Astrid Zeegen

What’s the one thing you most hope for personally in the coming year?

In the coming year? The thing I most hope for is the continued state of happiness that I find myself in. I feel fortunate with my life. I am having the best time and pretty much doing what I like. My brother was diagnosed with cancer recently and has since got the all-clear. I hope he can now live a whole and happy life … it certainly made us all appreciate what we have.

What would I tweet to my younger self?

I think I would say, “You really should not have listened to the person who said you look fat.” This comment changed me for many years and has had a massive effect on my relationship with food.

Any surprises about getting older?

Surprises about getting old, let me think… Oh, the number of creaks and aches, definitely. The less sleep I seem to get. The fact that I still feel 20 but can’t sit cross-legged anymore… I can’t crouch as I can’t get back up, haha.

What would I tell my 80-year-old self?

I would tell her, “You did good! You finally found the thing you love to do “(Instagram was my calling, I am sure). I would say that just because I am 80, it means nothing. You are as old as you feel, and style has no age limit.

Favorite fashion brands we should know about?

Oh, I have lots! I love all the small brands especially, but I adore an Australian brand called Dear Abigael—a lovely new young maker called With Love Evie. And a good friend has a brand called Stoned and Waisted. I also love some slightly bigger brands like ProjectAJ117 and a bit of Zara.

Any beauty secrets we should know of?

I don’t tend to wear that much makeup, but I love a dewy look. I apply my freckles, as I always wished I had them. It’s easy, and mostly no one knows they aren’t mine. I mainly keep your skin cleansed and moisturized and look after it. I didn’t follow that rule for a long time.

What Keeps You Up At Night?

I am a bit of a planner, and it’s disastrous if I haven’t written a list of things I need to do the next day. I always worry about my daughters, so they are constantly on my mind if they struggle. They live 4 hours away, so I feel the distance.

What’s your age, and how old do you feel?

I am 55, and I feel fantastic! I am the happiest I have ever been and love my relatively newfound joy of Instagram and all the new friends I have made and have yet to make. I don’t stress about my eating habits half as much anymore. And I just love showing people that being in your 50s does not mean life is boring. As some people say, their life is nearly over; mine is just beginning again.

Astrid is an international questBloomer. Because I won’t be traveling anytime soon, I thought sharing my Instagram woman’s crushes would be nice. These are the women that inspire me on Instagram every day.

Astrid’s pictures are her own, and you can find her @astridiwantyouinmylife