Denise, 58
Creative, authentic, intuitive
“I've given myself this time to follow my passion of art and writing poetry.”
✨ Twinsight: We love Denise’s story of self discovery and her journey of trying to reclaim herself at this stage in life. Changing her life, traveling across the country and building a life honouring her love of art and poetry was like reading a book. Who wouldn’t want to go on an adventure like she did?
I quit my job late last summer as I was tired of wearing a headset all day and just being in my house. I lost my mother in 2020, but because of travel restrictions I wasn't able to fulfill her wishes to be brought home to Newfoundland. So I bought a converted sprinter van and hit the road for 7 weeks on my own with my mother's ashes in the passenger seat. I got her home as per her wishes and continued to travel through most of the province. Was there for hurricane Fiona. Left the island and then slowly made my way back home through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Along the way I met other women doing the same, one was a photographer, another was about to turn 80. We met in a park on the northern peninsula and discovered we shared a birthday. Another was much younger than me and we met in a free camping site. She just left her work as she needed to get away to rethink her life. I didn't go back to work, I've given myself this time to follow my passion of art and writing poetry. It is like a rebirth for me or an undoing of imposed beliefs, perceptions and expectations. I write self reflective and sensual poetry and my art is about reclaiming my body autonomy. This is the truest I've been to who I really am as I lost myself somewhere along the way being wife, mother and daughter. I'm still discovering more as I continue on this journey.
How old are you and how are you feeling about that?
A: I'm 58 years old. I feel more myself now than I have in a very long time. Having said that, I am more aware of my mortality, so no time to waste.
Three words that describe you.
A: Creative, authentic, and intuitive
What’s the one life lesson that you wish you had figured out earlier?
A: Never dismiss your intuition
What’s the worst and best part about aging?
A: Worst part; gravity on your body. Best part; the wisdom earned through that gravitational pull.
Proudest accomplishment?
A: I’m owning the title of artist and poet.
“I create art because I am called to do it. There is so much beauty in the world, but the real beauty is internal and creating art is an outward expression of that.”
Have you experienced ageism?
A: Yes and no. I used to work in a call centre and I spoke to a lot of older people (older than me) on the phone and I've heard stories of it.
For example, people not having patience with them when it comes to anything that has to do with technology. Lack of patience and compassion are the big two I would say. The other thing I think is a shame is an unwillingness to slow down and listen to their stories.
What’s your message to the world?
A: Don't absorb the beliefs of how others think you should be or what you should do and make them your own beliefs. If you become aware that you have taken on others' beliefs later in life, undo that shit and show yourself compassion and forgiveness while you are un-doing.
What sparks your joy these days?
A: When I'm creating and when I'm in nature.
What’s next for you? What does your future self look like?
A: I've just launched my art business website. My future self is a successful artist that is healthy and financially and spiritually abundant.
Are there traditions in your culture related to aging that you would like to share?
A: Other than community which I don't have here in Ontario compared to where I grew up. I don't think older people are as lonely in places that have a community mindset.
Are there things you are doing now that you couldn’t do before?
A: Yes!!! Three years ago I never would have thought I would be writing sensual poetry and painting nudes from live models, or travelling around in a converted sprinter van solo for almost 2 months. All of that was not even on my radar.
You can find out more about Denise on her website or on Instagram @Notafulldeck .