I have been blessed with a beautiful view outside my window. A red deer often comes into the grasslands, rummages around, and then relaxes in the sun. Nothing seems to worry this deer. It just lives in the moment, and that is the best way. The birds sing in the trees. I have always noticed this, but I now take the time to enjoy the tone and rhythm, the rise and fall, and the trill of each tweet, chirp, and warble.

Ageing has taught me how to notice my surroundings. Reaching fifty seemed so far away when I was young, but the years have crept up, and I have small bags and a few wrinkles beginning to appear around and under my eyes. My fitness is not as good as it used to be, and I have occasional back pain in the morning. Nothing drastic. I am still me, just a little more tired and worn out.

It is not just about noticing the changes my body is going through, but I have become more aware that time is passing, and I am more than halfway through my life. One day, I was preparing for college, and now I am preparing for retirement.

I still have a lot of time left, I hope, but reaching fifty has taught me that the things I once found important no longer interest me or apply to my life. I spend less time getting upset about mistakes. I no longer need everyone to like me, to worry about how I look, or to buy things I do not need.

Ageing, for me, has been about peace and knowing who I am. Learning to find my feet is part of growing as a person. I have done that, and despite small struggles, I am more content.

As my priorities have changed, I understand that time is precious and that what I do and who I spend it with matters. Youth gave me the attitude that everything lasts forever, but now, I realise that this is not the case. If I could do it all again with what I know now, I would, but nobody gets that second chance.

I feel I need to spend time on simple things I didn’t notice before. These often do not involve spending a lot of money. I enjoy sitting with a coffee, savouring the earthy smell, hints of bitterness, and smoky aftertaste rather than gulping it down and racing away, chasing time. I will not have to worry about constant striving. Peace is more important than possessions.

I am not going to spend my life holding grudges. It is wasted energy. I will forgive everyone who has done me harm and move on.

Be kind always.

I am going to spend more time completely switching off and organising my thoughts. Feeling guilty about not being constantly productive is ridiculous, so I will enjoy the free time I have. Having a good work-life balance is important. This is how I would like to move forward.

My goal is to spend the next twenty years prioritising and making time for my family, friends and my children. I also want to spend time on my own, being creative, reading, writing, and playing music.

Life is a lesson that hasn’t always gone the way I planned, but I think I have done a pretty good job.