Amidst the dazzling lights of a red carpet at a BELLA cover party, I crossed paths with Tamsen Fadal in 2015. Since then, our journeys have intertwined, witnessing each other's triumphs and transformations. Yet, what remains a mystery to many is how Tamsen's encouragement marked a turning point in my career. To have another woman seek out the flicker of potential within me and take action to help me climb to greater heights is a rare gift indeed.

Tamsen's life has been a testament to the power of reinventing oneself and empowering other women to chase after their dreams, regardless of age.

With this cover story, we celebrate her exceptional life and career, which have made her an influential figure in the realm of journalism, personal branding, and empowerment. With a magnetic personality and unrelenting drive, Tamsen has not only conquered the ever-changing media landscape but has also become a beacon of hope for those seeking to overcome obstacles and transform their aspirations into reality.

Tamsen Fadal is an unstoppable force and a symbol of resilience. Join me as we delve deeper into her life. Let her story inspire you to pursue your own dreams with unwavering determination and self-love.

What inspired you to embrace self-love, and how has it positively impacted your life?

Self-love really hit home for me after going through so many of my own ups and downs. Over time, I realized self -love gave me strength and it showed me how important it is to be kind to myself. This shift has been a game-changer. It's helped me embrace who I am, quirks and all, and has given me a whole new level of confidence and peace. From my personal life to my career it has given me true connection.

Can you share some of the key self-love practices and rituals that you incorporate into your daily routine?

Yes, I have learned to look forward to these pockets each day:

Morning Light. Instead of jumping into my day, I start with a walk outside. Whether it's down by the Hudson River or heading to Central Park - this is where my day starts. It grounds me and I believe gives me a quiet space for some self reflection.

Time To Talk. With my new schedule I have added different breaks in my day so I am not just scheduled back to back. My relationships with family and friends have taken such a pivotal role in my life. I take time out each day to make a phone call to someone I have not talked to or check in on a loved one. That personal connection feels so good and has become something I look forward to each afternoon.

Digital detox is not easy for me as a digital creator, but it is necessary in some form. I just schedule a few “unplugged pockets” into each day - meaning time around meals, or non-digital activities like reading or quiet time. It allows me to connect with what's around me and actually be more creative when I plug back in.

Movement. This is in addition to a morning walk. Whether I am moving on a yoga mat or strength training - I fit it in as a priority. In midlife - strength training has moved up on my list of go-to workouts for my bone health and wellness. I just feel energized after even a 15 minute session.

Prioritizing Mental Health. This is big for me. I have gone through a lot of big life changes in the past decade. A divorce. A marriage. A career change. It is important for me to prioritize my mental health. Along with mindfulness practices - I incorporate therapy into each week.

In a world that often emphasizes external validation, how do you navigate the journey of self-acceptance and self-empowerment?

This is all about turning inward and we don’t always take the time to do. I have learned that is what has been key in guiding my life transitions.

Inner Validation. I have learned to appreciate my own thoughts, feelings and achievements. That doesn't mean I am not aware of what other people are doing. But I focus less on others’ approval and try to look more at valuing myself. It comes in the form of setting my own goals and giving a lot of thought to what purpose I want in my life.

Practice Being Present. I love it when my mind clicks and I am present. I get such a feeling of fulfillment about this. It definitely helps lessen the influence of outside pressures.

Be kind to yourself. I encourage people to be kind and understanding if you feel like something didn't go well or you “failed.” Rephrase how you speak to yourself. If you would not talk to your 20 year old self that way - you should not talk to yourself that way today.

You’ve had a successful career in journalism; how has your professional journey intersected with your personal journey towards self-love?

I am thrilled to be taking my passion for storytelling to a new level. I have embarked on a mission to empower women through shared experiences around career moves, midlife, menopause and finding meaning. My aim is to help women claim and embody their true power at any age - encompassing not just resources but rich relationships and opportunities for living a life they have designed for themselves to bring true meaning to each day.

What advice do you have for our readers who may be struggling with self-doubt and insecurity in today's fast-paced and image-conscious society?

It is about finding a way to focus on yourSELF. I have self-doubt and insecurity but I work hard each day to understand it and manage it.

• Self-Compassion. Be kind to yourself and understand that it's normal to experience self-doubt. Treat yourself with the same empathy and understanding you would offer a friend.

• Engage Yourself in Physical Activity. This helps my mood in a big way and just gives me a boost of self-esteem. I feel accomplished at the end of any physical activity.

• Limit Social Media Intake: I love social media but if it is making you feel badly about yourself or you are following accounts that present unrealistic standards that can fuel insecurities. Be aware of who you surround yourself with.

• Five Friendships. My friends (true friends) fuel my security and reduce my self doubt. My mother always encouraged me to find 5 friends and keep them close. I encourage you to do the dam.

Share your perspective on the evolving definition of self-love and its importance in fostering mental and emotional well-being.

Self love used to be equated to being self or self egotistic. Today this definition has taken on a beautiful new meaning and it has an essential role in giving us a healthy, balanced life. It is so important to use self love to foster both mental and emotional well-being through nurturing ourselves, nourishing our body, mind and soul (healthy eating regular exercise and pursuing passions and practices that make us unique)

And finally, I believe that self-love plays a role in setting the tone for how we enter into and engage in relationships.

We want to have relationships, friend or romantic, from a place of fullness vs. a place of feeling incomplete.

With the massive shift you've made in your career, how will you use your platform to inspire others to prioritize self-love? What initiatives or projects can we look forward to in your near future?

It is time for a bold change when it comes to menopause. Earlier this year, I traveled to Washington DC advocating for The Menopause Research and Equity act - with the aim of introducing legislation to make menopause research a priority.

We have to take a hard look at how we prioritize women's health, and there is such a need for accurate information about perimenopause, menopause, and midlife women's health. By the year 2025, 1 billion women will be experiencing menopause around the world. This is about self-love and love for other women.

And, I am thrilled to be launching a new podcast this year. And I have a book that will be published by Hachette, Spring 2025, about Midlife, Menopause, and Finding Meaning...

Shoot Credits:

Creative Direction: Vanessa Coppes

Photography: Brandon Parker

Makeup Artist: Chris Lanston

Hair: Katie Rotie

Stylists: Mindy Gura + Paula Orlan