One night while enjoying a glass… or two of wine, I was scrolling through Facebook as you do to pass the time and ShaBo STUDIO popped up in my news feed with her 40 Over 40 Project. Intrigued, I read a little more into the project and then without any second thoughts I had sent all my details to Sharon as I wanted to be a part of it. Shocked and surprised at what I had committed too is an understatement because I really dislike getting my photo taken, just ask everyone around me. I think I can honestly say it was the wine that gave me the confidence to apply. After pondering the though of what I had committed to, I was excited and nervous but felt this could possibly help me finally accept and feel comfortable in my own skin.
I think I was in my twenties when I started to feel conscious about my body, probably more so after I had my children, two boys now men. I don’t recall having any real issues in my teens or at any time going through high school. Social media wasn’t as prevalent back then as it is now but there were still magazines, good ole Dolly and Cleo.
It has been a journey over the many years, always chasing the perfect diet or exercise regimes to get the quickest and most effective results that really never last. Our worst enemy and critic is ourselves and always will be, why is it we never listen to or find it hard to accept our partners and friends when they say how beautiful, great looking, stunning you don’t need to change a thing… etc
Well, I have now just started to listen to them but there will still be some part of me that I won’t be happy with but I will not be obsessed with it. I am unique, an individual and that is why I look the way I do. I don’t want to be a perfect version which leads to the question, “what is perfection”? Every ones idea of perfect is different to the next. Just be the best version of yourself and I am OK with mine!
I will sometimes just glance at myself when I walk pas a mirror and then do a double take and do that face that says “not bad, looking good”. We’ve all done that at some stage, more so my husband, lol.
Best I introduce myself, my name is Clare and I am 55, married and proud mother of two.