Heather Van Kampen

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
I am in a good place and have a good life. I’ve accomplished many goals, and my life is still filled with possibilities.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
Yes, I’ve learned to be kind to myself. It has been easier to navigate life now that I don’t have a critical internal monologue judging me.

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
When I learned I can trust myself. It didn’t happen overnight, but it started in my late 30’s. I hiked 500 miles, starting in France and continuing across Spain with no guide. I went to Africa by myself. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve failed, I’ve loved and lost, but I’m still here. I know there will be tough times ahead, but I trust myself to handle what comes.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
Being on a mountain in the forest brings me the most joy.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
Minimalism – life has been more enjoyable and much simpler since letting go of the need to buy and have things. Having only items that are useful or sentimental is freeing.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My greatest achievement was hiking the Camino de Santiago in 2014 with my mom, 500 miles in 38 days. It was the most physically demanding, mentally challenging, and spiritually rewarding experience of my life. I met wonderful people from all over the world and was able to spend 45 days with my mom. Since moving away from home in 1997, I rarely see her more than a few days a year. I treasure those 45 days. She was 65 when we went on our hike. I hope to hike it again in 2041 when I am 65.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
My creative “me” time. Many of my friends say they do not have time for themselves. It is important to me to do something creative every day. Sometimes that is in the form of a journal. I’ve done a journal in which you wreck a page every day. I did a kindness journal in which I performed a random act of kindness every day. I wrote, illustrated, and self-published a children’s book. I worked on it every day for over a year. I sew, paint, scrapbook, cross-stitch, and craft. I enjoy creating, and I am very grateful for this time. It keeps me in the present and allows me to be thankful for the little joys in life.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My grammy’s Dutch girl cookie jar is my most treasured possession. She received it as a wedding gift in 1941. I have wonderful memories of baking with her.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Volunteering in Africa and seeing elephants in the wild.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
Perfect happiness would be living in a cabin in the northern woods close to the Canadian border with my husband and cat. I would love to hike in the morning, do crafts during the day, and sit by a campfire at night.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
I’m a maker. I love any kind of crafting, painting, or sewing. Almost everything I make is intended as a gift. I enjoy thinking about what makes my family and friends happy and creating something they’ll love.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2013. Since then, I have tried every program and protocol, read every book, tried every diet and medication, went to many doctors, had numerous labs and tests, spent thousands on supplements, and tried every detox, exercise, and stress-reducing method. Some have helped. I’m definitely feeling better than I was, but my symptoms persist. I have to eat a special diet, I’ve lost most of my hair, I have bumps on my face, and I can have allergic reactions that last for months. I don’t know if I am stronger, but along the way I’ve learned to accept me for me.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Don’t believe you have to fit into the norms of society to be happy. If you don’t want to go to college, get married, have children, have a desk job, etc. you don’t have to. Find your own way.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
There are no bad choices. If you choose a path and find it isn’t for you, choose something different. Growing up, I often found myself stuck thinking every choice I made had to be the correct choice. It doesn’t. Now, I find that the more “mistakes” I make and the more paths I try, the happier I am.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind”.  – Fred Rogers

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
The way I feel, I can just be myself with them. I’ve had my closest friends for a long time; they know me and love me. I feel very fortunate to have them in my life.

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
At first, I had to learn how to say no. I was a people pleaser. I became really good at that; I found myself saying no all the time, even before I heard the question.  Then, I had to learn how to say yes again. Now, I’ve found a healthy balance with no and yes.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would not be an accountant. I enjoy many things about being an accountant, but it is difficult for me to find purpose in life as an accountant. I understand that my work is purposeful and helps people, but most of the time, it does not feel meaningful.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
Healthier food, a healthier planet and less need for things.