The 40-over-40 Women's Portrait Campaign

Ilse is a warm, strong and caring woman who is a consultant and coach. Over the last while, she has undergone huge changes in her life - ending a long-term relationship, moving from her established home and becoming a master of NLP. She's also started writing a book.

If your friends/family had to describe you in 3-4 words, what would they say?

Loving, caring, warm person with a lot of humor.

What would you say is your best emotional quality?

I always see potential in people

What is your occupation and how to you like to spend your free time?

I work as an consultant and coach. In my free time I love reading, cooking, going to the gym (yoga), traveling and spent time with famlly and friends.

What are you most proud of?

My two children.

I went through quite rough times the last few years: ended a longterm relationship. Found myself a new home. And became Master in NLP. And finally started writing a book.

What is your favourite poem, quote or saying?

Life is always happening for me not to me (Tony Robbins)

What advice would you give your 20-year old self looking back?

Have faith in yourself. being just who you are is perfect enough.

When you entered your 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's or beyond, what did you find were the most significant or poignant changes?

In my 50's I became a Master in NLP, I ended a longterm relationship, found myself a new home. And my children went to college.
My father passed away when I was in my 40's.

Do you have a story about yourself that you would like to share?

The best present for my 50th birthday was an ice bath workshop, given by Wim Hoff.

What are your thoughts on aging?

In Dutch there is a saying that everybody wants to get old, but nobody wants to be old.

However being seasoned has the advantage of knowing better what I want in life and what I don't want. And to realize that you're always one decision away from a totally different life.

Do you still have a dream or big goal that you would love to accomplish?

My goal is to write a book about women in their fifties.