Alison – ‘The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign
Alison, 50
If your friends were to describe you, what would they say?
That bunch couldn’t limit themselves to 3!!! I had a list of 15!!! I whittled it down to – Creative, motivated, intrepid, inspiring, intelligent, and empathetic.
What is your favourite quote or saying?
“You better lose yourself in the music, the moment.
You own it, you better never let it go.
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow.
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime”
Eminem. (n.d.). Lose yourself [CD]. 54 Sound Studio, Detroit, Michigan; Marshall Mathers, Jeff Bass, Luis Resto.
What would you say you are most proud of?
The home my husband, Dieter and I have created for our three beautiful children.
They are kind, talented, intelligent, empathetic young people who are a gift to this world.
Our home is filled with laughter, craziness, and slightly off-beat humour. And lots of love and acceptance.
What advice would you give your younger self?
You are smart, beautiful, and worthy of the love you want. Follow your heart.
What is a goal or dream you still wish to accomplish?
I am working towards a life where I travel the world with my “ride or die”, my backpack, my journal, and my camera –
teaching leadership development and coaching young professionals.
Exploring the world and going on adventures with my Love. Retirement is over-rated.
It would make my girlfriends incredibly happy if I did write a book. They’ve been waiting for it since high school!
What are your thoughts on ageing?
I’m conflicted. I have loved growing older. It took a long time to embrace my grey hair. I’ve been dying it since I was 28.
My husband convinced me to stop so I cut it short and let it go there on its own on my 48th birthday.
I had hoped that it would all be grey by 50. There’s a serenity about growing older that I have enjoyed.
I appreciate myself more; accept myself more; and love myself more.
The conflict appears when I look at my children. I miss the time that has passed, but I also enjoy the young adults they have become.
Our conversations are different and more beautiful. I get to see the world through their eyes.
There is so much more living I want to do and every day I wake up knowing that I have another chance to make the dream a reality.
What did you enjoy most about The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign? And how did the experience leave you feeling?
I haven’t been in front of the camera in a long time. But it was like riding a bike.
I was commercially photographed for the first time about 20 years ago. Following that, my wedding photos 11 years ago.
I felt powerful and delighted. Monica has a way of calming you down. I must confess that I enjoyed having Donna apply my makeup.
I felt spoiled. Seeing the images later gave me the feeling of “mmm… you don’t look 50″… along with a giggle!
