50 over 50 2022 Edition
Cathleen Burns
Meet the participants of the 50 over 50 Portrait Experience 2022 Edition.
In their own words……
Compassionate. Intuitive. Altruistic.
Turning 50 was transformative. I felt more compassion for myself, had greater appreciation for my accomplishments, deeper understanding of my inner challenges, and realized I needed to acknowledge myself for having weathered the storms of life thus far. I stopped and ‘took stock’. While I have always had conviction in my beliefs, I found myself at another level…resolute…in them. 50 was a right of passage. Now at 60…I am past the point of entry into that passage and I’m on my way to LIVING my LIFE. Not that this is an easy or straightforward endeavor, but I am resolute in my conviction….and looking forward to the journey.
Make every day matter! Invest in yourself FIRST, and you will be able to invest in others from there. Come from within yourself, and let the world see who you are. Offer gratitude for yourself and beyond yourself daily. Be kind…always, as it will get you far in life.
I would hope for them to see kindness…simply kindness. I believe it is the first step to connecting with others.
Descendants on my father’s side have been traced back to being on the Mayflower. My maternal side came from Czechoslovakia. My maternal grandfather was a coal miner in Pennsylvania and then a Hatter in Danbury. I come from a long line of very strong women on both sides.
Growing up ‘different’, as a teenager in a divorced family when virtually no one around me had divorced parents was the greatest challenge. Along with it being a stigma in that era, it presented many circumstances and situations that I had to find the skills, tools, resources and inner strength to navigate through.
I am proud of my 36 year career as a therapist and social worker. I am so very honored to have had so many people allow me into there lives to help them find their best selves, solutions to life’s challenges, love, and inner peace. I feel blessed to have made so very many rich and wonderful connections with people.
So many things bring me joy! My husband has brought me much joy and I am grateful for all of the ways he has. Being a stepmother to Austin has brought me so much joy. The love of family brings me joy. I am fortunate to have several long term friendships, and newer friends as well, that I value deeply and bring me great joy. Helping my clients find peace and happiness brings me joy. Rescuing cats fills my heart with joy. Traveling, good food and wine bring me joy. Dancing fills my soul and brings me joy.
At twelve years old, I somehow understood the sacrifices that men and women in the military make so that we can enjoy the freedoms and gifts of living in a free country. I have a deep appreciation and gratitude for our men and women in uniform and the sacrifices that they and their families make every day.
The Stories behind the faces
Each subject has a unique story to share – find all the stories in our exclusive magazine
The 50 over 50 PORTRAIT Magazine
Everyone has a story. The Planet Photo Portrait Magazine features the participants of the 2022 Portrait Experience and a little about each participant; their dreams, their real life stories and the experiences that shaped them.
