Jane S. Witherspoon - Rambler Profile

What do you love about being a Sole Sister Ramblers founder?

When we created this little passion project, it was during the pandemic. Jill Thomas came to visit me in Panama, and we spent hours walking the beach, reconnecting and enjoying our long-standing friendship. During those walks we talked about life, growing older, and how we wished there were a community of women like us to connect with.

Four years later, a global community of women like us has found a safe space to share, embrace female friendship, and remember they’re not alone on this journey. It fills me with pride, joy, gratitude, and love every day as I connect with women around the world.

Tell us about where you live and where you grew up?

I currently live in Dénia, Spain, and I absolutely love living here. My life began in Manchester, England, and when I was three, my family immigrated to Canada. I grew up in Calgary, Alberta, where I later raised two of my children.

I had always dreamed of living on Canada’s West Coast. With one young daughter still at home, we moved to Salt Spring Island, and before long my two grown daughters followed. Once I became an empty nester, I spent a couple of years in Victoria, British Columbia, before beginning my big expat adventures.

After living in Panama for seven years, my husband and I moved to Dénia, Spain four years ago, and we plan to make it our long-term home.

What words would you use to describe yourself?

Kind - I strive to live life by doing what is right through my actions, words, and choices.
 
Procrastinator - This is not a quality that I find a positive aspect of my personality. It is an ongoing challenge.

Adventurous - I discovered a passion for exploring new places in my thirties. I am in my happy place when arriving at and discovering a new destination.

Calm and Balanced - Being a Libra, it is important for me to feel safe and comfortable.

Easy going - Most of the time, I am happy to go with the flow and am open to experiencing a new adventure that is suggested.

Where is your favorite place to ramble, and why do you love it?

I love being anywhere away from the noise and hustle of modern life—whether it’s the mountains of Canada’s West Coast, the jungles of Panama, exploring the wild places of a new country on my travels, or the hills along Spain’s Costa Blanca. Being out in nature helps me reground, slow down, and truly appreciate life.

What advice would you give your younger self?

That everything will be okay. It is a long journey, and you will continue to grow, evolve, learn, and become someone you are proud to be. There will be difficult moments in your journey, but they will only make you stronger.

You will learn that you are smarter, stronger, and more worthy than you give yourself credit for. Believe in yourself, and you will grow into a strong and independent woman who may still struggle with insecurity but will find courage and become the person you have hidden inside.

What thing in your life had the most impact on who you are now?

There isn’t one single thing that has shaped who I am today. Every decision I’ve made has played a part in the person I’ve become, and I take full responsibility for the choices I’ve made and the paths they’ve led me down.

The mistakes—of which there have been many—have given me opportunities to learn, reflect, and grow. Often, those moments taught me far more than the easy times ever could. The difficult chapters in life strengthened my resilience and helped me discover a deeper sense of courage and compassion.

At the same time, the beautiful moments—big and small—have filled my life with joy and gratitude. They remind me how rich life can be when we stay open to learning, evolving, and embracing each experience along the way.

What is on your bucket list?

Yoga retreat in Reshikesh, India.
Do a one-month trek along the Camino. 
Tour the Netherlands and live aboard a boat on the canals.
Stay in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Nepal.
Travel to Egypt with my daughter, who also loves ancient Egypt.

Other random things about me!

I’m a naturally crafty person and love spending time on all kinds of creative, artsy activities. Whether it’s making something with my hands, trying a new craft, or simply getting lost in a creative project, I find it both relaxing and deeply satisfying.

I also volunteer at a cat sanctuary, which brings me so much joy. I have a real soft spot for cats and, if I’m being honest, I’d probably have a house full of them if I could. Spending time caring for them and helping in a small way feels meaningful and rewarding.

I’m also an introvert at heart. While I enjoy connecting with people and sharing good conversations, I need quiet time afterward to recharge. Those peaceful moments alone—often spent in nature or doing something creative—help me restore my energy and return to the world feeling balanced again.

READ MORE > Rambler Profiles, Rambler Cafe Blog