Natasja, 45

FABULOUS OVER 40

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

Honest, loyal, fierce, passionate

What would you say is your best emotional quality?

Compassionate

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

I've been a Data Protection Officer for a local government in the South of.the Netherlands for 5 years now. My job as a DPO is to ensure GDPR compliance by our government. In my spare time I love to ride motorcycle -  it clears my head and makes me stay grounded and connected to myself.

What are you most proud of?

I am the most proud of my son, my mirror and my reason for living...we have survived and overcome a lot a lot together and still are... but during these storms of life we face them fiercely together. And learn from each other...this two way stream..this connection is the one I am most proud of.

What is your favourite poem, quote or saying?

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Lao Tzu

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

Trust yourself, know yourself, be yourself and say no when needed so you can take care of yourself!

When you entered your 40's, what did you find were the most significant or poignant changes?

Recognition of the fact that my life was unbalanced, because I was trying to be everything and everyone at my best...a mother, a daughter, a friend, a girlfriend, a DPO, a housewife etc. It was impossible to sustain that any longer and my body made that clear to me. It made me literally stop... stop and overthink this...now at 46 I now know what and how to stay balanced. See my advice to myself at 20🤪

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

In my life I had many encounters or experiences with (extreme) fears....but also just as many with love. One should always listen to fear..is it warning me or is it retaining me...know to feel the difference...and always to be led and directed by love.. never lose faith and be honest to and by yourself all times!

What are your thoughts on ageing?

The moment we start to exist, we in fact start to die. This fact, and the many dear family and friends I have lost, make the process of ageing sometimes cold, lonely and hard. But it also has a flipside to it... because the aging process also has an enriching, motivating and thriving side to it..... the experiences and moments of love, happiness and joy... those moments that make you want to become a better version of your dying self …

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

My goal is to age respectfully and with integrity and to reach those who need to hear and feel the needed change in most fields of society....more connectivity instead of individualism and more compassion instead of knowing and prescribing what is needed!