The 40 Over 40 Project
Michelle Parks,
Age 49
Tell me about yourself and how you feel about being a woman over the age of 40.
I'm an Arkansas native and have spent most of my life in Northwest Arkansas. I think for much of my life, I've thought of myself in terms of who I am to others -- a daughter, a friend, an employee, a boss, a girlfriend/partner/wife, a mother, a volunteer, a teacher, a journalist. All labels. I've defined myself by those relationships -- and how successful I felt they were or were not going. More recently, I've been focusing more on me -- and who I am to me. I've looked my passions that have been neglected or nearly forgotten. The truths of my life rather than the stories I've told myself. I had lots of time for self-reflection and introspection during the pandemic. I now want and am able to live my life on my own terms, with more intention rather than reaction.
When do you feel most confident?
I feel most confident when I listen to myself -- my inner voice, my instinct. And when I'm cooking. That's a place I shine.
How did your painful times give you the gift of resilience?
Some of those times seemed so difficult that I could not see how I could get through them. But I knew I had to just keep going -- keep working, trying, believing that I'd come out the other side. I can still remember how impossible some of those situations felt. But I'm here. I survived. I hope that I learned from all of it -- including the messiness. I can look back and know I survived and that I can survive and thrive. I didn't know that before I had to do it. I hope some of my lessons learned are things I can share with friends and family so they don't have to struggle as much -- or just know they are not alone. And that they are resilient.
What advice would you give your younger self?
To my younger self, I would say: balance the work with more play. Save more money, start saving early, and live frugally. Spend more time with friends and family. Make more memories; buy/collect less stuff. Exercise more and often. Pay attention to what you love and what matters to you -- and do more of that. Listen to yourself more, and love her the most.
What would you tell other mature women about stepping out of their comfort zone and doing a photo shoot?
It's so worth it, and it's a lot of fun! Take this time to celebrate and honor yourself. Do it for you. You will see yourself like you never have before, and that's so worth it.