How would you describe yourself?
Constant reinventor. I’ve worn a lot of hats in my life—newspaper reporter and copy editor, sportswriter, basketball player, public relations professional, graduate student, assistant director, caregiver, tennis player, community organizer, world traveler, meditation teacher, creativity explorer, foodie, keynote speaker, bookworm, volunteer, art lover, aspiring gardener, and freelance writer are just a few.
What is your proudest achievement thus far in life?
My proudest—and hardest--achievement was caregiving for my parents for 11 years and providing support during their final days. I was juggling freelance writing and graduate school at the same time.
What is the best thing about being an older woman?
Confidence. I’m no longer worried about making a fool of myself.
What has been the most challenging thing about growing older?
Maintaining physical flexibility. I’ve always been athletic but never good about stretching. Now I’m learning that I need to stretch my body regularly to maintain my physical capacity.
What has been a life-changing moment?
Finding Sheng Zhen meditation proved to be life-changing. I was in year 10 of caregiving and had just finished my doctorate so I burned out in all areas of my life. Sheng Zhen helped me find peace and equilibrium. I so appreciated what this type of meditation gave to me that I decided to become a meditation teacher.
What's one thing you've become more passionate about as you've aged?
Letting go. I’ve carried far too much stuff—behaviors, emotional traumas, stories, possessions—over the years that ultimately have weighed me down physically, mentally, and emotionally.
What is one thing you want to do in this season of life?
Be creative, explore new things, and collaborate with individuals who have positive energy.
What would you tell your younger self about aging?
Quit looking outside yourself; listen to your own inner wisdom.
What's one thing you've left behind?
Competitiveness
What do you want people to say about you at your funeral?
Dorian marched to the beat of her own drummer, continued to learn, and tried to be of service to others.
What's your best health tip as you grow older?
Stretch often (physically, mentally, and emotionally)
What's your best beauty tip as you grow older?
Less is more.
Who is a person you admire and why?
I appreciate a lot of amazing older women who we often see in the public eye such as Jane Goodall, Judy Dench, Michelle Obama, Lynne Twist, Ann Patchett, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Laura Bush, Maria Shriver, Amy Tan, Oprah, Tami Simon, Helen Mirren, Iris Apfel, Elizabeth Lesser, Viola Davis, Sandra Cisneros, Cyndi Lauper, and Renee Fleming. But with that said, I select Sue Hill, a person who I actually know. I met Sue because she was assigned to be my 80-year-old father’s physical therapist—we called her his “physical terrorist”—and she was in her 70s at that point. After Dad moved into a long-term care facility, Sue became a close friend. She’s the most sparkly, energetic, and engaged woman. She regularly goes kayaking with her sister, reads lots of books, has carved murals with her husband that is displayed at Texas A&M, gardens, explores different cuisines, and is always up for new adventures. She’s a great role model for how to remain engaged in life.
What is one of your favorite resources (book, podcast, movie, website, etc.) that you want to share?
Lately, I’ve been listening to Clarissa Pinkola Estes’ work. Best known for Women Who Run with Wolves*, she also has authored a number of audio-only books on women and aging, creativity, intuition, and dream work that are powered by her beautiful storytelling.
Describe the rest of your life in five words.
Engaged in exploring life’s possibilities
*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.
This is a great new feature for I Start Wondering. Dorian, thank you for taking the lead.