50 over 50 Project ~ Chapter Two ~ No. 11 -Gill : Age 55

WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION? I am a qualified nurse and have worked for the NHS, in various roles, mostly in Primary Care since starting my nurse training in 1986

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE? The fact that I now feel like I am able to be myself more. I feel the older I get the more confident I have become in my own skin. I don’t worry so much about trying to please everyone. I feel able to say no more. I love that our two boys are now grown up and independent in their own lives. Also, as a couple, my husband and I have worked so hard for all we have in our lives, and we can now enjoy the stability and freedom to spend more time together and to be able to travel more.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU FEEL STRONGER? There are a few life events that have over the years made me a stronger person. As a young couple we had very little money and financial stability, this resulted in us having a strong work ethic and drove us to where we are now. Also, when my dad died when I was in my early 30’s my 2 children were under the age of 5, that was so hard, and I still miss him to this day, sadly not long after that my mum had a stroke in her 70’s, watching her recovery made me stronger in realising that you can push through the difficult times and gain a new inner strength. Later in life I had a difficult time at work with my work roles being disbanded. This led to a short period of depression, but I feel proud that I was able to overcome that. Sadly just before Christmas 2022 my mum died, this event has been difficult to get through but it has helped me put life into a better perspective. I believe all of these things along with other difficult life event have made me a stronger woman in my mid-fifties.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? I semi-retired this year in 2022 at the age of 55 after a 36-year career as a nurse in the NHS. Although often difficult and at times stressful, I still enjoy my job and have gone back to my role part time.
Also I am very proud and thankful for having a long and happy marriage – 33 years together, and 2 gorgeous sons, who too have found happy partnerships and whom we both love dearly.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? Being with, and having the people that I love around me and in my life.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION? My health and happiness

WHAT’S LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Lots of travel – to see the world and experience all that comes with that. I’ve always fancied a helicopter ride – maybe over the Grand Canyon. My dream would be to own a house with a beautiful view of the sea and countryside.

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE? Doing this and spending some money on myself, it felt very indulgent but totally worth it.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF? Possibly being a little less emotional, I cry at Disney movies.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? My Kindness to others.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR? Ill health

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS? Their time and enjoying the fact that we can relax and be ourselves together.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Happiness is found in the people you love and who love you not in the material things in life.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVOURITE QUOTE?What is life without love. You don’t need someone to complete you. You only need someone to accept you completely. Remember to enjoy life, you only get one.

 

 

Music by Audionautix.com