Conquering Clouds: Wisdom, Adventure, and Spirit-Led Living at 82

What happens when you follow the whispers of your soul—across oceans, over mountaintops, and into the unknown?

In this awe-inspiring episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby speaks with 82-year-old author, aviator, and adventure pioneer Ruth E. Wilson—whose story defies gravity, fear, and convention.

From escaping a troubled home in rural Australia to becoming a world-renowned hot air and gas balloon pilot, Ruth’s journey spans decades, continents, and near-death experiences. She’s flown over the Swiss Alps, survived a shipwreck in shark-infested waters, and been saved by dolphins—and that’s just the beginning.

In this conversation, Ruth shares:

• How a red swimsuit and a secret pageant started it all

• What it feels like to hear your inner voice say “You were born to fly”

• Why fear dissolves when you're living your purpose

• Her spiritual encounters with dolphins, dream-guided balloon designs, and past life memories

• Why positive thought—literally—saved her life in the ocean

• How she honors her intuition and follows her stepping stones through life’s chaos

Ruth also talks about her award-winning memoir Conquering Clouds, how she self-published her second edition at age 82, and why it’s never too late to live a bold, soul-led life.

💫 If you’ve ever doubted your next move or felt afraid to follow your dreams—this episode will lift you up, quite literally.

🔗 Connect with Ruth at https://ruthewilson.comhttps://ruthewilson.com
📘 Order her book Conquering Clouds - https://a.co/d/7Fe7Wlx

🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruth.wilson.54379

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthwilson6087/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
03:36 Early Life and Stepping Stones
06:56 The Journey into Ballooning
12:33 Experiences in the Sky: Close Calls and Adventures
23:28 Life Lessons from Extreme Challenges
32:05 Inspiration and Legacy
35:57 The Journey of Writing a Book
38:46 Personal Reflections and Emotional Depth
40:11 Recognition and Awards: The OAM
42:00 Career Transitions and New Beginnings
45:42 Embracing Change and Trusting Instincts
47:32 The Power of Choice: Love vs. Fear
48:57 Survival and the Strength of Positive Thinking
52:44 The Ripple Effect of Positivity
55:56 Finding Joy and Sharing Experiences
58:47 Stories of Transformation and Connection

🔗 Connect with Sue Willoughby:
My Upcoming Retreats: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/events
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LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby