Fierce After Forty Alumni, Kerri, age 44, epitomizes the word love. In all that she does, she leans into love over fear and teaches others to do the same. Having overcome tremendous hardships in life, she is not only surviving but thriving and living a life of her own creation rooted in her deep knowledge and love for herself.
As a participant in Show Your Spark’s Fierce After Forty Project, she encourages other women to embrace the fullness of themselves, to show up as the most authentic versions of themselves, and to live life with joy.
Continue reading to hear Kerri’s words of wisdom.
Immersing Myself in Laughter and Love
“I spend my days immersed in laughter and love, both for myself and for all of humanity. I’ve realized how easy it is to confine ourselves within self-imposed limitations. I often see others doing the same. By showing up authentically and holding space for those around me without expectation or judgment. I create an environment that encourages kindness, self-love, and joy.
This simple act of embracing my true self inspires others to incorporate play and laughter into their lives, even in the most unexpected moments. I truly believe that these elements are fundamental to living a peaceful life deeply connected to ourselves and others.
In my daily life, I express myself through singing, dancing, and creating art. I also work with clients, guiding them to cultivate curiosity and discover who they are beyond societal norms and past beliefs that may limit their joy.
Staying connected to myself allows me to experience the most beautiful and unexpected moments each day. My passion lies in teaching others to embrace this journey, helping them find their own paths to joy and fulfillment.”
Embracing the Complexity of My Identity
“Today, as a fierce woman at 44, I embrace the complexity of my identity, recognizing that I can be someone different in each moment. My journey has involved significant work on my stories, beliefs, and internal narratives, allowing me to approach life with genuine curiosity and a hearty dose of laughter. I don’t take myself too seriously; instead, I strive to find humor even when things don’t unfold as I might wish.
I’ve stepped into a space of integrity and inspiration. When I’m truly connected to myself, to love, and to the greater collective of humanity, I become spontaneous and free. I allow my heart to guide me, unburdened by the need for approval from others.
My superpower lies in my ability to show up fully expressed in every moment, whether I’m sharing a vulnerable experience, holding space for someone processing their emotions, or cultivating unconditional love with my loved ones. By doing so, I give others permission to embrace their own authenticity.
To me, being fierce means not shying away from who I am in all aspects of my life. I understand that my identity is fluid; who I am in one moment may not define me in the next. Embracing the unfolding of life, rather than clinging to expectations, allows me to navigate my journey with grace and authenticity.”
Living Authentically
“To me, the word “fierce” embodies the courage to show up in each moment as my authentic self, free from the constraints of others’ perceptions. It means embracing my individuality and stepping into my fierceness without fear of judgment or conformity.
When I tap into this fierce energy, I connect deeply with love, allowing it to unfold in unexpected and beautiful ways. This authenticity not only empowers me but also inspires those around me to embrace their own fierce selves.”
Proudly Growing Through Life Experiences
“On the surface, answering this question may seem straightforward. Having navigated various addictions and climbed the corporate ladder to achieve what many consider the pinnacle of success, I could easily say that my greatest triumph lies in overcoming tremendous suffering and learning to show up as my true self, liberated from societal norms.
However, I believe I’m most proud of my understanding that I was the one who created the conditions for my suffering—not through any conscious fault of my own, but due to my beliefs, habits, and behaviors. Once I granted myself permission to examine these limiting beliefs, I began to adopt new ones that felt more supportive and nurturing.
This transformative work didn’t eliminate painful moments from my life, but it shifted my perspective. Instead of feeling victimized by my experiences, I learned to see each instance of pain as an opportunity for deeper self-discovery. I broke free from old habits and patterns, embarking on a journey of endless exploration.
In summary, I take pride in my willingness to be curious, to shift perspectives, and to remain open to the gifts and blessings life offers—whether they come from experiences that feel good or those that challenge me emotionally.”
Learning to say “Yes”
“In reflecting on my decade in my forties, the most profound lesson I’ve learned is to simply say yes. Say yes to life, to the emotions that arise in each moment, and to the unexpected changes in plans. Say yes to the gift of peace that comes from not knowing exactly who I am, and to embracing my imperfect yet authentic self in every situation.
I’ve discovered that saying yes opens me up to learning and growth, allowing me to receive the gifts others offer—be it insight, love, rejection, or new opportunities. By embracing this mindset, I not only show up in love for myself but also extend that love to others. This journey has also highlighted the importance of listening to myself more than I listen to anyone else in this world.”
Maximizing the Opportunity for Self-Discovery and Growth
“To everyone over 40, I want you to know that this phase of life is a profound opportunity for self-discovery and growth. The work I do involves helping people of all ages step out of conditioning to embrace their authentic selves, and I believe this is especially relevant in your forties.
Regardless of your age, you are worthy of unconditional self-love. The very fact that you exist in this body and experience speaks to your intrinsic worthiness. You deserve to embrace all the gifts that life has to offer, and you possess the power within yourself to dream big and achieve those dreams.
Dreaming big stems from self-love and the willingness to fall flat on your face repeatedly. Rather than viewing these moments as failures, see them as valuable lessons that propel you forward in your pursuit of what truly resonates with you—what brings you peace, joy, passion, and purpose.
If I could leave you with one key insight, it would be this: We are all connected beings having a human experience. When we prioritize self-care and show up for ourselves, we naturally extend that service to others. So, get curious, give yourself permission to follow what feels right, and watch how it transforms not only your life but also the lives of those around you.”
Showing Up In Service and Support For One Another
“Being part of the Fierce After Forty campaign resonates deeply with my soul for several reasons. First and foremost, the cause it supports—helping individuals break free from domestic violence—aligns profoundly with my own journey as a domestic violence thriver. I am not merely surviving; I am truly thriving, and I believe in the power of sharing that message.
This campaign also provides a platform to honor and connect with women who courageously show up for themselves in ways that resonate with their authentic selves. It creates a space where we can deepen our connection to ourselves and, in turn, foster connections with other women.
As I’ve mentioned before, we are all interconnected. Unfortunately, societal conditioning has often led women to view each other as competitors, fostering feelings of threat instead of support. Being part of the Fierce After Forty campaign allows me to appreciate, admire, and learn from other women who are breaking free from these outdated habits. Together, we can show up in service and support for one another.
By doing so, we not only uplift ourselves but also extend that support to the world around us. This campaign is a beautiful reminder of the strength and resilience we share as women, and I am honored to be a part of it.”
Expressing My Strength Artistically
“Reflecting on my two Spark Experiences, I wouldn’t say they necessarily changed me, but they certainly highlighted the gift of my presence to myself. It’s easy to become ensnared in the daily grind of tasks and roles dictated by my circumstances. However, this experience allowed me to perceive my strength in a more artistic and visual way, rather than just a visceral feeling.
In that sense, it has transformed me in ways that are difficult to articulate, fostering a deep and profound sense of wonder and knowing that I’ve cultivated since the sessions. This newfound awareness allows me to simply be, and in that state of being, I give myself a precious gift.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this experience, as it enabled me to see myself in a way that I felt but had not previously visually connected with. This shift has enriched my self-image and empowered me to show up in the world with greater authenticity and confidence.”
Encapsulating the Beautiful Messiness of My Human Experience
“My Spark Session photographs convey the duality of my existence; they reflect that I am both dark and light. They reveal my gritty tenacity and my willingness to take up space in the world, fully embracing who I am. At the same time, they express my softness, fragility, and vulnerability, acknowledging that I am subject to my own heart’s breaking.
These images also speak to my sensual side, showcasing my capacity for deep, meaningful connections with my body and the love I share with my partner. They illustrate not only my ability to give love but also to receive it.
Ultimately, the photos encapsulate the beautiful messiness of my human experience—embracing both my empowered and meek sides, my loving nature, and moments of feeling closed off. They highlight my willingness to connect intimately with my body and with those I love, capturing the full spectrum of my journey.”
Exploring Unrecognized Aspects of Yourself
“My advice is simple: as Nike beautifully puts it, just do it. Fear is a pervasive force within the human psyche, and I find it especially prominent among older women. Many of us struggle with societal expectations of beauty and feel inadequate in comparison.
If you’re looking to experience yourself differently, I strongly encourage you to give yourself permission to do something unexpected by participating in a Spark Session. Whether you’re 20 or 70, this experience is not merely about capturing your beauty and strength in photographs; it’s about connecting with the team at the studio, with yourself, and exploring aspects of yourself that you may not have fully recognized.
Embrace the opportunity to be brave, to tackle hard things, and to step outside your comfort zone. Most importantly, allow yourself to showcase your own worthiness, unconditional love, and the unique gift of simply being you. This experience can be transformative, and I wholeheartedly believe it’s worth taking the leap.”
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!
