What happens when you follow the whispers of your soul—across oceans, over mountaintops, and into the unknown?
In this awe-inspiring episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby speaks with 82-year-old author, aviator, and adventure pioneer Ruth E. Wilson—whose story defies gravity, fear, and convention.
From escaping a troubled home in rural Australia to becoming a world-renowned hot air and gas balloon pilot, Ruth’s journey spans decades, continents, and near-death experiences. She’s flown over the Swiss Alps, survived a shipwreck in shark-infested waters, and been saved by dolphins—and that’s just the beginning.
In this conversation, Ruth shares:
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How a red swimsuit and a secret pageant started it all
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What it feels like to hear your inner voice say “You were born to fly”
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Why fear dissolves when you're living your purpose
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Her spiritual encounters with dolphins, dream-guided balloon designs, and past life memories
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Why positive thought—literally—saved her life in the ocean
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How she honors her intuition and follows her stepping stones through life’s chaos
Ruth also talks about her award-winning memoir Conquering Clouds, how she self-published her second edition at age 82, and why it’s never too late to live a bold, soul-led life.
💫 If you’ve ever doubted your next move or felt afraid to follow your dreams—this episode will lift you up, quite literally.
🔗 Connect with Ruth at https://ruthewilson.comhttps://ruthewilson.com 📘 Order her book Conquering Clouds - https://a.co/d/7Fe7Wlx
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruth.wilson.54379
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthwilson6087/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 03:36 Early Life and Stepping Stones 06:56 The Journey into Ballooning 12:33 Experiences in the Sky: Close Calls and Adventures 23:28 Life Lessons from Extreme Challenges 32:05 Inspiration and Legacy 35:57 The Journey of Writing a Book 38:46 Personal Reflections and Emotional Depth 40:11 Recognition and Awards: The OAM 42:00 Career Transitions and New Beginnings 45:42 Embracing Change and Trusting Instincts 47:32 The Power of Choice: Love vs. Fear 48:57 Survival and the Strength of Positive Thinking 52:44 The Ripple Effect of Positivity 55:56 Finding Joy and Sharing Experiences 58:47 Stories of Transformation and Connection
🔗 Connect with Sue Willoughby: My Upcoming Retreats: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/events Web: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby
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