IOANNA KOUTRA
What is the best thing about being your age?
I spent so much time during my 20s and 30s striving to be perfect and worrying about what other people thought of me. I am so much kinder to myself at 43 than I was back then and I am much more happier! I know who I am, what is my life purpose and I find fulfillment and joy in everything I do! Life is a gift, full of gifts :)
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Few years ago, I embarked on a self- exploratory journey that helped me to redefine my life purpose, increase my self- awareness and improve my quality of life by bringing more intentionality and living more on purpose. It is an on- going journey and I feel very proud that I had the courage to go for it and invest on something that will help me to redesign my personal and professional identity.
What is a trait you are most proud of?
Unstoppable! My friends use an expression to describe me: "I leave no stone unturned to make things happen" .
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Being able to pause more often and reflect.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness isn't just one thing ...it isn't just one moment... perfect happiness involves lots of laughs, smells, silly sounds...Perfect happiness is cultivated. It is about being fully present and building memories with the people I love, learning something new, a night looking to the stars, cooking my favorite dish for my loved ones, small daily achievements, sip of coffee to start my day...
What is your most treasured possession?
My family, but also... my Jimmy Choo’s :)
What is your biggest fear?
Death... I recently lost my dad and my heart is broken in pieces since then .... losing my loved ones was and continues to be my biggest fear!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Not to be afraid to try new things, take risks and put myself out there for opportunities! If things don’t work out, don't stay down, ask yourself what lessons you learnt and move ahead!
How important is self-love and dedicating little moments of celebrating yourself?
Self -love, self -care and self -compassion are absolutely essential for our mental health and wellbeing. How you treat others is often a reflection of how you treat yourself...
I aways try to prioritize time for myself and reward myself for small wins during the day!
Additional thoughts for younger women…
Search for fulfilment in yourself, not admiration from others. Follow you interests and believe in yourself. Accept failure with grace and learn from it. Try to see the incredible beauty in being different.
Enjoy life :)
