Women Over 40 Project:
Celebrating women whose power, beauty, strength, grace, and spirit do not diminish with age.
I would like you to meet the UNSTOPPABLE
TINA SMITH
Tina has an infectious laugh. Like all people, she was nervous about being photographed, but once she saw the photos on the screen, she relaxed with relief. I am so grateful that she trusted me to see her the way that the people that love and respect her see her.
Anita Watkins
Tina Smith’s Portrait taken at Anita Watkins’ Studio in London, Ontario.
I have photographed, profiled and celebrated Women over the age of 40.
WHY Women OVER 40?
I have been witness to the strength and resilience of all kinds of women in my life but the stories that get to my heart the most often, are the ones of women that society used to label as “past their prime”.
What gives me hope for the future is that I have met woman after woman that have said HELL YES! Women that refuse to be labelled or diminished, are now stepping into their own power. Personally, I feel like I am only beginning to hit my stride. Now I feel called to give a platform to 40 of these women. I want them to be seen, celebrated and have a platform to use their voice to call out to us. I want women all over to hear their stories and be inspired. Will you join me on this journey?
What is the one piece of advice you would give your 20 something self?
You will always encounter critics and naysayers. You will face painful experiences, some of which you create and others from outside. However, don’t let these people, mistakes, or experiences define your character. Instead, embrace the lessons from each experience and interaction. Choose to develop humility and a deeper love for people, as we all do our best in our humanity.
Your scars and wounds will become the stories that help others rise to their most significant potential while also serving as reminders of your humanity. These hardships will not break you; they will shape you into something more splendid, enabling you to help others find their voice, story, and healing. Don’t allow adversity to determine your destiny; instead, allow it to alleviate the suffering of others.
Hardships will not break you; they will shape you into something more splendid.
Facing greater adversity forces you to choose how to respond.
What gets you up in the morning?
Every day, I wake up aware that people need hope. It may sound strange, but this is what motivates me. My life has been filled with adversity, and as I began my career focused on healing others, this mission became the heartbeat of my existence. Facing greater adversity forces you to choose how to respond. Each day, I rise, serve, and love others. I don’t always succeed at this, but I am committed to being a learner in life.
The central theme of my life is that my faith in Jesus serves as the foundation that strengthens me. My imperfections and mistakes remind me of our shared humanity and emphasize that people must be loved as they are today.
When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
The question of when I felt most confident is one I ponder in hindsight, as confidence often seems like a choice we must make each day in response to people and situations that can make us feel weak. My son battled cancer during his childhood, which devastated my heart as a mother. It shook me to my core. However, there were many times during his relapse when I had to find the strength to rise after crying and slumping in the shower. I faced doctors and nurses when I believed they were wrong about treatment protocols. I advocated fiercely as any protective mama bear would. My confidence emerged from a season of pain as I fought for my suffering child.
My confidence emerged from a season of pain as I fought for my suffering child.
Now, in my 40s, I feel a greater sense of being attractive rather than just focusing on looking beautiful.
Have Your Perceptions Of What Being ‘Attractive’ Means Changed Over Time?
This question is complex and touches on a moment of vulnerability. I was bullied as a child and faced comments that tore apart my physical appearance. Some might say it was due to jealousy, but telling that to a child—or even an adult—doesn’t make it stick. You internalize insecurity and focus on the areas you believe need improvement.
Attraction is more than just physical appearance; it’s about who you are in terms of character. It’s shown by how you acknowledge your flaws with humility and how you treat others. Don’t get me wrong— I love beautiful things like clothes and makeup and embracing my feminine side. Now, in my 40s, I feel a greater sense of being attractive rather than just focusing on looking beautiful.
What Do You Define As Attractive Now?
As a woman, I’ve experienced the challenges of living in a world that critiques physical beauty subjectively. However, my perspective on attraction has changed as I’ve gone through life. For me, true attraction is demonstrated when the person you choose to share your life with sees and understands you, whether you wake up in the morning looking disheveled or dressed to the nines for a gala.
True attraction is demonstrated when the person you choose to share your life with sees and understands you.
Attraction is grounded in being fully known, appreciated, and desired, just as we are.
When have you felt the most attractive?
I’m not trying to romanticize attraction, but I know that every woman wants to be desired for more than just her looks. We want to be indeed seen in our imperfections. Ultimately, attraction is grounded in being fully known, appreciated, and desired, just as we are.
Are there any myths you would like to bust about being a woman over 40? If so, can you tell us about them?
There is a common belief among women in their 40s that they are closing the door on new experiences as they enter middle age. I would challenge this perspective. Being in your 40s presents an opportunity to gain a fresh outlook on how to live the rest of your life. It’s a chance to embrace new interests and to stop delaying activities and experiences that bring joy. Rather than viewing aging pessimistically, this time can be about reclaiming your life. Wisdom comes with time and experience, and my 40s have given me a profound awareness that the insight gained at this stage should be cherished and celebrated.
Rather than viewing aging pessimistically, this time can be about reclaiming your life.
Is there anything you would like to share with people in your life?
The most significant lesson I can share from my life shaped by experiences of abuse, divorce, and being a mother to a childhood cancer survivor—as well as being a mom to three children and the leader and founder of a private counselling practice and a non-profit charitable organization—is that we all have stories. Everyone has a story to tell; no one is exempt.
Throughout my journey, people have often commented on my strength, wisdom, and ability to love intentionally. The truth is, I chose this perspective and heart posture because I have experienced the love of Jesus and have been surrounded by people who reflect that love.
Throughout our lives, we all wrestle with profound questions, pondering the “whys” of this world. The most important thing I want others to know about me is that my life would not be as it is today without my one true love—Jesus. He has infused my life with grace, mercy, and love, and I strive to demonstrate this in and through my life, imperfectly and within my humanity.
Do you want to learn more?
