Tell us what you’d like us to know about yourself:
My name is Sharon; I live in beautiful ‘s-Hertogenbosch, with the love of my life Bart (55), teenage son Tames (14), and teenage daughter Teddy (10). I am a go-getter; I like to work hard when I have a goal in mind. I can be incredibly difficult for myself and for others, but I go through fire for people who are in my heart. I am an uncontrollable hormone bomb every now and then, become insanely happy when I hear my daughter singing in the house. I am very proud when my son confides in me in ‘being an adolescent’. I love to sing very loud and out of tune when I am alone in my car. And I am ‘one fortunate girl’ for being together with Bart, the love of my life, for 18 years.
What’s Your Career Now?
After working as an event producer for over 16 years and having organized the best events, I was ready for something completely different. I love interior design, unique things in the house, and make a house a real home. I went back to school, did all kinds of training and courses and started a new career. For 3 years I am working as an independent interior and photo stylist, I think it’s sooo much fun!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
The fact that I absolutely do what I like, and always did. How difficult that was sometimes! And that I am still eager to learn, I still want to learn so much; that’s so much fun. New people, new things, everything new in your life make the next chapter more fun.
What’s the best part of getting older for you?
You get more and more confidence in your ‘gut feeling,’ that is always right. But the confidence to trust your gut feeling isn’t there when you’re younger. Nowadays, I know she is always right. And when you grow older, you learn that if you just let go of some things, the solution will come naturally.
What’s the worst part?
Sometimes my body really wants something different than my mind. It can really feel like a betrayal. I really still feel 28 in my heart, but my reflection and body say something different. “Hey, wait a minute, what you’re doing now isn’t right, slow down.” 😉
If you could tweet something to your younger self, what would you say?
You are a beautiful woman, embrace and overcome your fears and insecurities. They are part of it. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You are who you are, unique in your own way. Always remember that. And trust your own mind and heart.
What’s the one thing you most hope for personally in the coming year?
More peace and confidence in body and mind. 2020 was a rollercoaster of emotion, sadness, doubts, which made me forget the wealth and love that was right under my nose. Also, my body underwent many changes. Appropriate to my age because of Menopause, but not always appropriate in my head. An enriching year, but now it enough. I hope 2021 is lighter.
What’s your fantasy version of your older self?
Being completely satisfied with who I am, with all the good and bad things. And always having the confidence (or maybe even more) to be me, without worrying about what others think. And being the nicest grandmother for my future grandchildren.
Once a week, drinking coffee and philosophizing, reminiscing, laughing, and gossiping with soul mate Germaine. The ultimate and most beautiful fantasy, because she suddenly died in January 2016 at the age of 51. I miss her terribly, a strange feeling, now that I have officially become older than her.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Sing along very loudly in the car with old disco hits. And then I honestly think that I sing sooooo beautifully, really. 🙂
What’s your age, and how old do you feel?
51, I’ll turn 52 in March 2021, but I feel 40 years old. I really need those extra 10 years because there is still so much I want to do. I have too many plans and yet so much more to learn
Credits:
Sharon wearing Frankie Shop and Zara
Styled by Dayenne Bekker
Makeup and hair by Esther van Maanen
