VMP Covergirl - Debbie Thompson
This week’s VMP Covergirl is……Debbie Thompson!🎉
Debbie is a beautiful example of resilience, reinvention, and the power of trusting yourself, and she’s living proof that 60 is just the beginning! 🎉 She marked this milestone by celebrating herself—because why not?! After years as a social worker and now a health coach, she’s diving headfirst into her next chapter, combining wellness and Spiritual Direction to help women thrive from the inside out.
Her mantra? Keep blooming, keep dreaming, and never stop becoming who you’re meant to be. Debbie’s story is all about possibility, reinvention, and saying YES to what’s next. 🌟
Here’s what she had to say about this time in her life…
💎 Did you have any older female role models when you were younger?
Yes. My mother, grandmothers, and several aunts. Most of it was by example. They were all very different and I just took that all in, watching how they handled motherhood and marriage and career (if they had one), how they spent their time outside of family and work (e.g. doing hobbies, traveling, volunteering, spending time with friends), how they took care of themselves and carried themselves.
💎 How did you mark turning 50? How did that feel to you?
I don't remember! I just turned 60, so 50 feels pretty distant now. What I do remember is feeling great and positive at that time in my life. I didn't have a crisis about turning 50 because I felt so good after struggling through a lot of physical and hormonal issues in my 40's, then figuring out how to take care of myself. I felt better than ever.
💎 What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust. Your. Gut.
💎 Do you feel like you've changed since you've turned 50?
I've definitely changed. Empty nest (which came in my later 50's) was very hard. It surprised me how much I struggled with it. I grieved and it made me see just how fast the time is going. I wanted more than ever to appreciate the moments and the days as much as I can, and that if I have a dream or goal, to go for it. I also stay much more present. I don't sweat the small stuff as much.
💎 What positives have come from being over 50?
The greater appreciation of everything - like random and small moments. Being more present and peaceful. Not sweating the small stuff. Being a grandma! And way more free time and freedom after empty nest.
💎 Do you have any goals or projects you're working on? What dreams do you have for the future?
I just finished my first year of a two year program to be a certified Spiritual Director. I'm very much looking forward to combining that with health coaching to help women feel their best from the inside out, mind-body-spirit.
💎 What is your best advice for other women who are coming up on turning 50? What do you 'know' now?
Keep living! Let yourself grieve if you're having a tough time, but don't get stuck there. It can be hard to figure out who you're supposed to be now and what you're supposed to be doing. Pursue old or new interests. Explore all parts of you, mentally, physically and spiritually. Let yourself keep blooming. This time in your life has SO much possibility, and there's absolutely no deadline on growing, learning, pursuing goals or dreams, and even feeling better than ever!
💎 What do you most want people to remember about you?
Loving, compassionate, kind, inspiring, positive and difference-making. I hope they remember whatever time we had together and that just like they saw me never give up and trying to fully be the person I was created to be, that they can do the same.
💎 Why are beautiful photos important to you right now?
I feel like 60 was a wonderful celebration of all I've been able to experience so far and this is such a beautiful way to mark that!
Congratulations Debbie! It’s an honor to help you celebrate this milestone 🎉
If you’re ready to be elevated and celebrated as part of this 50over50 Project for 2024/2025, you can see more information here: 50over50 Project. Join us!
