The 40 Over 40 Project
Jamie Gerber,
Age 44
Tell me about yourself and how you feel about being a woman over the age of 40.
Amazing, I am in love with my 40's! I just wish it would not have taken me so long to feel the way I do now about myself, my confidence, my needs and wants in life, my body, and my purpose in life. I have been married for 17 years to my biggest supporter and challenger in all aspects of my life. We have 2 amazing children and a family that keeps my heart warm and a smile on my face every day.
When do you feel most confident?
GAME TIME! No matter what the situation is, work, personal or just life. I am an over thinker so I will run every single scenario through my mind a million times. I will plan, replan, and then change the plan. When it is time to step up to the plate and knock it out, I feel most confident even when there is no time to overthink!
How did your painful times give you the gift of resilience?
As I think about painful times in my past, not that I wanted them or understand some of them to this day, I do appreciate every one of them in different ways. Each of these painful times help shape who I am and where I am today in my life’s journey. Of course, it was not easy during these painful times in my life and there will always be that question of “Why?”, but at some point, you must take the struggles, the deaths, the decisions, the outcomes and let them build you up to be a leader in your life's path.
What advice would you give your younger self?
"It's Ok!", you make mistakes, bad decisions, have second thoughts, but you are the only one that can define your next step. Don't let these things define your journey. I dropped out of High School and now hold a GED, Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree! Don't give up because one thing did not go the way you expected or wanted. Regroup, replan and remember you are worth it. Nothing is easy and you learn from every failure and success. Oh and listen to your Dad! He knows a thing or two about the world, life and experiences. My Dad holds a very special place in my heart, watching him never give up and taking each challenge in his life by the horns and making it what his path in life needed. He always looks at the brighter side of things and says, "it will be ok". He never gave up on me, always encouraged me, challenged me to be who I am today. I am lucky to have him as a dad, a role model in life and supporter.
What would you tell other mature women about stepping out of their comfort zone and doing a photo shoot?
Step out of your comfort zone, be pampered, it is worth it. During these few hours in one day you will feel like a princess! Stand tall, do the shoot and show the world what you have on the outside if as beautiful as what you have on the inside.