A decade ago, if you had asked Spark Alumni Bridget to describe herself, she might have had a different answer than she now gives. As a woman approaching 50, she has been through a lot in her life. Yet, she refuses to allow her circumstances to bring her down. Self-described as unbreakable, fun, and strong, She has found her voice, inner strength, and inner fierceness. Now, she looks forward to living life to the fullest and being the best she can be no matter what.
We interviewed each woman who participated in the Show Your Spark Fierce After Forty Project to learn more about what makes them fierce. They permitted us to share their stories so you will be encouraged and inspired to find your inner fierceness.
Learn more about how Spark Alumni Bridget discovered her inner fierceness. We hope you find inspiration from her story.
Tell us a little about who you are and your journey to becoming who you are now.
“I am a woman who has been through a lot in her life and who now is finding out who her true self is!”
“As a child, I had a difficult life. To start things off, I was adopted (by the most amazing family in the world). This led to not trusting people and thinking I had always done something wrong to cause this. It made life hard. Also, when I was a teenager, I was diagnosed with a few mental disorders. I went through life on autopilot not caring about life much. As I got older things did not get any easier.”
“I decided to start a family, thinking this would bring me happiness. It did for a while until that also fell apart and ended in divorce. Then I found the love of my life, my soulmate. My life finally started turning around until one day I went to start my day as usual and woke up to not being able to walk. I found myself 37 years old in a nursing home trying to learn to live life in a wheelchair and a body riddled with arthritis. I lived this way for a few years until I got to have surgery for new hips.”
“The surgeries were a success, except I went into septic shock after the second surgery. My daughter saved my life that day, seeing the signs and getting me medical help. From that time on. I decided not to take my life for granted. I decided to try and live a better life, be a better mom, a better wife, a better grandmother, and a better daughter. Life was going good. Then, I got approved for a knee replacement surgery, which was much needed to be able to walk without assistive devices.”
“Life was going well until again I was met with a downfall. This time was very tough, as I was a victim of domestic violence from the love of my life. This turned me upside down, but I have found extreme strength from this. I never knew I was a strong woman until now. I am no longer codependent. I am no longer living day to day wondering if today will be a good or a bad day at home. Every day from here on out has been a good day. I’m strong and independent!! I am loving my newfound life!”
What does the “inner fierceness” mean to you?
“Fierce is a frame of mind. Fierce is how you carry yourself. Fierce is how you look at yourself in the mirror. Being fierce gives you strength to make it through each day!”
What are you proud of yourself for having overcome in your life?
“I’m most proud to have overcome the last stage in my rollercoaster life. Domestic violence is something you never expect to happen to you. It’s always someone you have heard about, but not yourself. I honestly did not think I could overcome this. But, I have found more strength in myself now, than I have ever in my life. I’m proud of myself for finding the strength to be who I am today!”
What have you learned about yourself and life since stepping into your current decade of life?
“I have learned I have a voice that can be heard. I learned I am the only one who can control my destiny. I have learned to be more forgiving to myself. Lastly, I have learned to hold my head up and be proud of myself, no matter what other people may say.”
What do you value now that you didn’t value in your earlier years?
“The thing I value the most now, that I did not growing up and into my 30s, is family. Because I was adopted, I thought family was there just to hurt you. I thought family always turned their backs on you. So I always did this to my family before they could do it to me. I found out, that just because one family didn’t want me, did not mean that another family couldn’t.”
What do you want others to know about what it means to be a woman over 40?
“Life may feel complicated to you, but if you break it down into small tasks you can achieve what you want.”
What are you looking forward to in the coming years?
“Being a strong woman in her 50s. Living life to the fullest and being the best I can be no matter what.”
What has being a part of this “Fierce After 40” project meant to you? Why did you choose to apply to be a part of this project?
“I believe that being part of this project was a way for me to grow from the caterpillar into the butterfly. I rarely see myself as a beautiful strong woman. This project gave me the strength to spread my butterfly wings and create a new me! I chose to apply because I know how these photos make you feel. I wanted that feeling as I’m turning 50 and to continue in my journey. I wanted to show you can be beautiful, strong, confident, and badass at any age!”
Tell us a little bit about your journey with your body, from childhood to now, and what it means to be a part of a photography project highlighting the beauty and strength of women over forty.
“I have never truly loved my body. I always had something bad to say or something I disliked about myself.”
“As a young girl, I always just wanted to be one of the boys. I always wanted to hang out with them more than I wanted to be with girls. I didn’t like girly stuff. I loved motorcycles, cars, and music. So much so that I even cut all my hair off. Then I started developing more into a woman. I chose to embrace myself as a girl at that point. I still hated how I looked.”
“As I got older everything that you should be happy about I could never truly love because I hated myself. I married and divorced, this made me more self-conscious about my body. Then as I got older, I got sick and had surgery after surgery. And I hated my scars. Then along came “Show your Spark.” I walked in as a nervous woman not knowing what to expect of myself or my photos. That day after seeing my pictures I walked out feeling Alive, Strong, and BEAUTIFUL!! Now I have been back 3 times, I believe being part of this project will give other women the strength to break down their barriers and follow other women facing the same issues. I have never felt so free!!”
What advice would you give to yourself 20-30 years ago?
“Be more independent. Make sure to find yourself fully before you try becoming someone’s partner. That way you can be your true self and not codependent on someone. This way you can conquer anything that comes at you.”
What does your chosen photograph say about you?
“This photo seems to say a lot. It speaks of my strength as an older woman!! It shows I can hold my head up and conquer whatever comes my way!”
The Fierce After Forty Project, designed by Show Your Spark Photography Studio, seeks to highlight the inner fierceness of powerful women over Forty through photography and storytelling. In doing so, we inspire countless other women to embrace and celebrate their journey, bodies, and power – no matter their season of life.
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!
