Member Spotlight: Diane Lyons

1) Why did you join Connected Women, and what do you love about being a member?

When you get to a certain age, you often find that your friendships have changed. In my case, I lost connection to people I used to work with when my role was made redundant. Life changes also mean that the friendships you did have no longer satisfy your needs. Spending time with people who are still in the workforce can be limited to rushed lunches with no opportunity for real conversations. So that’s why I joined Connected Women! Here was an opportunity to meet women from different backgrounds but perhaps at similar ages and life experiences. Catch-ups can happen over lunch, dinner, or just coffee — making it easier for an introvert like me to ease into the business of meeting people in smaller groups.  And of course, because it’s only women, the dynamic is VERY different. There’s no hidden agenda here — just a group of women getting together for a meal and a chat, sharing stories, advice, and sometimes support.

2) What has been your favourite Connected Women memory so far?

I haven’t attended heaps of events yet, but a couple of standouts were the French-themed Member Day where we were able to meet the founders, Phoebe and Steph, and a recent event at the Museum of Contemporary Art at Sydney’s Circular Quay. I always forget how beautiful it is down there. The book club, hosted monthly via Zoom, is also terrific!

3) What's something you're passionate about, and how did you develop that passion?

I love to write; it’s always been my outlet. I was given a diary as a child and although I don’t keep a diary in quite the same way now as I did then, daily writing is an important part of my life. I truly believe encouraging children to start doing this from an early age would make a huge difference in helping them understand themselves, their feelings, and the world around them.

4) What's something you've always wanted to learn or try, but haven't yet?

I’m terribly scared of heights, and although I love seeing photos of people standing at the top of the Harbour Bridge, I’m not keen to try it myself! I have, however, been considering the Illawarra Fly, which is apparently not at all scary! So that’s on my list of things to try… eventually!

5) Who is someone you admire, and what qualities do they possess that you find inspiring?

I can’t think of a particular person I admire. We tend to gravitate towards people whose values and traits align with our own. My own values include openness, honesty, and integrity, so that’s what I look for in others. I do, however, admire people who are gregarious and outgoing, since I’m not any of those things!

If you would like to join Diane in our fun community of women over 50, we would love to welcome you! Please visit this link for more information and to sign up for a 7-day free trial.

Diane Lyons lives in Rhodes, Sydney with a dog who adores her and a cat that tolerates her. Mum to four fabulous grown-up children, she walks regularly because her doctor said she has to, and would only run if she were being chased by something scary. A volunteer Team Leader for the charity Share the Dignity, Diane works part-time as a support worker for people with disabilities. Despite discouragement from her doctor, her favourite food is cake.