Aging Is A Privilege – Claudia, 59

Claudia Hufham is one of our newest Kuel Life collaborators. At 59 she found herself with an empty nest and no job. What was her answer? ClaudiaReinvented. Claudia blogs regularly sharing her ‘real-life’ struggles and victories in a relatable humorous style. We are thrilled to have her as a bi-monthly Guest Blogger.

There is power in story telling. There is power in community. There is power in sharing. The more we know about one another; the more we understand; the more powerful we become.

We invite all of the KuelWomen out there to share their stories with us.

This is Claudia’s:

KUEL LIFE: What are you pursuing now, after 50, that surprises you or might appear to others as if it’s come out of left field?
CLAUDIA: After being laid off, I started a blog!

KUEL LIFE: What’s a typical day like for you?
CLAUDIA: Looking for a job, writing, and playing with/walking my dog Rokko.

KUEL LIFE: With what do you struggle?

CLAUDIA: Keeping busy. After working for the last 30 some years, finding myself at home and without kids has been hard.

KUEL LIFE: How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated?
CLAUDIA: I have a lot of conversations with myself! My family and friends give me so much support! I am lucky to have them.

KUEL LIFE: What advice would you give fellow women about aging?
CLAUDIA: I believe aging is a privilege. My Mom, who is 90, has shown us that staying active is key. Just keep moving. Walking, zumba, yoga, what ever floats your boat. Find it and stick with it. Find your “tribe”. Friends are so important to me. I count on them for support, laughs, good conversations, empathy, advice, and love. My life would be very sad without them.

KUEL LIFE: What does vulnerability mean to you? What has the ability to make you vulnerable?

CLAUDIA: To me it means putting yourself out there, taking risks. Doing something even if you know you might fail, but doing it anyway and learning from the mistake. Love and sharing my unfiltered story.

KUEL LIFE: What are three events that helped to shape your life?
CLAUDIA: Having my kids, raising them alone, and getting laid off at 59.

KUEL LIFE: Who influenced you the most in life and why?
CLAUDIA: My Mom and Dad. They weren’t perfect parents, but they did their best. They showed me what it was to be a good person. They helped me raise my kids and most of all they showed me unconditional love.

KUEL LIFE: What is the best advice you’ve been given from another woman?
CLAUDIA: If I don’t believe I’m worthy, no one else will either.

KUEL LIFE: What woman inspires you and why?
CLAUDIA: My Mom, because she SHOWED me what it was like to be kind, nonjudgmental, smart, to love others as ourselves, forgiveness and to believe in myself. She has been my unconditional cheerleader since I arrived on this earth!

KUEL LIFE: Are you grown-up?
CLAUDIA: Sometimes. When I have to be.

KUEL LIFE: What do you do for self-care?
CLAUDIA: Zumba, yoga, writing, reading, learning, and loving

KUEL LIFE: And last but definitely NOT least: What are the top three things on your bucket list?
CLAUDIA: 1. To make a bucket list! 2. To never stop learning.
3. To live at the beach.

Did you enjoy this article? Become a Kuel Life Member today to support our ad-free Community. Sign-up for our Sunday newsletter and get your expert content delivered straight to your inbox.