Joyce McEwen Crane

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
I’m at an age where I can make better decisions, with integrity, about what I want to say ‘yes’ to and ‘no’ to and create the life I truly want to live. While I haven’t always practiced that, I intend to do so now!

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
Compared to when I was younger, yes! I see the world and the systems that influence us more clearly and have more voice to react and interact in meaningful ways. Relationships have become more vital to thriving, more so than the work that often defines me (though some may question this….).

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
Never more than now. I trust my decisions, know they are divinely guided, and believe I was created to do unique and special things in this world. I worry less and trust that I will face life events with courage.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
My relationships with my husband, family, and friends bring me a lot of joy. The ability to serve people around me through my coaching, teaching, and consultation allows me to be in spaces where people are more inspired and more courageous. Seeing them make the changes they truly want to make brings me great joy. I also really love using my creative talents to make greeting cards, cook/bake good food, and design new ways to help people learn and grow.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
Curiosity has always been my superpower since I was young. I’ve always wondered about the world, about how things work, and about how people understand and navigate this amazingly interesting and wonderful adventure we call life. Curiosity follows me everywhere I go!

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Personally, I think my greatest achievement has been following my heart-felt desire to try to love others well and create conditions for others to thrive. Earning my doctorate degree and all of my coaching credentials have created mission fields to test that achievement.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Occasionally spending money on wants, not needs.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
Having had to walk away from most of my possessions at one time in my life a few years back, I’ve learned that things are just things to which I have given meaning. And, I’ve learned I can actually live without them. The most meaningful things I still own today are my wedding and engagement rings, which keep me centered on a space in my life for which I am truly thankful and in awe.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
I have been on a mission to finish a dream that my father and I started many years ago – to visit all of the US state capitol buildings. I only have two left to visit, and I’ll check them off next year! The second most favorite thing I’ve done is experience living abroad and traveling around the world to learn about different cultures and meet incredible people. This world is so big and diverse and I’d love to see it all!

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
I’m honestly not sure that exists, and I’m okay with that. Happiness can be realized in so many circumstances if you look closely for the little bits of light.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
I try to live my life with integrity, curiosity, and love, but sometimes I am most in awe of my determination to get things done that I really care about. I’m not always the best at setting my mind to something, but once I do, and if it really matters, I will stick with it to see it through.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
Compared to others I know, I wonder whether I’ve really endured any real hardships in my life. Incredible pain, serious health issues, divorce, and tons of uncertainty, yes, but I consider those part of life. I have been well supported and taken care of, even when things felt impossible to navigate.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Always be thankful, live with integrity, serve others well, and don’t do anything that intentionally hurts people or compromises you in any way.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Get clear on who you are, what drives you, what you value, and what brings you joy, and live that life to the fullest! Don’t compromise who you are; don’t let others sway you into doing anything that falls outside your values. Hold your relationships close and love well.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
There are so many favorites, but this one has been resonating with me lately. “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” Audre Lorde

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
I value how much my friends love me and care about what is best for me. I have some lifelong friends with whom we can pick up a conversation months later and feel like little time has passed. It’s quite a treasure to have important relationships with these amazing people in my life!

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
I’m hopeful that I’ve evolved into the person I was meant to be! I am so much clearer about who I am, what I value, and what I am unwilling to do. I am making much better choices in life, with an eye on important relationships, and I am enjoying life to the fullest. I’ve always enjoyed adventure and challenge, and hope to continue both in the years to come.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
As my coach once said, sometimes my loyalties are outdated. My drive to accomplish things isn’t always productive in a healthy way.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
I hope future generations continue to change the current political landscape to one that centers on loving others and treating everyone well. I hope they also change the narrative about the truth of our country’s past to one that is tolerant of learning from our mistakes and from how systems can both help and harm people. I also hope they change how we think about hard work and about how to value and honor what is most important to protect or let go of.