We were lucky to catch up with Fran Braga Meininger recently and have shared our conversation below.
Fran, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I’ve had many passing interests and a number of professional iterations since leaving college in 1976. But the common thread, and when I knew I was at my best was when I was serving others. It took a series of stumble starts and a healthy dose of introspection to understand what I needed and to finally focus on a career in nonprofit administration.
When I retired at fifty seven, a bit early and probably prematurely, I tried to convince myself I had completed my obligation as a good human being and could spend the rest of my life at leisure traveling, painting, being a lady who lunched.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t the bliss I expected. Over the next few months, the angst of feeling purposeless and insecure manifested into a debilitating anxiety. Time was passing and I was wasting what everyone had told me would be the best stage of my life.
A little therapy and hours of getting up before dawn journaling and being brutally honest with myself, revealed some interesting perspectives on being a woman of the sixties, approaching her later life with no real role models or sage guides to show me how to live a fulfilled and gratifying last act.
As I wrote, I began sharing what had evolved into a series of essays on my life in the years beyond youth, a term that would become my focus, my trademark and the title of my blog. Those with whom I shared my work encouraged me to pursue it more actively and I began submitting content to other websites, subsequently getting published and becoming a regular content creator for several international sites.
Nearly a decade later, I have not only found a renewed purpose to my life, but have joined a fascinating and inclusive community of women who are forging new ways to actively and vibrantly grow into their next era.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I never set out to be a writer. It was just my way of clarifying my thoughts and unearthing the wisdom buried beneath worn out narratives and an outdated self-image, as I transitioned from one stage of my life to the next, which was unfamiliar and uncharted. But the revelation that there was indeed the potential for a new beginning and a way to approach aging with optimism and enthusiasm, while still being realistic, was exhilarating and encouraged me to dig deeper to explore it more thoroughly.
Realizing I was capable of enjoying my years beyond youth despite or perhaps because of what comes with age, opened up such limitless possibilities. As I wrote about my experience with daily life, the new opportunities that presented themselves, and learning to accept the physical changes of an aging body, I dared to go very public in my metamorphosis. I eagerly joined a growing presence of mature women finding their voice, collaborating, supporting and welcoming women just like me to blaze a new trail one step at a time.
As a writer and content creator, I am reintroducing myself as I am now, being boldly honest about the trials of active aging, the discrimination, and the struggles of leaving behind what no longer serves me. All in hopes that my contribution to this new movement offers support and encouragement to women who have never considered what might be possible as they grow older.
I am also extremely proud to be offering the next generations of women a different model and example of how those of us in our 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and beyond, chose to embrace life. The changes in perspective and opinion we are instilling will no doubt open new opportunities for them as well.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Honesty, Optimism and Acceptance
Writing one’s own story to share with the world requires spending time looking within, digging deep into what may have been left unattended, unexplored and hidden for a very long time. But those insights are the nuggets worth sharing. I feel strongly I have to offer an authentic and honest point of view to my readers, one they might not find elsewhere in a sea of anti-aging, photo shopped and youth oriented social media content. I need to represent myself as I am, and in order to do so I must know myself and recognize how I am changing. I have to write not only from my experience but from my heart. I want the women who read my work to feel as though they have found a new friend in whom they can confide because I’m willing to tell them my truth, authentically and openly.
I also must offer encouragement that although life can be hard at this stage, there is so much to look forward to, so many moments that will come to us because we have the life experience and maturity to notice and appreciate them.
I want my readers to know they are never alone on this journey, that they are accompanied by thousands of women all around the world who are growing, learning and achieving what they would never have expected as a young woman. I want to showcase those who excel and give hope and comfort to those experiencing the trials of the era, providing an inclusive and supportive platform where we can share what is truly on our minds.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always looking for others interested in exploring the topic of aging. There is such a huge variety of topics surrounding this stage of life and so many ways in which to be involved in reframing our experience.
I am also interested in hearing from anyone who would like me to tell their story. So many people are living extraordinary lives and showcasing them shine a bright light, should read showcasing them shines a bright light on the way we are seen as individuals and as a collective. I’m always interesting in hearing from anyone who wants to share their experience and opinions with me, especially if I can be a vehicle for bringing their story forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theyearsbeyondyouth.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_years_beyond_youth/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theyearsbeyondyouth
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-braga-meininger-840085196/
