Never under-estimate a Baby Boomer!

How wonderful to witness Shane Gould at the age of 61 become the sole survivor of the Australian Survivor! Determined, stoic, clever, personable, she knew her strengths and was able to articulate them; mental, emotional, skill base and physical. She also knew her vulnerabilities and was able to strategically link with others to strengthen her position whilst being loyal, holding her integrity and being real to both herself and others. She retained a twinkle in her eye and consciously chose to see the positives in her (very often compromised) situations. She showed others up with her pragmatic skills that she possibly learned from her own generation such as lighting fires, gathering wood, cooking and set about with the practicalities of life while others watched and benefited from her hard graft.
Even when a young woman of the jury asked if Shane had been really listening to her story, or if she was simply out to win at all costs Shane was able to recall key information about her and also demonstrated that she had the young woman’s best interests at heart. Of those who she strategically contributed to their exit, she did so with humour but also respect so that even those whom she may have slighted could see she was genuine and to be respected. She undoubtedly survived considerably more than survivors but was by no means a physically weaker competitor giving it her all and overpowering younger members several times during the show.

Since dedicating time to support the interests of fellow Baby Boomers in Nelson Bays NZ in June 2018 each person I have met has demonstrated many of Shane’s characteristics.
Perhaps Shane’s example encourages us to continue to self-evaluate ourselves and our situations, to maintain a healthy attitude towards even difficult things that we need to do to survive and thrive in life and to be proud of, rely on and continue to build on our own personal strengths. To revel in the adventure and excitement of life. After all we are all the sole survivors of our own life – lets celebrate it!