Episode #120: Aging with Creativity

Aging and Creativity with Jacqueline Perez

Step into a world where age is embraced, creativity flourishes, and women empower one another. In this enriching episode, Beverley Glazer talks with Jacqueline Perez (Jack), a gifted poet and founder of Kuel Life, who discovered her passion for poetry at the age of 60. With a backdrop of cultural challenges as a child of Cuban refugees, Jacqueline shares her journey of navigating life’s hurdles – from corporate dissatisfaction to the emotional turbulence of menopause.  

Jacqueline’s candid reflections illuminate how pivotal life changes can lead to profound self-discovery and artistic expression. Her initiative, Kuel Life, serves as a vibrant community for women to share their experiences, offering resources and encouragement on topics commonly shrouded in stigma. By fostering a supportive network, Jacqueline emphasizes the strength that comes from unity and the importance of normalizing aging.  

Listeners will be inspired by Jacqueline’s belief that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions and find joy in the unexpected. Expect a lively discussion on overcoming fears, the joy of creativity, and the essence of community among women facing the myriad challenges life presents. 

Join us as we celebrate the beauty of growing older and the powerful stories that emerge from it. Want to connect with this vibrant community? Tune in, and discover the courage to rewrite your story!

Key Takeaways from Aging and Creativity with Jacqueline Pere

Growing Up as the Child of Refugees: 

Jacqueline discusses her childhood as the daughter of Cuban refugees, experiencing a culturally rich upbringing in Little Havana while navigating the contrast of American life outside. This shaped her rebellious spirit and desire to live a life less governed by fear and tradition.

Using Fear as Motivation:

Jacqueline shares how fear was a dominant force in her upbringing, but instead of following it, she used it as motivation to seek out a bigger life. She talks about embracing curiosity and pursuing different interests like art, music, and acting, which helped her break free from the restrictions she faced.

The Power of Unconditional Love in Parenting:

Jacqueline reflects on the unconditional love she received from her parents and how it shaped her self-esteem and resilience. She highlights how this love became the cornerstone of her own approach to parenting.

Leaving Corporate America to Start a PR Agency:

Jacqueline recounts her decision to leave corporate America and start her own PR business. Frustrated with the slow, bureaucratic process, she sought a more direct path between action and results, emphasizing the desire for personal accountability and autonomy in her work.

Overcoming Menopause Challenges:

Jacqueline discusses the overwhelming physical and emotional toll of menopause, including weight gain, anxiety, and emotional instability. She shares her struggles with doctors not immediately recognizing her symptoms and how she eventually found relief through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Normalizing Aging and Empowering Women:

Jacqueline explains the creation of Kuel Life, a platform she founded to help women navigate the challenges of aging and menopause. She talks about the support and knowledge-sharing available through Kuel Life’s global community of women, which empowers women to embrace midlife and beyond with confidence.

A New Creative Path in Midlife:

Jacqueline reveals how a transformative month in Istanbul helped her process years of emotional struggle and led her to discover poetry as a form of self-expression. She shares the process of writing her poetry book and how it became an empowering challenge, particularly for women.

Using Poetry to Empower and Connect Women:

Jacqueline talks about her desire for women to feel seen and understood through her poetry. She explains how poetry can help women relate to shared experiences and find solace in the commonalities of midlife struggles.

Navigating Uncertainty and Embracing New Opportunities:

Jacqueline encourages women to embrace life’s surprises and stay open to new possibilities, even in midlife. She shares that, despite fear and uncertainty, the unexpected joys and experiences that life brings are often the most fulfilling.

Letting Go of Fear and Embracing New Beginnings:

Jacqueline offers advice for women unsure of what’s next in midlife. She encourages them to enjoy the surprises that life has in store and not sell themselves short. She highlights the importance of staying healthy and open to new adventures, just as she did with writing poetry at 60.

Connect with Jacqueline Perez

Connect with Bev:

Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenover50rock

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyglazer/

Need advice? Schedule a time to talk: https://calendly.com/reinventimpossible/15min