Maedhbh
Age:
54
Occupation:
Education
Why did you say yes to this campaign? What was your WHY to participate?
The whole concept of the campaign appealed to me. I’m usually the person behind the camera & not in front of it. I had reached a point in my life where I had decided to say “YES” to things where I would usually shy away from them. I was looking for exciting pursuits. I wanted to challenge myself & grow from putting myself into uneasy situations.
Tell me a little about you and your story:
I come from a small rural town on the Kerry-Limerick border. I was born into a family that rated education as a high priority. I was exposed to cultural experiences from a very young age which introduced me to my first love of life – Music. My music is the elixir to my soul. Through every emotion music is part of my life. I have invested lot of time into my personal development & growth in order for me to be where I am now – I’m very content & happy within myself. I’ve never been married, I do not have children. However I am utterly charmed. I have the most amazing, funny, & creative nieces & nephews in my life that bring me immense joy & laughter. My parents & siblings are my rock. They are the unquestionable unwavering support structure in my background. I’m surrounded by a bevvy of amazing female friends, who share my joie de vivre, fun and mischievous side. I am one very lucky lady.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
There are two sides to me – On the personal side – I’m a relaxed easy going person, I’m loved by an amazing supportive loving family. I’m very lucky & fortunate in life. On the professional front – I’m a competent accomplished woman.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Confident, Independent, Searching.
Do you feel like you have changed since turning 50?
In my very early 40’s I realised that life was very transient. Therefore that gave me the emotional insight & personal drive to change. It led me on a journey about myself, what made me the way I was and through discovery to learn how “Self-preservation” is so important. It has resulted in the loss of people out of my life, the changing of jobs & the moving of homes which has resulted to where I am now. I’m in a very happy place in my life.
What are the most rewarding things about getting older?
Growing into knowing who I am. Knowing what are the main priorities I want in life. Surrounding myself with positive people who want to share their lives with me. Trying out new experiences and not really caring what others think. Being that bit bold – chasing the things I want – and enjoying the ride along the way!
What has been the best life lesson you have learned along the way?
Have Respect for yourself – Never allow someone else crush your soul. It’s perfectly fine to learn lots of different ways to say NO. Walk away – if its not an equal two way street.
What advice would you give to your younger self about caring for yourself?
Life is not easy, There are a lot of learning stumbling blocks along the way. Be more assertive and call out those that hurt you along the way. Do not shy away from it. Make people answerable for their actions. It is far more productive to say something encouraging & positive. Allow the emotions to settle before tackling a difficult conversation – but have that conversation! Develop a good B.S. filter, Trust your gut instinct, it has never led me astray. Do not settle – be honest & true to yourself. Compromise is the key – Nobody gets 100% – All of the time. Surround yourself with loving, straight-talking, honest friends.
What is your favourite quote?
Hamlet Act 1, Scene 3, 78–82
“To thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man”
What do you love most about your new portraits? Is there something new you discovered about yourself?
I love them all. It was a very difficult job to select the ones I did… I love the variety within the photos. They are all different, not just the clothing but character traits within myself. I can see the beauty within me. I think I’ve embodied that beauty and inner self-assurance. I think I discovered that it has helped release the softer less guarded side of me. Olga brought that out in her depiction of me because of her magic vision through her camera lens.
What was your favourite part of working with me?
Your easy manner and gentle guided instructions made the whole process effortless. It became for me a joyful, stress-less occasion with bursts of laughter throughout.
