I've felt like an old lady since my 20's

When I read Cristie's submission to be in the project, she immediately let me know that she wasn't going to be 40 until next year and that she probably wouldn't get in but thought she would tell her story anyway.  Cristie suffers from Crohn's disease and has suffered poor health since 2000.  Along with the Crohn's she also suffers from associated chronic arthritis. She explained "I do feel like I am well over 40 so I still want to enter on the off chance you accept my application".

I could relate to Cristie's chronic illness because of my own.  It's an illness that people can't see, so people don't tend to understand it.  She continues "I don't like to wear a badge labelling myself, so a lot of people don't know I have these issues, but I figure if it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger...so why dwell on it and let it identify you".  I couldn't agree more.

So that was a good reason alone to include her in the project, but then I continued reading.  When Cristie was young, she got picked on by her brothers and kids at school because of her fair skin...name calling like freckle face, Casper the Ghost, moon tan were common.  As a result, she never had high self esteem and even now doesn't remember the last time she felt beautiful. 

As she got older, she felt her self esteem improved slightly because she was able to hide her flaws behind makeup and tanning creams but has always envied the naturally beautiful people who can go swimming without worrying that their cover will be blown or go to a day spa and not avoid the facial as they would have to remove their makeup.

When it comes to being in photos, she thinks her 3yo and 5yo boys are much more photogenic so she spends more time snapping pics of them rather than being in front of the camera herself.

When I met Cristie, I couldn't believe how naturally beautiful she is and that she just couldn't see it.  Then I realised she is like so many woman, finding flaws where other people wouldn't see them.  She confided in me that she had nearly cancelled her shoot a few times because she was so worried about having her photo taken without makeup but she showed her true courage by pushing through her fear and I'm so so glad she did.

As well as being a mum to her little boys she is also an artist.  Christie describes drawing as the only time she truly finds her Zen.  She's had people tell her she should exhibit and sell her drawings but she just likes doing them for herself.  She's had a few pieces commissioned but really likes to draw what she wants when she wants.

When I asked Cristie to explain to me how she felt about her makeover experience, this is what she had to say;

"I had spent the time since being notified that I was one of the lucky 40 quietly panicking. What had I gotten myself into?! I didn't really feel brave enough to get out of my comfort zone and be the centre of attention, I didn't think I needed or wanted photos of myself....my husband told me that he and the kids did!! I looked for and vocalised various excuses why I should pull out, my husband kept at me and ensured I did not.