Janell Foust (50 over 50 Vol. 2)
Three days before turning 70, Janell walked into the studio for her photoshoot experience. She was radiant and we hadn’t even begun, but underneath there was a fear of the unknown.
“I’ve always enjoyed just staying in the background-- living and learning. Participating in a photoshoot was really stepping out of my comfort zone. I felt awkward, shy, and asking myself who was I to be doing something like this? But it was a new experience and I faced a fear! It was actually a fun way to celebrate turning 70,” Janell said.
When asked about impactful moments that have shaped her life, Janell shares an example of how something that felt so negative actually turned out to lead her on a lifelong path of healing and helping others.
“A positive turning point for me was the birth of each of my children. The instant love and fierce protective feelings that blanketed me were new and intense. And there was such joy in watching them grow. A more difficult journey was when I was helping clean my grandmother’s farm. I come from a tribe of beautiful, quiet, joyful women. I am so blessed to have had them walk before me. Women who have been through incredible challenges, very hard times and did not become bitter or resentful. But they also were not stopped in their tracks or paralyzed. They moved forward with quiet determination. Anyway, we were preparing it (the barn) for auction, and I came into contact with something that made me very, very sick.”
Janell ended up at the Cleveland Clinic not walking well and in a lot of pain. After a year and a half her eyelashes and fingernails grew back but she was not in good shape. This situation lead her to look into natural wellness. She lives on a 60 acre farm and realized medicine was all around her. Soon she began herbal training and learned about the healing plants that were right there all along.
“My children still laugh at some of my early experiments,” she said. “After many years of studying and using herbs, I decided to take my education further and pursued a doctorate in natural healing. At the age of 65, I received my diploma and designation of ‘Doctor of Naturopathy’. It was hard, hard work. Many times I wasn’t sure if I would make it. My children encouraged me just as I used to encourage them when they were in college.
This life of learning and living has opened so many doors to new opportunities, meeting incredible teachers, making lifelong friends, and building my sweet little tribe—my family.”
Radiant energy spilled from Janell during her photo shoot, as she eagerly celebrated her 70 years on this earth and what the future holds for her. She is a glass-half-full kind of woman, and is grateful to have the time to pause and see the beauty around her, as she looks forward to learning new things and new opportunities for the future. (Currently she is planning to launch a skin care line, and after seeing her glowing skin, I’m going to be the first in line!)
“It is up to us to show up for our own lives. There may be , and usually are, difficult times. Just hang on and watch for the miracles that are happening all around you,” she said.
Even though our culture typically feels youth oriented, Janell explains that in the herbal community the elders are held in high esteem for their knowledge. She feels fortunate to belong to that community. When I asked if she felt seen and heard as an older woman, she said, “that ’s the gift of being an elder—a wise woman— you don’t have to be seen or heard. You just have to live your best life, show up and if asked, pass on the experiences or information you have lived and learned. Take this opportunity—this life, to live, love, work hard, learn and explore. It is precious and a privilege.
“This photoshoot experience gave me time and opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate this special time of life.”
This photoshoot experience gave me a moment of pause to think about my life and those I love so dearly. Life can be bumpy and downright hard. Maybe my legacy and life experiences can help my family to be able to move through the hard times, truly knowing there is light, joy and hope on the other side of difficulty.”
What would I tell my 20 year old self?
Truly show up for your life. Explore your passions and dreams. Know that you can always change course or your mind. Every season of life brings new adventures and opportunities. Embrace the power and importance of saying “no” if it does not feel right for you. Extend the kindness you show others to yourself as well. Walk on this beautiful earth with joy, enchantment and wonder. It’s a privilege.