Listen up! Forget what, as children, you thought it meant to be a woman over forty! Today a new story is being written in the lives of women entering their fourth decade and beyond – one where women are stepping into their power, radiating strength, and wisdom, and living unapologetically. We designed the “Fierce After Forty” campaign at Show Your Spark to celebrate the strength, beauty, and fierceness of these women who have earned their stripes in the battles of life. You can be fierce & fine AND over forty! (The Triple F!)
Today, we meet AnnMarie, a woman who embodies this fierce spirit. In our conversation, AnnMarie shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt, discovering her inner warrior, and learning to cherish the precious gift of time.
Keep reading!
Fierce & Fine – Like a Warrior Princess
Michelle: What are one to three words you would use to describe yourself?
AnnMarie: Creative. Nurturing. Curious.
Michelle: What does the word “fierce” bring to mind?
AnnMarie: I see a warrior princess.
Michelle: What are you proud of yourself for having overcome in your life?
AnnMarie: A lot of anxiety, and self-worth issues. When I got divorced, I had to figure out which was more important- having a roof over my head or having self-worth.
Michelle: What have you learned about yourself and life since stepping into your current decade?
AnnMarie: I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was.
Michelle: What do you value now that you didn’t value in your earlier years?
AnnMarie: Time. Just time. I always used to say “someday” or “I can’t wait till this day is over. I appreciate each day more now.
Owning the Wisdom that Comes with Time
Michelle: Sometimes it takes a loss to appreciate that stuff. I hear you there. What do you want others to know about what it means to be a woman over 40?
AnnMarie: Forty is just a number. It’s how many years we’ve been on the planet; It’s not who we are or any sort of gauge of our wisdom, our beauty, or our worth.
Michelle: What are you looking forward to in the coming years?
AnnMarie: Continuing to grow creatively, hopefully having some healthier years, and enjoying being me.
Michelle: Yes. I love that. What has being part of this Fierce After 40 project meant to you?
AnnMarie: It seems like a small thing, but it’s actually very empowering and very healing. There has been a healing vibe here and validation.
Learning to Embrace Self-Love
Michelle: Why did you choose to be a part of this project?
AnnMarie: For a lot of reasons, but mainly for myself– to remind myself that I don’t have to judge myself the way the rest of the world judges me. I can love myself– and it’s okay.
Also, I want to show people that despite things being tough or things not being perfect, if you wait for everything to be perfect all the time, then you’re just going to miss out on experiencing all that you want to experience. I should be able to just say, “Hey, you know what? There’s no guarantee any of us are going to be here tomorrow, so I’m going to show you what I got today and I’m going to make the most of everything.”
Michelle: What advice would you give to your younger self?
AnnMarie: Oh, goodness. Don’t feel guilty for what you aren’t. Embrace what you are.
Michelle: What does your Fierce After Forty photograph say about you?
AnnMarie: I just feel like it shows not only my own glow, my quirky personality, and my style, but it kind of embodies who I am. I finally get to be me without feeling like somebody’s looking at me funny. It’s nice to see the me that I feel on the inside, in a tangible form through photography.
Owning Your Glow, Igniting Your Spark
AnnMarie’s story is a testament to the transformative power of self-acceptance and embracing the fullness of who you are. It’s a reminder that beauty transcends numbers and wisdom grows with every passing year. Her journey from navigating anxiety and self-doubt to claiming her fierce spirit and celebrating her unique quirks serves as a beacon for all of us.
As AnnMarie so eloquently states, “Forty is just a number.” It’s our perception, our choices, and our willingness to embrace our authentic selves that truly define who we are and the magic we bring to the world.
Let AnnMarie’s story ignite your own spark – embrace your individuality, make the most of every moment, own your inner glow, and step into your own “Fierce After Forty” chapter with confidence and joy. The world awaits the brilliance you bring.
If you want to show off your After Forty Fierceness, contact us today!
Remember, you are powerful, courageous, and one of a kind! Show Your Spark!
Here’s what to expect when you contact us!
- Schedule a free consultation call to have all your questions answered and start planning your Spark Experience.
- Select a Spark Session date that fits your schedule. (Studio located in Braintree, MA)
- Rock the session like the bright light that you are, and create beautiful, tangible artwork to inspire you for the rest of your life.
Remember, you are powerful, courageous, and one of a kind! Show Your Spark!
