“Possibly (my) favorite pic of you of all time.”
I mean… when my daughter reacts like that to a photo, how can I not post it!?
What stands out most to me about this image, and the others in this post, is the happiness and peace on my face.
I appreciate that I not only feel it, but I can see it too.
I was recently asked in an interview, about where my resilience comes from. I referenced some of the childhood trauma I experienced and how that teed up many of my life’s decisions and directions. Resilience also fueled my tenacity. I guess you could say tenacity became my superpower. But it wasn’t until high school that I learned how to tap into it.
At the end of my freshman year I tried out for the cheerleading squad. I was THE ONLY ONE who didn’t make the team. I was pretty shy, and it showed. I was so crushed, it took me two years to muster the courage to try out again. But when I did, you better believe I checked shy-girl at the door and performed like I owned the place. I made the squad!
Up until that point though, I’m probably the last person anyone would’ve expected to have a career in television.
I’m still amazed by how much of who we are – even in mid-life – is rooted in our childhood. For a long time, mine made me rough around the edges. Defensive. On guard.
It’s nice to see myself now with less of a steel armor or protective shield staring back.
It’s a much softer and more peaceful me.
I like that.
Judging from my daughter’s reaction to this photo, she likes it too.
By the way, that interview I refer to, is coming out in print soon. I’ll share when it does.
Thank you again to the fabulous Chris Loomis for capturing my bliss.
I’ve come a long way.
Photo by Chris Loomis
Makeup by Diane Aiello
Hair by Veronica Penzone at BBV Salon
Location: Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
