There’s something truly remarkable about meeting a woman who embodies grace, strength, and resilience all at once. This is more than apt for our Fierce After Forty Project’s oldest participant. Self-described as patient, kind, and blessed, Spark Alumni Judy offers a perspective created by a life richly lived.
In this interview, Judy shares with us her definition of fierce, the unwavering strength she discovered within, and the wisdom she’s gained after eight decades.
Join us as we celebrate her fierce spirit, explore the power of self-love at any age, and discover the beautiful truth – age is just a number, and fierceness knows no bounds.
What does the word “fierce” mean to you?
“Fierce can mean different things. I think it depends on the circumstances that you’re in. Sometimes you have to be fierce and fight for what you feel is the right thing, whether it’s standing up for yourself or your children or a cause. It could also denote strength, strength of character.”
What are you proud of yourself for having overcome in your life?
“I think it’s just the very recent illness that I’ve been dealing with. For the past 15 months, I have lived on the edge of not knowing when I would get pain and have to go to the emergency room. I’ve been very patient with a situation where I’ve not always been sure what I’m going to be asked to do.”
What have you learned about yourself and life since stepping into your current decade?
“In this current decade of my life, I’ve learned that I can do anything that comes my way. I can accept any challenge. You don’t know how resilient you are or how strong you are sometimes until you are put into certain situations. One of my unexpected situations was caring for my husband during his 9-year battle with Alzheimer’s. I consider myself very blessed to be able to have been patient enough to do that. I had no idea how that journey was going to go or what experience we would have. I look back on it and say, I did the best that I could”
What do you want others to know about what it means to be a woman over forty?
“I would tell other women looking toward their forties, ”Don’t be afraid of things. Don’t be afraid of change. Changes happen all of the time. Learn to accept them, learn to alter them to meet your needs. But don’t be afraid of change. All things change. God alone remains unchanging.””
What has it meant for you to be part of this Fierce After Forty?
“It’s been absolutely amazing to be a part of the Fierce After Forty Project. I’m still beside myself that I am sitting here having had this experience today. It isn’t anything that was ever in my vision, and it just makes me feel very, very special.”
“I think it’s a very important project. As you know, I’m well over 40, almost twice over 40. Through my years, I’ve learned that you have to love yourself. If you don’t, when you’re younger, you have to do that as you age. It’s important for your mental health and your physical health. So I’m delighted to be here and be a part of this project.”
What advice would you give to younger women?
“I encourage younger women to hold on. You’ll have your ups and downs but just stay the course. Don’t give up.”
Tell me what your chosen Fierce After Forty Portrait says about you.
“My Fierce After Forty Portrait says, “Here I am at almost 80 and full of joy, life, and happiness.”
The Fierce After Forty Project, designed by Show Your Spark Photography Studio, seeks to highlight 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!
