2025 40 Over 40 Series: Karen Tiner
“I have had awfully dark times and wanted to surrender, but I’ve survived every crashing wave and found strength to get back up and find joy in the next ride. I’ve also learned that in some instances, there’s more strength in surrendering, as it isn’t giving up – it’s releasing the need to control. Once you’ve done all you can do, you must let go and trust. It’s surprisingly freeing.“
Karen’s story:
In a word, I’d say my life has been full of “transcendence”. Transcending above abandonment, emotional abuse, trauma, loss, poor choices, as well as many challenges and obstacles. These experiences began in early childhood and unknowingly, shaped me to become fiercely independent. My life has been a journey of twists and turns that have taken me in directions my younger self would never have imagined. I’ve made more than my allotted share of mistakes! Fortunately, many of the best things that have happened throughout my life have been because I made some of those mistakes. I see my life symbolically like a lotus flower – a resilient flower that blossoms out of muddy, murky water. I grew a voice I didn’t know I had when I learned I had a child with special needs. I quickly educated myself and became a fierce advocate. I fought a school board for services and won. I believed in my son and refused to accept the bleak prognosis of some doctors, educators and others. Against all odds, he’s grown to be a high functioning, very independent, kind, brilliant and talented young man. My dream of racing a car came true. I discovered the artist within and now create and teach mosaic art. I have had awfully dark times and wanted to surrender, but I’ve survived every crashing wave and found strength to get back up and find joy in the next ride. I’ve also learned that in some instances, there’s more strength in surrendering, as it isn’t giving up – it’s releasing the need to control. Once you’ve done all you can do, you must let go and trust. It’s surprisingly freeing. I might not feel that way on a really bad day, but I know deep inside it is true!
What are some of the rewarding parts of the current decade you are in? The challenges?
Finally figuring things out! Embracing confidence and wisdom that age and experience has brought about. Enjoying retirement, even though working part time. Embracing the incredible feeling of freedom. No longer believing something’s wrong with me or I’m not whole because I’m not married or in a relationship. Appreciating that I have more time to give and give back. Receiving is wonderful, but there’s nothing like the joy in giving and doing good things. The challenges I would say are primarily physical. Witnessing and coming to terms with the breakdown of my physical body and relating issues. There’s only so much we can do to combat nature. This led me to committing to a fitness program to help build a stronger and healthier body. It has done wonders not only my body and overall health, but also for my mind and emotional health, however, it is a sometimes a challenge to put forth the effort to do it every day. This is being human though, so I’ve learned it’s OK to go off the grid and/or indulge in guilty pleasures at times.
What has been your favorite decade you have lived through and why?
The 60’s. It was a period of my life when my inner spirit hadn’t been quashed or changed too much and I felt joy and wonder most of the time. I was curious about everything. I was always reading, writing, imagining, discovering, experimenting, learning. I lived in an idyllic neighborhood. I had camaraderie with cousins and neighborhood friends. My best friend was my bicycle. It took me everywhere I needed or wanted to go. I especially loved riding my bike after a rain, and dragging my feet in puddles of cool rainwater. I loved seeing how the rain enhanced the color of everything. I had an acute awareness of all of my senses (even the 6th one!). I loved the simple and free things in life. I’ve been a passionate lover of music from early on, and I believe the best music is from the 60’s!
If given the opportunity, what would you do differently?
Be more outspoken. Take up for myself and not allow anyone to disrespect me. Not let fear, self-consciousness or lack of confidence hold me back from doing or pursuing things I wanted or sabotage healthy relationships. Not allow the opinions, beliefs or advice of others steer me where my gut was telling me not to go. Not be afraid to say NO!
What was your top life lesson that you’ve never forgotten and have lived by?
It’s hard to name only one, so … (1) Don’t be judgmental. You might be walking in those shoes some day! (2) You don’t have to forget, but forgive and let the experience teach you to set healthy boundaries. I’ve come to realize that age has a way of giving you perspective that wasn’t possible when you were younger, and that is a paradox of life!
What has bought you the most joy in your life?
My 2 precious sons. The wondrous blessing of pregnancy, childbirth, nursing … being a mother. The treasured memories of our travels and adventures. All is right with the world when I am with my boys.
What was your experience like working with Brandi Stage Portraiture as a part of the 40 Over 40 Project?
I was honored that Brandi offered this opportunity to me. I felt comfortable with her from the first phone call. She made me feel at ease during the photo shoot and brought out the spirit inside of me. She helped me to see how beautiful, confident, fabulous (even sexy!) you can be at 65 and not be afraid to show it as well as feel it! It was a fun and exciting experience and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Brandi is an amazing master at her craft!
You are more beautiful than you know!
To book your own fabulous Portrait Session, contact us through the inquiry form below.
Much love,
Brandi
International Award-Winning Portrait Photographer
Brandi Stage is a portrait photographer recognized by the prestigious International Photography Awards and based in Diamondhead, MS. She creates an exceptional magazine-style photo shoot and timeless heirloom portraits for women, men, children and pets in her studio or on location.