I would love to hear your story? What are the experiences that shaped who you are today?
Being the eldest child forces you into being a trailblazer so I have always been the one up front. Not a role I would have chosen given the choice. Experienced sexual abuse as a young teen which took me down a very self destructive path, became pregnant at 16, married and stayed in that abusive marriage for 15 years resulting in me losing any sense of identity, self-esteem or sense of value. I became a Christian 4 years into that marriage and began a journey of healing and discovery which eventually gave me the courage to end the marriage. I learned very quickly to rely upon God and His strength – there is a scripture that says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me“ and that has been my truth for the last 44 years. I always had good jobs that gave value and worth when I didn’t receive it from anywhere else. Eventually, I remarried and have for the last 30 years been loved, honoured and cherished by my husband who gives me room to be me. As a result, I am whole, healed of past trauma and living a fulfilled and blessed life now.
Tell about the time in your life when you felt the most powerful?
My first trip overseas I went to the US. alone to visit my penpal. That trip impacted me greatly because I discovered I was a person in my own right I came home changed with a sense of empowerment that I could change the things happening in my life. I eventually ended my first marriage as a result of that realisation.
What is your inner attribute that you like the most?
Perseverance. I don’t give up easily and will fight for what is right.
Are you at ease with your own body and age?
Yes, as I have come to accept and like myself more and more that has included my body and age.
What would you try to do if you felt that you couldn’t fail?
I would like to take a team to visit churches we support in Africa and India on a missionary trip.
Research shows that a lot of women want to know that the work they do is significant, meaningful and embodies their highest potential. What do you think?
Yes I agree significance, meaning and potential are important but I also discovered its more important to get those things from who you are than from what you do. My jobs have always given me a sense of those things but who I am goes beyond the work place.
What words of wisdom, based on your personal experience, would you like to share with others who struggle to see their own inner light and inner power?
Never give up. I found significance, light, strength, power and much more besides in my relationship with Jesus Christ. Find Him and you will find yourself.
What do you do to let your hair down or as a self-care ritual?
I get my nails done as a treat so they always look beautiful. I have coffee with my friends at least once a week.
Who are the women that you find inspiring and have influenced you in some way?
There are many very inspiring Christian women who have overcome incredible life experiences that I admire and draw from. The other person would be my mum whose life example influences my life.
Why are beautiful photos of yourself important to you now?
Photos make a statement. I never felt like I had a statement to make until now. My statement is that God took my mess and turned it around. My photos are a legacy for the women in my family that we are strong, resilient and we embrace life with determination and perseverance.
If you’re a woman over 50 and would like to participate in the 50 over 50 Project, here’s the link to register https://joystudio.co/50-over-50/
If you’re not, and would like to have your gorgeous self or family captured in stunning photos, here’s the link to register interest for a consultation https://joystudio.co/book-your-consultation/