Jacalyn Strong

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
Getting to be myself and not caring what others think.  The older we get, the less we take for granted and are more grateful.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
Most people would like to be younger, but as you get older, you are more likely to have financial security; your kids are often grown with their kids, so you can enjoy grandkids.  Also, I think most women over 40 are more carefree and confident.

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
I felt most confident when I had been at my first real job for a few months because that’s when I realized how good I was at it. 

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
My family, of course. And I get to travel wherever and whenever I want.  I really like the Amalfi Coast. In fact, all of that part of Europe, including France and Croatia.  The beaches and architecture are beautiful, the food is delicious, and the people are wonderful. 

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
I can read people well.  Also, I can be very inclusive and introduce people who become friends, even a few who got married (5 couples).  I can see a match between people.  I’m also very good with numbers and math.  I’m able to identify patterns quickly. Not sure how useful this is! 

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
I retired early from BP and volunteered for 10 years in the public school system, earning Volunteer of the Year.  

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
I love to travel on tall sailing ships, in Europe, the Caribbean, anywhere by water.  These ships carry fewer people (300), so it’s a quieter, more peaceful feeling.  Well, sailing, in general, is peaceful. Since these ships are smaller and require less of a draft restriction, they can access ports that the larger ships cannot.  

They take great care of the ships with gorgeous interior wood. Though mainly couples travel on these ships, I enjoy going solo as I always meet new people from various countries. The highlight is grabbing a cocktail and heading up on deck to watch the teamwork involved in hoisting all those sails.  

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My collection of signed guitars by musicians includes guitars signed by the Rolling Stones, The Highway Men, and Joe Walsh.  

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Attending the Monte Carlo Grand Prix.  

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
Loving and being loved. Healthy mind and body and the same for my loved ones.  

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
My ability to empathize and see both sides of a viewpoint.  My sense of fairness I suppose. Also, I have a wicked sense of humor.  

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER? 
Helping people with end-of-life care at a hospice.  Also, dealing with a sick child for a few years. I have learned to appreciate life,

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Don’t worry so much; things tend to work out if you just think positively and put that energy out.  Our thoughts control our brain, not the other way around, and we can have an impact on the outcome.  

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Don’t cave to peer pressure. Be yourself and treat others with kindness. Also, being a “cam model” is not an honorable career choice.  That seems to be a big thing right now. Educate yourself to be self-supporting. Make your own money at a job you love. 

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
Don’t worry about the things you cannot control.  

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

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
More confidence. More carefree. And I worry a whole lot less. I also have studied energy, specifically brain energy, and if you have good positive thoughts, this can result in good outcomes.  I try to stay in the moment. Regretting the past wastes energy because you can’t change it, as is worrying about the future you can’t predict. 

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? 
I would exercise more. I’d like to work on my religious faith.  And I’d be calmer and at peace knowing things will always work out as they should.  

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
I’m concerned about the division created by politics. I grew up in a time when we didn’t even know or cared about who our neighbors voted for. 

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
I enjoyed the photo shoot. I think this project is wonderful, Yvette; thank you.