Making it Happen with Valerie Albarda

This week's podcast guest is Valerie Albarta. Valerie is an author, a blogger and podcaster at Midlife-a-Go-Go, a speaker, a TedX Charlotte presenter, and is working on another novel. She is a kick-ass woman. Despite her diagnosis in 2020, Valerie continues to show up and inspire us to do the same.

A little over a year ago, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 57. "It's been a difficult journey filled with unexpected dips and turns, but I continue to navigate life as best as I can. The good days far outnumber the bad days, so I hold onto that."

We continue in the series "How They Got Started," and in our conversation, Valerie shares her journey from starting a blog, a podcast, and shy she has taken a step back to focus on her novel. Her story is a reminder to focus on what is important and make time for your passions.

When I asked Valerie to describe herself, this is what she offered:

Valerie is a woman who wants to steer clear of sounding cliche at all costs. But honestly, I love midlife women. My concern is I don't want us to be pushed aside by the emerging population. I think we're fabulous and offer so much to society.

I'm trying to offer hope, inspiration, and motivation by sharing what I do. Am I the best midlife cheerleader around? Probably not. But I like what I do, and I love why I do it. Midlife is hard. But look at how we're handling it!

And like many midlife women, I, too, have my challenges. Everyone has a bit of a sob story to tell, and I know I'm no different. But unfortunately, my challenge sent my life into a tailspin. A little over a year ago, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 57. It's been a difficult journey filled with unexpected dips and turns, but I continue to navigate life as best as possible. The good days far outnumber the bad days, so I hold onto that.

I try to remain optimistic -- about life, my illness, and the world in general. And as a midlife woman, I know that the knowledge, experience, and wisdom that we bring to the table can't be faked, bought, or duplicated. We're the real deal. So I try to get everyone else to see that as well.

You can find Valerie at the links below:

• Midlife-a-Go-Go for Valerie's blog and podcast: https://www.midlifeagogo.com/

• The Invisibility Trifecta: Why Midlife Women of Color Matter (TedX Charlotte Talk): https://youtu.be/RGUPnitqAxM

• Connect with Valerie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifeagogo/

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