Please welcome Risa. One of the most generous, loving souls I have ever met. Talented in a multi-dimensional way. You’ll learn more about that as you read on.
Risa’s Story
I was born on a Thursday in the year 1975. I was told that I was a “surprise”. My father had to attend his father’s funeral that same day. I was named after a famous actress/model during that era Marisa Berenson, she was well known for her role in the 1972 film Cabaret. Pronounced as if it has a double “s”, I oftentimes have to correct people’s mispronunciations.
Metaphorically, my life felt like a battle. I remember thinking “If I can just make it to adulthood and get out on my own, I’ll be okay.” I had begun working at age 14 cleaning motel rooms to pay for my school clothes and supplies. I made $3.85/hour which was minimum wage back then. I knew that I wanted to be successful in business, but I didn’t know what kind of business, I just knew that I wanted to be independently successful. I couldn’t wait to go to college, not to party but to learn, to get out on my own and be my own person. I learned early on that it’s “every man for himself”.
I remember bracing myself for my 40th birthday. There was something about leaving my 30s that felt like crossing a threshold. Part of me felt like I was leaving my youth behind, or some piece of me behind. But as my big birthday bash approached, I went all out. And I realized I get to keep my youth as well as move forward into growth, maturity, and wisdom, I didn’t have to leave any part of me behind. So, my party was catered with a full bar, a three tiered Wonder Woman cake, a fortune teller, photobooth, a personal movie about my 40 years on the planet, the most colorful outfit I could find, and a music playlist with every single one of my favorite songs.
Age has been just a number for me. I have learned that I get to have BOTH the wisdom of my time and experiences on this planet as well as the youthful-ness and playful perspective of my spirit. It’s not only a mindset for me, but also a heartset.
I find myself most confident when I am truly being myself and surrounding myself with others who hold the same values and share the same depth. These deep and real connections are vital to me. Realizing what I value in life and actually living it can take conscious reminders and shifts in my perspective, I certainly haven’t mastered it, but I sure strive to. Everything else is simply bullshit. It helps to have a tumor at the base of my brain to keep me in check.
I am a romantic. I love deeply, I mean dig a tunnel to the center of the earth, find the deepest ocean trench, rip out my heart and hand it over, kind of love. Let’s cut to the chase and shatter that fake plastic coating, the superficial formalities, and tell me who you are to your core, deeper than you’ve ever had the courage to go. And I will be right there with you. This is one of my greatest attributes and has also been one of my biggest lessons…but I would never want to change that about me.
Most people would never know I am someone walking around with a tumor and a rare disease, yet most days I feel like hell. I prefer this facade, yet it also comes at a cost, because then I am expected to show up with the vim and vigor for life I always have had, every single day. I rarely feel like I get a free pass. “Well you don’t look sick, you don’t act sick?” is what I often hear.
I am the girl wearing tutus when I ride my bike or go to a party. I travel when possible and have tried as many classes as I can think of including a dominatrix class, Hip Hop dance, and Aerial Silks. You might find me enjoying a documentary film festival, taking in a drag show, or paddleboarding on the river dressed as a witch for Halloween. I have no qualms about eating chocolate when I want, indulging in some retail therapy, or sipping a mimosa after a massage.
I am a master at listening. I often feel like I understand others better than they may understand themselves. Hearing the details about someone’s life is a blessing and a treasured gift.
I am passionate about being a better human, doing work that feels inspirational and helpful to others. Enjoying life by doing the things I love and experiencing new things. Saying yes and being open to magical possibilities.
I love being an inspirational speaker. I am on a mission to share information about rare pituitary diseases…which are believed to NOT be so rare but go undiagnosed.
In 2018, I was diagnosed with a rare disease and a tumor at the base of my brain. This changed the entire trajectory of my life. This changed my entire perspective…and thank gawd! I have become such a better person than I was before diagnosis! Each experience is richer and more intentional for me.
I am still battling, but it’s a different battle I am facing now, mortality. So I am determined to make this life a good one…no, a fucking brilliant and amazing one!
You can read about my determination to live life fully unleashed in my book The Road Unpaved - Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike. (Please see link at the end of Risa’s story to learn more)
I can truly say that I have created an incredible life. I have traveled all around the world and accomplished every goal I have set out for. I can’t wait to see what is on the road ahead for me, I know it will be fabulous!
That leads me to this memorable and extraordinary experience. Discovering the 40 Women Over 40 Project by Shawnalee Studios was a dream come true for me. It was a chance for me to truly unleash the parts of myself that have been suppressed or hidden for so long. I am often in awe of the stunning images I see of women in galleries, magazines, hotel lobbies and hallways, and now I get to be the stunning woman in a framed image on the wall worthy of a magazine cover. What I have also learned from this experience is that we can be our worst critic as well as our own biggest fan and how these feelings can ebb and flow. And in those times of giving myself a thumbs down on the Siskel and Ebert movie review scale, I call my friend in a panic so that she can remind me how amazing I am.
Next time you see a super-feminine-glitzy-and-glam-gal, a bad-ass-don’t-mess with-me-powerhouse, or the sexy-I-embrace-all-the-changes-(and what remains) woman in an image on the wall, yeah, that’s me, I’m incredible, and always available for autographs.
To learn more about me and my story, go to: www.risaaugust.com
Thank you so much for taking the time to share Risa! I can’t wait to read your book!
Risa’s New Book: The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor & a Bike
Instagram: @risaunleashed
Are you interested in learning if this project is right for you? Keep scrolling to learn more…
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…