VALDONE MEYLAN
What is the best thing about being your age?
I'm 47, and I'm living the best time of my life now! I think many women of my age feel this way: it's the time when we have more time for ourselves, as our children get more independent. It's also the time when life brings new paths and experiences.
I love this period, as I'm living an interesting, healthy and happy life. I appreciate, enjoy and am grateful for it.
I had very difficult periods in my life with a lethal desease of my daughter and my burn-out a few years later. Therefore I am proud and grateful for what I have now.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I had many achievements in my life, but probably the biggest was the healing after my burn-out and becoming (again) a healthy and happy person and a coach who can help other people to find their way to a healthier lifestyle.
What is a trait you are most proud of?
I'm very proud of my healthy optimism that helps and inspires.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'm a perfectionist who tends to procrastinate if I can't do it ideally. I would love to get rid of this compilation. I started to use this mantra lately: "better done than perfect".
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My perfect happiness is being in the nature with my family, friends or clients as well as music and dance.
It can also be only a few minutes a day, just the time to admire a colorful sunset or a flower, to read an interesting book or laugh loudly at the family dinner.
What is your most treasured possession?
My memories, my experiences and my optimism are my only possessions.
I don't possess anything else, even though I have a beautiful loving family, a house with a breathtaking view and many sincere friends. All that are my blessings, not possessions.
What is your biggest fear?
My greatest fear? Mice! ;-) Of course, I have other fears, such as making a mistake or not doing something perfectly.
But I'm working on that... We attract what we think of, so if we are afraid and think a lot about something, it comes. I have already released many fears.
What advice would you give your younger self?
*Don't be afraid to try new things. *Learn to say "no". *Follow your dreams. *Ask for help, when needed.
How important is self-love and dedicating little moments of celebrating yourself?
A few years ago I have reached the bottom by putting my needs at the very end of the row, and I've learned that lesson.
A healthy self-love is like a foundation for our happiness and a balanced lifestyle. If we feel empty inside, how can we give love, attention and joy to the people around us?
Additional thoughts for younger women…
Follow your dreams, shoot for the stars, and even if you miss, you might still hit the Moon!
Love and respect yourself and the others, and you will get that back in return.
“The strongest actions for a woman is to love herself, be herself and shine amongst those who never believed she could.” — Unknown
