50 over 50 Project ~ Chapter Three ~ Helen

 WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION? I work as an administrator in a secondary school but have only been doing this for a year. Prior to that I worked in a funeral home for a few years, and before that I worked in the NHS (mental health) for 20 years.

HOW OLD ARE YOU – AND WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE? I am 50 so I just qualify for this! The best thing about being this age is being gifted a mug and a glass with 50 emblazoned on it to remind you every day. It’s going to a friend next year when it’s her turn !

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU FEEL STRONGER? My husband died of a brain tumour when I was 44. Everything changed and I forged a new life for myself on my own.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? Having been happily married and adjusting to life as a widow without losing my mind!

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? There’s no such thing! Embrace all that happens to you.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION? My caravan on top of the cliffs on the Yorkshire coast. I escape there as much as I can.

WHAT’S LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Moving permanently to the seaside one day.

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE? My landscaped garden, or rather my landscaped deck, patio and gravel. I don’t do plants!

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF? Being a people pleaser and not being assertive of my own needs and views.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? Resilience

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR? Ilness in old age

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS? Lack of judgement

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Start yoga and veganism sooner!

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVOURITE QUOTE? Find the edge.

AND FINALLY…..HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER YOUR 50 OVER 50 BOUDOIR SHOOT? Exhausted (it was yoga themed!)