This is Mieke (61). She is the mother-in-law of one of my best friends and, we know each other from the occasional birthday parties at my friend’s house.
Mieke’s smile was the reason I asked to portray her, the gap between her teeth makes her unique. We laughed about it during the photo shoot. When I asked her not to smile for a few variations she replied: “without my smile, I really have a very, very, very moody face”, so we went for a big smile.
Tell us what you’d like us to know about yourself;
I am an optimistic person, and I love life. I think it is essential to continue developing myself. I am a real go-getter, and I attach great importance to independence. I want to stand on my own two feet. I believe in myself and all the lovely people around me. I believe in living in the here, and now, you have to make something of it NOW. And above all, continue to pay constant attention to all the people around you.
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At what point in life, you realized that you were getting older?
That moment to me was when I turned 60. It felt a bit like you are on the wrong side of the line. But it certainly also has a positive side. Many beautiful memories and experiences. Nice to be able to share this with others.
What’s your career now?
I am a learning and development advisor in addiction care. The development of people and organizations in the broad field of care and assistance is really my motivation. The possibility of doing this together with the professionals involved gives me meaning, I love to learn new things in life. Ultimately, it contributes to the quality of care for clients, and that, of course, is the ultimate goal. I am a caring person in heart and soul. Maybe I have a care gene?
What’s the biggest sacrifice you have made in life?
Well, I didn’t really make sacrifices. Just did what came my way, and that feels great. I absolutely enjoyed the things I did. Seized opportunities and accepted or experienced life as it came.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of who I have become. The qualities that I have developed over the years, and I am still working on. Sometimes those qualities come in handy, and sometimes they get in my way. I try to find the right balance in that. But I am also proud of how I was able to give substance to my own life after the death of my husband 2 years ago. This has caused me a great deal of grief, but it has also shown me the fragility and vulnerability of life.
Knowing yourself now, what would you tell your 80-year-old-self?
Are you still here? I hope to live until 80-years-old, I would have a wonderful life to look back on, full of beautiful memories. I hope to have a small future left after the age of 80 and, hopefully, in good health.
Latest Google search?
My last search on google was for a book that was being discussed on a tv talkshow. It’s called “Everything that was” by Stine Jensen. It is a book children’s book about goodbye. Saying goodbye to a person, a situation, a pet, a place … All children are confronted with it, but how do you deal with it? It has an excellent book recommendation.
How do you stay healthy, both physically and mentally?
I eat healthily, try not to overeat, and eat as less meat as possible. I’m not too fond of the gym but attend a walking club once a week. In the summer, I cycle a lot, and I regularly walk in nature. I love the landscape in the Uiterwaarden, near my home. I always set myself a goal and strive for it. That keeps me sharp spiritually.
What is the first thing you do in the morning to start your day positively?
Listening to the birds when I get up in the morning is a lovely start to my day. That can really make me happy.
How old are you?
I am 61.
Mieke is wearing a T-shirt by Juvia, a beanie by Acne Studios.
Makeup Esther van Maanen
Hair Mark van Westerop
Styling Dayenne Bekker
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