In this episode Lucy and Lisette, feeling 70-years-young, reflect on their experiences of turning 70 and discuss their plans and remember childhood traditions for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Their discussion touches on:

• Both Lisette and Lucy feel youthful and energised at age 70, though they acknowledge the milestone of turning 71 next year sounds somehow older. Lisette describes herself as a "young 70-year-old" who is still physically active and engaged. Lucy feels she is consolidating her life experiences and wisdom at this age. They discuss the perspective that comes with their life experiences.
• The two friends reminisce about their contrasting childhood Christmas traditions back in the 1950s and 1960s. Lucy describes the very ordered and traditional Christmas celebrations of her youth in an almost 'Mary Poppins' London, while Lisette recalls more low-key family gatherings in the Netherlands without a strong religious aspect.
• As older adults, both have embraced more flexibility and simplicity in how they observe the holidays. Lucy has even skipped putting up a tree this year to avoid the pressure; while Lisette has never had a Christmas tree in her own home. They touch on the different pressure Christmas brings as a parent (Lucy) and a non parent (Lisette).
• Looking ahead to 2025, Lisette plans to focus on finishing a non-fiction book on using money for good that she's working on and staying open to new opportunities as they arise. Lucy wants to finish writing a novel set in her childhood, which is a more personal creative project separate from her business writing.
• They discuss the challenges of writing fiction based on one's own life experiences, and how to balance including personal details with making the story accessible to readers.They talk about their different 'writing habits' and agree that both appreciate the freedom of an "evolving life" at this stage.
• Their conversation touches on the role of family, the changing nature of traditions, and the mixed feelings that can accompany the holidays.

Overall, this episode presents an insightful and relatable discussion of aging, creativity, family and the lived experiences of two vibrant 70-year-olds.

#merrychristmas #whitechristmas #christmastree #newyears #yearofbeing70 #being70 #celebrations #familychristmas #parents #christmasstockings #christmaspresents #christmasdinner #roastturkey #brusselsprouts

Welcome to The Year of Being 70 Podcast Ep. 8:

‘’How Can Women Get Their Experiences of Abuse Taken Seriously?’’

In this insightful episode, Lisette and Lucy dive deep into the challenges women face when trying to get their experiences of abuse and harassment taken seriously, especially in the workplace where power imbalances are all too common.

🌟 Episode Highlights 🌟

Lisette and Lucy open up about their personal experiences with unwanted sexual advances and harassment in the workplace and elsewhere. They share how the culture at the time made it difficult for women to speak up or confront inappropriate behavior.

🌟 Weekly Reflections

Lisette reflects on how she always drew a clear line when dealing with inappropriate behavior. Lucy shares her experiences of silence due to fear of causing workplace conflict. Together, they discuss feeling unsafe in public spaces and how women often deal with harassment without support.

🌟 Key Discussion Themes

1. The challenges of speaking out against abuse – especially when perpetrators hold positions of power

2. Workplace cultures that normalize casual sexism and sexual harassment

3. The role of fiction in raising awareness, featuring works like the play and book ‘Prima Facie’

4. Personal stories of abuse and how women are often dismissed or minimized, being labeled as 'overly sensitive' or 'middle-aged'

💬 Engaging and Empowering Conversation

Lisette and Lucy share their reflections on feeling threatened or unsafe and how this constant vigilance affects them as women, particularly as they navigate the impacts of abuse and harassment throughout their lives.

✨ Why You Should Watch or Listen

This episode offers valuable insights for everyone – whether you're a woman facing workplace abuse, in a leadership position, or a man who wants to better understand women’s experiences and become a true ally. Lisette and Lucy’s open conversation explores what it feels like to be a woman of any age subjected to unwanted attention or serious breaches of safety and rights.

✨ Empowering Your Journey

The episode highlights the ongoing problem of sexism and the importance of women supporting each other. It shows how speaking out and supporting one another can be a powerful weapon against harassment and abuse, breaking the silence and stigma that often surrounds these issues.

Thank you for joining us on this inspiring journey with The Year of Being 70 Podcast! 🌟

📌 Stay Connected:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on personal experiences with abuse, harassment, or sexism. Share your story in the comments below, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and stay connected!

#being70 #yearofbeing70 #womenempowerment #sexualabuse #notallmen #sexualabusesurvivor #banter #womensvoices #primafacieplay #menabusingwomen

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Lisette and Lucy dive deep into the contrasting paths of choosing motherhood and embracing a child-free lifestyle, exploring the impact of women’s expectations, parenthood choices, and the challenges of balancing family and career. This discussion celebrates the diverse life choices for women and sheds light on navigating societal norms while staying true to personal fulfilment.

🌟 Episode Highlights 🌟

In this episode, Lisette and Lucy reflect on a significant difference in their lives:

Lucy chose motherhood, raising four children—two by birth and two through adoption—over two marriages. Her journey with adopting children and embracing the joys of grandparenting brings unique insights into parenting challenges and rewards.

Lisette decided early in life to live child-free and has never regretted it. She shares her experience of navigating societal views on child-free living, finding life fulfilment beyond parenting, and thriving through women’s empowerment through choice.

🌟Weekly Reflections:

Lisette experienced a deep sense of inner peace, acting from a place of "being and allowing" rather than reacting from an "egoic place." Her work as an external examiner for a healing school further emphasises her commitment to personal growth and helping others achieve balance.

Lucy celebrated securing additional angel investment for her Book Magic AI book-writing app and enjoyed a weekend caring for her young grandchildren, highlighting the balance between career and family.

🌟 Key Discussion Themes:

Choosing Motherhood:

Lucy shares how deciding to have children, and later adopting children, profoundly shaped her life.

Child-Free Living:

Lisette provides insights into living child-free by design, emphasising the importance of finding fulfilment without children and embracing childless women’s perspectives.

Parenthood Choices:

They discuss parenthood vs career, the social pressures on women, and the challenges of motherhood versus the rewards of living without kids.

Adoption Stories:

Lucy’s journey includes touching experiences of adopting vs birthing children, navigating adoption experiences, and understanding the role of family and personal growth.

Women and Societal Expectations:

Both reflect on breaking societal norms for women, redefining women thriving without children, and finding balance between parenting and personal growth.

💬 Engaging and Empowering Conversation:

This heartfelt episode delves into:

Life without children and overcoming the stigma of being childless.

The role of women in family dynamics, from grandparenting experiences to balancing family and professional growth.

Empowering women to make decisions about parenthood that align with their values.

✨ Why You Should Watch:

Whether you’re a parent, exploring child-free living, or reflecting on life decisions for women at 70, this episode offers valuable insights into women’s life journeys. It’s a celebration of individuality, honouring the beauty of both parenthood and choosing a child-free lifestyle.

✨ Empowering Your Journey:

Every choice is valid, whether it’s embracing motherhood, living child-free, or focusing on career and personal growth. Thank you for being part of this inspiring journey with The Year of Being 70 Podcast! 🌟

📌 Stay Connected:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on motherhood vs child-free living, adoption and family building, or navigating social expectations of motherhood. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your views in the comments!

#being70 #yearofbeing70