I'm 48 years old and at a point in life that feels really good. I've set myself free from having to fit into certain boxes and taken the freedom to just be me.
My girls are 20 and 16, and the oldest has moved out. I'm very aware of the privileges I have, and over the past few years I've volunteered on various good causes. Now I'm slowly starting to build what will hopefully be my working life for the next 20 years. Exactly what that will look like, I don't know yet — but I'm happy and grateful.
What does your morning routine look like? – I learned a bit late in life that skincare actually matters, so I cleanse my skin morning and night, and use serum and moisturizer. Then I have coffee and walk my dog. I love calm mornings — and if I can fit in a sea swim, it's a really good morning.
What does beauty mean to you? – With age, it matters a little less. Good sleep, less screen time, exercise and water make me happy and help me feel good — and I think that shows too. My discipline comes and goes, and I try to be just as good at forgiving myself for the lazy stretches.
What does a perfect day off look like for you? – It depends on my mood. Sometimes I need to be completely alone, read a book and recharge. Nature means a lot to me, and I use both the forest and the sea. Other days I love a good dinner with family and friends. (I'm very grateful for the people in my life. And I've also started playing tennis, which brings me a lot of joy — it's lovely to be able to socialize around a sport.)
How do you create small moments of calm in a busy everyday life? – I'm an introvert, even though I also love company. I need daily calm, so I prioritize and plan for it. I also try not to overfill my calendar.
Which book has made the biggest impression on you? – That's a hard one — there are so many!
Which three books would you recommend everyone read? – The Power of Now and A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. They give a fantastic insight into the mind — something I think we especially need in our digitalized world. And The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Mental health matters a lot to me, and I think we need to be better equipped for the new era we've entered. It's also an area I'd like to keep working on.
