Neither one of us live in the Bay Area, but we found ourselves in the same place at the same time and took the opportunity to turn our Instagram connection into a real live one.
What was intended as a quick meet and greet over morning coffee melded right into lunch.
“I met Simone Silverman in a small coffee shop in Mill Valley, California last year.”
Simone is charming, with an air of calm and light. One can’t help but be enamored. Australian-born, New Yorker, she carries herself with the obvious grace of an ex-ballerina. My Share Your Story, Week 33, brings us a story of a sister with a passion for showcasing the beauty in women – no matter our age.
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?
SIMONE: I am currently experiencing a surge of creativity. My platform, ‘The Silver Women,’ has fueled this aspect of myself. It doesn’t surprise me. It simply feels like all my past work- ( modeling, production, casting and agent for photographers) have all magically woven together. I have always been a highly visual person; however, in previous decades, I observed – now I am creating. I adore storytelling.
KUELLIFE: What’s a typical day like for you?
SIMONE: I am not someone who enjoys routine. But, guaranteed every single day begins with an enormous amount of coffee to get me going. Some days, I will be photographing an interviewee or working on the website, researching, and or possibly writing. It constantly changes. No day is the same and that’s just how I like it.
Struggles Are Real:
KUELLIFE: With what do you struggle?
“I struggle with negative thoughts and behavior coming from myself and others.”
SIMONE: Hmm… I want and like to be a happy and carefree person. I struggle with negative thoughts and behavior coming from myself and others. I also struggle with people feeling they need to rush through everything.
My mind is always ticking over quickly, but I like to take it slow and easy with the simple things in life. My morning coffee, afternoon walks, or having dinner with people I love. These things should not be rushed.
KUELLIFE: How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated?
SIMONE: If I am passionate about something, I have no issues being or staying motivated. I struggle with the things that don’t inspire me, But isn’t that everyone?
Simone Silverman The Spreading Of Advice:
KUELLIFE: What advice would you give fellow women about aging?
SIMONE: Accept that you will change both mentally and physically. And how fabulous is that? I couldn’t think of anything more dull and boring than just thinking and looking the same decade after decade. My other piece of advice is to help others with all the skills you have gained through experience. It’s rewarding.
KUELLIFE: What does vulnerability mean to you? What has the ability to make you vulnerable?
“Feeling vulnerable can either greatly excite me – as I love to throw myself into the unknown; or, it can make me feel panicked.”
SIMONE: Feeling vulnerable can either greatly excite me – as I love to throw myself into the unknown; or, it can make me feel panicked. I have always found it difficult to show vulnerability in my intimate relationships. I suppose I only want to present the pulled-together version of myself. I know that’s silly – I’m working on it.
KUELLIFE: What are three events that helped to shape your life?
SIMONE: I have a very positive spirit, but I have chosen to list events that have been sad or difficult. However, they have made me who I am, and I appreciate the lessons and growth.
1) The death of my beautiful friend Lori at the age of 46, from pancreatic cancer, changed me forever. ‘The Silver Women’ is inspired and dedicated to her. I’m upset that this angel of a woman did not experience a long life. She was that special person that understood me so. I miss her. Her early death taught me one of the greatest lessons- Aging is a privilege.
2) A bad car accident in my early 20’s. Not being able to walk for a period of time and having to be reliant on others for everyday activities- such as bathing. I’m fiercely independent. I also experienced physical pain that was hellish. I learned not to take anything for granted and how magical our bodies are. I find the healing process fascinating.
3) In my mid forties, I was having to make peace with the fact that I was not going to have children and be a mother. I learned that you don’t always get what you want and to appreciate all the blessings that do come your way. PS : I have found many ways to mother.
Simone Silverman’s Influences And Inspiration:
KUELLIFE: Who influenced you the most in life, and why?
SIMONE: Many different people have influenced me. But by far, the most influential is designer and photographer Martyn Thompson.
He has influenced every aspect of my life. Over the years, he has been a supportive friend and cherished confidant. There was also a period of time that I worked for him. My taste and interests have been heavily influenced by his remarkable talent, insightfulness, and compassion. He continues to be a great mentor.
KUELLIFE: What woman inspires you, and why?
SIMONE: There are too many to list. So, I will list the type of lady that inspires me. Independent, with a touch of rebel, and an enormous amount of grace.
KUELLIFE: Are you a grown-up?
SIMONE: I am split. In some ways, I am SO childish and, in others, an old sage. I’m a mix of fairy and crone. Ha Ha Ha
“For me, self-care is taking time out for yourself so that you can be of better service to those around you.”
KUELLIFE: What do you do for self-care?
SIMONE: Oh, it’s quite a buzzword, isn’t it? I’m not an exercise fanatic, I’m not someone that indulges in lavish beauty treatments or meditates.
I suppose that’s the great thing about self-care. It’s personal. For me, self-care is taking time out for yourself so that you can be of better service to those around you.
So, I would say being able to sleep in ( I find sleep very healing); then hang out in bed for the rest of the morning – with a good cup of coffee, of course.
KUELLIFE: And last but definitely NOT least: What are the top three things on your bucket list?
SIMONE: Well, it changes all the time, but currently.
*Go on safari with someone I love.
*Spend a whole summer in a place I’ve never been to.
*Make a film.
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