Jenni Johnston

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
I feel more confident than ever before. I know the important life questions and even most of the answers. I have learned lessons from the past and am more present in my daily life than ever before. We can plan and hope for the future, but the future is not guaranteed. 

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
I have liked all the ages I have been. I had a very good childhood and high school time and enjoyed college. I like being more relaxed and not having as many demands on my time as I did when my kids were small.  I enjoyed those times while going through them, but I concentrate on my life now.

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY? 
I had a boost of confidence at about age 38 and 58 for various reasons. I feel about 17 personality-wise and about 48 age-wise.  One reason was that I finished my second Master’s degree at age 41, and the College instructors were very complimentary about my counseling skills, and that did help build confidence.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
I have always been a very positive and grateful person, but I enjoy seeing my own adult children succeed and be content with life. Also, seeing my grandchildren grow, learn and succeed. It really is the simple things that are often the best.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER? 
I am very intentional, especially with my friends. If I am thinking about one of them, I will reach out to them. I also, at work and in my personal life, am a huge encourager.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My greatest achievement has been being a Mom to my three children and bringing those lives into the world. God is good, for sure.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE? 
I got my first massage at age 48. I then would get one every three months, and now that I am older and make a bit more money, I get a massage every 4 to 6 weeks. 

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My dog.  My previous dog was loved for 14 years, and I still treasure her.  Now, it’s my current dog, Kirby.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST? 
I have been to Hawaii, Europe, a lovely part of Mexico, and the Bahamas.  I hope someday to travel to Ireland.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
Just spend time with the whole family, enjoy a nice meal, good conversation, great weather, and play a game or two. 

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
I am a very good friend. I have several friends that I have had for 50 years now. I am genuine, and I will be there for support if a friend needs me. Also, I love deeply.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
I lost the most important person in my life at age 20. I also lost my Grandmother, who really was more of a mother to me at age 16. I lost my adoptive mother at age 33 and my mother-in-law, who I was very close to, about six years ago. I found and met my birthmother, and she passed away 2 years ago. So, I have had some losses in my life.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
I was fairly shy until about age 28, so I would tell myself to be more confident and to speak up. I would say to enjoy each day and moment.  Keep a journal as I have done since I was 25.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Figure out what you are good at and enjoy doing, and try to make that the center of your career. Do what is right for you. Some women love to be stay-at-home mothers, and that is wonderful. Don’t feel guilty if you also want a career outside the home.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
Giving to others will make you feel good. The privilege of a lifetime is in being you. 

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
The acceptance, friendship, memories, hopes, and dreams we share. The laughing over memories and the ability to pick up into a deep conversation even if you haven’t seen that friend in 12 months or more.

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
I have become more confident, patient, and a better listener, at least in some situations. I have more gratitude with every passing year. I can also laugh at myself more.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I always wanted to be 5 feet 9 inches tall, and I am exactly 6 feet tall. I had someone give me a small saying which reads, “You were born to stand out.” So, it is just part of who I am, and it’s fine.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
The world is a mess right now, and in my corner of the world, education, it’s been that way since 2014 or so. I hope people can show more kindness, compassion, and understanding. I hope the family unit can get more centered on God and things that matter. 

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
I was adopted at four days old; I know my journey, and I would like to say it’s my opinion that everyone is different and everyone has an individual story about their adoption. I believe that the person involved is the only one who can and should make the decision to find birth parents or not find birth parents. I believe and know that God wanted me to be born, have the family that I have, and touch the many lives I have touched in my career and my life.