50 over 50 Project ~ Chapter Three ~ Carolyn

 WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION? Well, I worked as an IT project manager for most of my working life but more recently I’ve work part time for a charity, Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire as part of their Finance team. In 3 weeks time I retire to start my next adventure by having time to do all the things I love ❤️ Some me time 😊.

HOW OLD ARE YOU – AND WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE? I am 65 and not far off 66, bit of a milestone being the current state pension age. I think the best thing about being my age is I am no longer fretting about the small things in life rushing around trying to please everyone hubby, kids, juggling work and home life. I really am content to just live everyday to the full, be kind to others and make someone else’s day if I can. I now realise we have such a short time on this planet and time is a gift not to be wasted. That took me a long time to learn.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU FEEL STRONGER? I spent many years as a single parent with 2 young kiddies and a full time career. I worked very hard bought my own home and was on life’s treadmill. I’ve been very lucky as I’ve had no exceptional hardships, I just kept going even though it was often lonely. My mum was my rock and kind of my life partner too helping me every day with my children. I lost her very suddenly with no warning, I Spoke to her in the evening and came home the next morning to find she had died in her sleep, she wasn’t ill we never had a chance to talk she was just gone. That broke me and all joy left my life for a very long time. I Never got over it and miss her so much even though it’s been 20 years.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? We that’s having lived the life I have had, so many adventures and successes. First my family, my few but very special friends, my career and lots of travel including living in France. I feel like I’ve lived several different lives and I’m proud of all that I’ve done and experienced.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? A happy family, my kids are now on that same treadmill but I want them to be happy first. 

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION? It’s not really something tangible it’s my memories and linked to that all the photos I have of happy times.

WHAT’S LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? I’d love to travel more it’s such and amazing planet and the small holding of course.

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE? Not sure on this one I’ll keep thinking about it and add it later if I can pin it down.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF? Well before the photo session I would have said my skin but I feel a little differently now and I think I would just like to be more outgoing, I make a real effort now and try to be chatty with everyone but I have always been very reserved so yes I’d love to be more confident with people in general.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? I love deeply and try to give especially to my family and friends. I try to be kind and make other people feel good. It’s taken years to get there but I am proud of being that way.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR? My own mortality is something I struggle with I guess we all do. Yes I fear not being here anymore 

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS? I only have a few real friends but they are very special and have always been there for me when times are tough

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Live and love and get out there, take time for yourself and give your time to your kids and loved ones as they’ll be gone all too soon and your job won’t be important any more.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVOURITE QUOTE? I love Desiderata I always have, too long to write here but an extract ”You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

AND FINALLY…..HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER YOUR 50 OVER 50 BOUDOIR SHOOT? Nervous but so amazed at how quickly the nerves were replaced by feeling incredibly special. I’ve never been able to pose for a photo and I hate having my photo taken but I loved every moment and more importantly I came away with a different view of myself and feel totally happy to just be me