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?”
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
I love this campaign 🙂 beauty and fierceness is not limited to a certain age group <3 it's what's inside that matters.
thanks for sharing
http://www.pinkoolaid.com/
Thank you Angel! I totally agree 🙂
This is such a beautiful, powerful campaign! Loved reading your thoughts on being fierce and seeing so many women celebrating their ages! 🙂
xx
http://www.lambassadrice.com/
Thank you so much Marta. I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
This is a well thought post and I absolutely enjoy reading it. Love the idea of supporting women one another and I strongly believe in pursuing our dreams no matter what age we are. Very inspiring post Julia.
Regards Ashon
Thank you Ashon. I fully agree with pursuing your dreams no matter what age you are xo
This is a great message and amazing how these women celebrate 🙂
Thank you Heather 🙂
This is really inspiring 🙂
xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY
Thank you! I’m glad you thought so 🙂
Love this post <3
Thank you 🙂
This is so special – Kathrine, another blogger wrote about this too! You are so fierce and STYLISH!
Happy Monday, babe!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thank you so much, Vanessa! I was so glad that Kathrine was part of the campaign with me xoxo
I completely love this Julia, I think no matter what age you are you should always be fierce. Thank you for talking about amazing women!
Camila,
My Vogue Style
Thank you Camila! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post xo
Love reading your post and these womens stories about being fierce at 50! It’s amazing how as we get older, we start to really realize what is essential and important to us and we care less what others think.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thank you Carrie! It’s so true (and a bit of a shame) that it’s only as we get older that we figure out what is really important xo
What a lovely read. Great to read some wisdom from these lovely ladies. Thanks for sharing dear!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the post xo
Great Post!
Hadasah Love ||
http://www.styletolove.com/
Thank you Hadasah xo
So cool! Love it!
-Kate // http://www.classyandkate.com
Thank you x
This is a very thoughtful and eloquent post. I am quite familiar with this campaign and do indeed know what it stands for. I just substitute the word strong for fierce, and then I am better able to relate to the concept. I’m very excited to hear that you are going to be a stylist! You’ll be fabulous at that. Thank you for sharing this post. ❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Thank you, Elle. I agree ‘strong’ is a really good word for the concept! Thank you also for your encouragement on my new styling venture! xo
love this post. I have always been associating word fierce with being fearless, passionate and confident rather than the Oxford dictionary definition mentioned above.
It’s quite interesting to read the personal insights. thank you for sharing! xx
|Elegant Duchess|
Thank you so much – that’s such a great definition of fierce 🙂
This is such a great read, super inspiring x
Thank you Eva x
You are definitely fierce! I think you embody the second two part of the oxford definition well. I too have gotten more comfortable as I have aged in who I am. Thankfully!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thank you Amy Ann! I agree – thank goodness we become more comfortable with ourselves as we age!
What a great community Julia!! Awesome campaign 😉
Have a great week-end
kisses
Agnese & Elisa
Thank you! 🙂
Sounds like a good cause. X
Thank you x
Love these illustrations
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Thank you Laura xo
Thanks for the interesting post!
Have a nice day)
http://www.recklessdiary.ru
Thank you! I’m so glad you found it interesting!
Lovely post, there is never an age limit on how fierce you can be! http://mariannyc.com/
Thank you Mariann! I totally agree 🙂
Yesss- you ladies are all fierce! I love this movement!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you Ashley 🙂
Julia, I absolutely love your definition of fierce and how it relates to you! And what fabulous women you have featured here as well. There were a few women whom I viewed as fierce and asked to participate in this campaign and they declined based on the fact they were not feeling very fierce at midlife right now. It made me sad that they couldn’t see what I see, but hopefully all women will find their inner ferocity and passion and hopefully our midlife revolution will help to guide them there! Stay fierce, my friend!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thank you Shelbee. I also had a few women decline as they weren’t feeling fierce right now and it’s sad that they feel that way. However, I know I have days when I feel the same and you just have to tell yourself that tomorrow is another day and hope you have more ‘fierce’ days than ‘down’ days xo
I love this Forever Fierce Campaign. I’ve always thought I was fierce but now that you included the definition I know I’m fierce. The older I get the more confident I am in my style, my body and my overall opinion of myself. Thank you for introducing me to all of these fierce women! I am truly inspired.
Thank you Mary! 🙂
Hi Julia congratulations on retraining as a personal stylist. I believe age is just a number and fierceness has nothing to do with it. What a great campaign!
http://www.fashionablyidu.com/
Thank you so much Idu! I agree that age is just a number (and i can’t count beyond 40!!) xo
Julia, love meeting the fierce sisters! This is truly a global movement. The picture you chose of the women on the rocks is perfect for fierceness in life’s storm. Enjoyed participating in the Forever Fierce Day campaign with you. Look forward to more in the future
Regan
Thank you Regan! I really enjoyed participating in the campaign too! xo
Being fierce to me is being brave and confident at any given time. I also start my blog not early in life but it’s given me the freedom to express my passion in fashion and lifestyle. Through it I’m not scared of what people would say about what I wear provided it’s decent and appropriate to the event. Thanks for the inspiration dear, your words and wisdom gave me an insight to not fear to face the next stage in life. Wishing you the best on your new endeavour!
http://www.busyandfab.com
Thank you Mercy! I agree that starting a blog later in life has given me more confidence to express myself too! xo
Love all the ladies you featured from Europe. So nice to read what all these ladies think about being fierce.
Thank you Kimberly! I’m glad you enjoyed reading about them xo
What a wonderful post! I loved learning about these inspirational ladies. I visited Paris for the first time last year and fell in love with France – hopefully I’ll be back soon!
Thank you Lana. I hope you get back to Paris soon 🙂
‘Oh, but I’m not fierce. I make casseroles and look after other people’s cats and dogs.’ I SO LOVE THIS!!! Little does that chica know! So inspiring Julia—love it.
foreverfierce❤️?
Thank you! I loved this quote too! xo
Interesting post!
Thank you 🙂
I loved reading this Julia, because Fierce certainly isn’t something I would describe myself at first. But the more we realize what we’ve been through and accomplished, I think it does apply to all of us!!
You found some amazing women to showcase and it was incredibly inspiring!!
Thanks for joining in and being a great part of this fierce day!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you Jodie! I was delighted to be a part of this day 🙂
Julia,
I love meeting so many new European fierce sisters today!
I love that women everywhere are embracing their lives full throttle with grace and confidence!
Hugs,
Robin
https://helloim50ish.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-forever-fierce/
Thank you Rob!n! I loved being part of this campaign too 🙂
What an amazing post Julia! These women and you are such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing their stories. So glad we have connected and are a part of this campaign. XO
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you Kathrine! I’m so glad we connected and were a part of this campaign together too xo