The Turning Point

At 65, life has taken unexpected turns. The nest is empty, loved ones have moved on, and the shadows of a mental health struggle are finally receding. Now, standing at the threshold of a new chapter, my initial apprehension gives way to an exhilarating sense of possibility. This is not just a new beginning — it’s an opportunity to rediscover myself and embrace a life filled with freedom, adventure, and self-discovery.

Embracing Solitude

For the first time in decades, I find myself truly alone. The house that once echoed with family chatter is now quiet, and I’m surprised to find comfort in the silence. At first, the solitude was daunting — I’d grown so accustomed to the constant hum of others’ needs and schedules. But as days pass, I’m discovering a newfound appreciation for this quietude.In these moments of solitude, I’m rediscovering parts of myself long forgotten. I’ve dusted off my old easel and found joy in painting again, something I hadn’t done since before the kids were born. The hours slip by unnoticed as I lose myself in colours and shapes, creating without judgment or interruption. It’s in these moments that I realize solitude isn’t emptiness — it’s a canvas waiting to be filled with whatever I choose.