Valarie Florio

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
At my age, what I love most is the freedom to say no, to say yes, to change my mind, to protect my peace, and to live my life on my own terms.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
I love it. I am 51, and I still feel like I am in my 30s.

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
There are a few. I would say the day I became the first in my family to obtain a college degree. Another would be the day I signed the paperwork to build my first home.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
Joy comes from choosing how I spend my time. Whether it’s travel, rest, or pursuing something creative just because I want to. Choices are so important.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
I am a child and animal “whisperer.” I can easily develop trust with them.  Relationship building overall is my superpower.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Financial independence is my greatest achievement, as it reflects my personal growth. I made smart choices, learned hard lessons, and stayed committed to my future.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Clothing, shoes, and handbags. I never go back to the same handbag twice. So, basically, shopping in general.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
Vito, my Siamese cat. I love my sweet boy!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Traveling overseas, and I am about to do it again the day after Christmas.  I will travel to Paris and Rome for two weeks, and then in the third week of early January 2026, I will be in Berlin for a week, working on the last class I need to complete my MBA!  It is a project-based marketing course that involves working with a German company.  I am also going to make time to visit Auschwitz in Poland.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
Perfect happiness is living fully and unapologetically. It’s supporting myself, pursuing passions, traveling when I want, and enjoying the solitude and spontaneous moments.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
Confidence is my greatest trait because it enables me to lead, connect with others, and stand up for what matters.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
I’ve endured moments of deep self-doubt (I am an overthinker) — times when it felt like everything I knew was being questioned. However, through those moments, I learned how to listen better, adapt more quickly, and understand more deeply.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Love will look different from what you imagined—and that’s okay. You’ll find joy and fulfillment in your own company, in deep friendships, and purpose. You won’t be missing anything—you’ll be whole.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
To younger women, I’d say: Be kind to yourself. You don’t have to be everything to everyone. Trust your instincts—they’re rarely wrong. Don’t dull your shine to make others comfortable.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“Do it afraid.” It reminds me that waiting until I feel perfectly ready or fearless is a trap. Some of the best things in my life have happened when I moved forward while still unsure or scared, and I’m proud of that.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
Loyalty and Empathy. 

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
I’ve changed in ways that are quiet but powerful. I’m softer in how I see others and stronger in standing up for myself. I no longer chase the version of success others told me to want. And with every year, I like myself more; that’s the real change.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would love to wake up one morning and find I am a “morning person.” I don’t see it happening, though.  I’m a night owl.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
Hoping they speak up, lead boldly, and challenge what needs changing.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
In a culture obsessed with youth, honoring women over 40 challenges the idea that our value has an expiration date. It says: your voice still matters.