been through a divorce while raising us) basically told me to "suck it up and get over it" -- that all I can do is move forward and do the best I can. So I did! I still carried some resentment toward my ex for making my life a lot more difficult than it needed to be -- but many years later I had a boyfriend who introduced me to a concept known as "radical forgiveness," which I was really resistant to at first... but that philosophy freed me to be grateful for the beautiful moments that I had with my children, and for the thoughtful and empathetic people they grew up to be. I'm so proud of them.

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

I've always told myself, "There is a season for everything." I had my fun years as a young college co-ed having adventures with friends; I had the precious years when my children were babies and youngsters; I've had the years of building my career and getting established professionally; and I feel like I'm on my way into the next phase of life now. With each phase of life, I've fully embraced that "season," knowing that it's a temporary stage, and at some point, I will look back on it as a memory. So, I try to make sure it'll be a good memory.

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

Don't be so concerned with boys. Haha! I spent a lot of mental energy on that when I was a teen. There's plenty of time for that later. Also, I know security is important, so earning those little paychecks is a necessity, but the world is large. Take the opportunities for new experiences and adventure when they come your way.

What is your definition of success? 

That has changed over the years. For a long time, it was goal-driven: “get the PhD. Buy the house. Get the dream job.” But ultimately, I think success is more about finding a sense of balance, where you are in a state of physical and mental well-being. When I was a young mother, I was asked once: “if I could have three wishes for my children, for their future, what would they be?” My answer was: “I would wish for them to be healthy, happy, and kind.” I guess that's what I want for myself, too. If I can live a life of health, happiness, and kindness, I'd count that as a success.

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

When I was a little girl, I was inspired by Scarlett O'Hara from "Gone with the Wind." I saw her as complicated, strong, fiercely determined, and beautiful. I was also inspired by Narukami, the Thunder God (from a Japanese Kabuki play), who I saw as powerful, playful, and mysteriously intriguing.

Now, I'm inspired by people like Michelle Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Oprah Winfrey; intelligent women who overcame difficulties and worked hard to get to a place where they were able to have a positive impact on the world, to do good for others. These are just the first three who come to mind. The world is full of incredible, inspirational people.

What is the best advice you have been given? 

I don't know if this is the best advice I've ever received, but it's what popped into my mind just now. When I was a graduate student, I was talking in a class discussion one day, and another (female) grad student interrupted me and said, "Stop saying you're sorry." It took me by surprise because I wasn't even aware that I was doing it. It was just unconsciously peppered into my speech. As women, we're often taught that we need to apologize for taking up time and space or having our own opinions about things. After that was brought to my attention, I stopped doing it -- and I started to notice when I heard other women doing it. I don't interrupt them when I hear it, but I do make a concerted effort to create safe spaces where people feel respected and valued, where nobody needs to apologize for being there or having something to say.

Share anything else you want here. 

As humans, we co-exist with countless other living creatures on a beautiful, fragile planet. Life is short and unpredictable, and we have not been good stewards of our environment. Instead of focusing on our differences and fighting over resources, I wish we could take a more holistic view of the Earth, to focus on taking better care of each other and this home that we all share.