40 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
ERIN PORTER
I related instantly to Erin Porter. In our consultation, she shared her journey from teacher to entrepreneur. It was eerily similar to my own journey. I was inspired by her dedication, conviction and passion. Can’t wait to see what she does next!
Anita Watkins
Erin Porter’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?
I would tell my younger self, “There’s a bigger purpose to your life than you can see at the moment. Everything you’re doing, learning and experiencing is directing you toward your purpose. Reframe your problems…they are opportunities. Everything is happening FOR you, not TO you. Just chill, younger self. Look at life with curiosity and be open to new possibilities” |
Reframe your problems…they are opportunities.
Curiosity gets me up every morning.
What gets you up in the morning?
Curiosity gets me up every morning. I wake up each morning curious about, “Who will come into my life today and how will my business, the Guided Autism Program, impact their life? How can I continue to learn and grow in this new and exciting chapter?” |
When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
In my 50’s, I’m the most confident I have ever felt. Once I learned to love and honour myself, my purpose became clear. I believe that when someone’s purpose is clearly laid in front of them there’s a confidence in moving forward that lacks hesitation. I live with the confidence that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be and I am compelled to move forward helping parents new to Autism.
Once I learned to love and honour myself, my purpose became clear
Love begets love and you get more of what you give.
When have you felt the most attractive?
Growing up I defined “attractive” as skinny, glamorous, usually blonde and graceful. And these things, I was not! That mindset got me into all kinds of negative loops and “mental health issues” as a young person. That all changed in my late 40’s and 50’s when I realized that love begets love and you get more of what you give. I stopped focusing on what I lacked, and how I “measured up.” Now, I define an attractive person as a confident, self-loving human who knows their purpose and can unapologetically be themselves.
Are there any myths you would like to bust about being a woman over 40? If so, can you tell us about them?
I’m too old to quit my job and start my own business – busted!
I’m too old to wear that orange dress – busted!
I‘m too old to go without makeup – busted!
I’m too old to get carded at the LCBO – busted! (thank you nice person for making my day!)
And yes, I’ll take that senior’s discount! I’m not too proud to get 20% off!
I’ll take that senior’s discount! I’m not too proud to get 20% off!
Is there anything you would like to share with people in your life?
I have paused my 28-year career in education to start a business, The Guided Autism Program. I never dreamed this would be the direction my life would go. When I looked at my discontent with our education system as an opportunity to fill a void, rather than something to complain about, I was able to help people in more personalized and meaningful ways. I took action. The more parents new to Autism whom I help, the more that parents new to Autism ask for my help. I have started a new and exciting chapter in my life, in my 50’s, and it fills my life with purpose.
Do you want to learn more?
