Carla Breckenridge

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
I’ve come to appreciate how growing older has enriched my life.  I also appreciate the unique gifts that age allows me to embrace authenticity, pursue the passions that bring me joy and fulfillment, and face life challenges with a more balanced perspective.
Over the years, I’ve gained insights that I now enjoy sharing with younger folks, hoping to guide them on their paths.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
Being over 40 is a gift.  It’s a season to appreciate life as it is.  This age has brought me the freedom to focus on my passions and those closest to my heart, my husband, and my family.  It’s a joy to come full circle and treasure this chapter of life.  Aging has helped me become more comfortable in my skin, allowing me to be true to myself.

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate that life is a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery. Embracing the idea that we’re all “works in progress” is empowering. This journey has taught me that self-esteem isn’t static; it evolves with our experiences.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
Aging has enabled me to live more fully and embrace moments with dear friends, family, and my husband, whom I love and treasure deeply.  I’ve learned to find peace and contentment in my own company, cherishing moments of quiet reflection.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
My superpower is the ability to connect deeply with others. I’ve always had the ability to gather and connect people.  I’ve also always had an interest in individual stories and historical connections.  I care deeply about people, and I have a servant-leader spirit…. I’ve had the ability to maintain and retain relationships over time.  That’s probably the military brat in me.  My superpower is also learning to accept what’s right for me and what kinds of people in my life feel right.
Being able to offer guidance and help others realize their potential is a profound gift that can make a lasting difference in people’s lives!

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My greatest achievement is the life I’ve built with my family. Being a wife and mother has shaped my purpose in profound ways.  Raising and watching our sons grow into their own lives has been a journey of deep love and fulfillment.
Alongside this, my career as an educator has been an immense privilege.  Having the opportunity to inspire and positively impact young lives has been a true honor.  Teaching has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life, and I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve forged with my students over the years. 

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
I dedicate my time to my community and service through local organizations, state committees, and local boards.  This work allows me to give back, connect with like-minded people, and find personal fulfillment and purpose.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My most cherished treasures are family photos and stories of my family history.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Traveling to different countries was checked off my bucket list early in my life. However, there are still many places in the world that I’d still like to visit. 

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
Spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing laughter, and pursuing the things that bring me joy.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
One of my greatest strengths is educating, inspiring, and building leaders.  I build confidence in young people.  I work with children and youth from diverse ages and backgrounds and help guide them to become future leaders. I am dedicated to empowering youth, helping them realize their potential, and to build a brighter future for themselves.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
A sudden illness and becoming a caregiver suddenly while out of town will make you a stronger person. I had to manage logistics from a distance, make decisions under pressure, and rely on others I didn’t know well. That journey tested and strengthened my faith and made me a stronger and better person. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Trusting Life’s Timing. I’ve come to understand that things often happen when they’re meant to, and I understand that patience and trusting your inner voice to direct your decisions is a part of the journey.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Don’t let doubt hold you back. Believe in yourself and trust that you are capable of pursuing your dreams. Take bold steps, knowing you have the strength and resilience to overcome obstacles and setbacks.  Know that you are never alone on your journey.
Learn to accept what’s right for you and what kinds of people in your life feel right for you. 

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
All things are possible through Christ, who strengthens me.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
There are billions of people in the world, and I love that my friends get me and that we feel mutually accepted, loved, and celebrated. I can be transparent through the highs and lows of life, have a safe place to be myself, and still receive feedback.
It’s nice to have friends whose true friendships give a sense of purpose.  There is a difference between friends and family. Some friends are more like family. Friends will not only help you. True friends show up. 

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
Over time, I’ve come to appreciate the value of rest and that balance is more important than the hustle.  As I’ve matured, I’ve realized that self-care and pursuing activities that bring me joy are equally important.  I’ve found happiness in engaging in meaningful endeavors and have been reminded to let go of tasks done merely out of obligation. Now, I focus on work and activities that truly bring me happiness.
This part of wisdom is learning to let go…..  Susan Anderson Misey,  wrote, “Letting go requires more strength than holding on.”

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I wish I had taken the time to truly understand the importance of self-care, learned how to make a protective boundary for activities that nourish my body and mind, and permitted myself to say no when needed so I wouldn’t feel stretched too thin. I would embrace rest and relaxation knowing that taking care of myself isn’t selfish.  It’s an act of love that allows me to truly show up fully for the things and people that matter most to me.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
As a teacher, my heartfelt hope is that future generations learn to approach one another with kindness, respect, and open hearts. I see moments of disrespect far too often, and it reminds me how much we all need compassion. My hope is that empathy becomes second nature and everyone feels valued for who they are.