I didn’t become a confidence creator because confidence always came naturally to me. I became one because I had to learn how to build it.
I grew up Gen X, in a time when children were often expected to be seen and not heard. I learned early to stay quiet, avoid drawing attention to myself and keep many of my thoughts inside. Speaking up and being seen didn’t feel natural to me, and that followed me into adulthood.
I joined the Air Force at 19, became a mother in my 20s and built a career. I also worked toward my college degrees a little at a time while working full time and raising my kids. It took years, but I kept going until I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. From the outside, I looked capable. Inside, I still questioned my worth and whether my voice was safe to use.
I got married young, before I really understood who I was or what I deserved. Two of the scariest things I have ever done were ending that marriage and starting over, and later moving to Japan during the pandemic. Both experiences required me to trust myself before I felt completely ready.
Silver Sister Says began as a creative outlet. Slowly, it became a practice that helped me find and use my voice. As I started talking about the turning points in my life, other women told me they could see themselves in my stories. I realized that some of the experiences I once thought I should keep to myself could help another woman feel understood and give her hope.
Today, I’m a first-generation college graduate, military veteran, mother, wife, leadership professional and the creator of Silver Sister Says. I share my own stories about aging, gray hair, menopause, beauty, movement, relationships and reinvention to help women trust themselves and know their worth.
If something I’ve lived through helps another woman believe in herself sooner, then sharing it matters.
With love, CeCe ♥
