50 over 50 Project No. 45 -Liz: Age 61

WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION?

I am a customer advisor at Lidl’s, I am also a fully trained counsellor/therapist.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?

I didn’t realise that when you get to sixty all sorts of things become free of charge! Seriously though, I think I’m less worried about making mistakes as I know all will be well in the end. It’s also nice to impart the lessons I’ve learnt over the years to, hopefully, stop others making the same ones thus saving them from heartache.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU FEEL STRONGER?

There are too many hardships to mention but I feel I can weather any storm. I know I can survive what the universe throws at me and that, weirdly, gives me the advantage over the elements to put my best foot forward. I’m still desperately sad that I have lost so many loved ones recently but I know with time the sun with come out again and the smile will return, as they say, life finds a way.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?

Raising three children single handed and them turning out to be decent, caring, kind people to be proud of. I have five lovely Grandchildren which is an added bonus. I am very blessed. I have a Phd but my family is the crowning glory.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?

My family and friends being happy and living their best lives.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?

I treasure photographs, there is no better way of remembering those we have lost than a good rummage through the albums, laughing and reminiscing about the antics of past times.

WHAT’S LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

More travelling to see the many wonders of the world while I am able, Great Wall of China, The Aurora Borealis, Grand Canyon and if I can muster up some Dutch courage I’d like to wing walk.

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?

I tend not to have that many extravagances but I would have to say buying our house seemed to be pretty extravagant at the time!

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF?

Over analysing everything, which has a tendency to keep me awake at night.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?

Honesty but if I’m allowed to have more than one then Loyalty is a very close second.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?

Dementia, I would hate to lose the wonderful memories of all my loved ones

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?

Their kind and caring natures

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Trust your intuition and have more faith in your abilities