
40 Over 40 for 2024-2025
26
Tracy Murphy

"Try to find your passion mixed with compassion.
Consider more balance in your life (not too fierce, not too vulnerable). Listen more, learn more, and continue to appreciate all the wonders of life.
AGE: 68
PROFESSION: Retired teacher
What is the best thing about being your age?
Plenty of time to learn from and reflect upon experiences.
What hardships have you endured that you feel have made you stronger?
Having my family be the target of a murderer, enduring the ensuing court trials, and discovering another family was victimized, took me through fear, then guilt, to eventual realization of the preciousness of life.
What's your favorite thing you have checked off your bucket list?
Traveling up the Amazon River and visiting Machu Picchu with my family.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sharing joyful time with husband, kids, and grandkids.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
California Teacher of the Year.
What is a trait you are most proud of?
I’m hard-working and a creative problem-solver - from building and repairs to finding efficient ways to make things work. Love learning new skills.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Annual family vacation to Mexico.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’m hard on myself - sometimes set unrealistic expectations.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Let a lot more go - some things are out of my control. Allow others to make their own mistakes without trying to “help.”
What is your motto or favorite quote?
You don’t always know what someone else may be going through. Don’t be so quick to judge and assume.
Words of wisdom to younger women
Be less serious (“this, too, will pass”) and more silly. Try to find your passion mixed with compassion. Consider more balance in your life (not too fierce, not too vulnerable). Listen more, learn more, and continue to appreciate all the wonders of life.
Additional thoughts....
Relationships are choreographies- requiring flexibility, grace, continual motion and humor.



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