Tell us what you’d like us to know about yourself:
I am Anita, at the moment I am 54 years. I am a single mom with 2 lovely children. A boy Lorenzo who is 22 and a girl Kayleigh who is 20. I live with my children 2 dogs and a cat. I have a boyfriend who lives nearby.
What’s Your Career Now?
I come from a harmful relationship, which I managed to escape from about 9 years ago. Since then I’ve started a new life! I bought a smaller house for myself and my children. I started to work again. Did some catwalk jobs ( I had never done that before). After 6 years I decided to follow my childhood dream. Working as a stewardess. I was 51 when I was hired by KLM. I feel so happy right now and blessed that I got the opportunity to get this job.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is that, despite the unsafe situation for me and my children, during my marriage, my children grew up to 2 beautiful and caring human beings. And of course, I got a job as a stewardess.
What’s the worst part of getting older for you?
The worst part of getting older is that my body is starting to annoy me sometimes. Hot flushes, little pains, and not so flexible anymore. I can still touch my toes, so it’s not that bad J.
What’s the best part?
The most wonderful part of growing older for me is that I have finally become me! I do what I like, don’t care too much what the world is saying about me. Make my own choices and enjoy life. Even my looks, a few months ago I decided not to color my hair anymore. It was quite a step, as I am dying it since I was 28. At first, I was a little scared, will look like a granny? But now I love it, it fits me.
How do you stay healthy? Both physically and mentally?
I love to walk with my dogs. Further on I like to run and go to the gym. At least, I try to do so. It is really true, exercise keeps you physically and mentally healthy. I also like to listen to meditation. It helps me to fall asleep.
What is the first thing you do in the morning to start your day in a positive way?
I start my mornings with two glasses of lukewarm water. It helps to start your digestion and replenish your body. After that, I take a bowl of oatmeal.
What’s your fantasy version of your 80-year-old self?
When I am 80 years old, I will live with my love in a nice house in the countryside, but not too far from the city. We have enough space for some dogs and cats and maybe some other animals, like goats. We still love to travel, so that’s what we do regularly. And I hope some grandchildren will come and visit us.
Favorite comfort food? Recipe?
My favorite comfort food is soup! You can wake me in the middle of the night for a nice cup of fresh soup. I just love pumpkin soup. It’s so easy to make.
Take one pumpkin (the orange one or the bottle-shaped one). Remove the seeds and skin and cut it into pieces. Cut an onion into small pieces. Put some olive oil in a pan and add the onion, if you like you can also add some garlic. When it’s light-colored add the pumpkin and 1 can of instant broth, with the necessary water ( mentioned on the can). Let it boil until the pumpkin is soft. Then take the blender and blend it until it’s smooth. Add some pepper and salt and a can of crème Fraiche. If you like you can now add some bell peppers or some ham.
What’s your age and how old do you feel?
As I said before, I am 54. But in my mind, I feel maybe 23 (or younger). I am sure that a part of me will never grow up. I love to do silly things and have fun. I love life! Staying positive is the best gift you can give yourself.
credits:
Anita is wearing a body by Zara
styling by Dayenne Bekker
hair and makeup by Eshter van Maanen
