Ria is one of the participants of our 40 over 40 Experience this year. It has been wonderful photographing women over 40 and I can’t wait to share more shoots with you. We have met incredible women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s & even 80s and we’re so excited for the exhibit! If you want to participate, fill out a form HERE.
We asked Ria questions about beauty and confidence over 40:
How did you feel before your photo shoot?
Before the photoshoot I had moments of "what am I doing?" Nervous excitement was the dominant emotion I was feeling leading up to the day. I will admit having my photos taken is not something I enjoy. Self conscious of my appearance. My ability to "take a good photo" was not something I was confident about. But there was also this intuitive pull that this photoshoot is something I needed to do. To help give me the confidence to step out of the shadows and give myself that boost.
How did you feel when you saw your photos?
I was worried that I would have only a few possible ones that would turn out. I was so happy to see that Agnes was able to capture aspects of myself that I didn't know existed. I was happy with them all. No, I was beyond happy. And I have started crafting ideas in my head for a future shoot in another year or two. The photos were just the confidence boost I needed.
What excites you about your future? What are your goals and plans you look forward to?
I am working on creating a holistic wellness program for women midlife and beyond. Using nutrition as the foundation, and weaving in mindset and movement. Helping women enter this potent time of their lives with a sense of empowerment. That this is not a time where its "all downhill from here" but the beginning of so much more.
How do you nurture your confidence on a regular basis?
I have learned that it's important who I surround myself with. Years ago, I wanted to be accepted and liked by anyone, and sometimes that "anyone" was not the best for me and my confidence. I now surround myself with those who celebrate my wins, without jealousy or passive aggressive sabotage, while also walking with me through loss and difficult times. Another tool I incorporate, which is something I encourage my clients to do is gratitude, not just for the things in our lives such as a home, food, sun is shining etc. but gratitude for our bodies, gratitude that my body and I enjoyed that beautiful evening walk, gratitude that my body and I were able to experience traveling to see my daughter in Scotland, or even gratitude of the sensation of a hug from a loved one. I do not have confidence down to a science, I am human. And I still continue to struggle with confidence, but I am more aware now of that "voice" from years of conditioning that no longer serves me and holds me back. Confidence to put myself out there and show who I truly am gets easier day by day.
How do you define beauty at this point in your life? What makes you feel beautiful?
Beauty at this point in my life is having grey hair, fine lines and wrinkles, scars, etc. that show a life that is well lived. I see beauty more from an inner source. When you meet that woman who doesn't necessarily tick the boxes of what society deems as beautiful, but in her confidence, they way she carries herself, the way she articulates herself, and has a genuine care and interest in those around her, she is the most beautiful woman in the room. It is the beauty that comes from the heart and soul of a person.
Why are you proud of yourself at this point in your life?
I am proud of starting a new business in my 50's after raising my three amazing children. The timing has led to just a few bumps in the road of being self employed, but all those challenges, highs and lows, tears, and so many lessons in my life leading up to this point have given me the resilience to understand and know that those bumps are showing me what I do not necessarily want to reflect in my business. I found myself early on, trying to create a business based on what I thought others expected it to be, how others expected me to show up. I have taken steps back from my business for personal reflection earlier this year, and I am proud of myself for doing that, to take that time for much needed self reflection and learning. To now be working on a program that reflects my own personal archetype and how I want to help nurture connection with other like minded women, and educate them on how we can move forward beyond 40 with confidence, vitality, health and joy.
Are there any myths about being your age you'd like to bust?
Growing up I was presented with so many myths about aging. That as we age we cease to contribute anything meaningful to society. Seeing men becoming "silver foxes", gaining respectability for their wisdom as they age, while as women, if we are not young and fertile, what good are we? […] As women 40 and beyond we have so much to offer. That the toxic patriarchy that have for centuries made sure we "knew our place" is slowly being challenged and being replaced with a more balanced approach to our roles as women in society not just in our youth but also beyond. I find myself being drawn to ancestral knowledge. As I have been going through menopause I have taken to journaling my experiences. […] In my journaling I have found that there is so much power in this stage of life, yes, as with entering any new stage of life, there are endings. Ending in our way of being physically, emotionally and spiritually. But there are also beginnings.
“When it was time to see my photos, I was worried that I would have only a few possible ones that would turn out. I was so happy to see that Agnes was able to capture aspects of myself that I didn’t know existed. I was happy with them all and had to have them all. No, I was beyond happy. [...] The photos were just the confidence boost I needed.”
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