Seven lessons in seven decades from seven women
They say as you get older, you become wiser. But we know there is wisdom to be gleaned from every age...
We asked seven women from seven different decades which life lesson they would choose to pass on to others.
Schoolgirl Solei, Stemettes founder Anne-Marie Imafidon, journalist Bryony Gordon, dentist Dr Uchenna Okoye, performer Penny Pepper, former Isuzu MD Nikki King and model Jan de Villeneuve each gave us their wisdom.
You can catch up on the full Woman's Hour programme 'Seven Women, Seven Decades', here.
Tens: 'Don't let people underestimate you'
"When it comes to bullying, don’t let people judge you. People might pick on you because they don’t think you’re very strong or that you’ll be able to defend yourself. Don’t let them underestimate you – don’t allow anyone to make you feel upset because your health is really important.
"Walk away from those types of people and talk to your parents, teachers or friends about it."
Twenties: 'Find a comfortable way to be visible'
"Find a comfortable way to be visible, because social proof means more than anyone will ever tell you. By social proof I mean other people telling your story, whether that’s in the press or whether it’s people at work advocating for you when you’re not there. It could be awards or just being recognised and not being afraid to build yourself a profile online.
"A lot of opportunities in life come from that; they don’t necessarily come from applying in the normal way, or doing all the hard work. Find a way to put yourself out there."
Thirties: 'Be kind to yourself'
"I would say be kind to yourself, not just mentally but also physically. I spent the whole of my twenties throwing food up, eating terribly, drinking loads, taking drugs - just really abusing my body and trying to get out of my own head.
"Now I really look after it, but it’s not about how I look - it’s about how I feel. It’s the most amazing, freeing thing and I’ve only just discovered it at 36!"
Forties: 'Wear comfortable knickers!'
"Be comfortable with yourself, and for me personally that means now wearing comfy knickers!
"It’s made such a difference - I’m comfortable wearing them and I feel comfortable in them. It’s partly about having confidence; I don’t care what people think now and whether my underwear is deemed to be acceptable. It’s about being myself."
Fifties: 'Understand how precious life is'
"I’ve really learnt the value of my life, and what’s precious within my life. I’ve had some life-threatening illnesses in my fifties, and there’s nothing like that to sharpen you up in terms of your awareness of how precious life is.
"I’ve lost very dear friends too – so value the people who are solid, and who are passionate. Absolute live it – live your life and don’t be bogged down by trivialities."
Sixties: 'Never look back'
"Never, ever look back. It’s always been my mantra – yesterday is history and tomorrow is yours.
"Don’t waste time worrying about what you would and should have done. Learn from everything, but move on and always be excited about tomorrow."
Seventies: 'Be yourself'
"Be yourself – ‘to thine own self be true’. Find the truth in things and be honest.
"My mother died the week before I was 70, and it was something she believed in very much. It is a bit of a cliché, but aged 73 I would confirm that it is a good way to live your life."
