Petra

Tell us what you’d like us to know about yourself:
I am Petra Vrouwe,  born and raised in Amsterdam, mother of a daughter (25) and a son (22), a strong and optimistic person trying to live my most beautiful life. Interested in spirituality, cooking, reading, and nature.

Tell us about your career.
I have been working in the travel/tourism industry for 29 years and was responsible for signing contracts with the airlines for the tour operator/ online travel agent I worked with then.
I unfortunately lost this job due to my sickness. So now, I am enjoying life and taking my time to recover from my treatments.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Raising my daughter and son into beautiful people is now my number 1 achievement. But I am also proud of myself when I look at my personal development over the past two years. Cancer has made me a better, sweeter person, and I learned so much about self-love, acceptance of my body, and the new me.

What’s the best and worst part of getting older for you?

The best part for me is all the wisdom and insights I have received over the years. You are learning all about yourself and the people around you. I can’t think of the worst part because I am grateful for every year counting.

You are a breast cancer survivor; tell us about this journey.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2018. At that moment, you step into a rollercoaster and surviving is all that counts, it has been a hell of a ride but I am grateful for it. The universe thought it was about time for me to start living a different life. Realizing you are not immortal gives you a different perspective on the world. I feel blessed I was able to join this ride. I am grateful for being a Bloomer and to be part of your (nude)project. I was inspired by the fact that it was very difficult to find normal pictures of women with one breast. I hope to inspire other women and show that you can feel comfortable with your body. Love your perfect imperfections. It is the soul within that counts.

How do you stay healthy? Both physically and mentally?

Physically I exercise every morning with some yoga stretches, breathing exercises  I also take a long walk every day and I still have physiotherapy for my trauma.

Mentally I meditate twice a day and listen to some great podcasts which give me a positive boost. And of course, healthy food because you are what you eat.
What is the first thing you do in the morning to start your day in a positive way?

Meditation, yoga, and a cold shower. And every morning I dance to a happy song

What’s your fantasy version of your 80-year-old self?

When I am 80 I am living in a tiny house in my own piece of forest or near the sea, enjoying nature where ever this may be. Loving, laughing, and hopefully still dancing.

If you could turn back time, what would you do differently?
To be honest nothing. The past is fine as it is. To me being in the present moment is all there is.

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

I am 53. Age is just a number actually but I still feel like 35-40 as in still crazy enough to dance on the table and make fun as much as I can. Physically my body and bones sometimes feel like I am 70 because of the treatment I still have to prevent breast cancer from coming back, but when having a good day I am on top of the world.

This community originated from my love for photography, fashion, lifestyle, and consciousness. After I turned 40 I started to miss inspiring websites with coolness and authenticity towards aging.

#ANDBLOOM