Rhonda Biehler

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
I love the acceptance that I finally have for myself. It helps me to accept others better.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
I do. I have the time and resources to travel more, and I love that. I love exploring my own interests for the first time in my life. It is exciting!

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
I am more confident now than ever.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
Kayaking. I can go for hours just by myself or with my little dog. It’s very peaceful, and I thoroughly enjoy my time outdoors. Camping is right up there next to it. I enjoy the downtime. 

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
Compassion, sometimes to a fault.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Facing my own insecurities. Every day.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Facials and massage! I love that experience so much. It’s so relaxing!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My truck, she’s a 2008 Dodge Ram, 1500, 4X4. Her name is Hemi Lou.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Going to the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Ks. 
I went there for the first time in 2009 after being invited to camp with some new friends I had met. My husband had passed away the previous December, and we had always wanted to go. Also, it would be our first anniversary without him during the festival. I was hesitant to go with people I didn’t really know, and I knew it could potentially be an emotional time. I told myself that I would give myself permission to do whatever I needed to take care of myself during that time and that I would regret not taking the opportunity. So, I went. 

What a life-changing experience it was for me. I met the most wonderful people and had an amazing time. I have always loved Bluegrass and enjoy every minute I’m there, with or without the stage performances. 

It turned into a healing and magical time. Many of the people I met there still don’t know how they were helping me with their music, laughter, great food, and hugs. It is a part of me forever.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
That sounds like a state of mind to me. You can have everything you ever dreamed of and not even realize it.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
Physical trait? My eyes.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
I don’t really believe that hardships make you stronger, but more your response to them. I’ve had plenty of hardships. I went to therapy for a long time and learned the skills that have made me stronger.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Learn a skill that will support you and your children. You’re going to need it.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Find out who you are before you try to find a mate.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
Fear does not stop death. It stops life. And worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles. It takes away today’s peace.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
I really hate gossip, so I enjoy friends who are discreet and trustworthy.

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
Oh, my gosh. I’ve changed so much. I feel like I’m always changing. Life’s challenges have helped me learn to be more understanding of other people and their life choices. There are too many other changes to mention.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
For as far as I’ve come, still, confidence is where I lack.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
That they can discover all the wonderful things we have in common and stop listening to the voices that try to divide us.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
What a beautiful project. I am so grateful for the opportunity to tell a part of my story and learn about so many badass women! It was great!