I am Pia Bose, 54, wife, mother, health care professional, adjunct professor and Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay. I am also an immigrant from Finland and have spent most of my life in the USA. I have settled in a charming little town in Northern NJ, 35 miles west of NYC. I was grateful to be one of Clare's models; it was a wonderful experience and I cherish my photographs. As far as turning 50 goes:
I have never thought about my age much before turning 50. Maybe it's because I started things later in life (graduated college late - with three degrees in Occupational Therapy - BS, MA and PhD), married late (I was 33) and had my kids late (I was 37 and 39). I also always looked young for my age - looking back at my wedding photos 20 years ago really makes me take a note of that.
Still, when I was turning 50, something shifted and I struggled to understand why. Turning 50 felt different than any other decade before. But why? After some self-reflection I realized that 50 to me meant the door to old age opening. I may not have looked any different or felt any different, but I was going to be aging in the coming years. I have been blessed with genes for longevity - my mother just turned 90 and her father lived almost 100 years - and I hope that I can live into old age.
In my reflections I also considered how my choices now as a 50 year old would directly influence what kind of old person I would be. I have exercised regularly since my twenties and through some injuries have found yoga and dance. I also changed my diet the year before I turned 50; I stopped eating processed foods and foods that have added sugar in them. I started using a new skincare regimen by Mary Kay and I enjoyed the products and meeting other women so much that I signed up to become an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay. My skin at 54 looks better than it did in my 40s and I love nothing more than helping other women feel and look beautiful. My side business has enriched my life in more ways that I anticipated: it has brought me new and exciting things to learn, it has given me an outlet for my creativity, a source of connection to other women, extra income and much more confidence.
Beauty to me no longer is a perfect young looking face; it is a face that shows vitality and purpose in life, it is a face that conveys gratefulness and joy. In a way, I think that as we age, our personality and life choices become increasingly visible in our physical being: our posture, our movements, the lines and expressions on our faces.
I feel blessed to be 54 and happier than I think I have ever been. I have a deeper understanding of living with purpose than I have had in the past. I have renewed appreciation for people and things which bring love, joy and light into my life. If I could tell something to my 20 year old self, it would be to be confident and treasure life in each twist and turn. It would be to surround yourself with people who love and support you and to not worry about what others think or say.
You can find me on instagram @pialiisabeauty; facebook @Pbosewithmarykay; call me at 201-738-5922, email [email protected], website: marykay.com/pbose
Pia Bose, Ph.D., OT
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
201-738-5922