I love change – there I’ve said it. I know this will freak a lot of people out as change can be scary and if you’re one of those people that is absolutely fine but I realised that I thrive on change whether they are small or big and 2024 has been a year of BIG changes.
I woke one morning in early January feeling unhappy and miserable with my life I knew some of these feelings revolved around my big 60th birthday coming up but also other factors, after a couple of days of wallowing I decided that only I could change things – it was my life (I think this is something that we forget and need constantly reminding of, we are in control of our lives not other people or outside influences).
First change was my house – I loved my barn and had made it into the home I wanted but, and this is a big but, I had PTSD surrounding a fire at the barn in 2019 which if I’m perfectly honest I should have made the decision to move after that. In May I put the house on the market sold it to the 2nd person who viewed it and moved into temporary accommodation at my parents house at the end of August.
Second change – what do they say “2 of the biggest stresses in life are moving house and divorce” Tick for box 1 and tick for box 2 – although we weren’t married and I am not going into any detail here I separated from my partner.
Third change and probably the biggest one for me personally was my mindset around being 60, on my own and where I want to go with my life. When the dust had settled, my stress levels had returned to normal and I could start to think about the future, I decided to concentrate on me and my life. I worked with a couple of coaches who helped me work through my limiting beliefs around my age, my daughter helped me with getting fitter and healthier (www.flowingflamingo.co.uk) I now workout every day either running, yoga, pilates or weight training and after battling the menopause bulge for the last 5 years I can finally see my shape changing for the better and I feel healthier.
Cutting down on alcohol has been a major factor in my health and wellness, I haven’t stopped completely but since August 2023 I can honestly say I very rarely drink maybe 1 or 2 glasses every couple of months, greatly reduced from 1 or 2 glasses a night.
I felt like I’d had the life sucked out of me and it took my decision to change to get back to where I am now enjoying the life that I’m creating. ‘Age is just a number’ is branded around a lot but honestly it is and I really don’t like the phrase ’60 is the new 50’ no 60 is 60 it’s your mindset that defines who you are and the choices you make.
Fourth and final change – Willow & Hen my small lifestyle business. I love running my own business and it’s been a big part of my life since 2018, I’m fully aware that I have not been consistent with it over the last 2 years and again I don’t want to go into too many details why but let’s just say when you are dealing with a lot of mental anxiety something has to give and unfortunately it was my ability to deal with running a business, but 2025 I’m back and bigger than ever. It’s always been my dream for Willow & Hen to be a lifestyle brand one where I can bring together my love of interiors, fashion, jewellery, health & wellness and flowers. In 2025 I am doing just that I have a brand new website (www.willowandhen.co.uk) I will be blogging about anything to do with the above, I am hoping to find a space to have a showroom but most of all it’s about FOLLOWING YOUR DREAM WHATEVER YOUR AGE.
Sue xx