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
ANN DOOSE
Ann is a complete rockstar. She and her friend came in for their session on the same day and had an absolute blast. In our consultation, Ann had shared some of her journey with me and I was inspired by her determination, resilience, love of her parents and fierce devotion to her daughter.
Anita Watkins
Ann Doose’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 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?
| Go with your gut. It’s never wrong. If something feels off, listen to your instinct. There’s a reason a person, their behaviour, a place or job triggers an alarm bell in your head. Don’t ignore it. It’ll save you a lot of time, energy and potential frustration or heartache. |
Go with your gut. It's never wrong.
Perspective is everything.
What gets you up in the morning?
Every day brings an opportunity to start anew. You can either reset your world or trudge through it. I prefer the reset approach. While bumps in the road can and often appear, it’s how you travel over or through those bumps that either makes or breaks your day. Perspective is everything. Learn from the bumps.
Also, coffee. Coffee is a good way to start my day. Sipping it quietly when my daughter is still sleeping and taking stock of my world.
When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
Now. |
I know that I have truly walked through fire and emerged on the other side not only in one piece but at peace.
My perceptions of attractive have indeed changed over the years.
When have you felt most attractive? Have Your Perceptions Of What Being ‘Attractive’ Means Changed Over Time?
Oof. Probably 35. I was fit as all get out, so I felt amazing.
But my perceptions of attractive have indeed changed over the years.
While I was physically fit at 35, I was only starting a journey to become mentally fit and sort through my personal baggage. Unpacking that has been liberating.
Getting older has also been freeing because I refuse to give energy to people who create constant and chronic chaos. That’s theirs to deal with. It’s not mine.
I’m over it and don’t engage anymore, and that is attractive to me and I feel makes me attractive.
Are there any myths you would like to bust about being a woman over 40? If so, can you tell us about them?
Turning 40 is the first wave of giving energy to where it should go and who is worthy of receiving my time and attention.
50 is the next wave of sorting through the energy vampires in life and removing them.
I care about what matters. My daughter, my family, my inner peace. It’s amazing and freeing!
50 is the next wave of sorting through the energy vampires in life and removing them.
Is there anything you would like to share with people in your life?
I’ve learned that every path that I have chosen creates opportunities to learn and that each lesson has set me up to handle the next extreme challenge in life.
Each challenge is a lesson and as long as I learn the lessons, I’m building my toolkit of experience.
I trust my path. I trust that I’m on a journey that while I didn’t expect some events to unfold as they did, it’s okay. In fact, it’s MORE than okay. It’s pretty amazing because it’s set me up for something even better!
Do you want to learn more?
