Christiane, The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign
Christiane, 54
Where are you from, and where do you currently live?
I’m from Germany and live in Cape Town
If your friends were to describe you, what would they say?
Adventurous, spontaneous and warm-hearted
What is your favourite quote or saying?
“Memory is the only paradise out of which we cannot be driven away.” Jean-Paul
“Everything will be alright in the end so it is not alright it is not the end.”
“Es ist was es ist!”
What would you say you are most proud of?
I pride myself on being very responsible, organized, structured and ‘in control of my life.’
A nerdy point right at the start, I know. And in this post, I’m even grumbling a bit about how I’ve lost some of my spontaneity and ease over the last few years.
But I can’t help but be able to say 9 times out of 10, my organized, responsible nature more than serves me well. I don’t have to try hard to be a ‘grown-up’ about most things. Doing my chores, getting my day in order, being on time, running the house, or handling most situations with aplomb.
I don’t miss appointments, and I don’t make reckless or irresponsible decisions. This sounds very well planned and with all my love – in everyday life, this is often necessary.
In my free time, I try to let things come to me, I am open and relaxed but in everyday life – Good Management is the Key!
I’m proud of the fact that I can maintain friendships that have lasted for years and that I’m good at ‘keeping in touch.’
A point that might make you wonder at first – but the older you get, the more sense it makes in my eyes.
I have had the same best friends for years, the same close and extended circle of friends back home. Even with old acquaintances, there is still regular contact.
Of course, over the years, I have also made other good friends.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If you want something, ask. The worse thing anyone can say in response is ‘no’.
You can’t change anyone, except yourself. Conversely, be wary of anyone who tries to change you to suit their ideal.
Surround yourself with positive influences: surround yourself with people who inspire you and support you. Build a network of friends and mentors who believe in your potential.
Avoid toxic relationships that bring you down or hinder your growth.
Your journey will be unique and trust your instinct!
What is a goal or dream you still wish to accomplish?
What would I do in more ways possible for me than I think is possible right now? It is not only the result that counts.
Therefore, I think that I need to make sure that the path to realizing my dreams brings not only effort but also joy.
Make sure that I develop in a way that pleases me; because it does not only depend on the fulfilment of my life dream.
But also, or maybe even more, on the way and on the person I become or need to become on my way.
What are your thoughts on ageing?
Let’s face it, is there anyone out there beyond the age of 25 who really wants to get older? So it’s time to start thinking about age.
Who really wants to get older? Between 45 and 55, most people want it even less.
The 50th birthday is a turning point for many because it becomes inexorably clear that we have become older and are getting older.
Every second, every minute, every day, every month, every year, our ageing clock is ticking. It is literally coming to an end on the day of birth.
I realized the basic need for individuality gets another boost, but combined with the primal need for community and belonging. Among other things, this is fueled by the feeling of “finally being free”.
The time sovereignty gained also contributes to finally doing things I’ve always wanted to tackle.
For example, finding a hobby or task that is new to me and give me new impetus.
In the process, the “new” old people look for like-minded people with whom they can share their experiences. Community is very important.
But people who succeed in adapting their own goals to the ageing process have a much easier time than mourning missed opportunities or demanding things of themselves that are not age-appropriate.
Without knowing exactly who wrote the following sentence, it expresses what I mean:
It keeps you young when I say: It is what it is!
What did you enjoy most about The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign? And how did the experience leave you feeling?
“I’m totally unphotogenic” or “I have too many kilos on my ribs”, those were my first thoughts when I signed up for the 50 over 50 campaign.
Arriving at the studio, I felt slight excitement, tension and a little nervousness was certainly part of it too.
However, the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere at Monica’s studio took away all of the above.
Donna and Monica showed me to take heart, everyone has a beautiful side to them. Just go into a photo shoot with a positive attitude,
and then you can set yourself up for joy at the shoot and great results afterwards.
This lovely photo shoot pays off and is worth it. Treat yourself to a professional photo shoot, even your friends will be jealous of the great pictures!
Thank you, Christiane – Donna and I had a great time with you! It’s always great to see you!
For those that are planning a wedding in Cape Town, Christiane owns and runs ‘Kap Event”, a bespoke wedding events company! Click HERE for her website.
We have worked together many times, and I adore her beautiful energy and depth.
