Counting what matters most: Laurie Brooks on the good life (Vol. 10)
"A good life is not how it adds up in the end, but what you're counting along the way." -Laurie Brooks
Laurie, a certified health coach, is another long-time friend who decided to jump into my Wise Women: 50 Over 50 Portrait Experience with both feet! Laurie has learned that a good life isn't measured by accomplishments, possessions, or how everything turns out in the end, but rather it's measured by what we choose to count along the way. A health coach, wife of 31 years, mother of two young adult sons, and lifelong learner, she has come to value experiences over things, meaningful relationships over busy schedules, and authenticity over perfection.
After losing her mother to cancer at just 52 and later facing her own health challenges, Laurie became determined to take charge of her health and help others do the same. Today, she embraces this season of life with gratitude, wisdom, and the confidence to be fully herself, finding joy in family, friendship, faith, and the everyday moments that matter most.
What are some of the most significant lessons you've learned since turning 50?
A good life is not measured by what you do, it’s about what you are. It’s not about the things that didn’t work out; it’s about what you learn when they don’t. Those bits and pieces, realizations and knowledge, are what build and make you able to perceive things greater than you can currently imagine. A good life is not how it adds up in the end, but what you’re counting along the way.
How has your perspective on life changed as you've gotten older?
As I’ve gotten older, my perspective on life has become more about special moments, time spent, and experiences to be had than about material and physical pursuits. I’ve also learned to slow down and enjoy those moments because they are so fleeting.
What is one thing you wish more people understood about women over 50?
50 is the new 30, meaning I might have a few more silver hairs and laugh lines, but I still perceive myself as that determined, ambitious 30-something I was just a short time ago. I still daydream and have goals and desires to work toward every day. I’m not too old to change careers and set a new path of fulfillment, to make what’s good enough just right, and to share my knowledge and experience with others. There’s still plenty of life left in this gal!
What accomplishments are you most proud of at this stage in your life?
I am most proud of raising two smart, strong, God-fearing young men with my best friend, to whom I’ve been married for 31 years now through the thickest and thinnest of times. I am also proud of myself for recognizing that it’s never too late to chase your passion, even if that means going to night school and failing at building my own business until the right next thing came along.
What are your hopes or dreams for the years ahead?
My biggest hope and prayer right now is for our two boys to find their forever loves, get married, and show us what our grandchildren will look like! My biggest dream right now is to find that perfect piece of Texas country property to spend the last third of our lives in, and for those grandchildren to run around in!
How do you define beauty now, compared to when you were younger?
Beauty to me now is becoming my more natural, authentic self both physically and emotionally speaking. No more putting on airs or covering the gray hairs!
How do you nurture your physical, emotional, and/or spiritual well-being?
As a health coach, I’ve learned and help others to understand how nutrition, stress, and our environment affect our lives. I am mindful about doing more of what serves me and less of what doesn’t. That means prioritizing sleep, recognizing and reducing what causes me stress, and worrying less about the things I cannot control. I do my best to begin each day with gratitude and end each day content with everything and everyone God has provided in my life.
What brings you the most joy these days?
I get the most joy out of spending quality time with close friends and family. It’s not about what we do or where we go but being really present and grateful for the gift of shared experiences.
Any words of advice or inspiration for younger women?
Savor every moment, all the good ones and the lessons learned in the bad ones.
What is an experience that has significantly impacted the direction of your life? How old were you when this happened, and what was the effect on your life?
I lost my mom to cancer when I was 34 and she was just 52, also just three months after my second son was born. Within a year, my own health began to significantly decline and I felt as though I was heading down a similar path with my first autoimmune diagnosis. From that point forward, I was determined not to let genetics be an excuse and began researching and learning and biohacking my way to better health. I spent all my spare time reading and studying everything I could about preventing further decline through food and lifestyle changes. Soon, others started coming to me for advice which lead me to become a Nutritional Therapist and the health coach I am today.
What is something you once feared about aging that you now embrace?
Gray hair and laugh lines! Now that I have lived longer than my own mother, I recognize that it is a privilege and an honor to wear these badges of a good life well lived.
How has your relationship with your body evolved over the years?
I’ve learned that it’s not so much about how I look to others but how I feel in my own skin.
Reader, if you’re ready to be seen and would like to participate in the 50 Over 50 Portrait Experience, please visit the project website and fill out the short form. I’ll be in touch soon. I’d love to have you! But don’t wait - the project is filling quickly, and I expect it to be fully booked in the next few weeks.
Want more?
Explore more inspiring women from the 50 Over 50 Portrait Series:
Leslie’s story: Finding joy and strength in her 50s
Aimee’s story: Unapologetically living out her values
Ronni’s story: Enjoying family, embracing aging, and living fully