I’m so honoured and excited to be a part of the Forever Fierce Campaign 2018, where we are addressing the question ‘What does it mean to be fierce at midlife?’

A bit about the campaign

The ‘Forever Fierce‘ community is a group of women at midlife and beyond who believe that midlife isn’t an age but rather an experience and that midlife is a powerful time in a woman’s life where we are more vibrant than ever before.

We believe in lifting other women up rather than tearing them down. Together, we support and inspire one another and send a powerful message to younger generations to look forward to becoming older rather than fearing ageing as current marketing would lead you to believe.

Although the campaigns began with the blogging community, the message has always been far more widespread and the ‘Forever Fierce‘ facebook group now comprises over 4000 members.

In this year’s campaign, a group of fifty of us ‘midlife‘ women are using our platforms to answer the question ‘What does it mean to be fierce at midlife?’

 A bit about the question “What does it mean to be fierce at midlife?”

rough sea

So, what does it mean to be fierce at midlife?

One of my friends that I had asked to join the campaign replied ‘Oh, but I’m not fierce. I make casseroles and look after other people’s cats and dogs.’, which led me to wonder about the definition of fierce, as to me, she is fierce, as she is living the life she chooses, she is not afraid to be herself, she is fiercely protective of her family (and pets) and she does a job, that whilst not financially rewarding, is emotionally very rewarding.

So, what is the definition of fierce? According to the Oxford dictionary, the following definitions apply:

  • Having or displaying a violent or ferocious aggressiveness.
  • Showing a heartfelt and powerful intensity.
  • to a great and almost overwhelming extent

Now, whilst I would find it hard to call myself fierce based on the first criteria (although anyone who has ever seen me at the sales might disagree!), I think that the second two would imply more being passionate about what you’re doing, giving 100% , being powerful and being fearless.

Also, the word ‘fierce’ is derived from the old French word ‘fers’, which means ‘strong, overwhelming, fierce, proud, mighty, great, impressive’ (in modern French, ‘fier’ means ‘proud’), and I think that in the context of the ‘Forever Fierce’ campaign, I would take the word ‘fierce’ to represent courage, strength and pride.

For me, I believe that it is only as I have become older that I have become confident in myself and my style. When I was younger, I was always afraid to be different and to stand out from the crowd, and I would do something because I felt I should or it was ‘expected’ of me. Over time and with the wisdom that comes from experience, I have developed a sense of identity and my own personal style, and I have learned to trust my instincts and believe in myself (or at least most of the time!).

I also believe that it is never too late to pursue your dreams or change direction. I initially trained as a chartered accountant and then retrained as a teacher after my daughters were born. But, I have always been passionate about fashion, beauty and travelling and started blogging for fun a couple of years ago. I loved it so much that in 2016 (and at age 53) I decided to retrain as a Personal Stylist and I am now about to launch an online Personal Styling Services website (so watch this space….).

I am so excited about this change in direction and feel very lucky to be able to pursue a career I love and which (I hope) will help other women to feel more confident and self-assured.

I am really grateful to the women below for sharing their voices and here are their personal insights into the question:

 ‘What does it mean to be fierce at midlife?’

Louise, ( @move&thrive ), 50, London, U.K

fierce at midlife

 

Being fierce in midlife to me means keeping my mind, body and spirit fit. I share this with others through teaching pilates and movement.

All the while it is important to have a sense of humour and pick battles wisely but definitely sticking to values close to my heart.

 

 

 

 

Christine, (@ Cap Zenitude),  53, Desvres, France

fierce at midlife

With maturity I gained self-confidence, which in turn led me to undertake a professional reconversion (from a nurse) and ten years ago I established a beauty institute, of which I am the owner and manager.

I am constantly continuing my professional training and developing my business, and 6 months ago, I developed my activity by opening a SPA.

Also, as my children are now autonomous, I have more time to devote myself, which enables me to

– develop my professional activity,
– practice different sports to maintain my fitness;
– meet regularly with friends; and
– get involved in my local community, where I am president of the trader’s association

 

Gillian, 57, Pas de Calais, France

fierce at midlife

 

I think I’ve always been fierce, the difference is that in my late 50s I’ve learnt to pick my battles more carefully. These days I care more about the environment than new things, I value space over possessions and calm over drama. Most of all though I’ve come to realise that the ultimate goals are happiness and contentment – it’s admirable to strive to achieve but being at peace and enjoying the here and now is, for me, the key.

I am still fierce about my children and their happiness, I’m fierce about writing the book that’s in me, painting canvasses that people want and cooking food that friends enjoy. I’m fierce about travel and new experiences. I am doing all that and there’s time to do more, to learn and improve, and if there isn’t – well, the point is, I’m truly enjoying the ride.

 

 

 

Roselyne, 54, Pas de Calais, France

fierce at midlife

 

I thought I would be unhappy and discouraged once I reached 54, but in reality, it’s completely the opposite.

I am a young grand-mother and I have more energy than ever. I am more open and honest in my dealings with people.

I embrace my age, which has in fact become an asset as it has given me the courage to go towards others, and profit from opportunities.

 

 

 

 

Susi, 57, Paris, France

fierce at midlife

 

I am very happy to have reached 50 as so many women don’t! Also I am fiercely proud of the women who have fought to improve women’s status, as nowadays so many more doors are open at this age. We are more assured and confident and can rely on past experiences and wisdom to guide us and others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claudia (@Claudia_beefierce), 58, Layton, Utah, USA.

fierce at midlife

 

Age is just a state of mind, midlife fierce is an attitude!

Ageing is inevitable, so I choose to age gracefully, by being fierce and living my life with purpose and passion. Enjoying this stage of life, not just enduring it. Celebrating moments not years. Fearlessly pursuing a career, education, adventures, and various creative interests. Embracing the changing roles midlife brings, like the opportunity to re-focus on my marriage and my amazing husband of 41 years, that I absolutely adore. The privilege of seeing the amazing humans my three adult children have grown to be and the evolving & loving relationship I have with them, the pure sunshine and joy my eight grandchildren bring to my life.

With each decade I become more confident and empowered to live and love Fierce!

 

 

 

 

If you would like to watch the ‘Forever Fierce’ video, click here, and you can also visit the Forever Fierce Campaign page to find out more about all the other participants in the campaign.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about What does it mean to be fierce at midlife, and have a look here for more of our features.