GOLDEN SPOTLIGHT

Meet the amazing and beautiful Alfreda from Dallas, TX. She is the epitome of a woman living life to the fullest and taking advantage of all it has to offer. At 53 years old Alfreda is Mom to two grown sons (27 and 30), grandmother to a 2 ½ year old precious little boy, and has been married to her high school sweetheart, Fred, for 31 years. I sat down with her to chat about her views on fashion and beauty, relationships, lessons she’s learned over the years, and the beauty of now living in her Golden Years. 

Moni: Tell me about Alfreda, what’s your story?

Alfreda: Let me first say I wasn’t sure about doing something like this, I live a pretty boring life. But, after listening to my inner voice which I call my inner goddess, I decided to step out of my box. Saying yes to new things really represents the fearlessness of life in my 50s.

Moni: Well, I so appreciate you saying yes. I knew you’d be the perfect person to kick-off the Golden Spotlight feature here at Fifty Where. 

Alfreda: Thank you so much. Okay so back to your question. I am a 53-year-old woman, a wife of 31 years, Mom to 2 amazing sons, and I am a grandmother as well. I’ve been an insurance agent and notary for 21 years and life is good. I’m also a giving person and truly love doing nice things for my family and friends. For example, if someone has mentioned they want a particular item, I will pick it up if I run across the item because it brings me joy to see them happy. There was a time I used to do these things to please others but now, I do them for me. 

Moni: So, would you say you’re a former people pleaser? If so, what made you change?  

Alfreda: Oh, I was absolutely a people pleaser. I wanted people to like me and would even overextend myself in effort to not make others mad at me. But since turning 50, I’ve truly learned I am enough. So when I do nice things for people now, I’m okay with their response because I know my actions are coming from a genuine place of wanting to see them happy. 

Moni: Speaking about changes you’ve noticed in your 50s…what are some major differences you’ve seen in yourself? 

Alfreda: Oh, that’s a good question Girl. Lol…I would say stepping into my inner goddess. Finding my voice and not being afraid to speak up. Back in my 20s, 30s, and even 40s me saying no would be followed by a paragraph explaining myself. But now, my NO isn’t followed by a thing. I stand 10 toes down on protecting my time and my peace. I’ve also noticed my discernment is at its peak. My ability to sense the intentions of people and situations has certainly increased since turning 50.

Moni: I feel you! Do you think this has spilled over into other areas like your relationship for example? Being married for 31 years means you’ve gone through all of these changes together.  

Alfreda: It has absolutely shown up in my marriage. Our communication has always been very important, but now it’s even better because I’m not afraid to face anything and speak up for myself. 

Moni: Let’s transition into a topic that is key to Fifty Where. How do you maintain looking so fabulous? Tell me about your style.  

Alfreda: Listen, if you catch me in a dress, that's rare, lol. I prefer a more casual and laid-back style and love mixing patterns and materials. My favorites are cargo pants and a simple top. Some believe that style has an age limit, but I don’t think that at all. I think it’s important to make your style about you…what looks good on your body type. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you not to wear something because it’s for someone in their 20s and 30s. Do you!

Moni: I agree with you 100%, you have to own your style just like with anything else. What about maintaining your health, that’s important as we age. Do you have tips for our readers?  

Alfreda: One thing I’ve had to overcome is insomnia. OMG…it had gotten so bad one time I was up for 48 hours. My solution has been gummies (with THC). When I tell you they have made such a difference for me I am not exaggerating. I take half and sleep like a baby. For exercise, I’ve discovered wall pilates and fell in love. It’s a wonderful way to stay in shape and at 53 it’s great with increasing my mobility. 

Moni: I have so enjoyed speaking with you and I know our Fifty Where readers will love reading your story. Before we end our conversation, tell me what living a GOLDEN LIFE means to you. 

Alfreda: This has been great, it really has. For me living a GOLDEN LIFE means taking the time to appreciate what you've done in your younger years while also being open to taking on new challenges. I'm currently looking into taking courses to learn Spanish as well as some fun, local mixology classes because I really am interested in having an after-hours dessert lounge bar here in Dallas! I've always enjoyed creating and making tasty individual, bougie treats, plus I just know there are others who'd also enjoy visiting an after-hours dessert lounge bar. Not to mention being in Dallas, it would be ideal to communicate with potential customers who speak Spanish even if it's a very basic level of communication as all money is green...LOL! I want to learn and do fun things because you shouldn't stop learning until that lid closes. 

Alfreda’s journey into 50 is a reminder for us all to prioritize our health, confidence, and happiness while also making time for new challenges.  In her words, "Don’t forget to LISTEN to your inner goddess and let your light shine through while living your life like it’s GOLDEN!"