Life at 57: An interview with Donna McArthur

Interview #2: Aging with Grace + Grit

Donna writes on Substack at The Bright Life

The Bright Life focuses on exploring the realm of middle age from the lens of growth, spirituality & well-being. She hopes to guide her community to, “a life of possibility and well-meaning by examining what lies below the layers of daily life, and in doing so take steps to shift and grow.”

She is currently writing about change & the various aspects of change in our lives.

One article of hers that resonated with me is Tips to Elevate Your Energy as someone in my mid-50’s I’ve been reclaiming my own well-being through rest and spiritual renewal. Her tips are outstanding.

Tips to elevate your energy

Donna answered the interview questions, and I needed to follow up. She seems like a fascinating person who unlike many, looks FORWARD to aging. I look forward to staying in touch Donna.

How old are you?

57

Do you identify as another age on the inside? If so, what age + why?

My internal age fluctuates. I’ll work with a new patient in their 40’s and think they are my peer until I say to myself, “hold on Donna, this person could be your child, you are much older than them…oops!” 

Some days I think I’m 40-something and other days 57. 

I’ve hung my hat on 71 though. A few years ago I had a rare episode of lucid dreaming during a meditation where I saw myself very clearly. I was 71 years old and the happiest I’d ever been (I also was wearing very nice shoes, I still remember them!!). So, I’m aiming for both 71 and great shoes.

If you just met me, what would you tell me about yourself in just a few sentences?

I put a high value on working to live up to my potential, which I think has been an underlying force in my biggest decisions, such as becoming a chiropractor, a mom and getting sober a few years ago. 

I am a 9 on the Enneagram so I struggle with conflict, I value peace and my environment is very important to me. I work with people every day, yet I am an introvert. I value reading, writing and meaningful conversation. 

My publication is called The Bright Life because my personal motto is Be Bright. Bright means all things to me, intelligence, a sphere of gentle & positive influence, physical vitality, a warm way of being that folks gravitate to.

Are you working? If so, what do you do? If not, when did you retire + do you miss it?

For over 27 years I’ve been in private practice with my husband. We have a wellness based chiropractic clinic in a beautiful, small town in British Columbia. We have also raised our two boys to adulthood. As well, I am a well-being coach, presenter and a writer on Substack.

Can you share a surprise or unexpected positive experience you’ve encountered as you’ve aged?

I have experienced tremendous personal and spiritual growth as I’ve aged. There is no way to measure this but I’ve been reading and learning since I was a young adult and am constantly implementing new strategies to feel good in my life. There remains work to be done, yet I can see my perspective is much wider than it used to be, I trust in the process that is unfolding and allow it to be rather than wishing things were different. I would say the wisdom I have gained is the greatest gift I’ve found with age.

Have you discovered any new passions or hobbies in your later years that surprised you?

I haven’t found something brand new, rather have been going much deeper into my lifelong love of writing. I wrote my first ‘book’ when I was 7 but it’s only in the last year that I am consistently writing creative narrative and building community around my Substack publication. This work holds deep meaning for me and I feel very fortunate to be doing it.

In what ways have your relationships with family and friends evolved as you’ve aged?

My relationships have evolved as I have, they are my mirror. I value meaningful connection that is not superficial so my relationships, both IRL and online, reflect that value. There is a heartfelt and easy acceptance that is unconditional, with the benefit of that being a greater love and opportunity for growth for both of us.

Have you experienced any surprises in terms of personal achievements or milestones in this stage of life?

I have been fully involved caring for my elderly Mom for the past five years so have been unable to focus much on personal achievement. I have slowly been reaching wonderful milestones with my writing on Substack with my primary goal being to develop a heart-centered connection with my reader and offer them tools for growth.

How do you stay mentally and physically active to embrace the surprises that come with aging?

I keep mentally sharp by memorizing my presentation when I do a speaking engagement, as well as with the mental effort I put into my writing. Once I have more time I will focus on more mind exercises. 

Physically I walk/run, hike, bike a little, downhill and nordic ski, skate, stretch, strength train and dance around my house for added cardio. My husband is a sports specialist so he is always reading the research on active aging and we are trying out new things.

What advice would you give to somebody who is 10 years younger than you?

Sweetie, take the time to get clear on what is truly important to you, how you want to feel and show up in your life. Do whatever you can to make sure that happens, even if it calls you to do difficult things. You may need to say no or you may have to step up when you’re fearful. Learning to live fully into yourself takes practice and it gets easier with time. 

P.S. If you’ve enjoyed reading, send some hearts (click the ❤️), comment 💬 or restack🔁 on Substack or share on social media. Thanks so much!! Xo