Coming Into Her Own: Meet Xenia Kelsey

How would you describe yourself?

That’s a difficult question to answer because I’m not the same woman that I used to be! First, I would need to tell you about the woman that I used to be. I could say that I was an introvert. Yes, I was always by myself or with my children; I was shy, quiet; I didn’t have many friends and had low self- esteem. But now as a mature woman I did a 180-degree turn and I became an extrovert who is confident and outgoing. I talk way too much, have made lots of friends and am now a social butterfly who loves life.

What is your proudest achievement thus far in life?

Besides being married for 36 years and raising two well-rounded adult children who turned out great, my greatest achievement as a mature woman is being a Mary Kay sales director! That is an achievement that I never thought was possible for me.

What is the best thing about being an older woman?

Well, I never thought that I would say this, but I love being an adult woman because my husband and I are empty nesters. We can come and go as we want with no little children to take care of. We spend time with our grandchildren but that’s occasionally.

What has been the most challenging thing about growing older?

Menopause! As an adult, I am very much into fitness--eating healthy, working out and being fit. But with menopause, one of the down sides is weight gain. I couldn’t get it under control, and it made me miserable.

What has been a life-changing moment?

A life-changing moment for me was when I became a Mary Kay sales director. Besides being one my greatest achievements, it also changed my life tremendously because I stepped into leadership.

What’s one thing you’ve become more passionate about as you’ve aged?

I became more passionate about my almighty God and living life to the fullest!

What is one thing you want to do in this season of life?

I would like to travel more and have more family time.

What would you tell your younger self about aging?

I want to make Jesus #1 in my life, and take good care of my health through good food choices and exercising regularly. Never take life and your love for granted--and having a career is a must!

What's one thing you've left behind?

I don’t believe that I left anything behind. As a child, I never allowed myself to dream big but as a teenager I did let myself dream a little. I wanted to pursue a career as an airline attendant so I could travel the world, but I fell in love with my high school sweetheart. We married after high school, so I don’t have any regrets.

What do you want people to say about you at your funeral?

This is a funny question--not funny as in “ha-ha” but as a coincidence because I just had a close friend pass unexpectedly. Everyone who knew her had a lot of great things to say about her, so that made me wonder what they would say about me! I would like to have them say that I’ve had a positive impact on others’ lives and that I was a child of God with a loving heart. I was a kind and happy person who always had a contagious smile on my face. I was loved by many, left behind a great legacy, and will be missed, and that the world lost a genuinely beautiful soul.

What's your best health tip as you grow older?

Stay active and don’t become a couch potato! Take a brisk walk, if that’s the only active exercise you’re capable of doing. Follow your doctor’s advice and prescribed treatments.

What's your best beauty tip as you grow older?

My best beauty tip is Mary Kay! LOL. Soap and water does nothing for your skin. Here’s the 5 daily skincare must-do: cleanser, exfoliate, tone, hydrate, and protect.

Who is a person you admire and why?

I would have to say my husband and my daughter. They are strong, smart and amazing leaders who have been through difficult times but were determined to overcome them and to be successful in their careers. They both inspire me to do the same!

What is your favorite resource (book, podcast, movie, website, etc.) that you want to share?

I was never a reader, but I strive to become one and have read a few leadership and religious books for my Bible Study.

Five I’d recommend are: - “Miracles Happen” by Mary Kay Ash - “Winning the War in Your Mind” by Craig Groeschel - “Developing the Leader Within You 2.0” by John Maxwell - “Battlefield of the Mind. Winning the Battle in Your Mind” by Joyce Meyer* - “Discerning the Voice of God” by Priscilla Shirer*

Describe the rest of your life in five words.

Grateful, joyful, loving, amazing, and blessed!

*Proceeds from the purchase of these books will be used to support I Start Wondering's programming for women who have reached mid-life and beyond.