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
Rita Zietsma
It is always intimidating when a fellow photographer asks you to photograph them. It seems to induce all kinds of imposter syndrome attacks! It was no different when friend and fellow photographer Rita applied to be a part of this project. But Rita surrendered herself to the process and the results were extraordinary. We did a lot of personal branding photos but this one was one of my favorites from the session.
Anita Watkins
Rita Zietsma’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?
I would tell my younger self to stop worrying about what other people think. Everyone is unique and beautiful for who they are. Go out and be the best version of you that you can be and ignore those who don’t like it. |
Be the best version of you.
Each day is a gift.
What gets you up in the morning?
By nature I am not a morning person, although those days when I do get up really early I love it. Like most people, it’s the to do list that gets me up in the morning. I truly know that each day is a gift, so whatever is on my to do list – I try to approach it with an “I get to…” rather than an “I have to…” attitude. It makes all the difference in how my day plays out. Some favourite things that I get to do – photography other people, run my business, go to the gym and of course, as often as I can, I try to squeeze in visiting those people in my life that are most dear to me.
When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
I feel most confident when I’m teaching that which I’m passionate about.
I feel most confident when I'm teaching that which I'm passionate about.
My perceptions of what being attractive means have matured as I've matured.
Have Your Perceptions Of What Being ‘Attractive’ Means Changed Over Time?
| My perceptions of what being attractive means have matured as I’ve matured. I’ve learned to be able to say, ‘I look good today.” Not in a bragging way, but in a matter of fact acknowledgement that I’m ok. |
When have you felt the most attractive?
I feel most attractive when I’m with good friends having meaningful connection – you know those friends that you can be yourself around, and that you can laugh and cry with.
I also feel most attractive when I’m at my ideal weight and when I’m feeling physically fit and strong.
I feel most attractive when I am having meaningful connections.
I've learned that our souls don't age, just our bodies do.
Are there any myths you would like to bust about being a woman over 40? If so, can you tell us about them?
I’ve learned that our souls don’t age, just our bodies do. I feel like the same me that I was in my 20s – with a few more aches and pains of course, but also more confidence, more freedom to do things for me. I’m truly loving being in my 50s.
Is there anything you would like to share with people in your life?
Like everyone, I have a story to tell. We don’t go through this life unscathed…some as a result of our own personal choices but also as a result of choices made by others around us. In particular when we are children. We are not responsible for the circumstances that we are born into. Our parents make choices that directly effect our lives as children. I was one of those who was born into circumstances that I would not choose for myself or any other child. I have seen and experienced some of the most horrific of human behaviours – but it does not define me! I was always aware that there was something different about me. I questioned the world around me. I challenged the status quo. I always looked to find that elusive ‘something better’. I could see the beauty around me and the peace that always seemed to be ‘just’ out of reach…but I carried on. I did not give into the path of least resistance, to settle for good enough. I innately knew there was something more…a greater purpose! The circumstances that you are born into are not your destiny. At a certain point in your life you have to take control of the wheel and direct your own path. Go where it leads you. If you fail, get back up quickly and continue on the path, perhaps a different direction, but don’t stop moving forward. There are those who do not want you to succeed – plain and simple. That is their problem. If you can envision a better way forward for yourself, then make it happen. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes…
Do you want to learn more?
