Embracing the Journey: Aging with Grace and Joy

Welcome to the beginning of a new chapter in my life and my photography journey. As a Luxe Women's Portrait Photographer, I've always been inspired by the beauty and strength of the women I photograph. Today, I want to share my personal story and the reasons behind my decision to focus on capturing the essence of women over 50. This is the start of a series of blog posts documenting my journey of self-discovery and aging gracefully.

Growing Up Younger Than My Age:

Growing up, I was always mistaken for someone much younger than my actual age. If I was 16, I looked 12; if I was 20, I looked 15. It was often annoying, but I hoped this youthful appearance would continue into my older adult years. My mother, who was 30 or 40 and still looked much younger, had passed down her fast metabolism to me. With this genetic advantage, I felt confident about my future.

The Transformative Journey of Motherhood:

However, motherhood brought about changes I hadn't anticipated. After giving birth to my first child, I noticed immediate changes in my body. I developed diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate, causing a bulge in the stomach area and often leading to back problems. After my second child, a beautiful girl, I noticed even more changes, I heard girls tend to suck the beauty out of you. I developed more freckles and moles, and the skin under my eyes became thinner, making me look older.

While these changes were a stark reminder of my aging, they were also symbols of the incredible journey of motherhood. I became proud of these transformations, recognizing them as blessings of aging.

Entering a New Phase:

Now at 36, I find myself surrounded by friends who are 45 and up. Watching them navigate their lives, I'm more mindful of my future and the changes that come with aging. This new phase of life, where I transition from being in the societal spotlight to a group where women often feel invisible, is both weird and enlightening.

I am blessed to have older women as friends, women I can turn to for advice and inspiration. Their beauty and resilience have always drawn me in, and now it's my turn to start this journey of self-discovery. This series of blog posts is my way of documenting this new path, sharing my experiences, and learning as I go.

The Research Begins:

With the changes in my hair, skin, and body, I realize I have a lot of research ahead of me. From new skincare routines to understanding how to care for my body, I feel like I'm starting fresh. But this journey is one I'm excited to embark on, and I hope to do it gracefully and joyfully.

Invitation for Tips and Insights:

To all the incredible women reading this, if you have any tips or insights on aging gracefully, I'd love to hear them. Your wisdom and experiences are invaluable, and I'm eager to learn from you.

Here's to aging with grace and joy. Let the discovery begin!

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for more blog posts as I continue to explore and celebrate the beauty of aging. Together, we can embrace this phase of life with open hearts and minds.

P.S. Don't forget to share your tips and stories in the comments below or reach out to me directly. Let's navigate this journey together!