Katja Burkard, the recognizable face of RTL for over 30 years, has captivated audiences as the host of "Punkt 12," delivering daily news with her unique blend of information and entertainment. Now, as she approaches her 60th birthday, Burkard opens up about her personal struggles and the path to self-acceptance and empowerment.
Despite aging being fraught with concerns for many women, Burkard embraces her upcoming milestone with confidence. "I know what I can do, I'm more relaxed than ever, and I come to terms with myself more every day. So why should I hide?" she states, exhibiting her new philosophy on life brought about by her past experiences.
The years leading up to this moment were not always easy for Burkard. Reflecting on her life, she admits to having faced moments of self-doubt, particularly when she was younger. At 30, she recalls grappling with uncertainty about her career and family choices. "I had impostor syndrome; the feeling of maybe not being good enough stressed me completely. Like I was just Katja from Westerwald, how could I be working on television?" she openly shares.
Burkard's life took on new challenges as her daughters, Marie-Therese (23) and Katharina (17), began to pursue their paths outside the family home. Marie-Therese moved to Madrid to complete her studies, and Katharina opted for boarding school. This sudden change left Burkard facing what she described as the "Empty-Nest Syndrome." "I was like paralyzed. I was tired, drained, and after work, I would lie down – something I never did before," she confessed, acknowledging how the absence of her daughters affected her mental health.
Throughout this transition, Burkard has taken steps toward addressing her mental well-being. She has always been vocal about her experiences and the importance of speaking about mental health. Recently, she shared insights from her upcoming book, "60 ist das neue 60," which hits the shelves on February 12. "I definitely had more issues with age when I was 30 than I do now," Burkard explained, as she reflected on earlier times filled with insecurities about motherhood and career expectations.
Her commitment to therapy became apparent as she mentioned investing much of her salary to seek help during her thirties. "I spent half my salary on psychoanalysis. But to this day, I say it was the best money I've ever spent," she professes, emphasizing the positive impact therapy has had on her life.
Katja Burkard’s heartfelt revelations serve as motivation for many women dealing with their own insecurities related to aging and personal growth. Rather than shying away from her feelings, she publicly embraces them, turning her vulnerabilities around to create empowerment.
Through her openness about her life's struggles, she offers many women the courage to accept themselves, acknowledge their weaknesses, and work toward personal growth. Burkard is not just sharing her story but also advocating for mental health awareness, showing how one can navigate life's transitions with grace.
Her narrative resonates deeply, particularly as she offers relatable advice to women approaching similar life stages. "It’s all about embracing who you are and being at peace with where you are in life," Burkard encourages.
With her book on the horizon, she hopes to reach out to her audience and shed light on the beautiful complexity of being a woman, particularly as one ages. Burkard’s empowering message reflects her newfound philosophy: life doesn't just continue; it flourishes, even at 60.