Rene ‘The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign’

Rene, (almost) 50

Where are you from and where do you currently live?

I’m from South Africa, and live in Florida, USA

If your friends were to describe you, what would they say?

Honest, Fun, Dedicated, and Independent

What is your favourite quote or saying?

“Dance Like Nobody’s Watching”

What would you say you are most proud of?

There are so many things i’m proud of…

My work ethic and my career growth as well as the decisions I have made in life. One of them was moving back to South Africa from the USA for 5 years, despite having to turn down a large promotion,

because I knew that if I did not do it then, I might never do it and would live to regret it (don’t ever live with regret).

That decision gave me the opportunity to spend the most wonderful 5 years with my parents who have both recently passed.

That taught me to listen to my intuition and not put anything in life on hold.  Do it while you have the chance!

Family is everything and I have been blessed with a family who have been there for me through all my transitions in life.

Maintaining my fitness and my health and having accomplished 2 half marathons and several other distance races after only finding my passion for running at the age of 40.

The majority of races I run are for good causes and it is rewarding to be able to give back to those in need.

I’m proud of the power of stepping away and knowing when and how to walk away from

toxic things or people who no longer bring positivity to my life.

I am at a place in my life where peace is a priority and negativity cannot exist.

If you are not happy, you will not grow.

I continue striving to be a better version of myself every day and be a role model for all my nieces and nephews.

And I’m proud that I’ve been able to maintain my financial independence as a woman and to purchase my own home, despite having to start over after a divorce.

What advice would you give your younger self?

You only live once, but if you live it right, once is enough.
Always represent your true self.
Live every day with gratitude, spend time taking care of yourself and your family, absorb the beauty the world has to offer, and live each day to the fullest.

Family, flowers, walks on the beach, and the little things in life will bring more happiness than cars, watches, money and material things ever will.

The best portions of your life will be the small nameless moments you spend smiling with the people who matter to you most.

A good life is when you smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are for what you have (don’t focus on the things you are missing).

Kiss slowly, train hard, play fair, take chances, forgive quickly, give everything, and have no regrets.

Don’t live your life worrying about what others think – you are not going to be everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ and that is okay.

What is a goal or dream you still wish to accomplish?

I have always been passionate about traveling and experiencing different countries and cultures.  I want to experience as many different countries

and cultures as possible and hopefully learn a few new languages along the way.

I believe that travel is the best education anyone can get. My ultimate goal is to retire by 60 and own a house on the beach where I can enjoy sunsets.

The sun is a great teacher of life – when it sets, it brings peace and when it rises, it brings hope.

We should always continue reaching for new dreams or goals and it’s not always all or nothing- there can be progression no matter how long it takes.

Each goal is a step leading you to where you need to go.

What are your thoughts on ageing?

At this point in my life, I feel healthier and more confident than ever before.  I am not afraid to speak up and ‘say it as it is’.

I feel blessed to be getting older, there are some things that are sensational about it and the wisdom that comes from it.

With every day of ageing we get closer to seeing the big picture of life. Accepting ourselves (and our bodies) as they are and focusing on the stuff that REALLY matters is key.

I can enjoy that I am no longer riddled with doubt about who I am and where I am going. I am able to look back and think “oh, what a ride”!

Some of the best years have been in my forties (40s) and I am looking forward to what lies ahead for my 50s.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you are past your prime – wear your crown every day when you walk out the door and have the time of your life!

Let your light shine from within.

Shine your light, shine it bright!

What did you enjoy most about The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign? And how did the experience leave you feeling?