Ep. 45 Holly Haynes: It's a privilege to age... NOT a curse. How to let yourself off the hook and find peace.

Holly and Paulette met on the little island of Ambergris Caye a few years back when life felt a bit simpler.  Even though life has changed considerably for both of them, they continue to shape, inspire and empower the lives of women all over the world as they share their passion for helping women live their best most authentic lives. Holly grew up in Tyler, Texas, and now resides in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with her dad and 2 of your five children. Holly has been a Home Builder and Designer for 30 years in a business she named Shagalicious!! She also opened the Blue Water Collection in Belize and a diner named after her Mom called Kay’s Diner. But Holly’s passion is now her online e-commerce “Age Me Gracefully” site where she and a bright community of women ages 40-65 can learn and find support in doing just that…age gracefully. Some notable quotes from our conversation. Definition of graceful: Learn to let go and let God Human beings versus human doings “Girl, you gotta let go of things. Let yourself off the hook”  As we age, we see things differently.  I didn't slide into it. I didn’t move into it …it was a hurricane.  Life does not escape one of us and divorce does not avoid many of us!  Maybe we should have turned right when we should have turned left. Those turns can not be changed, but our true worth is that love is at our very nature.  God is not contained in 4 walls.  Share the struggles that brought you to a place of knowing your desired change in your life.  I had lost my connection with myself.  Holly designed and built a 17000 square feet that felt like a burden and a prison.  There is no home, no car, no money that can take the place of your peace. I was desperately trying to get that back.  You think that money can buy that peace …It doesn’t. That comes from you. You can’t get it from a credit card, spouse, children…none of it. We are creatures that are made to have peace. What did that feel like? I lost myself.  Identity was in my husband. I had no identity of my own. Anytime a family breaks up there are no winners. Biggest lessons I have learned to forgive myself and to love myself. I had to learn to finally let go and learn to love myself again.  My happy was gone.  I have been hurt and I have done the hurting.  I learned that I am worthy.  When you lose yourself. When you renew your mind. You have to date yourself. I have been single for 8 years.  Your mistakes do not define who you are.  You are going to be ok no matter what happens. If it doesn’t matter in 100 years it doesn't matter.  Ignore other people's opinions. Forgive yourself quickly.  To anyone listening who feels stuck, consider what the word stuck really means. Move on, Get help, Don’t isolate. and Prayer, Believe.  Life is too short to do something you are not passionate about. Learn to grow and seek support.  There is no shame. All that pain is worth it.  I wanted to heal my heart and I just wanted to help women heal their hearts too.  Hot flashes I call my own private summer. I said to myself... “There is no way I can do this aging thing Gracefully”  Great feeling to work from home and be your own boss. Share your passion and what is it that makes you get up in the morning and shout YES! you can find Holly at  https://agemegracefully.com/