Janine, The 40 Over 40 Women’s Portrait Campaign
Janine, 59
I have been described by my friends and family as…
Adventurous, loyal, good company, and wise.
My best qualities are…
My ability to be calm in tricky situations.
I am most proud of…
I have been focused on self-development all my life. I believe if I am ok, I have better skills to help my family and friends be ok too. I can only control myself.
WHO I am proud of easier to write about..my divine son and daughter.
My favourite quotes…
“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” by Albert Einstein
What advice would I give my 20-year-old self…
Never be boring, never be jealous, stay young, and don’t act your age.
Don’t focus on boyfriends they are the sideshow.
Rather get involved in a charity and devote time and effort to it.
Adventurous travel is critical for self-development and the economy of the remote places you visit.
We all experience many lifetimes in this one life. What did you find were the most poignant changes as you entered your 40s?
Life is actually very long. So to maximize your time and your enjoyment and not be a burden to your family when old, take care of your mental health.
I have a great need for silence and nature as I have become older.
I need longer periods on my own and achieve this by waking at 5 am and claiming a few hours before the rest of the family are awake.
Thoughts on aging…
Aging is a gift. I don’t want to be 18 or 30. My mentality is at its best now. I am more assertive now, less polite, and speak up.
When I was younger I could never say no, and always wanted to please people and make money on travel and not cream.
I spend zero time moping about it. My birthdays are a deliberate non-event as I still feel young.
Janine was part of The 40 Over 40 Women’s Portrait Campaign, which came to a conclusion in August.
Her daughter Casey joined her so that they could have some combined mother and daughter portraits together, and then some of Casey on her own, too.
Mother-daughter bonds can be so powerful. And I really love capturing moments like these, which I know they will look back on in years to come.
Hair and makeup: Donna Hay
