Please welcome Nadine. A kind, gentle soul who, despite many of life’s challenges, has come out the other side, stronger, more confident and is living her best life over 40.
What year were you born? Did your parents tell you anything about the day you were born?
I was born in the year of 1969. I’m glad I arrived still in the 60’s!
What was your life like growing up? What dreams and goals did you have for your life when you left High School?
My father had a mental illness and this caused life in my household to be a volatile one. But I did not lack love from my mother and seven siblings and I do not look back on my upbringing feeling that I missed out or had it rough.
When I graduated high school in 1987, I wanted to pursue the track that society put upon us (especially girls): go to college, meet a nice guy, get married and have kids.
Was there a time in your life where you felt ‘stuck’, unable to find the energy or strength to move forward or to make a big change? If so, can you share what it was &/or what helped you get past this road block?
I got married when I was 20, started dating him at 17. A few years into our marriage, as I grew as a person, I realized that we did not hold the same dreams, goals, values…and really were not compatible at all. We had 2 minor children, and for their sake I stayed in the relationship. We were married a total of 26 years, with the last 12 years or so being quite unhappy and unfulfilling. I felt completely stuck. Over time, I started to withdraw from the world until I was only a shell of my former self. I didn’t take care of myself physically or emotionally. I’m not sure what happened or sparked a change for me, but I decided that I did not want to waste away. And being in this state of mind was not beneficial to my kids. Eventually, the marriage ended, but we are still a family and I choose to see that as a success, not a failure.
When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
Honestly I feel most confident now, at 53. When I was in my 20s and even 30s I may have had a younger woman’s body but lacked the maturity and wisdom I have now. I still feel young on the inside, have accepted and embraced my aging journey, have accomplished many things personally and professionally and feel, on a whole, that I am at my peak! And I hope I feel the same way when I’m 63 ☺
What is the one piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t think you need to accomplish A, B and C in order to be happy. Find happiness and contentment at each phase of life. And don’t worry so much about what other people think!!
The Present
How have your dreams and goals changed now that you are 40+
Now, I feel like I value PEACE above all things. I have accomplished most of the things that I’ve set out to do. I don’t sweat the small stuff. And I’m at a point in life where I get the most joy out of uplifting and helping others.
Share an indulgence:
I’d never had a massage until I was in a bad car accident at age 51. My oh my, I’ve been missing out! And now I indulge whenever I can.
How do other people to describe you or see you?
Caring, honest, calm, giving, reliable, stubborn and picky.
Do you like being 40+?
I love being over 40!
Has your relationship with yourself changed as you have gotten older? How?
Yes! I think I give myself more grace as I get older. I don’t dwell on mistakes and am definitely not as critical of myself.
Perceptions & Advice
Are there any myths you would like to bust about the over 40s? If so, can you tell us about them?
Sex is so much better! (I guess for me, I am much more in tune with my body, I have lost inhibitions that I had when I was younger and I am more comfortable ‘receiving’ and view sex more as an experience versus an act).
What advice do you have to offer to those who are approaching mid life or those that are in mid life and perhaps struggling with it.
Embrace your aging journey! Find things to appreciate in each stage of life.
Do you have a favourite quote to share?
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” ~Pablo Picasso
“Don’t cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it.” ~Aubrey De Grey
Thank you so much for joining this project and sharing about your life. You are a beautiful soul!
You are a strong, driven woman over 40, or maybe you are trying to get your footing in this next chapter of life. Or bouncing back and forth. It’s a wild ride that’s for certain. So much change. I invite you to be a part of Forty Women Over Forty Portraits and Story Project, Volume 2.
What’s the purpose of 40/40 Vol. 2?
1. Unleash Your Potential: At 40/40 Vol. 2, I believe that age is just a number and that women over 40 have an incredible amount of untapped potential, wisdom and beauty. Through this project, you will have the opportunity to get back in touch with who you are at your core. See the beauty you have BECAUSE you are over 40 and achieve personal growth like never before. It’s time to give back to yourself.
2. Empowered Community: Join a community of like-minded women who are passionate about lifting one another up & shifting the narrative of this age group. Upon completion, the project celebration will provide the opportunity to meet and surround yourself with inspiring individuals. Fostering connection and new friendships.
3. Diverse Perspectives: I value the unique experiences and perspectives that women over 40 bring to the table. By joining us, you will play an integral role in shaping and shifting limiting beliefs for others, perhaps also for yourself, drawing upon your wealth of wisdom and abilities and sharing them with others.
Join 40/40 Vol. 2 Today!
If you're ready to embark on an exciting adventure, tap HERE. This link will take you to the 40/40 Vol. 2 project overview and application. Take the first step towards fulfilling your potential and joining this incredible cohort of women over 40.
Apply Now:
Once you reach the project overview, you'll find all the details about the exciting opportunities that await you, project goals, and application process. The application is straightforward and quick to fill out.
Join 40/40 Vol. 2 and Make a Difference:
Don't hesitate to seize the chance to be part of something game-changing. Join 40/40 Vol. 2 today and redefine what it means to be a woman over 40. Together, we will break barriers, challenge norms, and erase limiting beliefs! It’s time to come together.
Below is a ‘first take’ video of myself sharing a little insight into why this project is important to me personally…