In the realm of self-descriptions, I proudly claim my own F-word: not the one you might think of, but rather, ones that are far more empowering. Friend. Fierce. Fabulous. Fiercely Awesome. Forty-seven.
Yet, how often do you encounter someone like me in films or television? You might catch a glimpse of the seasoned mom or the midlife woman, but she’s often depicted as a bumbling overachiever lacking direction. I reject that stereotype.
As a vibrant 47-year-old mom, I embrace every wrinkle, sag, and bulge I’ve earned along the way. I’m not the cutesy 29-year-old in Uggs, sipping a fancy coffee with perfectly polished kids in tow—though I do enjoy my daily coffee fix, usually from Dunkin’ because it’s more practical and less pretentious.
Let’s be real: I didn’t become this way by being timid. My life is full of real challenges. I’ve homeschooled my two teenagers through high school, navigated the ups and downs of family life, and supported my husband through corporate upheavals—all while keeping my sense of humor intact. I cherish moments spent with my girlfriends, those rare interludes where we can reconnect with our true selves.
It’s easy to lose sight of who we are amid the roles of mom and wife. So, when do we reclaim our identities?
I recently watched The Other F Word on Amazon and found myself laughing uncontrollably (which is yet another delightful aspect of turning 47). The character of Sherry, the Lyft driver, resonated with me deeply; she embodies my own driving persona, confronting road challenges in a way that feels empowering. The show fearlessly tackles topics like menopause and even vibrators, which I appreciate.
One line that struck me was, “The best customers at my home sex toy party were ALL over the age of 40. Let’s face it, we know what we want, and we’re not afraid to go for it!”
What I admire about this series is the determination of director, Laura Jenkins, who was told by industry insiders (including women) that there was no market for stories about midlife women. Undeterred, she funded the project herself and brought it to Amazon, where it thrived, gathering over a million views in its first season and more than 80,000 in just a month for Season 2. This was a triumphant rebuttal to those who doubted its potential.
I have another F-word for that naysaying crowd: Fearless.
Did you know that women influence over 85% of all consumer purchases—from cars to healthcare—according to She-conomy? It’s time to stop guessing what women want and start delivering genuine narratives about real women.
The Other F Word is a series of short, engaging videos available for free on Amazon.
If you’re interested in exploring other topics related to family building and pregnancy, check out this guide on artificial insemination. For a deeper dive into intrauterine insemination, consider this excellent resource.
In summary, as a proud middle-aged mom, I defy the stereotypes and celebrate my journey. It’s about time we showcase the authentic stories of women like us, who are fabulous, fierce, and unapologetically real.