Christine, 61
Powerful, warm, decisive
“ I've learned that if you don't take opportunities to "put yourself out there", you will miss receiving what you're looking for.”
✨ Twinsight: Christine's story had us feeling all kinds of inspired! Her passion for helping others is contagious, and her eagerness to encourage people to step out of their comfort zones is admirable. She's the ultimate cheerleader, encouraging everyone around her to embrace new experiences and live life to the fullest! So, if you're feeling stuck or hesitant about trying something new, take a page out of Christine's book and just go for it! Who knows what kind of amazing experiences could be waiting just around the corner?
Daily, I am challenged to remember that I am over 60 years old, and then wonder why I care what the number is! I have enjoyed approximately 5-6 careers (depending on what "counts as a career). I began my working life as a lawyer (8 years as an insurance defence litigator). I felt the pressure to retire from law at that time because I was married, had two young children and a home to care for. I couldn't keep up. I was home for about a year (that was not ideal either) when I went back to work in the courts as a Small Claims Court Judge (7 years). A pretty good part-time gig for a busy Mom!
I had begun a speaking/ coaching career just before I retired from law altogether and went on to write a book, created a sports coaching program, mentored students, and then moved across the country to live. This was after a divorce and the empty nest syndrome. Having landed in Kelowna, knowing no one, I had to begin from ground zero. I narrowed my speaking, coaching, writing to a more business/entrepreneurial focus. I had just gotten some traction when Covid hit and my business collapsed in one week. Online coaching, a radio show and a podcast became the focus. All in my 50's. Having developed a keen disinterest in constant marketing, 2022 was spent thinking about what I was going to do moving forward. A tough time. I resurrected a singing career and now have a musical partner and we are performing around Kelowna. This, coupled with voice over and acting auditions now fill my time.
I will never retire - I'd be bored. So, learning is a constant thing.
I've often felt that the aging population is so undervalued as many of us have had lots of life experience and have interesting things to say. Let's pray that our society, that seems to value surface things like youth and beauty, money and power, soon shifts to honour and engage those with great stories and experience! Thanks for doing what you're doing!
How old are you and how do you feel about this age?
A: I am 61 years old and to tell you the truth, it is an existential shock to really delve deeply into my "age". Last year when I turned 60, I was horrified at the number, but then I realized that it is only a number and that I behave more like a young 50-year-old - whatever that even means! I certainly live my life by the saying, "It's not the years of your life that are important, but the life in your years." I am certainly living mine to the fullest...and I'm not done yet!!!!
Three words that describe you.
A: I'm going to go with powerful, warm, and decisive.
What’s one life lesson that you wish you had known earlier?
A: I wish I'd known about the laws of physics and the nature of reality a lot earlier! I wouldn't trade any of my experiences, but maybe they could have been smoother and less chaotic if I'd known the actual power of my mind, body, and soul? Fun to think about....
4) What’s the worst part about aging and what’s the best?
A: Definitely the worst part of aging is the physical. While I am healthier than I think I've ever been, I don't recover from workouts (whatever form they take - gym hiking , snowshoeing, dancing) and am often stiff and sore. I mistakenly think I can still do what I did 20 years ago. I just gave up hockey and skiing a few years ago, mostly due to injuries, but it was very disappointing to do that!
The best part of aging is the wisdom that comes with years of ... well...living the school of life. You can't help but pick up a certain chill that wasn't there maybe even 10 years ago. I don't sweat the small stuff and find myself being that voice of calm and reflection for others quite often. Sometimes I worry that I just don't give a damn enough...and then I realize it's what keeps me sane!
What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
Christine with her children, Scott and Alex.
A: Without a doubt, it is my children, Alex(andria) and Scott, that I am most proud of. Not only do I love these amazing creatures, but I LIKE them. They are just great humans: loving, kind, intelligent (beyond me...), savvy, funny, talented, generous, hard-working, dedicated to what is important and...well...I could go on, but you've probably thrown up in your hand a little bit!
It is my greatest gift to share time with them and enjoy their company. I was blessed to receive 2 Osteopathic treatments from my beautiful daughter Alex (who is 33), over the Christmas holidays, and I get to share the stage with my son Scott (who is 27) on May 6th - we both are speaking at an event.
Both of them contributed to my earlier sports coaching program (The Mental Edge in Sports Performance) and to my book (SHOWING UP- BECOMING THE ME I WANT TO BE - Aligning Your Life and Work for True Success). We are a powerful triumvirate when working together!
Have you experienced ageism?
A: I have not experienced ageism, that I am aware of. Maybe I have and I just haven't noticed? Frankly, if someone rejects me based on age or on any surface quality, I'm sure I would have walked away from them/that before having noticed anything at all!
What’s your message to the world?
A: Without a doubt, it is that each of us is a powerful being, with a mission to accomplish before we leave this planet. We have everything we need to bring to us what we most desire, and whatever is aligned with us. This includes our accomplishments at work, at home, in our relationships, and in our "success" - whatever that means to each of us!
My company is called Power Within for a reason! Here is my website URL: https://powerwithin.ca
Favourite Band, artist or book?
Oh my - too numerous to mention. And my favourites change all the time. However, maybe it is noteworthy that I am re-reading Dr. David Hawkins' book POWER v FORCE, perhaps for the 10th time. It is speaking to me now (at the time of the Equinox, 2023). The message is extremely powerful for the coming times. Nuff said.
What sparks your joy these days?
A: I am so excited to be back singing again! I had a jazz ensemble in Ontario for 4 years, but it wasn't the time for that - I had two young children. I now have a musical partner, GIl, who plays beautiful guitar and we are planning to play throughout the Okanagan Valley this spring/summer/fall. Here is our EPK: linktr.ee/chrismpatton
What’s next for you? What does your future-self look like?
Christine putting herself out there!
A: Singing is a new thing for me, here in the OKanagan, as is the Voice Over work I am seeking, and the acting career I am pursuing/learning about. There is always something new to learn, embrace and maybe make a career from!
I want each day to feel full - full of heart-warming connections, fulfilling activities, fun, laughter, and knowing that I am right where I am meant to be while feeling safe and secure and doing amazing things with amazing people! I'm not stopping!
Are there traditions in your culture related to aging that you would like to share?
A: Hhmmm...the one where you stop working and your life becomes small, "safe" and narrow seems prevalent in many places I look. THAT definitely is NOT what I'm doing!!!
Do you feel visible?
A: Interesting question. I am visible because I make myself visible. That is the only way if you ask me. Sitting at home makes no one visible. Because I have been self-employed for many years, my only choice to gain business was to engage in social media, networking groups, and the like. I have been relentless with that and I have, therefore, created a brand and image that many are familiar with. I no longer feed that "advertising" but what I have created seems to create business itself at the right time.
I use my natural charisma to attract the attention I seek (clients) and hope for the best!
And, I must mention, I have an extremely beautiful friend group, with whom I spend time, laughs, and heartwarming events. I have never felt so loved, seen, or valued. I am truly blessed! I met all of them through my efforts to attract beautiful businesses and people.
Are there things you are doing now that you couldn’t do before?
A: I think talking about myself has come more naturally with age. I still do not like attention on myself (just my message) but have gotten past the embarrassment of exposing my gifts and talents to the world. It can be excruciating, especially when you receive negative feedback, but people are generally kind and supportive. ...at least that's been my experience.
And I've learned that if you don't take opportunities to "put yourself out there", you will miss receiving what you're looking for. I guess it is a worthiness/deservingness thing - I'm getting better at that!
So...there you have it! Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions and "put myself out there"
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