Age Is Just A Number: #BridgingTheGap With Lee Woodruff
When my dear friend Catherine asked me if I wanted to join her #BridgingTheGap campaign, I was intrigued. You see—my birthday is coming up really soon and even though for me age is a non-issue, I realize that for a lot of women and brands, it is.
This is something that I had the pleasure of talking about with Lee Woodruff, a journalist whose wise words I could listen to all day. Lee is the co-founder of Bob Woodruff Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting injured men and women in service. The idea for the foundation emerged after her husband, television journalist Bob Woodruff, sustained a brain injury while covering a war in Iraq.
Lee is my partner for #BridgingTheGap - and I am delighted to feature her on TheAmbitionista.com.
Clearly, she has seen and been through a lot. Still, she demonstrates an easy confidence that would never have made you guess her back story.
On top of that, Lee is a New York Times bestselling author of three books. Three! I need lessons from this incredible lady!
Source: News OK
As someone who’s got a very keen sense of herself, Lee doesn’t like to be put in a box at all. Then again, when you’re someone who plays multiple roles: writer, speaker, media trainer, co-founder, mother, and wife, it is hard to sum yourself up in one number or inaccurate stereotype.
Personally, I’m in awe of all that Lee has accomplished. How does she do it all? I mean, I’m right here, trying to put my life together, running off to appointments and events, but also stalking cats on Instagram in between…!
Lee likes to joke about her sartorial choices. Her outfits are pretty much what she would have worn a decade ago, except now, she wears more tailored and classy versions. But to tell you the truth, I think she’s more comfortable in her own skin than anyone else I’ve ever met. And style is always about what feels cozy and true to your tastes—not necessarily what’s on trend.
Which brings us to Lee’s favorite wardrobe pieces: denim and long sleeves. Being in her fierce 50’s, she claims that “her arms are not as toned no matter how hard she works out”, so longer sleeves are preferred. I know a lot of women share this sentiment, and frankly speaking, it’s not just women in midlife. I come from a more conservative background and in a lot of situations, more coverage is needed. So designers—pretty please design more gorgeous clothes with sleeves!
Finding common ground like this is exactly what made Lee and I realize how designers have sort of boxed us into rigid categories, age, size, and ethnicity included. But just because women are past the age of 40 doesn’t really mean they’re not as fashion-conscious anymore.
Everyone has style—it’s just a matter of providing more options.
PS: If you want to see who else is part of #BridgingTheGap - head over to Catherine's blog
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Wow, she’s such an inspiration!
I’ve read one of her books, Perfectly Imperfect and loved it, with all the stories she shared about her husband and life as a family and everything else in between. I love a woman who knows what she wants and continues to advocate for the good cause of her fellow women.
Indeed, age is just a number. Glad to know there are lots of inspiring woman who know how to pursue their passion and still continue to thrive and prosper at the age of 40 and beyond. More power to Lee and your partnership!
Love how she defined style, based on one’s preference of comfort and not based on what’s the hype and trendy as of the moment. She’s a doll!
So inspiring!
She’s a woman of many talents, a jack of all trades, if I must say. Love how her books have helped a lot of woman with their everyday needs.
Age is just a number, that is true! Us ladies shouldn’t rest on our laurels just because we reach the ripe age. As long as out body can still move and groove, there is still a lot we can do for ourselves and for others. Kudos to brave strong women like Lee, and also you Heidi!
I prefer wearing longer sleeves too as I am not getting any younger and could feel cold more often than possible. I love Lee Woodruff.
She’s such an inspiration.
I’ve read her eye-opening books and I have learned a lot about being my own woman and standing up for what I believe in. Lee Woodruff is an inspiration.
Lee Woodruff is an icon, a brilliant mind who has big dreams and an even bigger heart. ❤
I am with you and Lee here, with regards to wearing shirts and dresses with longer sleeves. I am not quite comfortable showing skin and with my flabby arms, I’d rather hide it than flaunt it.
She’s such a strong woman, knows what she wants, takes action and doesn’t take challenges in stride. She’s indeed bridging the gap between the millenials and the tried and tested generation and making sure we all meet in the middle.
I’ve read her books, all inspirational and directed to all kinds of woman in the world. She’s a legend.
She looks so classy and elegant! I always see her so lovely and chic and was able to read one of her books, all her advice are amazing.
I’m partial to long sleeves too, never a fan of halter tops or cropped blouses. I’m not against those styles, I’m just not comfortable I guess.
Love Lee Woodruff!! She rocks! 💛💛
Love Lee Woodruff!
She’s indeed a very strong and compassionate woman who use her voice to spread awareness and positive vibes to each and everyone of us.
There’s so much about her that I like, and based on the books she wrote which I have all read by the way, she’s one feisty woman who conquers the world with passion, love and a brave heart.
No matter what age we all are, it is important that we show everyone what we are all capable of and that we let our voices be heard so they can understand and have better concept of what lies ahead versus what to expect. That is I think one way of #bridgingthegap 👌
A woman of power, finesse, grace and loyalty. Lee Woodruff is a great example to many of us.
Such an inspiration! Even at her age, many (men) and women of all ages would definitely relate to her and her experiences. A strong woman with a strong goodwill and strong faith.
Being in 50s doesn’t meant that we are limited to what life choices had presented us. We can still be a driving force like the millenials, they can learn a thing or two from us, and they can be assured that we do not waver even if we look frail on the outside, because what matters is what we are inside and for them to see what we can offer to them.
Lee Woodruff is an icon.. She’s an inspiration.
Many think that just because we grow older, our activities are limited and controlled. Thanks to inspirational people like you and Lee, there is an awareness that the more you go older, you get wiser and grow better.
Love this! True, age is just but a number. I turned 50 a couple of years ago and it doesn’t bother me that I’m already way past my prime, or just starting it. I don’t regret getting old, I embrace it, as well as the changes that go with it.
I always feel empowered about women who stand up for their beliefs and fight for their rights. Love Lee Woodruff and her strength amid everything that’s had happened to her family. 💛💛
Such a strong, intelligent, compassionate woman!
Such a courageous woman with a big heart!
Yes, love this article.. Being 40 and above doesn’t mean that we no longer have a say about our daily interests and needs, be it in fashion or just for our everyday activity. Thanks to people like Lee Woodruff for letting our voices be heard.
Her books are amazing and inspiring. She’s such a courageous spirit and I would really love to meet her someday.
Wow, such a fine woman. She’s amazing, isn’t she?
We need women like Lee Woodruff, strong at the same time gentle, fierce and passionate. #womenrule