What a treat to photograph Kate.. we worked together, flatted together and now we have come together to collaborate on Kate’s new business venture.  Like many of us in our 50’s it is not a time to retreat.. it is a time to reflect, grow and go for it (and she said I would never get her to wear something sparkly..!!   Here are Kate’s words..

Shar and I met in the 90’s when we worked
together organising weddings for Japanese Honeymooners….a long time ago now but
the memories are strong and we did have some very good belly aching laughs
along the way!  It has been lovely to
reconnect again with Shar and catch up on what is nearly 30 years – she has a
great talent with the camera and makes you feel relaxed during the process
while she works her magic.

Entering my 50’s was less daunting for me
that my 30’s.  I turn 55 this year and am
learning the wisdom of the phrase how old you are is just a number – important
only for verification and legal documents. (and also lovely birthday presents!)
The rest is what you do with your time here on planet earth – we cannot choose
our number but we can choose what we do with it.  At 30 I was conflicted about what I wanted in
life, career versus family, where I wanted to live, all the adult decisions I
had been putting off could no longer be avoided it seemed.  At 33 I gave birth to Caroline and then just
before I turned 35 Emily was born. 
Definitely the two best decisions I have made and I am grateful every day
for having daughters who are a big part of my life.  I feel so happy watching them grow into
thoroughly decent human beings.  My 40’s
were spent being a busy and loving parent – it feels like a whirlwind decade
really.  Entering my 50’s felt like my life
was in the middle of everyone else around me.  
Still dependent teenagers and also now dependent parents, load up on top
of that the misery of the Christchurch earthquakes and ensuing house drama, years
of hormonal discomfort from menopause it is little wonder that women get to
this age feeling a bit wrung out and strung out.  We rely on our friends and family for support
but sometimes we are too busy caring for others that we forget to care for
ourselves.

Last year I retrained as an executive coach
– through that work I have structured conversations with mainly young
professionals coping with the demands of keeping their professional careers and
their home life on track.  I’m not a big
believer of the term “life balance” Sometimes life is in perfect balance but
those times are rare – when we know our values and strengths then it is easier
to work through our options and live our best life.  There will always be challenges at any life
stage but when we have the right support and attitude we can all find a place
of contentment and high performance.  

I’m getting better at the self care too.
Yoga has taught me so much!! The physical strength gained is secondary – the
real medicine is in self acceptance and awareness, learning to leave the day at
the door and just focus on being in the moment. Accepting that every day is
different and you just do what you can on that day. I wish I had started my
yoga practice years ago but as with most things in life
it is never too late and the universe usually gives up what you need at the
time. 

I’m excited to see where I go from here and
I feel grateful every day for my fabulous friends and a family who loves me. At
the end of the day that is all we really need.  :) 

Kate.