Meet beautiful and lively Cheryl, who was another participant of the 40 over 40 campaign. You will get to read more from Cheryl in a sec and you will see the journey she is on, but we both felt this campaign and this portrait session was exactly what she needed for herself. I absolutely loved the amount of thought and reflection Cheryl did for every single aspect of this campaign! 

“Like many before me, I lost myself in the process of doing life, after 31 years in a relationship and 16 as a wife, I reached the edge of the cliff., a hostage to the fear, a hare in the headlights, fear of the unknown, the what ifs, limiting self-beliefs, the external labels that I enmeshed within me since childhood, and yes the hope, oh the hope, that this is just a season, I just need to hold on a little longer, try a little harder, endure the pain of holding on a little while more, it shall soon pass. And finally, when one ignores the whispers, it became a serious crisis, and letting go, falling into the abyss of the unknown, becomes the only option. Full of fear, anxiety, feelings of failure and inadequacy, a quitter, a dismal failure, I found myself violently thrown over the edge, free-falling into the scariest but the most rewarding and transformational journey of my life. Four years later, I am still coddywompling . May my journey towards me never end.”

What drew you to this 40 over 40 campaign?

I identified with the letter and the spirit of the campaign; reading and listening to the intention of the campaign, made me feel like this campaign was curated for me and the exact time in my life journey. It felt destined. and ordained by God.

If you could go back and tell your 20 year old self something that you think would change your life, what would it be?

You are stronger than you think, listen to the whispers, believe in your abilities, believe in your dreams and most of all TRUST God. Know that you are held in His arms. It’s true, worry is a waste of time, it keeps you busy but takes you nowhere. And finally, you are enough, just as you are.

What are you post proud of yourself for?

For never giving up, for not giving up on me and my journey, and I came damn close a couple of times. Learning to live life in surrender, a daily struggle.

What are some goals or things you still want to do?

Life: To become all I was created to be. Live each day consciously and fully present.
Adventure: Live life to the fullest, tomorrow is not promised. Explore the mountains around the world. Do an Everest base -camp hike. Hike the Inca trail. The Portugues Camino, learn to swim, cycle and ski!
Spiritual: Draw ever closer to God, seek his guidance in every area of my life. Live in the knowledge of God as my source, provider, protector and guide. Live my life by faith. and not by sight.

“Fear not”

Has there/is there anyone in your life who has made a massive impact, if so, how?

I grew up with my single mother in a rural area of South Africa. Life was particularly hard, because of the geographic location, but I was surrounded by strong woman, both in my immediate and extended family and community. I can recall countless names and incidents, starting from my maternal grandmother my mother, aunts, sisters, cousins and other woman in the community, leading the way and setting the course. Reflecting on and recalling their struggles, how they lived as overcomers, fought hard against and won the numerous and daily battles, much worse than I have ever faced. I had excellent examples to look up to. I always felt the resilient part of me in particular, is ingrained in my DNA handed down from my family. It is because of their efforts, as the saying goes, that I can sit and enjoy the shade and eat the fruits of trees I haven’t planted or watered. I therefore feel honour and duty bound to plant more trees, open additional pathways for those that are still coming, to honour those that have gone before me. .

My friends and family describe me as:

Strong, intelligent, humble, stubborn and not easily convinced.

Thoughts on aging?

The age authentically, feeling, looking and being better every day.

What has gotten easier for you since turning 40?

Accepting me, honouring my truth.

Click on images to be taken to their blogs

📍Johannesburg, South Africa 

Do Cheryl’s 40 over 40 campaign portraits look like something you might want for yourself too?

Are you interested in spending a day in studio having your dream portraits created, laughing and celebrating you, then you need to fill out this form!