The 40 over 40 Project – Volume II – Lisa

The 40 over 40 Project; Beauty; Empowering; women; Wichita; ICT; Kansas; KS; Photography; Photographer; Orange Sun Studio; Yvette van Teeffelen; Empowered; Women supporting women; Strong; Branding; Headshot; Lisa Borger

Lisa Borger

Age: 55

Human Resources Manager

“‘Choose Joy”

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
What I love most about being 55 is being eligible for most senior discounts!

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
I like being 40+ because of the freedom it gives me. My kids are now adults with their own families, allowing me to shift my focus from caregiving to self-discovery. I now have the freedom to choose how I spend my time. This stage of life offers me the opportunity to explore new interests, pursue hobbies I once put on hold, and invest in personal growth. It’s liberating to embrace this chapter with a sense of independence, adventure, and confidence from life experience.

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
Two years ago, I felt the most confident in my life when I completed a four-mile run after losing nearly 30 pounds. It wasn’t just about weight loss; it was the pride of achieving a goal through hard work and resilience, proving to myself that I was stronger than I realized.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
I find the most joy in living a simple, peaceful life. There’s a special kind of happiness in appreciating the little things—quiet mornings, meaningful conversations with loved ones, and the calm that comes from being present in the moment.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
Multitasking is my superpower. I excel at juggling multiple responsibilities and staying organized and focused while efficiently managing tasks. It’s not just about doing more; it’s about prioritizing, adapting, and staying productive under pressure.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My most significant accomplishment has been raising two capable, compassionate daughters who contribute positively to society.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
My greatest extravagance is online shopping. Amazon is my favorite store!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My most treasured possessions are the items I inherited from my grandma. They hold deep sentimental value, reminding me of her love and our family’s history. I hope to pass them down to my children and grandchildren.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
A trip to Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a favorite thing I’ve checked off my bucket list.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
My idea of perfect happiness is early retirement with enough financial freedom to travel and enjoy the golden years with my husband, savoring life’s simple pleasures and creating lasting memories together without the stress of work.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
I’m most proud of being a good friend. I always try to be there for the people I care about, offering support and a listening ear when they need it most.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
I overcame the hardship of an abusive relationship, which deeply affected my self-esteem and sense of self. Through my journey to healing, I rebuilt my confidence, learned to set healthy boundaries, and rediscovered my inner strength and resilience.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
I would tell my younger self to save more and worry less. Learn to say no without guilt, and don’t rush to grow up—there’s beauty in every stage of life. Take care of your health, nurture meaningful relationships, and always choose authenticity over perfection.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
I would advise younger women to remember that you are irreplaceable at home. Prioritize self-care, not as a luxury but a necessity, because your well-being impacts everyone you love. Cherish time with family and focus on what truly matters—your health, happiness, and the connections that last.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
My favorite quote is ‘Choose Joy’ because it reminds me that happiness is a mindset. Even in tough times, we can find reasons to be grateful and focus on the positives. It’s about creating joy from within, no matter the circumstances.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
I value loyalty most in my friends because it means having someone who stands by you through both good times and challenges. It’s the foundation of trust, support, and genuine connection in any friendship.

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
Over the years, I’ve become more relaxed and less concerned with other people’s opinions. I’ve realized that trying to please everyone is exhausting and unnecessary. Instead, I focus on what truly matters to me—living authentically and making choices that align with my values. With time and experience, I’ve gained the confidence to embrace who I am, flaws and all, without seeking constant validation. It’s freeing to let go of that pressure and find peace in simply being myself.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
If I could change one thing about myself, I would prioritize self-care. I’ve often put others first, neglecting my own well-being. I’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential for living a balanced, fulfilling life.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
I would advise future generations to focus more on being present. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get distracted, but true joy comes from appreciating the moment, connecting with others, and finding meaning in the here and now.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
Embrace your age, and don’t fear growing older. Not everyone gets that opportunity. Each year is a gift, a chance to grow, gain wisdom, and celebrate the journey of life.

Wichita Photographer – 
Celebrating the beauty and wisdom of women over 40!

The 40 over 40 Project – Volume II – Lisa