Michelle Kelley

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
I am fully ‘me’ and have stopped worrying about what others think. I am no longer concerned about societal expectations – I’ve stopped ‘shoulding’ on myself. I enjoy donating time and resources to those in need. If I were retired, I would go to disaster areas to help out – places like North Carolina, which suffered such devastation. 

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
Absolutely!  In my mid-40s, I did some deep emotional work, where I remembered who I am.  I can show up authentically and unapologetically for myself and others. 

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
Since turning fifty, I found my voice; I feel on some level that, at this age, I have no more ‘F’s to give – I’m no longer concerned about what might happen if I speak up. 

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
My children, although they are grown, are wonderful humans! It’s great to hang out with our adult children and see the amazing parents they are to our five grandchildren (there will be more to come). I feel blessed that my family remains close and enjoys spending time together. 

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
Being curious & open-hearted.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My greatest accomplishment – my seven children! My kids are my joy, my purpose, and my friends. They are kind, compassionate, strong and intelligent. I instilled in them the importance of ‘questioning authority’ respectfully. 

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Natural fibers. Over the past 5-8 years, I have completely transformed my clothing, shoes, linens, household furniture, and carpeting into all-natural fibers (wool, linen, cotton, leather, furs). It’s an investment that was well worth it. 

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
LOVE. My most treasured material possessions are my passport & photo albums.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Oh, it’s a tie. Traveling to Ireland with my mom to explore our Irish heritage and with my kids one-on-one to France, Italy, Ireland, and Scotland were all bucket list adventures.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?

I’m living it :). Traveling the world with my children, grandchildren, mom, sisters, family, and friends.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
Kindness.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
We lost our first son, Conner, shortly after birth, something I did not think I could survive. It was with the support of family, friends, and our church that I endured. A double mastectomy after breast cancer was scary – the most difficult part was seeing the worry in my kids, husband, and parents. And finally, healing from autoimmune symptoms that were raging for several years. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
You can do hard things – remember your worth.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Remember who you are! You are a treasure, and you are worthy of all good things; talk to yourself like you speak to those you love. Remember to take care of yourself – we cannot pour from an empty cup.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
Stay curious!

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
That they show up – they always have. 🙂 

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
I battled with disordered eating and poor body image for over 30 years and, in my mid-40s, accepted myself with all my flaws – to be perfectly imperfect.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I’ve come to appreciate who I am – I’m the only ME there is, and I choose to embrace all that I am. I believe we must continue to be more self-aware, learn, and expand, or we become stagnant.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
I hope they understand their worth and the value they bring to humanity.  

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
Aging is a blessing!  Every day is an opportunity to experience life, to share love and kindness. Our beauty resides within – so shine your light! Age naturally with grace.  It’s the journey of life – with age comes wisdom, so consider yourself blessed to be wiser and share your experiences and wisdom with younger generations.  Focus on well-being, being active with your friends, kids, and grandkids, and finding joy every day instead of dreading the next wrinkle or age spot.