I would advise my 20 year old self the importance of action over words; to always go where the love is, and the endless rewards of daily gratitude. Robbin Kapsalis
Celebrating the strength, resilience, and beauty of women over 40, the 40 Over 40 Portrait Exhibition by renowned photographer Oliver Doran will be featured at the Vitality Health and Lifestyle Show this year, taking place at the Radisson Blu hotel from October 19th-20th. The Exhibition is a visual celebration that challenges societal norms around aging, highlighting the powerful stories of women who continue to inspire and redefine what it means to grow older. Through a series of stunning, cinematic portraits, Oliver captures the essence of each subject, showcasing their unique beauty, wisdom, and individuality. Ahead of the show, and on our 20th anniversary, we asked some of Oliver’s subjects what advice they would give to their 20 year old selves…
Choose people around you, do not let them choose you. Let them earn your trust, and don’t underestimate yourself. Remember you are gorgeous – but the best time is coming. Julia Gilson
Have more confidence and try different hobbies – value being young, healthy and fit, and don’t worry about your appearance. Just improve yourself. Lynne Goffee White
Keep the faith ‘every problem is already solved’ | Your heart and intuition already know what to do | Laugh… you’re spinning upside down in the cosmos! Katrina Maria
To have the confidence to follow your dreams. Julia Melia
Don’t spend your life with regrets, learn from your mistakes and failures and move on. Life can change in the blink of an eye so embrace every moment. Angela Barnard
Enjoy life – everything will be okay. Jody Roache
You aren’t who they say you are. Nikki Qabazard
Challenge yourself beyond your comfort zone, buy less stuff, set healthy boundaries and prioritise your health and nutrition which will eventually define your trajectory. Anita Philippe
Laugh lots and keep moving. Barbara Lee
Believe in yourself and the gifts that you have – you have qualities which inspire others so be confident and hold your head high. Choose your friends wisely and build wonderful, positive and lasting relationships. Jeannie Moiani
Don’t be tied to a plan because life will take you in its own direction, be open minded, seize every opportunity, no experience is ever wasted, follow your gut and your conviction, don’t fret about love – love will find you. Iselin Jones
Don’t try to fix everyone and everything, be kind to others (and yourself) and keep smiling. Tracy Conoops
