SOFIE ELPERS
What is the best thing about being your age?
I know who I am, I feel more confident, there is no longer the need to prove myself, and there are still so many opportunities and possibilities ahead of me. So the best thing about my age is that I can choose to focus on what is truly important for me and that I am enjoying life more than ever.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
In the last few years I gradually started to believe in my dreams and I have been working towards realizing them ever since. So to me, my greatest achievement is to be redesigning my personal and professional life at age 40+. It is work in progress, but I am really proud that I have had the courage to go for it and that I am living my dream a little bit more every day.
What's your favourite thing you have checked off your bucket list?
I hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc, I hiked to Mount Everest Base Camp. I really enjoyed and am proud of those. But it was me happily taking the opportunity to join others in checking off their bucket list.
One thing that had been on my bucket list for more than 20 years was to run a half marathon. As I always got injured very easily, for a long time I did not belief it would be possible. But one day I decided to try. I ran my first half marathon 2.5 years ago and I hope to run many more in the future.
What is a trait you are most proud of?
My determination - once I set my mind on something, nothing will stop me!
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Having a button that would allow me to switch off my incessant thinking from time to time.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Spending quality time with my good friends: laughing together, singing along with good songs, enjoying the outdoors, watching the sunset ...
What is your greatest fear?
I have so many fears that it is hard to choose which is the greatest. I am afraid to fail, I'm afraid that I am not good enough, I am afraid to fall or get hurt, I'm afraid of making mistakes, I'm afraid that we'll get a 3rd world war, I'm afraid that mankind is gradually destroying itself ... and many many more.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don't loose sight of who you are, be kind to yourself and follow your intuition.
How important is self-love and dedicating little moments of celebrating yourself?
Over the years, it has become more and more important to me. They say that we cannot give to others what we don't have, so I believe that in order to sincerely love others, we need first learn to love ourselves. I really appreciate "me" time and I very much enjoy spoiling and treating myself on a regular basis.
What is your motto or favourite quote?
"The world belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" - Eleanor Roosevelt
Additional thoughts for younger women…
Don't be afraid to follow your dreams. The happier you are, the more joy you can bring to those around you. Know that you always have a choice. Follow your heart and choose for what is important to you and what makes you happy and fulfilled, even if it sometimes means letting others down.
