I don’t think I could ever have imagined my life being as wonderful as it is now. For sure there are a few downsides to getting older – aching joints, wrinkles, and always looking for a place to pee when I am out 
. But the upsides are pretty amazing too. I am Me for the first time in my adult life. Not just a mum, wife, friend, colleague, who wants to make everyone else happy. I am free to be me.
I have also learned how to recognise what is important, but even more valuable, what isn’t. If it will not affect my life in a month’s time, I don’t worry about it. Letting go of things that don’t serve our intentions enables space for new things to come into our lives. I have always been kind to others but have now taught myself to be kind to me too. I know that I matter, which feels a little strange as I didn’t really consider that before.
Renovating a Ruin
When the pandemic began, I was staying in a little cottage in France but had to move. I was unable to travel back to England, so I bought an abandoned and very rundown house and set about putting a little love back into it. With no electricity, running water, bathroom or even a toilet, I had my work cut out!
But it gave me time to focus on what was important, and the seemingly daily toll of the bell at the church, was a constant reminder that life can be very fragile. As I started to bring this ramshackle house back to life, it felt as if I was being reborn too. I marvelled at the changes of the season, relished spending hours watching wildlife, enjoyed swimming and paddle boarding in the nearby lake, and seemed to find a new perspective on life.
Beach Life
Returning back to England, where I had sold my other property, I rented a little shack on the beach and considered what I wanted to do with my life. I could pretend I was being very philosophical and able to make well-considered plans, but in truth, everything kind of just happened for me.
It started out simply, really – booking a cruise to Norway. I had been to Norway before, but not on a cruise, and waking up to see this huge ship make its way through the majestic fjords with snowcapped mountains took my breath away. The scenery was absolutely spectacular and seemed to fill my soul with its beauty. I had an incredible time and within three weeks of returning to the beach, I had booked another trip.
Making New Friends
I spent that first winter in Spain, meeting more people than I had done in the last decade and really enjoying myself. I went to beach parties, travelled around Spain with people I met, helped out in friends’ bars and generally just had a great time. This was what made me happy, and I wasn’t ready to give up yet.
When I returned to England, I made the decision to spend the next year traveling full time. I swam in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, danced in the rain in The Rain Forest, slid down the side of a mountain in a basket, drank from an ice glass in an ice bar, stayed with Buddhist Monks in a stunning temple, and swam with turtles in Barbados. I booked everything last minute and as cheap as possible. In fact, I challenged myself to spend the same, or less, as renting a small flat and living in the UK. My budget was £1,500 per month.
Back to the Real World
Returning to England I rented a beautiful old cottage in a pretty little village in the West Country. I never really expected to fall in love with it as I have, and though I still get itchy feet, I love my life here. My new neighbours are creative and lovely – artists, film makers, musicians and me… the lady who loves to write. 
Take a Chance
So, if your life is not as you want it to be, why not take a chance and create the life you really want. We are not on this beautiful earth for long and most of our younger years are often spent being busy and caring for others. Maybe it’s time to invest some of that love and energy into yourself?
Just Do It!
Think of something you are passionate about – travel, writing, painting, cooking, photography, the choice is yours. Then take that first step to making your dream a reality. Book the flight, start a class, learn new skills, just do it! A year from now, you will thank yourself that you did.
Join the Conversation:
What would you love to do to change your life? Are there things preventing you? Have you already changed your life? Please share your story!
