When I asked Nicole why she wanted to participate in Extraordinary: the Over 50 Revolution, she told me about her experience after her mother’s death a year ago. “As my brother and I were looking through her photos, I realized that the reason why there were so few, was because she was the one always behind the camera. This is what prompted me to step out from behind my camera and be vulnerable for a day.”
Nicole said, “Women over 50 have spent more than half a century changing the world – whether it has been by teaching generations of children, taking care of patients in their darkest moments, or changing the world through maternal love and guidance.”
When she turned 50, she no longer felt the need to prove herself to anyone. She finally understood “that the opinions of others were not my problem, and that it is okay to take time for self-care and interests. As women, we often want to fix things so everyone is happy. Realistically, we are not responsible for the happiness of others. In the end, I am enough.”
When asked about women role models, Nicole said, “I am a nurse, as was my mother. She has, and always will be, my role model in my profession. She was an amazing patient advocate and did not let anyone, including doctors, come between her and exceptional patient care. [My mother said] ‘Always remember, Nicole, you don’t work for the doctors!’ Her tenacity and genuine desire to help others helped me realize that I can be the voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves.”
Nicole’s advice to women who are younger than her: “Always be honest. First, be honest to yourself– don’t let others dictate who/what you should be. That is not theirs to determine. Second, be honest in all that you – the world deserves to be blessed with who you were created to be and the gifts you were born with.”
“I will consider myself accomplished if my children (13 of them) all grow to realize the importance of family, compassion for others, and laughter. Alone, I am just one person…. But after 55 years, I have changed the world one diaper at a time.”
Nicole’s husband, Tim, joined her for some portraits. He wore his kilt to honor his Scottish ancestry.
You Are Enough!
Book your portrait experience in 2023. If you are a woman over the age of fifty, “the Over 50 Revolution” is for you. It’s for everyone who loves you and for other women of all ages, to show them that they are worthy, too. I hope you’ll join me in this luxurious and empowering experience. You can find out more HERE