The 40 Over 40 Project
Tammy Vericker,
Age 54
Tell me about yourself and how you feel about being a woman over the age of 40.
As a woman over (ahem) 40, I am comfortable in my skin which has only come with age and maturity. With age comes the wisdom that this universe is bigger than me and I am a finite dot muddling through life just like everyone else. At this point, I reach out and touch those that I love without hesitation, breathe air just to inhale the sweet scent of nature, a fresh rain, or a flower just because it is all a gift and a privilege to be here in this moment--right here, right now. I am at an age when life's lessons have calmed my soul and given me an appreciation for the love of my family and friends, for the loving smile and kiss that greets me in the morning, a voice from a long-time friend, and the sweet hand of a child reaching to hold mine. It's the little things that make me happy now.
When do you feel most confident?
I have lived in a male-dominated career for almost half of my life and it has made me a stronger, sometimes overly-confident woman. Some would even describe it as cocky or egotistical; however, little does everyone know that it took that type of cockiness to succeed in the pool of testosterone. The question should be...when am I less confident? And that answer would be when I have to ask for help, need a shoulder to cry on, and admitting that I am unable to accomplish a task without assistance. Being a strong woman that seldom has an "off" switch can be humbling in moments of weakness.
How did your painful times give you the gift of resilience?
I am the sum of every bump, bruise, and scar (emotional and physical) that presented itself over these 54 years of my life. Without the painful times, I would not be the person that I am today nor would I trade any of those life lessons. Because that is what they are-life lessons, not regrets. I am stronger and grateful for those life lessons. Pain, misery, or sadness does not preclude me from enjoying the good times or living in the present. If we dwell on the bad times, we are projecting (and expecting) that sadness. I want to live life to its fullest and leave this earth with a smile, a twinkle in my eye, a robust laugh, with my hair on fire trailing behind me.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell myself to just breath, be myself, be the loudest laughter in the room if it makes me happy, and be more daring. Too many times, as young females, we worry over the minutia, fail to take the leap of faith, and fail to live in the moment. Be aware of possible ramifications; however, just go for it. Kiss the boy, run through the mud, get dirty, tell people that you love them, go on that vacation, stand up for yourself more. It's going to be okay.
What would you tell other mature women about stepping out of their comfort zone and doing a photo shoot?
Just do it! It was odd for me to do this too but I am grateful that I can see what others see though Kelsey's camera.