Angela | Mother, Career Woman
Angela, 53
Wife, Mother of 2 boys, and hard working Career Woman
We were so blessed to have Angela at the studio as one of the “40 Over 40” women! Her laugh is contagious, her smile lights up the room. She came in timid and actually tempted to cancel but I am SOOO glad she did not. Angela suffers from what most of us women suffer from - low self esteem and worth. She explains below. SO many of us women feel this way, and sadly, society only contributes to those feelings of unworthiness and self-hate. How do we change that? How can we change the voices in our heads and see ourselves as the beautiful and strong humans we are? Such a process, but if this photography experience helps any women feel good, even just for a few hours, then it is worth it.
Hear what Angela had to say about her session, and being over 40.
Why did you decide to participate in this portrait experience?
As I hate having any picture of me taken, and never like how I look in them due to finding fault with the image of myself, I thought this would capture the true beauty of how I look. I wanted to be seen as beautiful and try to gain some self confidence. I want to see what others see when they look at me. Since losing so much weight the last few years, I struggle daily with how the old me looked to how I look now. I wanted to capture the Angela of now and let others know that I am still the same person I was when I carried extra weight. I felt this experience would show who I am and the beautiful person that others see when they look at me.
How do you feel about your overall experience?
I loved having my hair and makeup done. I enjoyed getting to know Jordan and Bobbi-Jo and the laughs (and tears) that were part of the day. I was really nervous and I am so glad I had this experience. Selecting the photos was very difficult. There were so many I liked and to see them all, was very overwhelming because I felt the person I was looking at was not really me. I am most interested to hear what others will say when they see these pictures. I am very glad to be part of this Over40 experience.
What advice would you give the 20 year old version of yourself, knowing what you know now?
Most definitely I would say for the 20 year old me to enjoy being young and your healthy body. Be kind to yourself and don't over stress decisions that you make. Also travel, travel, travel while you can before you have a family and settle down. Speak your mind and be assertive but doing it nicely. Most importantly, have fun and LAUGH as loud as you can and don't worry what others think!!!!! Make as many memories as you can. Don't worry if your hair is not brushed or your clothes don't match. Be your own person and embrace each moment and every situation that you experience. Avoid certain people who are toxic to protect your emotional health. Most importantly, take the risk or you will lose the chance.
What are your thoughts on aging? Currently, past thoughts, and how have they changed over the years?
I used to hate the fact that each birthday, I was getting older. I have now accepted that this is a natural process we all go through. I have embraced the fact of everything that I have accomplished in my life to this point. I have raised two amazing sons, I have worked and contributed to my household. As I get older, I have more time to focus on myself and be able to do things, especially travelling, which was hard to do when my sons were young. I take each day as it comes and even though some days are more of a struggle and the energy level is not always there, I always make time to do the things that I love, whether it is reading a book, working out , going for a walk or enjoying a glass of wine. I now have an active lifestyle and work hard to eat right and most importantly, get enough rest!!!
