Forever Fierce 2018: Midlife Women on Being Fierce

February 19, 2018 / 65 Comments

Have you heard…there has been a revolution afoot amongst an empowering group of midlife women. This revolution was spearheaded by the very inspiring Catherine Grace O’Connell, who one year ago implemented an organic grassroots campaign called The Fierce 50. The response was so overwhelming and women from ages 35 and beyond wanted to be a part of the evolution of this most powerful movement. As a result, this Midlife Revolution has changed its name and identity to Forever Fierce and it is nearly 5,000 women strong just one year after its beginning.

For the past year, the group has been empowering women in midlife and beyond to use their voices in such a way that is meaningful, kind, helpful, and powerful and to share their own personal messages of strength and commitment. This year, I have been asked to join the campaign in an effort to create a platform for real women to share their voices.

The group has chosen 50 bloggers who have proven themselves to be powerful leaders “with the metrics that matter most in a woman: kindness, compassion and a radiantly, beautiful heart.” I am so honored and excited to say that I am one of those chosen bloggers. As part of this campaign, I am featuring some amazing midlife women whom I know who represent all of these same qualities. These women all showcase the values that the Midlife Revolution support and foster.

I have asked my fierce friends to answer this question and I am going to share their responses with you today.

“What does it mean to you to be FIERCE at midlife?”

Be prepared for these real life women to inspire you…

I am going to set the mood with my own statement on midlife ferocity.

Michelle, Age 43, Watertown, New York (@shelbeeontheedge)

Michelle, Age 43, Watertown, New York (@shelbeeontheedge)

“Being fierce in midlife means being proud of the scars that have made me know how to be empathic, the wrinkles that show I have smiled and laughed a lot, the experiences to know what I am talking about (most of the time), the wisdom to know when to stop talking, and the courage to be my true and authentic self at all costs.”

Sisters: Lisa and Catherine

Lisa, Age 59, Watertown, New York (@lisagriecosmith)

Lisa, 59, Watertown, New York (@lisagriecosmith)

“Being fierce in midlife means grabbing your passion by the horns and running with it. For me, that means supporting and empowering women to create lifestyles of crazy abundance for their families and communities using girlfriend events that build relationships through fun and conversation.”

Catherine, Age 63, Adams Center, New York (@cathygriecopeyton)

Catherine, Age 63, Adams Center, New York (@cathygriecopeyton)

“Being fierce means moving past fear, embracing courage and stepping out of the box to empower women to be more, do more and give more.”

Fierce Sisters Lisa and Catherine

Sisters: Mary Rose and Karen

Mary Rose, Age 51, Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania (@mary_rosem)

Mary Rose, Age 51, Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania (@mary_rosem)

“Being fierce in midlife means being comfortable in my own skin and dressing the way I want without worrying about what anyone else thinks. But more importantly, it means having the courage to pursue new things and continue to grow and follow my dreams. Midlife is simply the beginning of a wonderful new adventure!”

Karen, Age 59, Allentown, Pennsylvania (@cascikar)

Karen, Age 59, Allentown, Pennsylvania (@cascikar)

“I do not consider myself fierce in anything. The only exception would have to be when Alex was in 6th or 7th grade and being bullied. The school failed to help and I needed to end it. I think I did! I do think that I am stronger in mid-life. The events of my life have forced me to be. I have weathered a nasty divorce and very bitter ex. I am back to work full-time and am very happy with my choice of career and workplace. I own (mostly) a modest home and have been able to renovate parts of it. At 60 (next month), I am not yet an empty nester for more than a few weeks. Every time ones moves out another moves back in. The doors is always open; I love having them here. This past fall I started a new adventure by purchasing an embroidery machine. I hope to have an online store open soon. I want to turn my love for sewing into a little money and have fun doing it!”

Fierce Sisters Mary Rose, Debi, and Karen

Carolyn, Age 47, Orlando, Florida (@onscreenpix)

Carolyn, Age 47, Orlando, Florida (@onscreenpix)

“Being fierce in midlife means that I’ve been attacking the last several years since my divorce and the death of my sister with the full intention of transforming myself so I can be the best role model for my daughter, my friends, and my community. It all started with a camera and a passionate interest in nature photography which helped me through the grief and took me on long amazing journeys with my beautiful daughter. It gave us both peace. I also threw myself into volunteering with the homeless, homeschooling, singing in a praise band at church, and most recently getting back into the workforce. I’ve even lost over sixty pounds! I’m learning to overcome my fear of not being good enough and holding myself back and instead taking charge of my life and handling it like a boss. No more ‘what if…’ it’s now ‘I can do this – I’ve got this!'”

Nicholle, Age 43, Parkland, Florida (@stikbynik)

Nicholle, Age 43, Parkland, Florida (@stikbynik)

“Being fierce is looking the world in the face, and knowing it has nothing on you. To trust in God to lead your path, while being comfortable in your own skin holding integrity, kindness, and with a dab of your fun personality.”

Sheryl, Age 50, St. Cloud, Florida

Sheryl, Age 50, St. Cloud, Florida

“To me, being fierce in midlife means being a strong independent woman that does not depend on anyone but herself to make her way.”

Kay, Age 43, Los Angeles, California

Kay, Age 43, Los Angeles, California

“I have been intensely aggressive about having a baby at 40 after doctors told me I was infertile. I display a heartfelt and powerful intensity towards everything I do – motherhood, friendship, my career as a preventive and integrative medicine physician. Embracing my own power and capacity to do anything when I was told as a child that women have certain ‘ladylike’ roles makes me fierce at midlife.”

Amy, Age 38, Dexter, New York (5 Memory Lane)

Amy, Age 38, Dexter, New York of 5 Memory Lane

“The quote ‘You Got This’ has helped me tackle so many things, that I have to use it to describe ‘fierce in midlife’. It implies that no matter what comes your way, you can handle it. I can handle it. We can handle it. You can’t stress about what you can’t control. As I get closer to 40, I am learning how to love my body after kids, love my busy mind, give myself rest when I need it, and learn what it is that drives me. Being fierce means staying strong and impassioned, even after you have days when you feel defeated. Constantly learning new things, constantly striving to be better, all while being content with where you are on any given day. Learning that there is a balance to all of the energies out there, and that I can’t do all of the things, all of the time.”

Susan, Age 55, Doylestown, Pennsylvania (Then You Stand)

Susan, Age 55, Doylestown, Pennsylvania of Then You Stand

“I look in the mirror and I see a lifetime in the reflection. A lifetime that taught me what it means to be resilient. A lifetime that taught me what happens when you keep putting one foot in front of the other and believe that all things are possible. A lifetime that is finally a reflection of who I am in perfect peace.
The reflection reminds me that
YES, it is ok to be late to the party of life and open a business at 55 when everyone else is ‘downsizing’.
YES, you can go into the world and share your truth to whoever needs to hear the message.
YES, you can achieve the goals that are still ahead of you
YES, you have and are all that you need.
At 55, the reflection in the mirror reminds me of the power of ME.”

Knowing each of these women personally and knowing the details of their stories and struggles that have brought them to this place where they can be fierce in midlife has inspired me beyond words.  When I received their responses, many of them actually brought me to tears. These women are strong and powerful and, in my opinion, unbreakable…because when we are faced with challenges that we overcome, we come out invincible on the other side.

Please be sure to visit CatherineGraceO to find a list of the other 49 bloggers who are participating in this campaign. On each of their blog posts, you will find stories of inspiration and empowerment, strength and will power. You will read stories of overcoming obstacles as well as stories that are filled with heartbreak. But within each story, you will find a woman who is powerful and strong, who is authentic and real, and who is willing to share her voice with the world. So tell me, dear readers, what does it mean to you to be FIERCE at midlife?

So many women in this age bracket have referenced the importance of feeling comfortable in our skin. This is so important as we evolve through the years and keeping our actual skin healthy and supple is one way that we can boost our confidence. Anti-aging skincare treatments are a staple amongst this crowd. So not only do I ask how you are staying fierce in midlife, but also, how do you maintain your skin so you can always feel like the best version of yourself?

Being fierce on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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65 Comments

  • Suzanne Smith

    February 19, 2018 at 2:28 pm Reply

    I have been reading all of the posts today from the Forever Fierce Campaign and loving all of them…however at this point I am so overcome with emotion from all of the beautiful stories of fierceness that I’m going to have to take a break and come back to it in a bit! I always love your posts and this one is no exception! YOU are a fierce woman Michelle!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 19, 2018 at 2:54 pm Reply

      Suzanne, thank you so much! You are one fierce woman as well and I am so honored to call you my friend and to be a part of this amazing campaign with you. I am just about to start reading the posts, so thank you for the warning that it is an emotional process. This should be interesting as I totally have PMS, so I will make sure my tissues are handy!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 19, 2018 at 6:14 pm Reply

      Jodie, thank you so much for inviting me to join this wonderful campaign! I agree with you completely that we all have those moments when we feel far from fierce, but we need to uplift each other and embrace the moments when we do feel fierce…because those moments are the ones that carry us through all the rest! I am making my rounds now to all the other posts, so I will be by shortly! I look forward to reading about the amazing women you have featured.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Amy Lynne Kennedy

    February 19, 2018 at 3:43 pm Reply

    Simply beautiful! These women are truly beautiful! All bring their own inspiration, and it is so encouraging! I loved the beautiful pictures, it is like making a new friend! And I loved your post at the end! Thank you for sharing! You have a fantastic blog!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 19, 2018 at 6:51 pm Reply

      Indeed, it could, Patrick! And I would love for you to share your story right here. I mean, I know how amazing you are because I have been following along your journey for quite some time! Midlife is the most amazing experience through and through! So tell me, my friend, what does it mean to you to be fierce in midlife?!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 19, 2018 at 8:17 pm Reply

      Belle, thank you so much! This opportunity to join forces with an amazing group of bloggers to bring forward the voices of every woman has been such an honor for me. Each and every one of us has a story to share that is full of wisdom that can benefit others. This journey can be long and sometimes confusing and we can all use some help along the way! I don’t know why we haven’t been doing this all along, but here we are…firmly planted in midlife and fiercer than ever! Thank you for reading! I am still making my around to all the other posts, but I am more and more inspired at every turn!
      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 19, 2018 at 9:19 pm Reply

      Rebecca, thanks so much for stopping by! Now I wish I had shared more of their personal stories here as well…because that gave their answers even more meaning. This has been such a fabulous experience though participating in this campaign.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Elle

    February 19, 2018 at 11:07 pm Reply

    I am very inspired by each woman here and the articulate strength and wisdom they have acquired.

    I would say this for myself, in response.

    Fierce is not a word I would choose to describe myself, but it is an apt one, nonetheless. Being fierce at midlife is a natural progression for women who find themselves in a system that is stacked against the, in many ways.
    I would describe myself as soft, warm, gentle; the opposite of fierce. Yet, I do have an autoimmune disease that I must fight with diligence, so in that way, I find myself a warrior. I do not let my illness define me, and live a happy and complete life. I am grateful that I tend towards optimism and see the beauty in everyday life.

    Thanks for sharing this post and giving voice to women evevywhere “ of a certain age”.
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 21, 2018 at 12:47 pm Reply

      Elle, this is the most beautiful comment filled with so much strength and inspiration. I think we can be both soft and gentle and fierce at the same time…depending on which part of life we are talking about. As you said, you must fight with diligence and that does indeed make you fierce. I also possess a certain ferocity when it comes to certain things in my life. But then there are other parts where I am very soft and vulnerable, too. I think finding that perfect balance is what makes midlife so fabulous! And you, my friend, are a warrior and such an inspiration to me! I adore your beautiful spirit!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Regan

    February 20, 2018 at 12:10 am Reply

    Michelle, as always, LOVE your blog post. I truly enjoy getting to read their stories. This campaign has been tons of fun and educational. I feel like many of these women are kindred spirits.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 21, 2018 at 12:42 pm Reply

      Regan, thank you so much! I have enjoyed reading every woman’s story. I was moved and inspired by each and every one. I had to take a break yesterday from reading them all and still have a few more posts to get through. But wow, what an amazing experience for everyone to share their stories…I agree that so many seem to be kindred spirits. We all have a story to share and all are so beautiful in their own special ways!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond

    February 20, 2018 at 12:45 am Reply

    Such inspiring women Shelbee and thank you for putting them all in the one place. I identify with all of them even though at 60 some of them are younger than I am. There is a common thread of believing in ourselves and looking forward with excitement and passion rather than fearing aging. I love that Susan started a business at 55 rather than downsizing. We are all individuals and that is what we need to celebrate! Great to meet you all.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 21, 2018 at 12:37 pm Reply

      Sue, thank you so much for this amazing comment! I just love how every woman has a story of how she came to be so fierce in midlife and each of these women has inspired me personally in one way or another. Susan is such an incredible woman! Her energy and her spirit are unmatched! And her initiative and drive have made her unstoppable in her pursuit of helping others! I am a better woman just by knowing these women.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 21, 2018 at 12:30 pm Reply

      Debbie, thank you so much! I agree with you completely. When I was asked to participate in this campaign I knew immediately that I wanted to share the stories of women whom I know personally. They are the ones who really inspire us…the ones whom we know and care about and have watched evolve and become the amazing women they are today! What an incredible experience this entire campaign has been!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Suzanne

    February 20, 2018 at 4:33 am Reply

    Hi Shelbee! I truly enjoyed reading each of these stories! Amazing women who’s life experiences have made them who they are today – fierce and strong! Reading though today’s posts have been such a inspiration, some have brought me to tears with their struggles, yet they survive and have come out stronger on the other end.
    Loved meeting your ladies today!
    xx
    Suzanne
    http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 21, 2018 at 12:21 pm Reply

      Suzanne, thank you so much for stopping by. So many of the stories in this campaign have moved me to tears. I just felt more and more inspired with every story that I read. And I still have about 12 more posts to get through. I was getting so emotionally exhausted that I had to take a break from it! I am so grateful to have been a part of this wonderful movement and I look forward to where this revolution is headed next!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 21, 2018 at 12:19 pm Reply

      Lisa, thank you so very much! This has been such an amazing experience…getting to know everyone’s personal stories of empowerment! And I feel so blessed to know each of the women I featured on a personal level and feel empowered by their stories!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Karen Brooks

    February 20, 2018 at 5:26 am Reply

    Hi Shelbee ~ Wow, you mentioned seeing themes throughout the posts on my page and you couldn’t be more right. I cannot believe how many women are divorced in midlife, just like me. I ended a 20 year marriage and couldn’t be happier. Living life with my 17 year old daughter and 21 year old son at home with me. I do look forward to finding love again and many women have done that so it gives me hope. Great group of women featured in your post. Take care Fierce sister 🙂 xoxo

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 21, 2018 at 12:15 pm Reply

      Karen, thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your personal story with me! It always amazes me how we can find strong, empowered, brilliant, and kind women at every turn. We all have a story about the struggles that we have overcome. And I think it is so important to share those stories with each other and uplift each other. This has been such an amazing campaign and I feel blessed to have been able to participate!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann

    February 20, 2018 at 12:00 pm Reply

    You are most certainly a wonderful addition to this group Shelbee – congratulations! All of these women you featured are fabulous and inspiring, I love it!
    xo,
    Kellyann

  • Hilda Smith

    February 21, 2018 at 8:19 am Reply

    Gosh Michelle, you have featured some really amazing women who are ‘fierce’ despite and because of what life has thrown at them. I admire them all. Also love your introduction and what makes you fierce. Super post.

  • Jonet Wooten

    February 22, 2018 at 6:51 pm Reply

    Oh Shelbee, you’ve shared an incredibly FIERCE group of women with inspirational messages. I enjoyed hearing the voices of each of them along with their messages of strength. Great post, Fierce one.

    Xo Jonet

  • Leslie Clingan

    February 22, 2018 at 7:00 pm Reply

    High five, girl! I knew I liked you…was a former military wife in another life time. Being an Army bride makes us a breed of our own. In fact, some of my fiercest days have resulted in having to do for myself because my husband was on deployment or in the field!

    You certainly get an A+ on gathering and interviewing some pretty amazing women. Love the sister pairs!! Each of the gals you have featured has such an inner glow or radiates such strength. Thank you for sharing a little bit of them with all of us.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 22, 2018 at 9:54 pm Reply

      Leslie, thank you so very much for this incredibly wonderful comment! Army wives are a special breed, that is for sure! This lifestyle has definitely made me very fierce in so many ways! And I am so blessed to have amazing women around me every day who uplift and support each through thick and thin. This has been such a great experience. Stay fierce, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Eugenia Russell Hargrove

    February 23, 2018 at 3:32 am Reply

    Michelle,
    Hi! Sorry, long time no visit. First of all, I love that you too answered the question, What Does It Mean To Be Fierce in Midlife? You gathered a lovely group of fierce beauties that included two sets of sisters!! I applaud you for inclusiveness.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 23, 2018 at 1:06 pm Reply

      Eugenia, thanks so much for stopping by! This was such an amazing campaign to be a part of. And no worries about the length of time between visits…life is busy and I have a hard time making my way around to visit all of my blogger friends, too. And I don’t work another job! I don’t know how the rest of you do it! Stay fierce, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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