Becoming a Model at 63: Why It’s Never Too Late to Follow Your Dreams!

It didn’t seem possible that, at the age of 63, I would follow my dreams and become a model. I had done some modelling much earlier in my life when I was in my 20s and early 30s. I was one of the first generation of plus size models and had such fun doing photo shoots for magazines and newspapers, showcasing the latest trends and fashions that were available for us bigger girls.

Back then, we really didn’t see too many older or larger models gracing the catwalk or being featured in magazines, and it was so exciting to be a part of this growing evolution in inclusivity and body diversity.

If Not Now, When?

I had this dream about returning to the modelling world and rekindling the joy and fun that I had experienced as a younger model. However, I kept putting the idea on the back burner. I told myself that I was too old to even think of doing this again, and anyway, who would be interested?

I was also concerned that I wouldn’t be able to do it as I have arthritis. How would I cope if I was having a bad day? However, no matter how much I tried to dissuade myself from following this dream, it just wouldn’t go away.

Year after year, the idea grew and grew until it came to a point where I thought that I would have to at least give it a try.

So often, it’s easier not to take action on our dreams because then we can tell ourselves that we never failed. But then we never really went after them, did we? However, it got to a stage where I knew that even if it didn’t work out, I could at least tell myself that I had tried, and this felt good to me.

For me, I realized that it was more than just about modelling again. It was about being visible in my own life. It was about having the courage to say I still have dreams; I still want to experience new things and I still want to show up in new and wonderful ways in my life. I am also passionate about the pro age movement which is all about celebrating our age and not allowing negative stereotypes of ageing to hold us back.

Your Dreams Are There to Call You Forward

What are your dreams? Have you considered what you are passionate about? What fills you up, delights you or makes you feel alive? These are your clues to something that is just waiting to be seen, heard or born within you.

Do you follow these whispers of your inner wisdom, or do you allow them to fall by the wayside? Neither way is right or wrong. All that matters is what brings you a sense of fulfilment, joy, peace and that you have honoured yourself.

I met the most fabulous lady in one of my body confidence and age empowerment workshops. She shared that she had a secret dream of writing a book. It had been with her for 40 years. The timing had never been right for her to do it. First it was her family that took priority and then it was a project at work and after that she spent much of her time caring for her elderly parents.

As she spoke in the workshop, her voice trembled with emotion as she wondered if she would ever finally write her book. It transpired that she had lost confidence in herself and her ability to write. I asked her if the dream was still there. She nodded, yes.

I wondered who would write the book if she didn’t. She shrugged her shoulders and said that no one could because no one knew her story. I asked her if this was okay with her. That her story would never get told. She shook her head and said that it wasn’t.

At this point, her energy changed and she seemed to sit a little taller in her chair. She said, “But how do I do it? How do I start this journey? It feels overwhelming and maybe I’ve left it too late.”

The first thing to remember is that it’s never too late. There is always a way, even though that way may be completely different from how you imagined it to be.

As the workshop continued, I shared some of the most powerful tools and deeply helpful attitudes that we can have for manifesting our deepest desires. I share five of these tips here with you today and hope that they help you to take action on your own dreams and wishes. I am so happy to say that the lady from the workshop is currently pursuing a book deal with a fabulous agency.

Five Steps to Fulfilment!

Never Ever Give Up

Many people quit their dreams just before they were about to manifest themselves in their life. When what we desire doesn’t happen immediately, it can feel challenging to keep going. We may get tired or despair of anything ever changing.

We may have faced rejection after rejection and in the end, we stop trying. However, if it matters to you, it matters that you find a way to bring your passion to life. So often, we may look at people who seem to have succeeded in making their dreams happen as if they have been an overnight success.

However, as many of these folks will tell you, the “overnight success” has been 20 or more years in the making!

Own Who You Are and Use Where You Are!

At 63, I am not the young, dreamy woman I once was. I have gone through my own life challenges, and I know more about what I want now and why I desire it. For me, becoming a model was all about promoting the message of positive ageing. That even in our 60s, 70s, 80s or beyond we are still visible and have a passion for life.

Take stock of where you are and think about how you can use where you are right now in the most positive ways. Everything you have been through is valuable and when you create something from this perspective, you are creating authentically.

Take Inspired Action

This is a huge one. It is no good just talking about what you desire to have happen in your life – you need to take little steps of inspired action every day. Inspired action is about following up on your innermost knowing.

Look for the things that make you feel alive or whisper to your heart. Begin to notice where and what you feel drawn to and be open to taking opportunities that come your way which feel in alignment with your dreams.

Act as If What You Desire Has Already Happened

I love this one because it puts you into the space of already having achieved your dreams and goals. In order to manifest anything new in our lives, we need to live from the perspective that we are already there. Practically, this means feeling the joy that you would feel if you had already achieved your goals.

It means embodying a sense of excitement and happiness that you have already achieved what you desire. Children do this automatically. If they want to be a queen, they walk around the house like a queen and wear dress-up clothes that make them feel as if they are a queen.

As adults, we need to rekindle some of the joy that we once had as children and enter a world of make believe. This way we begin to “prime” the mind and body for what is to come as we mentally rehearse and play with our visions.

See the Bigger Picture

Our dreams are there to call us forward. Perhaps we seek to create something new in our life or we may have dreams of starting a business, going back to college to study, writing a book, becoming an artist or song writer or simply, we desire to live in surroundings that support us and make us feel connected to the earth.

It doesn’t matter what your dream is, it matters that it holds meaning for you. It is in the pursuit of our dreams and desires that we grow and discover more about who we are. Every struggle brings an opportunity to find a solution; every knock back helps to build our resiliency. Every success can be shared with someone else and ultimately, we can pass on the knowledge that we have gained and inspire others to also follow their dreams.

As someone who has lived with Arthritis for over 20 years, this feels like an exciting and new adventure for me to be on. I hope that I can bring a positive voice to anyone who has ever felt that they are not good enough or that they don’t fit in or are struggling with their own health issues.

Go and Do It

I do hope this helps. If you have a passion to rekindle something you loved to do, go and do it! Don’t let anything stand in your way. Refuse to allow your wild and wonderful spirit to be tamed or think that you can’t do something.

There is always a way. It may mean that you have to change the way you do it or find a different route, but it can be done. You are far too precious not to follow those things which bring your soul alive and bring you fulfilment, joy and inner peace. If you would like to follow my journey and receive more tips and motivation, please follow me on Instagram @romancingyourbody.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What dreams would you love to rekindle? Have you started working on their accomplishment?