What year were you born?
1973, Wednesday. It was a very emotional day for my father, his grandfather passed on the same day, so I was the representation of renewal.
What was your life like growing up? What dreams and goals did you have for your life when you left High School?
Full of love and care. Surrounded by family. We lived–my family still does–in a small community. Everything happened around the church.
I was the only child for a couple of years, I loved to stay with grandpa and grandma. My grandma is still alive at the age of 95, she loves to tell my baby cute stories.
I was a small, shy child, but I got very empowered in my teenage years. I was part of a talented and creative group of friends. Together we kept the community excited, we wrote and performed plays, and we organized musical events and parties. The adults participated and enjoyed our events.
I feel very lucky to be born into my family, my dad raised us to be free and independent. He is a smart, wise man.
What is the one piece of advice would you give your younger self?
You are right, the world is beautiful and so are you.
Name at least one outstanding experience you have had in your life. How did this or these events affect you?
In 1995 I got pregnant, oh my God, I loved that belly, I was so proud, so happy carrying that baby with me. In April 1996 she came, a beautiful healthy girl. My family was there to help me raise her with the same love and care I was raised with. My daughter was a blessing and joy. We went through some hard times together. I made many decisions that were tough on her, but I needed to gain my independence in order to provide a life with opportunities to her.
Back in 2005, I met a mysterious, foreign, older man. We connected in a way that I could not comprehend, the first kiss, the first night together and I was somehow in love. I didn’t speak English, he didn’t speak Portuguese, it was a pure energetic, and emotional connection. Sex was beyond physical touches, almost surreal. We have been together since that first kiss on December 30, 2005. My partner represents love, learning, and changes.
In 2010 we moved from Brazil to the USA. My daughter was 13, a hard move for a teenager. We left behind our lovely family, our community, and our dear lifelong friends. We found new friends, learned a new language and we grew. My daughter and I grew strong. The USA represents challenge, separation, excitement, and independence.
When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
There are many times that I felt confident at work. For example, being recognized for a good performance in corporate America was a big deal. So when I was promoted to a manager I felt very much confident, I earned it.
However, it could not be compared with the feeling of confidence and purpose on the stage, performing our small plays back in my teenage years. I stood tall and I let myself out with no fear. Proud.
Share an indulgence:
Long hot showers!
How do other people to describe you or see you?
This is a hard one. I don’t know. I believe they see calmness, confidence, and openness.
What is your super power?
Adaptability, positivity combined with the ability to understand other people's perspectives.
Can you share what your favourite part of your body is? Why?
Hmmm… I like my hair and like my figure in general. I don’t think I have a favorite part.
Do you like being 40+?
I do. I don't really feel the age so far :)
How has your relationship with yourself changed as you have gotten older?
A lot more respect for who I am, more compassion. I can say I know myself much better and I like it.
What goals/ambitions/dreams would you like to be working on that you haven’t had the opportunity to start on yet?
Establish a nice home in Portland OR and one in Tatui Brazil.
Be able to enjoy the best of the two cultures.
Spend time with friends and family and open my both homes for visitors.
What advice would you give your future self?
Never stop learning and keep enjoying the journey.
How do you think women of your generation are perceived?
I think we are perceived as independent and strong.
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.
That we need to slow down. We can control the speed if we want to as long as we know the direction. And chances are we have a much better idea of what we want.
Take the time to reflect on the life you want. Build on your strengths. You are awesome.
Do you have a favourite book to recommend?
The Power of Now
The Happiness Hypothesis
Do you have a favourite quote to share?
Energy flows where attention goes. -Tony Robbins
Thank you Katia for taking the time to share!
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