Carole Brown

Model + Host

Q: What does 50 feel like for you?
A: Being 50 has felt inwardly peaceful, yet physically challenging. I can now see the fruits of my parenting labour as my kids become independent and good people in this world. It's a tremendous relief to know that they understand the value of treating others well - I couldn't have asked for anything more important from them. I'm also happy with my professional accomplishments and don't need to push myself in this aspect anymore.

Physically, however, I've struggled with the changes to my energy levels. And the side effects of menopause... is it hot in here or just me?!  As an athlete throughout my life - rock climbing, military service, triathlons, to name a few - I'm accustomed to fatigue, aches and a careful diet. Yet still, I wasn't prepared for the changes to my body in crossing the border to the land of Over50. I'm having to somewhat redefine myself. For the most part, I've been able to make this an opportunity, as opposed to a problem, but it does take time and kindness with myself. 

Q: What’s the best part of being 50?
A: The best part of being 50 is no longer questioning who I am.  I've lived long enough to understand what's important to me, especially when it's been tested by others. With this clear picture of my values and beliefs, I don't have to worry about anything else. Material acquisitions - like the size of my home, the beauty of my clothes, the look of my car - never really meant anything to me. I'm incredibly rich on the inside with experiences and surrounded by quality people. I now truly don't feel the need to put effort into less important things. I know what makes me feel happy and can now forget about the rest!

Q: What’s your least favourite part of being 50?
A: My least favourite part of being 50 is menopause, ie. sweating, farting, squinting, snoozing.. .did I mention sweating already, like, a lot? Nobody warned me! I'm happy for those who experience it mildly, but meanwhile, for me, I've had to research, test and discover how to set my body up so that it allows me to still live my best life. There's so much I still want to do, every day! In some ways, I feel like I'm just getting started!

Q: What words or adjectives would you use to describe 50?
A: I would wholeheartedly use the following words to describe 50: Wise, Strong, Self-assured, Aware, Able and Content.

Q: How is turning 50 different from turning 30 or 40?
A: Turning 50 brought me a different viewpoint in life than 30 or even 40. I always used to look to the future and envision a "to do" list which included all the ways I wanted to make the world a better place. This sometimes gave me angst, as I saw the degree of help needed everywhere. I also worried about giving enough to my own kids, especially as a single, full-time working mom. Now, however, I look back and feel good about all the ways I've given to others. I've worked with abandoned children around the world, supported seniors without any family, and contributed to women starting their lives over.  I can accept the world more; or rather, I can understand how injustices come to be, but I will never fully accept those injustices. As such, I'll never stop wanting to have a positive impact on others, but I'm okay with slowing down and resting a bit more. In fact, it's amazing at how much a simple smile can do. 

Q: If you could magically go back to a younger version of yourself, would you?
A: Yep, I would like to go back, just a bit. I don't regret any decisions, but I would've liked to live more freely, with the knowledge that the choices of those around me are not necessarily my choices. I carried the weight of others' unhealthy choices or tried to accommodate choices which didn't fit me. I should've realized that the mistakes of others are not my mistakes! So, yes, it would've been nice feeling stronger in myself and moving forward feeling secure in that knowledge.  

Q: If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
A: I have so much advice that I would give my younger self: You don’t have to have all the answers right now! Just keep being you! You have everything in you to be happy!  As well, I would really want to explain to my younger self that when people meet you, they’re going to assume things about you based on your appearance. Don’t feel you have to accommodate this in any way! They are seeing you as a petite, fair, soft-spoken woman - not a strong, smart, fearless adventurer, who has crossed glaciers, climbed mountains, completed 10 years with distinction in the army, lived in squalid conditions, passed many men in many races, and given to many before being asked. Be strong. Be proud. Your world is rooted in who you know you are, not in what others assume about you!

Carole can be found online here.