50 over 50 Project ~ Chapter Three ~ Anna

 WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION? I’m a Contracts Manager, and I work from home

HOW OLD ARE YOU – AND WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE? I’m 62 years old.  I love being able to live my life my way – finally! Being able to travel alone. More patience, more experience, more time to spend with my 6 grandchildren than I did with my 3 children and the patience to do so! LOL

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU FEEL STRONGER? Ok – going to be frank! Sexually abused by an older male sibling from the age of 5 – 12; losing my wonderful Dad at the age of 14 without the opportunity to say goodbye, and then his Dad, my Grandad 2 years later. Abusive relationships – I never seem to learn!

I’ve always struggled with my weight and body image – 14.5 stone at my heaviest, under 6 stone when I had anorexia, which was linked to the childhood trauma. I’m currently 9.5 stone having just lost 2 stone and learnt to eat sensibly with Slimming World.

My youngest grandson has a life limiting sever disability, and when he was born we were told that he wouldn’t see his second birthday, he will be 11 in August, but has shown us all that living one day at a time is good, and that with a lot of love and strength we’ve come such a long, long way! We still don’t know when the inevitable will happen, but with his beautiful smile and amazing charm, we get through everyday

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? Obviously my children and grandchildren, but I’m proud that I managed to hold on to the family home after divorce, working 80 hours a week every 3 weeks, and 40 hours on the other ones, and passing 2 law degrees in my late 40’s, both with distinctions.

Recently losing 2 stone in weight, and back down to a size 10/12!

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? To find someone to spend my life with, who accepts me as I am – quite possibly living by the beach as I reach my retirement age! To have no regrets!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION? My dad’s signet ring

WHAT’S LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Lots more travel to do (Vietnam, Thailand, India, Australia, Maldives; a parachute jump (but my doc’s won’t let me LOL); meeting my forever someone; take a trip in a Gondola in Venice; go up in a hot air balloon; wing walk; an African Safari; see the Northern Lights; Scuba dive at the Great Barrier Reef; Go surfing (unlikely! LOL); Learn to Ski; Find my ancestors on my Dad’s side in Belgium, Attend a school reunion. I think I need to get started on these!

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE? Selling my old home in Cambridge to buy a new one in Norfolk, walking into a store and furnishing it from top to bottom in new furniture around £16,000 – the young salesman thought all his Christmas’s had come at once, and booked a holiday with his commission!

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF? Before my shoot, I would have said plastic surgery to the bits of myself that I’m unhappy about – the usual, boob job, tummy tuck, etc., but now I think it would be to be more outgoing and socialising more than just hiding myself away.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? To be able to love, and show love.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR? Outliving my youngest grandson.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS? Honestly, faithfulness and their friendship

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Speak up for yourself, don’t allow people to walk over you, take your time before making decisions, learn to love yourself first.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVOURITE QUOTE? Live, Love, Life

AND FINALLY…..HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER YOUR 50 OVER 50 BOUDOIR SHOOT? I feel amazing! It was a fantastic experience, with lots of fun and laughs, and soon I’ll have my photos to remind me everyday just who I am and what I’m capable of!