In 2015, I turned 40. I guess this means I need to change the “I am a 30-something year old Mom….” in my About Me section, don’t I?
To me, age is just a number.
I didn’t realize it at the beginning of the year, but somewhere in the spring of 2015, I learned that 2015 was going to be about change.
A NEW ME.
Motherhood had fully defined me for 10 years and I decided that I needed to make it a part of me instead of ALL of me.
Last year, I:
- took my new job to a new level
- made MTM Social Media Consulting “official”
- set personal goals to step outside of my comfort zone (and achieved them)
- met many amazing new people through branching out and networking
AND MORE!
The day before I turned 40, I decided to step out of my comfort zone once again and participate in a unique opportunity offered by Lia Stefanidis Photography. It included getting my makeup and hair done and having my professional head shot taken, something that I have learned to be an important part of branding yourself.
Now, for most women, this would sound exciting, but for me, it was SCARY! I have always refused to have my makeup done, even for my own wedding. And when I get my hair done, my request is always to make it look natural and not too made up. However, I knew that this was something that I had to do for myself and I am so thankful that I did. Not only did I remind myself that I should not draw conclusions about my feelings on something prior to trying it, but I also learned that I grow as an individual when I step outside of my comfort zone.
You see, I have lived inside my comfort zone for most of my life. Yes, I have had brief moments of “living on the edge”, but even those times were somewhat mild in perspective to some. Yes, I pushed my limits in high school and a bit in University too, but for the most part, I live by the rules and have a hard time going into the grey.
2015 taught me that going into the grey zone is where the new me and my growth begins.
During the photoshoot, I let loose, tried my best to feel “free” and had a ton of fun. I even let a wee bit of my “fun side” pop out…
I do have to give Lia her props as I wouldn’t have been able to come out of my shell if I hadn’t felt comfortable. She made me feel at home and her studio allowed me to feel comfortable to be myself. The package that I purchased was part of a campaign called “30 women, 30 days” where Lia was giving back to a community of local women. She gave back in so many ways…and then some. I will be forever grateful for the time that I spent with her. This experience truly changed me and allowed me to feel different for one day, to allow what I feel on the inside to shine through on the outside too.
AND…
The start of a new me!
Lia Stefanidis Photography
Follow Lia on Facebook
If you’re in the GTA, and you are looking to get some professional photos taken, I encourage you to reach out to Lia.
I would like to thank my husband, children, family, friends and my Norwex peeps for all of your support, encouragement and gentle nudges to help me get where I am today! Love you!
I am so proud of you. I know how hard this was for you to do, and to put out there for all of us to see. And you know I know how hard stepping out of your comfort zone is. I lived outside of it a lot in 2015, and ya know what my comfort zone now includes where I was standing 🙂
Shari – thank you so much for your support! It was HARD for me to do, but you know what? Once I got there, I was immediately put at ease and felt that I was in a safe place to come out of my shell. We have both come a LONG way in the past year. I am very proud of you too! Thank you for your supportive and kind words, as always.
Love the pictures. You look fabulous.
Thank you so much!
I love all the photos.. You look amazing. I noticed your transformation, not on the outside but on the inside in 2015. I imagine 2016 will be an incredible year for you! Thanks for sharing your transformation and inspirational year.
It means so much for you to share that with me, Theresa! Thank you so much. So wonderful to have you by my side on this journey.
I just love everything about this post! You are just stunning both inside and out and I can not event tell you how blessed I am to know you. She took beautiful pictures but I am sure she was grateful for such a wonderful subject…You totally rocked this!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Tiffany. You are so supportive and so kind. I saw a transformation in YOU last year too!!!
I love everything about this!
Thank you SO much, Jennifer!
Thank you SO much, Jennifer!
I knew this was inside of you, just waiting to come out!! You are an amazing woman and I’m glad you’re letting your awesomeness shine brightly!! We need to do coffee soon. ☺ xo
You are so kind to observe and say that, Lisa. xoxo Coffee soon FOR SURE!
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What beautiful photos, you truly look amazing!
You are just beautiful,lovely smile great twinkle in your eye…
You are just beautiful,lovely smile great twinkle in your eye…
Congratulations on your achievements last year! I wish you all the best as you continue to stretch yourself, have fun, and achieve even more. BTW, you look great in the photos.
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