Do you need a break? From what?

A little break from the ageing process would be cool.

All those formative years aching to be older, like it was a superpower. Then you get there, and maybe it’s not so magical after all?

I’m enjoying slow living now, absolutely loving it, but it’s going far too quickly. I had no idea! I thought being older would give me all this free time. The days would be endless, maybe to the extent of having time on my hands. Not a chance.

Bam and another day has gone. Pretty damn freaky tbh.

How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?

Significant events and the passing of time change all of us, but lately I’ve been noticing the particular ways they’ve shaped me. Now that I’m retired and finally have space to reflect, the bigger picture is coming into focus.

My life hasn’t been the easiest, and I’ve had to navigate most of it without much support. I’ve weathered storms on my own, learning resilience the long way round. I’ve also learned a lot about people — mostly that I tend to hope everyone is kind, and I’m often disappointed when they’re not. But even those lessons have helped me grow clearer about boundaries and what I deserve.

One constant through the last twenty years has been my dogs. Their loyalty and presence have kept me grounded and sane in ways I can’t fully put into words.

These days, I see every day as a school day. I’m not the same person I was yesterday, and I won’t be the same tomorrow. Not because I’m lost, but because I’m still learning, still growing, still becoming.