The 40 Over 40 Project
Jodi Aronson Prohofsky,
Age 56
Tell me about yourself and how you feel about being a woman over the age of 40.
Most days I don’t think about my age…but sometimes I see myself…not from the inside out, but in the mirror or in a picture. Then I see my age…the extra pounds, the wrinkles, and the gray hairs. Hmmm! I am working hard to celebrate each one I see…they represent a life well lived…full of love and heartache, luck and hard work, ups and downs, wins a losses…and many blessings! So next time I focus on a wrinkle, a gray hair, or a pound…I’m going to celebrate because they are my body’s way of showing how full my heart and life have been.
When do you feel most confident?
I feel most confident when I’m with family, friends, neighbors and coworkers…sharing experiences, stories and being real.
How did your painful times give you the gift of resilience?
The saying ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’…so true! The scars of life - and we all have them - have paved the way to resilience and happiness.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient. Don’t over think everything. Find joy in every day.
What would you tell other mature women about stepping out of their comfort zone and doing a photo shoot?
Let your inner love for yourself shine…it’s in there…it may be buried under doubt, tiredness, or insecurity…but it is in there. Show the world you are awesome at every age!