Lisa is a super positive woman, her smile lights up the room and you I’ve chosen Lisa for this months story because she is 50 today! Not only is she 50 today but she has been chomping at the bit to reach this milestone. Just like me she’s not anti-ageing at all she loves it!
So I am going to let Lisa tell you a bit more about herself and why she loves her years and her big birthday plans to celebrate!
Over to my friend Lisa and her WOW Woman story…
Why is this birthday so special to you?
Firstly, thank you so much Jayne, I really appreciate your kind words and constant support, you have become a great friend, and I hope that will remain the case. I am most honoured to be included in your WOW Woman section.
I think it’s a fantastic milestone and see it as the beginning of a new era. To be honest I have been around the block with the whole age thing. I was desperate to be 18, longed to be 21 but by 22 I was referring to myself as old, and by the time I hit 26 I was regularly lying about my age. The approach to 30 was terrifying but thankfully by 40 I realised how ridiculous I’d been, so I calmed down and just got on with it and have been having a ball ever since. I am feeling super excited to be 50. I am healthy, happy and loving my years.
What gifts has age given you?
That is one of the wonderful things about age, the many gifts it brings with it. Each new experience comes with a lesson, that’s why I love looking for new opportunities, and new friends. There is still so much to learn and to share. My major break through was learning to be more tolerant and accepting. Changing your philosophy really can change your life.
You have a very important event due to take place later in the year and it involves walking. Do tell us more and about the great cause and why.
In September David and I will be heading for Settle in Yorkshire (all rather apt don’t you think) in order to climb the Yorkshire 3 peaks. Pen-Y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. It’s not an extreme event such as a marathon or a bungee jump from a great height but for me it is a major challenge. We will be climbing all three peaks in 12 hours. Gulp! The trip is to raise money and awareness of JDRF.( Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund) . The charity continually research to improve lives for those with type 1 as well as a cure My son was diagnosed nearly 12 years ago. It was a shock to us all. I didn’t know much about Diabetes then, I knew one type was managed by diet and the other was dependent upon insulin injections. Of course I was hoping Josh had the former rather than the latter but alas that wasn’t to be the case. It took us some time to get used all the injections, balancing Josh’s glucose levels and avoiding hypos and hypers along the way. Josh now injects 4 times a day and I am proud to say that he manages very well. It is my dream however for him and many others to be injection free.
I know how precious family are to you, how do you juggle your business and family and find balance?
Yes my family is my most precious possession. I am so fortunate to have a loving family around me, family and close friends really are my life support system.
Keeping a balance can be a challenge at times but it must always stay at the top of the agenda in order to keep everyone happy. Focusing on the family as a whole is key. David and I are very involved in the boys lives and we work well as a team. We often run through the week in advance, assessing who is doing what and pin pointing who needs extra support on that day. Organisation is my middle name, where would I be without a list! Running our own business can be very demanding but as we both enjoy our jobs the stress is kept to a minimum. When things get tough, my default mode is to sit back and look at the bigger picture, it always puts things into perspective.
You seem very visible Lisa, can you share with us why age is just numbers for you?
When my dad was in his early 60′s I recall him saying to me that he still felt as if he was in his 30′s. At the time I just smiled but now I know exactly what he meant. The outer vessel is ageing but inside we aren’t any different. I have reached a point where I am comfortable and grateful for the container I’m in, age is irrelevant, I plan to keep moving, and live a meaningful life, and stay young at heart.
What are your hopes and dreams for the next 10 years?
I’ve got a feeling that the next 10 years are going to be very fulfilling. I have a passion for helping young people into the workplace and my volunteering in this area has already stepped up a notch. I do a lot of work with a local organisation that brings together education and businesses. I love giving back in this way so I foresee more involvement here.
I am also a bit of a customer service geek. Great service has always been at the heart of our business and I’m constantly looking at ways to improve it. I love hearing from customers saying how well they’ve been treated by our team. We have won awards for customer satisfaction so I know we are doing a good job but there’s no finish line, so a lot of my time will be spent working in this area, I think it’s one of the reasons I’m here.
Of course I hope that family life will continue to be as wonderful as it is now. There is talk about a book project with my mum, I’m hoping that will get off the ground, she has a great story to tell. My boys are becoming more independent by the day and David and I find ourselves doing more as a couple. I’m definitely ready for this chapter and look forward to spending time with him exploring our hobbies. Maybe just maybe this next decade might include grandchildren! Ssh who said that!
Lisa you’re WOW indeed and thank you for all that you do for others and for our friendship. I’ll never forget our meeting on Twitter and how you became an integral part of #thebreakfastclub on Monday and Friday mornings 6.45-745am.
With love and happy 50th!
Jayne x
