AGE: 62

PROFESSION: Author & Inspirational speaker, Interior designer/stager, Love & Intimacy coach - I guess you could say I’m an entrepreneur!

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What is the best thing about being your age?

I really feel more at peace, relaxed, satisfied, content, and happier as I embrace my 60’s!  Wisdom is a beautiful gift that comes with living a rich and full life. I feel the older I get the more gratitude I feel for even the simplest things in life and this brings me deep joy. That as I age I embrace being a lover of the journey and not so much in a hurry to get to the destination. The journey is often the gift and adventure of the soul.

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What hardships have you endured that you feel have made you stronger?

Losing my soulmate and first husband to brain cancer at the age of 42 (We were together since 16 years old ~ born on same day/year). Being by his side battling for 4-1/2 months and having to make the decision to take him off life support. Hearing the last beat of his heart. Being there for our two daughters, when I did not feel whole myself.

 

I emerged a stronger, wiser woman. Going through this massive grief and tragedy has instilled a deeply grounded zest for life and gratitude for each day. It’s a gift. To be honest, there were days when it happened that I didn’t want to be here. Perseverance. Deep soul work. Basically a rebirth. I believe, grief becomes weaved into the fabric of your being –it changes you on a cellular level. You can choose to stay bitter, angry and empty. Or you can let it make you stronger, wiser and much more appreciative of life! I live each day in deep gratitude for even the smallest things that bring me joy in my life. I feel many people sleep walk through life. Grief and hardships are a BIG wake-up call to really open one’s eyes to the gifts that were always there and we took for granted.

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What's your favorite thing you have checked off your bucket list?

So many… dancing on a snowy mountain under the northern lights, doing a TEDx talk, becoming a best selling author, finding great love – twice, running a marathon, kissing my love under the Eiffel Tower in Paris… I believe in never ending bucket lists!

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What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being in the moment. Feeling grateful for the joy of living life! Opening your heart, I mean really opening your heart to Love. Gratitude, always practicing gratitude brings me deep happiness. I believe. I find deep happiness in being with those I love. Being embraced in the quiet stillness of my husbands arms – entwined hearts and souls at peace. Home.

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What is your most treasured possession?

My rich and beautiful life ~ and being surrounded by those I love deeply. Not really something you can possess but acquire by living fully with an open heart. However, if I were to pick a possession that truly represents how I live my life it would be A sacred candle ~ red pillar with the words inscribed “Discovery of a Soulmate” ~ lighting this sacred candle for two years while truly believing in my dream and vision to find love again ~ brought me on a journey to discover an amazing new love and deep healing of my heart in an unbelievable, incredible serendipitous way ~ at of all places ~ Burning Man!

I now have a best selling memoir around that inspirational story! I love to inspire others to open their hearts to love & miracles. They happen. BELIEVE!

What is your greatest extravagance?

Traveling around the world to so many amazing places. For this I feel so grateful and blessed. And the simple pleasure of watching a sunset with my love in our jacuzzi looking at our incredible view of the mountains, ocean and valley below. Pure bliss. A glass of Veuve Clicquot, by the fire after an amazing massage at our home…mmm so many great extravagances, like being pampered and gifting myself this amazing photo shoot!

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What is a trait you are most proud of?

My huge heart full of love and compassion for others. And, my drive and ambition. I have accomplished so much in my life with my never ending deep drive and determination to make things happen and always BELIEVE.

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If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I find it empowering and wonderful that I had to take pause and think about this question. I really love the woman I have become throughout my 62 years. It’s been a journey. I’ve done a lot of work and deep soul searching emerging with tremendous growth. However, there is always room for improvement, so I would say, to have more patience sometimes ~ patience truly is a virtue.

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What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My two wonderful, amazing daughters. Writing my inspirational memoir “Believe: A Woman’s Odyssey from Tragic to Magic,” and getting a publisher (it became a #1 Bestseller~ inspiring people to heal and truly open their hearts to the power of love). Becoming a TEDx speaker and sharing my message and tools I use in my coaching to help people step fully into the life and love their hearts desire. I plan to continue to follow my soul purpose journey in ways yet to be discovered and help to bring more love and healing into this world ~I BELIEVE the best is yet to come!

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What advice would you give your younger self?

To roll with life more easily and trust the journey, the journey is the adventure that opens doors and opportunities you never could have imagined! To embrace all the magic moments just a little bit more. To know that our children grow up way to fast, and the years go faster the older you get, so embrace every moment, even the hard ones, they bring the gift of wisdom. To not stress about the extra 10 pounds so much~ you’re beautiful just as you are. To trust my instincts and act on them more often. To know you can’t please all of the people all the time. Dance more, laugh more, step out of your comfort zone and never lose that childlike wonderment!

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What is your motto or favorite quote?

Live life to the fullest. Every day is a gift!

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take your breath away.”

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Words of wisdom to younger women…

Be in the moment. Embrace ALL of wonderful, unique YOU! Step out of your comfort zone and try new things ~ it will amaze you what experiences can unfold. Dance with pure joy and laugh out loud more. Don’t put yourself down ~ don’t compare ~ you’re a perfect and beautiful just as you are. Always chose gratitude. Trust your intuition and open, really open, your heart to love. Be vulnerable, raw and real with those who can hold the space and grow with you. Eat desert! Make love and enjoy your sexiness! Go for your dreams and always BELIEVE! 

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Additional Thoughts about aging....It’s really quite wonderful if you can embrace the wisdom, the joy that comes with life experiences, and not really sweating the small stuff that bogged you down when you were younger. I really enjoy just being, quiet moments, taking in the beauty of life around me so much more than when I was younger. I love being in my sexy sixties! It’s the new 50's as far as I’m concerned! ~ but with a big side of wisdom!!