Debra booked a portrait session for The Over 50 Revolution to celebrate her life as she turned 55. She sees growing older as a privilege.
Her photo session was the day before what would have been her mother’s 81st birthday. On the day after her session, Debra felt “so wonderful and empowered. My mother’s life was cut short at the age of 48. Every day I live past the year she died I am so grateful that I have the chance to experience life in a way that she was not able to.”
Debra and her dog Hazel have a special bond. It was important to Debra to have her in some of the portraits. Dogs are always welcome!
Debra had been following The Over 50 Revolution on social media. “I could see the essence of [each woman’s] inner beauty — an authenticity that is often overlooked and not celebrated nearly enough in our society.” She wanted to see that beauty in herself the same way. And she did. “I absolutely love the images that you have created for me and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to have this experience with you in your studio.”
Now that she is in her mid-fifties, Debra finds herself much less concerned about what others think of her. “I also feel a greater sense of confidence about who I am and who I am becoming. I have hardly any interest in following the confinements and expectations that society has for women, especially those of us who are older. I am more present, and I have such a greater appreciation for life as it is in the moment. I cherish the relationships that I have with my family and loved ones, knowing that so much is changing for all of us. I am amazed as I watch my children grow and navigate new chapters in their lives and I don’t want to miss a second of it.”
Growing up, Debra’s main role model was her mother. “She was a truly beautiful and remarkable woman. [When I was a] young girl, she went back to school to earn her college degree in her 30s. At the time she was a single parent with limited resources. Yet she managed to work, take care of my brother and me, earn her degree, and graduate with honors. During this time in our lives, I remember her laughter and wonderful friends coming and going in our home. There was always such a great feeling of community and belonging. She later remarried and although our life circumstances had changed her spirit of humor, love and courage stayed the same as she moved through a life filled with new challenges. Her example has influenced so much of my life in the best of ways. I’ve been very fortunate to have some wonderful friends and mentors who are my role models today. They too have influenced and enriched my life in so many ways with their love, support, and authenticity.”
The advice Debra would give women who are younger than her is to “Unapologetically be your true self. Don’t be afraid to speak up or take up space. You have so much to offer. Know that whatever choices you make that they are yours to make as you are the one who will live with them. If you find yourself going in a direction that you don’t believe is right for you, take the time to pause and reassess, nothing is ever wasted. Often, mistakes are what we need to move us forward along our path. Be kind to yourself and never settle for less than what you know in your heart is right for you.”
Celebrate Your Life and Beauty!
If you’d like to see yourself in beautiful portraits, get in touch with me. If you are a woman over the age of fifty and you’d like to share your images and words, The Over 50 Revolution is for you. I hope you’ll join me for this luxurious and empowering experience. Book a portrait session for The Over 50 Revolution. You can learn more HERE.