Meet Judith Henry

We were lucky to catch up with Judith Henry recently and have shared our conversation below.

Judith, 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.

For me, life has always been about being of service to others. That’s my North Star, and my soul’s purpose.

It began with helping my parents in the final phase of their lives, which felt a lot like a roller coaster ride in the dark. Dealing with our healthcare system, changing family dynamics, emergency situations, and anticipatory grief filled my days, but so did love, laughter, and deep connection. After both my parents passed, I spent time processing all that I’d learned over six years, and discovered a strong sense of purpose in helping other adult children in similar situations via my book, The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide to Caregiving. I was sixty one when it was published, and I’m honored that it continues to prove helpful for caregivers regardless of their experience.

Although writing the book was very positive, after a while I needed something more visual, and more joy-filled. So, I picked up my mother’s well-used art supplies that came home with me after her passing, and I began to paint. It was love at first stroke and I took classes and began to sell some of my work. Coming to realize that art-making can be a powerful form of self-care, I began offering local creative arts workshops for women who needed a break from life’s tougher days. I’ve loved every minute of teaching, which I’m still doing today.

Then last year, at the age of seventy, while dealing with an unexpected health issue, I spent a lot of time journaling to calm and soothe my spirit. One day, the word “empowerment” popped into my head followed by the idea, “why not do a podcast for women in their 60’s, 70’s, and beyond leading their best lives. At first, I thought, “That’s crazy. I’m too old to learn how to do all this,” but then I thought, “Well, that’s the point, isn’t it? I’m not too old.” Fast forward six months, and I’m now hosting a podcast called One Mouthy Dame, about embracing the aging process with guts, gratitude, and good humor. My life’s purpose is still linked to helping others, but the truth is, it’s helping me, 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?

First, it has been believing that age is not an obstacle to success. In fact, it can be a tremendous benefit, because we’re able to lean on the wisdom accumulated over time. Second, it was helpful to think about the challenges I’d overcome and to ask myself what traits or skills had I used to deal with those problems? And third, a gift from my parents was the belief that you’re never too old to learn. My willingness to embrace my experiences is what helped me write my book, and being open to learning new skills and computer technology has given me a renewed sense of purpose via the podcast that people are really connecting with.

My advice to others includes: Take time to figure out why you’re here and what you want out of life, no matter how old you are. Ask yourself what makes your existence meaningful. What brings you joy. Knowing this will give you a guide for thriving, and not just surviving. Secondly, don’t give your power away to people or beliefs that don’t encourage your growth. You are one-of-a-kind with much to offer. Third, try to find the lessons learned in difficult times and see them as opportunities. Maybe you want to start a business that provides solutions to the issues you’ve dealt with in the past. Maybe, like me, you have a book inside you to help or inspire others. Or a podcast, or a class. The possibilities are out there, and it all begins with honoring your purpose.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I turn to is focused deep breathing. Most of us breathe in a shallow way, because we’re not taught any differently. And that’s such a shame because breathing more deeply can lower your blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and create a state of calm. The beauty of focused breathing is that it can be practiced anytime and anywhere. Two routines I’d recommend are Pursed Lip Breathing, and 4-7-8 Breathing. Just Google them, and you’ll find many video options to try.

Contact Info:

• Website: Art Website: www.judithhenrycreative.com Podcast Website: www.judithhenrycreative.com/one-mouthy-dame Caregiving Book Website: www.judithdhenry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judithhenrycreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judithdhenrywriter/
• Other: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6QZYBNd0N8p8zovoZpbbT9
  Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-mouthy-dame/id1751110866
  Podcast Website: www.judithhenrycreative.com/one-mouthy-dame

Image Credits

Image Credits:
Family Photos: Judith Henry
Graphic Design and Photo Treatments: Julie Davis
One Mouthy Dame Illustrations: Bruce Kreps