OVER 40 AND FABULOUS! TOP 10 CONTEST WINNERS
“I’ve found that in my 40s, I’m more able to appreciate my strengths, and that gives me confidence in all areas of my life.”
Dr. Leslie C. Gray Bio: Dr. Gray is a passionate dermatologist who founded Dermatology Center of Atlanta in October 2000. She is also a wife and mother of three. Today, she and her staff donate to North Fulton Community Charities, among others.
What is the best thing you’ve learned about yourself since turning 40? The best thing I’ve learned is the peace and satisfaction that comes with accepting yourself as you are and not feeling the pressure to measure up to other people’s expectations. I’ve found that in my 40s, I’m more able to appreciate my strengths, and that gives me confidence in all areas of my life. I also know my weaknesses, but I am better able to work on them than when I was younger.
What do you consider to be your best accomplishment? Finding balance in my life with the things that mean the most to me. Especially after 40, I know what my priorities are and I keep myself accountable to them — family, faith, fitness, home, health, work and fun!
What is your favorite way to work out? I have a library of the Beachbody DVDs and I mix and match cardio and strength. I also love that my children can see that my health and fitness are a priority and I hope that will positively influence them too.
What is your favorite getaway? I have two favorite getaways. The first is Seaside, FL, where we have gone for our family summer beach
trip for more than a decade. It’s a great place for reconnecting and family time. My other favorite getaway is our lake house at Lake Burton.
Name something on your bucket list. Learning Italian and then going on a trip to Italy.
What makes you laugh? My husband, Glenn, has always made me laugh. He has a great sense of humor and he’s especially funny with our kids.
Where do you go for “me” time? Working out in my gym is the best “me” time. I always feel more energetic and clear-headed after a great workout.
What is your favorite way to give back to your community? Donating the services and resources of my practice to the many local charities, schools and causes that approach us. As a group, we also try to give back. Last year, instead of our traditional secret Santa gifts, employees could opt instead to donate to North Fulton Community Charities. This year, we are planning a group volunteer day at the Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center, which helps children who are severely abused.
“Teaching fitness has never felt like a job to me; it is my passion and I would do it regardless of if I got paid.”
Ann Marie Weeks Bio: Ann Marie is a Flywheel instructor and passionate about fitness. She is also a wife, mother of three and supporter and volunteer at Mary Hall Freedom House. What do you consider to be your best accomplishment? I am able to do what I love every day and get rewarded for it both financially and spiritually. Teaching fitness has never felt like a job to me; it is my passion and I would do it regardless of if I got paid. I look forward to every class I teach. I love my clients and feel so fortunate to be able to encourage and motivate them in their pursuits of a healthy lifestyle.
What is your favorite book and why? “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. It provides great insight on the benefits of staying in the present moment instead of holding onto the past or worrying about the future. It is about enjoying exactly where you are at the www.bestselfconnect.com
present time and fully embracing the experience.
What is your favorite way to work out? Flywheel. I cannot get enough of this spinning class! I have taught in the fitness industry for over 25 years and this is hands down my favorite class to teach.
What is your favorite getaway? My home on Peaks Island, Maine. I was born and raised in Maine and feel so fortunate to be able to go back and spend the summers there. Being on an island forces [me to] slow down and provides a perfect place for quality family time without being pulled in a million directions. My children love choosing the activities of the day with no schedule and the freedom of independence afforded to them with the safety of being on an island. There is just nothing more relaxing to me than laying in a hammock on the deck, and seeing and hearing the crashing of the ocean waves.
Name something on bucket your list. Hiking the Inca Trail in Machu Picchu, Peru is number one on my bucket list. BEST BEST SELF SELFATLANTA ATLANTA
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