What year were you born?
1980. I am 44 years old.
What was your life like growing up? What dreams and goals did you have for your life when you left High School?
I had a pretty idyllic childhood on a small ranch in eastern Oregon. It was safe and full of love and God. We spent most of our time outside, we worked, but I don’t remember it feeling like work. ( I’m sure it felt like work then.)
I wanted to travel and own a bed and breakfast.
I worked in the kitchen for a small bed and breakfast during highschool for a bit and there was something beautiful and romantic about it to me. After living in Brazil as an exchange student for the first half of my Senior year of high school, I had the travel bug. ( I think it really hit me after my aunt took us to Maui a few years prior, but after Brazil for sure.)
When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
I felt very confident after having my first son. I was so sick with the pregnancy that coming out of that, having a beautiful healthy happy baby boy, and then my body recovering and feeling so strong was wonderful. I felt capable and strong.
Was there a time in your life where you felt ‘stuck’, unable to find the energy or strength to move forward or to make a big change? If so, can you share what it was &/or what helped you get past this road block?
Oh man, that is a hard one. This seems to be a cyclical happening. It seems that every few years there is some kind of “stuck” most commonly I find this in my work. I get burnt out. Taking time off is always helpful. Cooking for myself, the things that I like, not for others. I love cooking for, taking care of and feeding people, but, sometimes, I just need to feed myself.
What is the one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
Do less. Rest more.
How have your dreams and goals changed now that you are 40+?
I want more quiet. More staying at home. I no longer want a bed and breakfast, ha, it just sounds like taking care of more “kids”.
Have your core values changed over time? What do you value now?
Yes and no. I have found myself coming back to more of the values instilled in my childhood, less of the “worldly” values I picked up throughout the years. I value my God, my family, freedom.
Share an indulgence:
Oh.. Champagne, quiet, a good hike.
How do other people describe you or see you?
I think it depends on the person… I have heard people describe me as peaceful more than once.
What is your super power?
My kids say it’s touching hot things, haha..
Can you share what your favourite part of your body is? Why?
I like my upper back. I feel like it looks stong.
Do you like being 40+?
Yes, and no. I like the wisdom, and the freedom that comes with it. As accepting as I try to be about my aging body, the skin changes I find challenging.
Has your relationship with yourself changed as you have gotten older? How?
Yes, I feel more confident in my own skin.
What are you passionate about now?
I feel very blessed to do what I do. I am passionate about my family. I am most passionate about my family. I am very lucky and blessed to have both an amazing close knit immediate family, but my extended family is a powerhouse of impressive, loving and companionate people.
My other passion is my work. I get to feed people, both with nutritious and delicious food. Food is so powerful and I do appreciate the joy it can provoke.
I also get to help people find health. Teaching yoga has been such a blessing to me. I love watching people find strength in both their bodies and their hearts and minds.
I am currently offering wellness retreat in Algarve, Portugal that will encompass amazing local cuisine and daily wellness activities while exploring the many hiking trails that overlook the 300-foot-high cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea. All of the information is on my website: www.nourishmentfoodandyoga.com. For peek at my social, here’s my instagram: www.instagram.com/nourishmentfoodandyoga/
What goals/ambitions/dreams would you like to be working on that you haven’t had the opportunity to start on yet?
I would love to become more of a minimalist…. That will take some adjustment and time.
What advice would you give your future self?
Work less, play more.
How do you think women of your generation are perceived?
Not sure. Again I think it depends on who you talk to. Tough/edgy, out of touch, persevering… first few things that come to mind.
Are there any myths you would like to bust about the over 40s? If so, can you tell us about them?
That we can age and stay strong, beautiful, and youthful without cosmetic intervention.
What advice do you have to offer to those who are approaching mid life or those that are in mid life and perhaps struggling with it.
Give yourself grace. WORKOUT: lift weights, do yoga, walk. Eat real food. Get some sunshine. Go outside.
Do you have a favourite book to recommend?
Just read books.
Do you have a favourite quote to share?
"In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love." — Mother Teresa
Irene, thank you for taking the time to share about your life and sweet insights!
Don’t forget to check out Irene’s website & read about all the details for her offering abroad in Portugal: www.nourishmentfoodandyoga.com
And on social: www.instagram.com/nourishmentfoodandyoga/