Parenting
By Grace Thompson
Updated: December 4, 2017
Originally Published: November 30, 2017
I resonate with the F-word, and I’m completely fine with that. No, not that infamous F-word, but a collection of even more empowering ones: Fierce. Fabulous. Fearless. Freaking Amazing. Fifty-three.
However, you won’t often see someone like me represented in films or television. Occasionally, there’s a mention of an older mom or a middle-aged mother, yet she’s typically portrayed as a clumsy overachiever who’s a bit lost. That’s utter nonsense, and I refuse to accept it.
As a proud middle-aged mother at 53, I’ve earned every wrinkle, every sag, and every bulge. I’m certainly not a cute 29-year-old dashing around in my trendy boots, sipping on artisanal coffee with my perfectly manicured children. I mean, yes, I do enjoy my coffee, but it’s more likely to be from the local diner than some hip café.
I didn’t arrive at this point in my life by being timid. My life is full and vibrant. I’ve successfully homeschooled two teenagers through high school, navigated countless challenges alongside them, supported my husband through corporate upheavals, and I still manage to find humor in the chaos. I cherish the moments spent with my girlfriends—the rare occasions where I can truly be myself, if I can even recall who that is anymore.
We often become so engrossed in our roles as mothers and wives that we forget to reconnect with our own identities. I recently watched The Other F Word on Amazon and found myself laughing so hard I almost cried (another delightful aspect of being 53). The character of Sherry, the Lyft driver, resonated with me deeply—her spunky attitude is just like mine when I’m behind the wheel, taking on the challenges of the road. I found myself laughing and nodding along, although some of the “never-have-I-evers” were a bit shocking. The show candidly addresses topics like menopause and perimenopause, and yes, it even discusses vibrators.
“The best customers at my home sex toy party were ALL over 40. Let’s face it, we know what we desire, and we’re unafraid to pursue it. Plus, we have the financial means to indulge!”
What I truly admire about this series is that its creator, Lila Johnson, was told by industry insiders (including women) that there was no market for a show about women in midlife. She believed otherwise and self-funded the project, launching it on Amazon. It was a resounding success, racking up over a million views for Season 1 and more than 80,000 views in just a month for Season 2—proving the naysayers wrong.
To those skeptics, I have another F-word: Fearless.
According to She-conomy, over 85% of all consumer product purchases—ranging from automobiles to health care—are made by women. So, let’s stop assuming what women want and start giving them authentic stories that reflect real lives. The Other F Word is a collection of short, engaging videos available for free on Amazon.
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In summary, it’s crucial to celebrate the diverse experiences of women, especially those in midlife, and to challenge the stereotypes that persist in media. As we embrace our identities, we find strength, humor, and camaraderie in the journeys we share.