Samira | 40 for 40 Portraits RVA

Samira (44)

Wife & mom to two girls

Experience Design Tools Operation Lead at Capital One

"As I approach 45, I realize that I'm continuing to learn and grow. I love this feeling of wholeness that seems to deepen every year. I feel rooted in who I am, and while I still get tossed around by the waves of life from time to time, at my core I know myself. I know what I'm capable of and I finally feel like I know my worth; I know what I bring to the table, I deeply appreciate knowing that- without a doubt- I'm a survivor. And it's not just because I've experienced personal trauma and grief. I just have more years behind me. I am proof that time marches on, heartbreak can be survived, bad memories will fade, and I can practice forgiveness to myself just as much as others- and move forward.

I love the sense of inner peace and empowerment I feel as I look around and can finally enjoy where I am right now in my life, rather than regretting the past or focusing on the future. I care less about what other people think of me and have begun to feel more comfortable in my own skin. I'm learning to show myself love and kindness, and I've come to realize that when I operate from that place, I can pay it forward."