The 40 Project Welcomes: Cindy
Warning, this is an emotional one.
Where to do start with this gorgeous lady? Cindy is absolutely incredible. She is so incredibly devoted to the ones she loves. She is fierce and beautiful. She is also someone who struggled to see herself the way that those around her did.
I know we all can be our toughest critics. And sometimes we have help with that from our past. But our power lies not in the past but in right now. And we can choose to start seeing ourselves differently.
We have that power but sometimes we need a little nudge.
Back to Cindy's story...
I went to school and was friends with Cindy's daughter in law. Leah was another beautiful spit fire full of humor and love. Leah reached out to me and said "Hey I want my mother in law to do a boudoir shoot" - not my normal request- how many daughter in laws try to book their mother in law for boudoir? Not many. But I was amused and delighted nonetheless. In the meantime, Leah was also trying to talk Cindy into booking a shoot for herself as well.
Booking a photoshoot (especially boudoir) can be a huge step. If you have spent your life avoiding the camera for whatever reasons, this can feel very intimidating and vulnerable. This was also a time when the world was still reeling from Covid, so the daily tree and chaos was higher than normal. The idea was put on the back burner. This was the Spring of 2021. In the few months that passed Leah would every now and then drop a message that she was still working on this idea, she hadn't given up because she just knew that Cindy should do this. I would just laugh at her persistence. Her stubbornness made me smile.
Later that fall, the worst kind of tragedy struck. Leah lost a heartbreaking battle against Covid and passed away way too young. Everyone was so shocked and so, so sad.
With a sense of tomorrow isn't promised and to finally give in to Leah's request, Cindy called and booked the shoot. I think we both tear up any time we talk about our connection. This was the fall of 2021. Leah never go to see the photos, or see the beaming smile on Cindy's face or hear that she was so glad that Leah pushed her to do this.
Cindy's first shoot was a game changer. Seeing herself in a way that she couldn't before ushered in a new level of confidence and self love. It changes everything. And the people who love her notice this as well. THIS. This is why I do what I do.
Fast forward to 2023. When I talk to Cindy we usually talk about what we'll be doing next, at our next shoot. So of course, I invited Cindy to be a part of The 40/40 Project. So we can celebrate her story. I like to think that Cindy's induction to The 40 Over 40 is a double induction - even though Leah never made it 40, we will celebrate her too.
Are you a woman over the age of 40 and wanting a experience to redefine and celebrate the way you see yourself? Then the 40 Over 40 Project might be for you! We are photographing 40 women over the age of 40 to redefine the way they are represented in the media. Celebrate yourself and tell your story. Join today. CLICK HERE
