Intro By Bernadette Wagner: A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to play in the Meritus Open Golf Tournament with Selena Wilkes, a former LPGA Futures Tour member. As a newbie to the game with less than two years of experience, it was awe inspiring, mind-blowing and SO MUCH DARN FUN to watch Selena play. With every stroke, her knowledge and skill were evident and luckily, she was willing to share both with me!

If you’re not familiar with golf, you might not know that on average a round of golf takes 4.5 hours to play, which provides lots of time to share stories, learn about those you’re playing with and deepen friendships. Chatting with Selena during the tournament about her busy life, I learned, in addition to being a remarkable golfer, she’s an even better entrepreneur! Hard to believe, but it’s TRUE! Beyond impressed, I asked Selena to share some of her journey with Prime Time for Women in our Monthly Newsletter, which I’ sure will be enjoyed by golfers, entrepreneurs and everyone else!!

My golf tour days serve as a perfect analogy for my life. I worked hard. I practiced/trained continuously and played in many golf tournaments. I was privileged to travel the world, meet people from other countries and experience the thrill of learning about different cultures. Yet, there were times when things didn’t go my way. I missed shots, putts and failed to make tournament cuts. I experienced frustration when I was in the trees, sand traps, deep grass bunkers, and in the water. I was frightened on the course by snakes, alligators and crocs. But I didn’t give up. I believed in myself. I overcame obstacles on the course. I was resilient and I still am!

Since retiring from the tour in 2004, I enjoy my entrepreneurial pursuits and hobbies including golf, traveling, cooking and riding my farm tractor. Yet, my greatest joy comes from spending time with family and friends, volunteering and working or relaxing on the farm. I’m very intentional when it comes to self-care and make a point of getting plenty of exercise, practicing stress relieving techniques and putting my faith into action. I like to walk the talk…it’s good for me to do good for others!

Being invited to write for Prime Time for Women’s Monthly Newsletter has prompted me reflect on my own aging adventure.  I am looking forward to turning 50 in December! The majority of my friends are already over 50 so I feel like I will finally be catching up.

Honestly, I have always seen myself as being in my “Prime.” I define “Prime” as being exactly and perfectly where I am supposed to be. Like it or not, “Prime Time” is a matter of perspective. Personally, I believe faith and forgiveness, patience, positive attitude, optimism, and perspective are key elements in accepting the aging process. I know that embracing these key elements will allow me to continue to live life to the fullest, regardless of my age.

As a serial entrepreneur, I am the CEO of several businesses including Elmwood Farm Hospitality Group, Mattress By Appointment of Western MD and Port 44 Real Estate Revitalization Group.   Through my different business ventures, I have found great satisfaction in strategically assessing community needs, creative problem solving and collaborating with others to create businesses that are financially successful and improve the local economy of our entire community.

Though I don’t think I will ever fully retire, I am planning to scale back my involvement. I want to delegate more responsibility to others and watch them realize their dreams of personal growth and success. I believe that my businesses should never miss me. I am only one person…and business is a team effort. I’m looking forward to spending more time with friends and reveling in all that our team has accomplished and will accomplish. I see myself continuing to volunteer, getting back to playing golf on a weekly basis, giving golf lessons to others and traveling the world! As I fully embrace the “Prime Time” of my life, I remind myself of these important truths that have served me on the golf course, in business and in every aspect of my life. I hope they also encourage and inspire you!

• Don’t let fear hold you back! If you really want something you have never had, you will have to do something you have never done before to achieve it.
• Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being excited about what could go right. Go after it. Believe in yourself and then amaze yourself!
• Protect your peace. Live in the present, it’s all we really have. The future is an illusion. The past is gone. It no longer exists.
• Cultivate love. Always be kinder than you feel.
• One of the best feelings in the world is knowing that someone else is happy because of you.
• The best people bring out the best in others.
• The power of positive thoughts is undeniable. Give it a try!
• When you are confident, others have confidence in you.

Selena is an entrepreneur, former LPGA Golf Professional, and a motivational speaker, who has been featured in Living Lutheran Magazine. A native of Williamsport, Maryland, Selena is a graduate of Catawba College and holds an MBA from NYIT in Human Resources. She is currently writing a book to inspire and encourage others through her life experiences.