Thelma Liverpool

I believe every culture teaches unique lessons. I have learned that lifestyle and diet are critical to health. My diet draws heavily on Caribbean and African habits. It was not unusual to walk the miles into the nearest town [Hazyview] joining workers who did this everyday. I smiled as tourist vehicles drove by. I still love walking. We were told in Peace Corps - if you can't carry it, don't pack it. You're on your own. This has turned out to be good advice for many situations. I learned from my mistakes. - and they were many. Some were brutal, but that is another tale for another timeI believe in using my skills to help others and have done a significant amount of tutoring until recently. I have applied my analytical skills to problems and looked for solutions. As part of the senior citizen brigade I am applying my skills to solving problems associated with this segment of society. Socialization is important and an awareness of issues impacting your immediate and wider community is critical. Healthcare and eldercare is a major issue as we age. My work will help many and it will be my legacy. "That's my granny!" is high praise. I have a beautiful circle of Christians who surround and encourage me. They are special and supportive in all I do.

My grandmother was most influential person. She was there for me through every aspect of my life and always inspired me and supported me. I''m doing this for legacy.

I remember being told at some point of my corporate career -"You are a good worker , but you'll never do anything great" CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

Withhold judgement. Let your words be few. They cannot be retrieved once said.

"It's my contribution to use the gifts God gave me, and just putting them to good use" The Biblical story of workers being given talents comes to mind. I will not bury my "talents" but return them multiplied. With His help, I will have succeeded.

Our patents will make eldercare a little easier, benefitting both the patient and the caregiver.

Find your passion and follow it. There is something only you can do. Find it.

The biggest challenges in my field right now involve (1) turning ideas and prototypes into practical, every day solutions; (2) protecting intellectual property as widely as possible (3) navigating the complex legal, financial, and logistical aspects of setting up an international, viable business. At the same time, launching and structuring a startup later in life presents the opportunity to use every skill I have learned throughout my life. I continue to learn :[Ai]i, continue to build new leadership skills, formalize operations, and attract investment, showing that innovation and impact can happen at any stage of life.

Forgiveness is one of the most important values in my life. I was deeply inspired by Nelson Mandela's story when I was in South Africa. I visited his jail cell and learned that he came out at 72 and became president. "I know the plans I have for you!" We each have a destiny that is already written. The measure of the man was his treatment of his former prison guard. When Mandela became president, he recognized the man while out to lunch with his staff. The man was invited by Mandela to join the group which he did. After some obvious discomfort he relaxed and joined into conversations, etc. Mandela's staff asked who the man was after he had left. Mandela revealed that he was the worst and most cruel of the guards while he was a prisoner. He showed him grace. If you think of the brutality that he endured while imprisoned. this was incredible.That taught me that in this life, you have to let go of a lot of stuff. People tend to hurt , humiliate and dismiss those over whom they have power. My childhood was both difficult and traumatic .I was given opportunity over the years to have the trauma drained and washed away,So "I wish you heaven" frees me .. And I forgive myself and I forgive you. I do not hold on too tightly to anything. I have seen things change too rapidly to think otherwise. I bless you on your journey.. I also believe in using all my God given gifts and having fun. I do love to dance; music - for Malakai Bayoh, Andrea Bocelli, choirs , and Merci Chinwo are some of my favorites. The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir stands out. So, invite me to your next party.