Debbi Donovan

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
I enjoy the freedom and wisdom age brings. With years comes experience and wisdom to make wise decisions and the freedom to do more of the things I love.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?|
Yes! I don’t have many regrets, so yes, I wouldn’t want to go back!

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
I started feeling most confident in my early 50s. I took on yoga teacher training and teaching and taught yoga in many venues. I started playing golf (because of the freedom that comes with age!) and helped beginning women golfers to become more involved and confident with the sport.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
My biggest joy these last few years has been my granddaughter, Ellie! But I also find joy in my quiet time with my Labradors and long walks with them. I love my hobbies and the health to pursue them.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
Well, I don’t know if it’s a superpower, but it’s a skill; I’m a great organizer and a good listener.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Physical feats come to mind when I think of my greatest achievements: hiking Pikes Peak both up and down in one day and running a full marathon. Doing the swim in a team full triathlon (2.4-mile swim in open water). Becoming a yoga teacher and teaching in many venues; CrossFit, studios, gyms, nursing homes, corporate environments, for golfers.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
I splurge on having a weekly housekeeper and an almost daily lunch out with my husband!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My dogs, our house and farm, my golf clubs, and my home away from home, the RV!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
I’ve never had a bucket list. When things come across my path that seem like something I would want to do or become involved in, I kind of wait until the time is right or the opening is there, and I do it.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
I’m a peaceful country person, and I don’t like drama. So, I’m content with long walks with my dogs, traveling in our RV, and calm, quiet, reflective days and evenings. And an evening drink with my husband!

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
I’m non-confrontational and a good mediator.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
Having young kids and a family business was always challenging, but that was decades ago.

This last year has been a tough year for me. I had a broken leg and a knee replacement, then a dog with a knee replacement (TPLO surgery), all within a year. On the flip side, since I’m a peaceful country person, I learned to enjoy streaming and word games, and I got to hang out with my dogs 24/7!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Don’t worry so much. Worry is just borrowing trouble. All things work out the way God wants them to!

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
I’m stealing this from a younger woman, my daughter Jillian. “Take up space, don’t question your presence.”

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“Be the person your dog thinks you are.” C.J. Frick.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
I can tell them anything, and they don’t judge but are wise and understanding and will steer me in a Godly direction. They also challenge me. My favorite hobby today, golf, was the product of a very persistent friend. Thanks, Susan!

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
I’ve grown in confidence and vulnerability. I believe there is confidence to be found by being vulnerable.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Be less fearful and more adventurous.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
Have real face-to-face relationships. Don’t be easily offended; realize everyone has a situation going on. Have “Little toes and big hearts,” a quote from Terry Williams.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
Let your struggles help others. Let others see the real you, your struggles, and your growth through them. Enjoy the journey!