Soul secrets

Ruth Rakoff, 45
When Ruth was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was busy raising three boys and beginning a new practice in family mediation. When the prospect of facing her stage fright came along, she tackled it with courage and determination.

Lessons from the stage: "It was a fantastic experience. It opened a possibility for me because I had never been on stage and was even fearful about it, and yet it felt comfortable. I was totally relaxed. It's a great life lesson for my boys: you can do new things at any age. After experiencing breast cancer I push myself to go beyond my comfort zone. Being in the play was part of that process."

Rewriting the script on aging: "Having faced my own mortality, I am poignantly aware that I am playing a crapshoot. I know that at any second life can disappear."

Ann Marie Hasley, 47
As a social worker for children with autism for the past 12 years, Ann Marie equips many kids with a positive self-image. Once the recipient of cruel teasing from other children because of her height, she now uses her long legs to exercise every day.

Lessons from the stage: "It was enlightening and the best experience of my life. I felt comfortable telling my story and blessed to be involved with this group of women. I learned so much by interacting with them because of all their wisdom; I had so many moms, and I learned to be proud and confident about myself."

Rewriting the script on aging: "You have to feel beautiful inside. It's not about appearance. I tell my three children that whatever they give out will come back to them. I tell them they're beautiful because I never heard that growing up. You have to give your kids good self-esteem."

Gloria Schmed-Scott, 63
Gloria was raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., survived the civil rights movement in the southern United States and travelled to Europe, where she met her husband. She now lives in Toronto, spending time with her grandchildren and sharing her talents.

Lessons from the stage: "Being a part of the play has had a profound impact on my belief in the sisterhood. We shared the essential part of ourselves, stripped to the bone, the deepest hurt, joy and despair, and felt the laying on of the hands of other women. All of us will go on with our lives; however, the imprint of this experience will stay with us forever."

Rewriting the script on aging: "The bloom of youth has left my face, yet the joy of my life has left me with beauty and confidence for all to see. Often fear and anger can rob us of our beauty. I would advise any woman to tell her story, rid herself of hurt and anger, and reveal her beauty for the world to see."

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