I Am Worthy Of Love – Kathrine, 48

Kathrine Eldridge-Leibrock is my Share Your Story woman of Week 29. Kathrine is also coming on board next month as one of the Kuel Life experts in FASHION and I am super excited to introduce her, here, to the Kuel Life Community.

Like most of us in modern midlife, Kathrine is on her path to discovering her true self. From becoming a fashion blogger and stylist to returning to music performance, she is just hitting her stride.

KUELLIFE: What are you pursuing now, at this stage of your life, that surprises you or might appear to others as if it comes out of left field?

KATHRINE: Most people are surprised that I am a fashion blogger and a stylist in mid-life. What surprises myself is that I am also pursuing my love of flute playing again. After getting my degrees in music performance, I stepped away. In the last year, I have begun practicing again and have entered several competitions. Music has always been my first love.

KUELLIFE: What’s a typical day like for you?

KATHRINE: A typical day is getting up around 5 am. I first read several devotionals and then get to the business of my fashion blog. This means that I am either writing a new post, responding to comments on a post, posting on social media, or reading posts from other bloggers that I follow. After my two sons leave for school, I head to the YMCA for my Turbo Kick workout. After taking my shower and getting dressed, I practice my flute which can be anywhere between 1 and 2 hours. Somedays I have clients to style, other days I run errands. Around 2pm, I have my prayer time which lasts for about 30 minutes. My sons start arriving from school soon after and I then get to the business of making dinner for them and my husband. Usually after dinner, I spend time with my husband watching TV or I’m driving my sons to their many activities. My hubby and I head to bed around 9pm and watch the news before lights out.

KUELLIFE: With what do you struggle?

“I struggle with letting go of control.”

KATHRINE: I struggle with letting go of control. My word for this year is wait which means waiting on the Lord’s will and timing. I like to push ahead with my goals but sometimes it’s for the wrong reasons. Listening to His voice gives me comfort and gets me on the right path.

KUELLIFE: How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated?

KATHRINE: I stay motivated by staying connected to my faith. I do this by connecting with others who find faith important to them – my husband and close girlfriends to name a few. I also see a spiritual director. Having God’s voice front and center gives me joy, a sense of purpose, and guides me in my fashion career and music careers.

KUELLIFE: What advice would you give fellow women about aging?

KATHRINE: I would say that it’s normal to feel sad sometimes about aging but with time comes wisdom. Revel in the wisdom and move forward with what you love. I didn’t start my fashion blog until after I was 40 and just recently starting performing my flute again. You never run out of time to do what you love.

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

“Vulnerability means being able to sit in the pain.”

KATHRINE: Vulnerability means being able to sit in the pain. When I was younger, I would push the pain away from certain situations. I would do whatever it took to have harmony and to feel loved by others. Dealing with the pain makes you stronger. God’s love helps me during these vulnerable times.

KUELLIFE: What are three events that helped to shape your life?

KATHRINE: Three events that have shaped my life are the death of my first husband, meeting my current husband, and attending two women’s retreats. (Fever Dreams Collective and CHRP)

KUELLIFE: Who influenced you the most in life and why?

KATHRINE: My mother and father influenced me the most because they always supported me and my dreams with unconditional love. Their love for each other was a major inspiration as well. They were married for 44 years before my dad passed away.

KUELLIFE: What is the best advice you’ve been given from another woman?

KATHRINE: The best advice that I have been given from several women who I admire is to believe that I am worthy of love.

KUELLIFE: What woman inspires you and why?

KATHRINE: A very close friend of mine inspires me because she was was willing to step away from a toxic family environment. She was willing to do the work on how she contributed to this environment. She then set boundaries on moving forward with her family. There was a lot of hurt feelings on both sides but she was able to find her truth and she has not been afraid to put that forth. That takes courage and faith.

KUELLIFE: Are you grown-up?

KATHRINE: Yes and no. Wisdom helps me be grown up in certain situations but I still feel like a kid when pursing my passions.

KUELLIFE: What do you do for self-care?

KATHRINE: I pray regularly, connect with friends, and make sure to take a spa day every now and them.

KUELLIFE: And last but definitely NOT least: What are the top three things on your bucket list?

KATHRINE: I want to travel to the Maldives (nothing beats a hut over clear blue water), attend New York Fashion Week, and perform a flute recital.

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