Karen Vishaj (age 55!)

What do you love about being over 40?

Being a teenager in the 80’s, my view of aging was quite tainted, as everything felt youth obsessed. By the time I was in my thirties, I was already lying about my age and when someone thought that I was younger, it made me happy! Now that I am 55, I can honestly say, that it was in my 40’s that cured me! The love of being over 40, had so much to do with the clarity I felt, it’s the grace that I gave myself, self-acceptance, setting barriers, and being able to be so proud of my younger self!

How do you stay fabulous?

Sunblock for one! I also stay fabulous, by being very mindful about my thoughts. Negative thoughts creep in and being over 40, I now know how to replace them with positive affirmations. At some point in my 40’s, I read a statement that became my mantra, “ Don’t say anything about yourself, that you would not say to anyone else.” In addition, I stay fabulous, by being kind, working hard, thankful, exercise and eating well! Oh and plenty of water!!

What would you do with the $40,000?

First & foremost, I would donate to the American Red Cross. Being a registered nurse, it pains me when I hear of fellow humans suffering due to a natural disaster. I donate to the Red Cross, because even if I can’t physically go & assist after a devastation has occurred, it brings me comfort to know that my donations will supply food/shelters to the victims. It’s also an honor to donate to The Red Cross as it was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, a nursing pioneer and one of my hero’s!!