Deborah
“Being a woman means being part of a loving and fierce tribe that joins us together no matter our age, race or sexuality.”
Deborah, or Deborah Darling, is fiercely brave, independent and inspiring. After a divorce, she had to re-learn how to make peace with being alone. This didn’t come easy, but months following the divorce she booked a trip to South America, and though she almost talked herself out of it, she courageously boarded her plane. This trip allowed Deborah to rediscover the power of her own independence. Now Deborah devotes her time to empowering other women, by proving that beauty is not defined by age and that we are all full of strength and beauty, regardless of what society tells us. Meet Deborah. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
D: My name is Deborah Chambers, but these days I am more commonly known as Deborah Darling.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
D: I am a 59 year-old grandmother, living in Johannesburg in South Africa. I (somewhat inadvertently) started a modelling career when I was 53, and this has given me the wonderful opportunity to challenge negative stereotypes around ageing, and to spread the word that we are never too old, and that it is never too late.
P: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
D: That I am able to inspire people to see the beauty and possibility in themselves.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
D: I got divorced when I was in my mid forties and it was devastating for me. Having been married since I was 19, I just couldn't see a future for myself on my own. A couple of years later I decided to go on an extended trip to Argentina on my own. Once the initial excitement of planning the trip had worn off, I was absolutely terrified. The night before I was due to fly out I lay in bed thinking that I couldn't possibly go; I didn't speak Spanish and didn't know how I would manage to catch a train, let alone buy myself something to eat. I spent three glorious months in Buenos Aires and that time taught me so much about myself, including that I am indeed able to manage on my own.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
D: That it's okay to be afraid, and to do it anyway.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
D: Being a woman means being part of a loving and fierce tribe that joins us together no matter our age, race or sexuality.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
D: I am so inspired by Joan McDonald (@trainwithjoan). Joan started strength training about four years ago, when she was 70 years old. She has completely transformed herself, proving that it is never too late to embark on a fitness journey. If she were here now I would ask her how she got that very, very pert little bottom :)