What if the things we’ve been told about ourselves become the very things that hold us back?
 

At 72, Christine Worthington is a healthy living advocate, coach and lifelong learner who is still curious about what’s possible. And yet, her story began with being told, in effect, that she wasn’t quite good enough.

Leaving school at 16 with few qualifications, Christine went on to study through evening classes, move into education, become a lecturer and senior manager, and gain further qualifications along the way. She also experienced imposter syndrome and the pressure of constantly feeling she had to prove herself.

In this conversation, we talk about the power of lifelong learning, overcoming negative self-talk, reinventing yourself and being willing to start something new at any age. Christine shares how she learned to recognise that little voice telling her she didn’t belong, and how she turned it into determination, thinking “I’ll show you, I can do this.” 

We also explore the life she thought she might have, the choices and compromises that shaped the life she actually created, and why she believes it’s more important to ask “What can I do today?” than dwell on what might have been.

Christine talks about “reverse ageing”, staying physically and mentally active, curiosity, community and what she calls being “functionally fit”, including still wanting to kick a ball around with her grandson.

And if you’re listening and thinking you’ve missed your opportunity, Christine is here to remind us, you can start anytime.