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To celebrate Women’s History Month, I am sharing my interview for The 40 Over 40 Project magazine photo shoot conducted by Mayumi Acosta Photography.  First, you need to know the project did not come easy for me and that it was a huge stretch to celebrate my aging.  Both of those reason is included in Mayumi’s why, “I’m on a mission to change the way we view ourselves and are viewed.”  Dear over 40 woman, aging is a milestone to celebrate, not to dread!  Instead of letting our age be a source of discouragement, let it be a symbol of self-care, a reminder to love ourselves.  This is not the time to fade “gracefully” into the background, this is our time to show the world that beauty is ageless, that our present is perfect and that our future still holds possibilities.

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INTERVIEW

 

Mayumi

Why did you want to participate in this project?

 

Gina

Somewhere down the line, I bought into the theory that age diminishes physical attractiveness.  However, wisdom and life taught me that beauty is reflected from the inside out.  We are God’s masterpiece created to do good things, and when I am functioning from that perspective, I realize that is all the pretty I need to be attractive.

 

Mayumi

What were you personally hoping to gain from this experience?

 

Gina

I think many of us want to secretly feel like a star.  I figured why not me.  The experience of lights, camera, action gives us a sense of focused attention that is empowering and an inspiring reminder that “I am somebody.”  I have been created in the image of God.

 

Mayumi

What are you feeling now about being photographed?  What was your favorite part about this process?

 

Gina

I am so glad I decided to connect with Mayumi to do the photoshoot.  It was a blast interacting and engaging with her.  Watching her do her thing and encouraging me with her Latin accent was energizing.  She spoke my name with both admirations of me and her work.  “Oh Gina,” she said with each click of appreciation of the partnership – sister to sister.

  

Mayumi

What piece of advice you would like to give to your child or any young person that you wish someone would’ve given you?

 

Gina

My advice to young, old, and middle-aged people is to adopt Mark Batterson’s theory, “If your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s too small.”  Do not be limited to your own abilities.  Stand on the power of God when pursuing your dreams and living your life – He is a responsible steward of His creation.

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Mayumi

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

 

Gina

I would love to master the power of attraction.  Having the capacity to draw those things people, situations, and resources to fulfill my vision of helping others will be super enough for me.

 

Mayumi

What would you say your most notable accomplishment has been?

 

Gina

I am delighted to have partnered with God in creating Charity for Life Ministries.  The organization is named after my daughter Charity, who died the week she was born.  My most significant achievement is that I drew purpose out of that pain.

 

Mayumi

What would you tell other women over 40 about doing something outside their comfort zone?

 

Gina

To all women considering extending the boundaries of their comfort zone, I say, "Just do it," "Chase it, don't run from it," "Come on in the water, it’s just fine."  When we journey to uncharted territory, it causes us to stretch, grow, and develop in other areas of who we are.  The way we live our lives is a testament and an encouragement to others, and that is a responsibility.

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Mayumi

Do you have a favorite quote, by you or someone else?

 

Gina

“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be” Maya Angelou.

 

 

Photos By: Mayumi Acosta