Mature Women Boudoir – Charlotte

Introducing one of our lovely ladies from the  40 over 40 project!

 WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION? At the point of my photo shoot I had only been in my new job for just over a month. I have just taken a complete career change and started working as a residential support worker in a children’s home. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions, and I am loving it!!
**Added Jan25 – I am now working in an office full time and closer to my new home with my partner and children. I’m two months in, and loving it!**

HOW OLD ARE YOU – AND WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE? I am forty seven, and the best thing is wisdom and experience. The one thing about age is that as I’ve grown older I feel more and more like I can step outside my comfort zone and push boundaries. I careless about people and pettiness.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU FEEL STRONGER? I have C-PTSD from an abusive and neglectful childhood. I have no relationship with my parents.
I was sexually abused by a past partner during my teenage years, as well as him having constant affairs.
3 Miscarriages.
Years of invasion gynecological investigation that spanned 20 years.
3 Rounds of IVF
5 gynecological surgeries that ended with a full hysterectomy at 41 years old.
The adoption process; but then to adopt my 3 beautiful children over two adoptions.
Massively tough few years with my eldest two, during their teenage years. Tested as far to my limits as possibly could. I had a breakdown and self harmed. These years were the toughest ever. Finally started to see the light this year and get all of our lives back on track, but then the next blow came in the form of my husband ending our marriage and leaving me for my friend.
Five months on and I am in a completely different head space and have a new relationship. I’m a great believer in things happen for a reason and these things teach us life’s lessons to share your knowledge with others and help us manage other situations. Right now I am so happy, albeit I’m still going through a divorce, this is not stopping me feel great. I have people that love me, doing things I enjoy and enjoying a new career. The future is exciting!

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? I always think straight to my children, albeit I did not ‘make’ them, I achieved the adoption process. It’s one mean feat to accomplish too. The process is not only lengthy, it’s invasion, and very personal. Once you’ve been through the terrors of yours skeletons in the cupboards, you then have to start looking at children and the process of finding your family. It’s mentally draining and upsetting. Then at the end of it all you have your family and the real work starts!

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? I think this answer evolves but right now I can honestly tell you it’s looking into my partners eyes as he looks down at me, after a kiss or hug. It’s a spark of pure happiness and passion all rolled into one. He makes me extremely happy.

WHAT DO YOU TREASURE MOST? Life and my loved ones.

WHAT’S LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? To see Pompeii. To go to Australia and see family there. To go to New York.

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE? Buying a beautiful 4 bed town house when I was 23 with my then partner. We had a 3 bed house that was absolutely fine but fell in love with this property. A year later our 7 year relationship was over!

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF? A year ago I would have listed lots of things but now, all I will say is, I must try harder to stop interrupting people.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? Kindness

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?Losing my loved ones

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS? Honesty

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Don’t trust so easily. Pause and think before speaking.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVOURITE QUOTE? The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. Dr Seuss.

AND FINALLY…..HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER YOUR 40 OVER 40 BOUDOIR SHOOT? Totally fabulous, in a surreal and timeless way. The whole time I was there I felt like I was watching someone else. I enjoyed every moment and felt so extremely gorgeous. I have been on a high since!! Thank you so so much for this experience. I want to do it again! xox