My favorite thing about being a woman over the age of 40 is the confidence that I have gained which has allowed me to take risks that I had not previously considered. As a single woman with grown children, I now have the freedom to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to my personal and professional goals. I have been able to open a counseling practice, play an active role in my community, and surround myself with friends and family without being held back by internal doubt or societal expectations.
I am living my most extraordinary life by acting in accordance with my values, loving my dog, traveling, and maintaining a mindset of constant improvement. Midlife is often a time for reflection; I have found peace with myself and others for the mistakes of the past. Every day I wake up energized and grateful for another opportunity to enjoy the life I have created.
Over the next decade, my goal is to work toward the destigmatization of mental health care and to encourage others to abstain from the use of animal products.
Karianne did a wonderful job with my photos. I felt she truly captured my spirit and allowed my personality to shine through.