What are your thoughts on aging?

The older I get, the more I realize, I don't know much at all. The most valuable things in life are not possessions, but love and memories. Every single thing in life can be viewed in the positive, you just have to take the time to find it and appreciate it. Every failure is a chance to be better.

How is your age group relevant?

I believe that being a Gen X, we have lived at the edge of the simple times, and the beginning of the new times with computers and the "Instant Generation". With this knowledge I believe it gave us tough skin, and great outlooks on life.

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

Your hips may get wider, your skin may get wrinkly, your vision may get weaker, hearing may fade, but the lessons, love and beauty that you will feel, and the memories you will grow, there is no comparisons. I love being able to laugh at all the things I did when I was younger and help guide other women with the wisdom that I have attained while growing older. The complexities that you develop while aging, makes you feel even more beautiful than when you were 20 years old. I look at my beautiful life and I just smile because my life is so rich and filled with love.

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

I celebrate myself by buying myself little things here and there, getting my nails done, my hair done, treating others to the same things. That helps me celebrate me! I've learned to make it a point to take time and breathe and enjoy the world around me. The stresses of life don't affect me the same anymore. I celebrate every day that I wake up and look at my beautiful family.

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

When your fellow woman is down and out or has fallen-- be the one to lift her up, encourage her, and speak life into her. In a world that is so bent on Women being everything that a man is, we need to realize that we beautiful Women, beautiful human beings are EVERYTHING that they are NOT! And that should be properly recognized, embraced, and celebrated!!!

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

Stop stressing about the little things, and just enjoy every moment. Good, bad, ugly, and beautiful. In the end, they all end up being AMAZING if you adjust your perspective.

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

My mom inspired me as a little girl. I loved her artistic spirit. She was always very talented. She was good at anything artistic.

My inspiration now is my husband, children, grandchildren, and family. Everything I do is for them.

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

I've had a lot of challenges in life. My father left when I was 3, but I was blessed with an amazing Dad (step dad), we were poor growing up, we were homeless several times, my parents were on drugs, and I dropped out of high school at 15 years old. Overcome it? Faith and God.

What is your definition of success? 

Success is not measured by money or material things, but by how many hearts and lives you were a part of shaping and helping to change, loving those around you, and being loved. My husband and I always talk about how Rich we are, not with money, but with all of our loved ones! Having 13 Grandchildren changes you if you allow it, for the better.

What is the best advice you have been given? 

Never Give up. Keep on Keeping on.  See the good in every situation. (Silver linings). Enjoy the life you have, and the people in it, because we are never promised tomorrow.