What are your thoughts on aging?

To me, aging is a gift, that not all receive, understand, or experience. The ability to handle change will either provide supportive positive opportunities or result in distress or failure for some or their loved ones. Aging has been a challenge for some in my life but for myself, I see it as allowing myself to be my best & travel the road less traveled by some. CHANGE for me has been challenging for some time. Both in occupations related to job loss, learning new skills, personal loss of loved ones, and change in my health. I have learned to Dance in the Rain.

How is your age group relevant?

My age group is relevant to having been there, seen it, and hopefully experienced most things, and to know there will be a tomorrow for most. We bring knowledge, and experiences to situations others might lack, see differently, or have closed their minds to.

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

I see things being unlimited for the younger woman as they age. Years have gone by that didn't even allow personal beliefs or knowledge of historical events. Others have chosen for us or its been limited by laws. They can look forward to choosing a career path on their own, advancements in educational opportunities, be it in scholarly options or life experiences. Flexibility in thinking and appreciation of multiple perspectives can be had. Hopefully, the ability to suppress or filter personal reactions and choose effective responses. They will be the driver of their WISDOM.

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

I celebrate myself each day by waking up & planting my feet on the ground. The fact I've made it this far with & without the help of others keeps my interest peeked to see what's around the corner of my life and the lives of those I've chosen to have in my circle. I love to travel, and cruises for me are the best. Unpack and pack only once! Seeing and meeting new people has allowed me to have new experiences. The same places, be it Alaska or Europe, visited multiple times over recent years, have offered new things to add to my "memory book". I love looking at the photos of visited places, although not always able to remember by name, the beauty of the places or people, still can be experienced by myself or shared.

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

Know that it's okay to ask questions and that your not expected to know everything. Be true to self, live and love unconditionally, be respectful to yourself and others. You never know when you will need that contact. Be ethical. If you can't control the challenge yourself, then look at controlling how you respond to what's happening. That will be your power!

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

Despite you experiencing loss at an early age, 14, life does go on. Adaptation, flexibility, respect and being ethical is a must. Drive the bus, enjoy the journey. Keep your mind and eyes open to all. Count to 10 before answering.

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

My greatest challenges, still ongoing, have been my health. Since 2009, I have been learning to Dance in the Rain. I might and have missed a step or two now and then, but I have had the opportunity, due to my profession, friends & health care providers, to continue to meet each challenge. Despite being more of them than I'd care to count and each somewhat different, I still operate under the "I'm not done yet" adage. Maybe soon, but not right now.