I am drawn to women of all ages who have this bright light that shines from within, the reason for which I asked to converse with Teresa Bueno, a 73-year-old improviser, coach, and speaker, for my YouTube channel and this website.
When I first met Teresa at Florida Studio Theater in Sarasota, where I was taking improv lessons, I was immediately attracted by her vibrant energy, sharp wit and humor
Teresa, a Positive Intelligence Coach with three decades of experience, hails from the North Georgia Mountains. Her journey from starting her own drafting design business in her twenties to becoming a beacon of inspiration for many at 73, is nothing short of remarkable.
Watch or listen to our entire conversation, edited for time, on YouTube.
Teresa Bueno’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
Teresa’s entrepreneurial spirit has been a constant force in her life. From starting her own drafting design business in her twenties, she has continuously used her creative entrepreneurial spirit to start and build companies.
Teresa’s ventures have included a real estate brokerage, small business coaching, and eco-development. Her diverse career reflects her passion for living life to its fullest and helping others do the same.
Teresa’s Philosophy on Aging
Central to Teresa’s philosophy is the concept of being a “Leaner Meaner Senior.” As she explains, “Aging is an attitude.”
Teresa believes that with strong intention and a firm belief in what’s possible, the quality of one’s health and vitality is within one’s control. She exercises regularly and takes good care of her body, as it’s the vessel that allows her to do the things she loves, like improv, coaching and public speaking.
This belief is encapsulated in her book, Leaner, Meaner, Senior, coauthored with Barbara Dee, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on aging, and making sure we stay mobile physically and sharp mentally.
Embarking on Improv at 66
Teresa’s involvement with improv has been a significant part of her life in recent years.
“I took my first improv lesson when I was 66 years old,” she shares. Her love for improv, which started years before in Atlanta, was reignited when she moved back from a 10-year sojourn in Costa Rica.
Fast forward to now and Teresa recently celebrated her 73rd birthday on stage.
She recalls with joy, “At the end of the show, when we were taking our final bows, some friends that I didn’t even know were there came up on stage, and they started playing ‘Happy Birthday.’ The crowd was singing, and they came with flowers and a sash that said ‘birthday queen’ and a crown. It was the best birthday ever in my whole life.”
It is such a pleasure to talk to women who, like me, enjoy celebrating another year of being alive and thriving!
Finding Confidence Through Challenges
Teresa’s life has not been without its challenges. At 17, she faced the profound loss of giving up her baby for adoption.
“I was the shame of the family,” she recalls. Those sure were different times, and Teresa was faced with societal pressures that resulted in grief over the involuntary loss of her child.
This harrowing experience, however, became a source of strength for her later on.
“Everything I’ve faced since then has always been, well, if I could get through that, I can get through this.”
The Power of Visualization
A pivotal moment in Teresa’s career came when she read “Lazy Man’s Way to Riches,” a book her father had given her.
“I told him, ‘I’m going to read your stupid book and do everything it says to prove to you that this is a bunch of bunk.’ And I did,” Teresa shares.
The book’s principles of reading, studying, visualizing, and performing led her to unexpected success.
“Within a year, I was making $800 a month and went on to own my own drafting and design business.”
Rediscovering Lost Family
A heartwarming chapter in Teresa’s life unfolded when she reconnected with her son, whom she had given up for adoption. “Thanks to 23andMe, I was able to connect with my son,” she reveals.
Their reunion was filled with joy and healing. “One of the things he said was, ‘I have no anger, no resentment. I only have joy that I have finally found you.'”
Looking Forward to the Future at 73
As for the future, Teresa has plans to expand her reach and continue inspiring others. “I want to write another book about full self-expression,” she says.
She also aims to delve into public speaking and content creation, leveraging social media to spread her message.
Teresa Bueno’s Message of Hope
Teresa’s story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of a positive mindset. “Life has a lot to offer if you’re just open to it,” she concludes.
Teresa Bueno embodies the spirit of living life to its fullest, regardless of age or circumstance.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions and make a positive impact in the world.
As she puts it, “Don’t start the funeral, I’m not dead yet. Let’s go live, people!”
For those looking to connect with Teresa and learn from her wealth of experience, she can be found at leanermeanersenior.com.
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