You Don't Stop Growing, Just Because You Get Older

You Don’t Stop Growing Just Because You Get Older

When I turned the big 70 in December, I found myself reflecting on just how much life changes as we get older.

There are the obvious changes, of course.

Children grow up and build lives of their own. Parents pass away. Relationships change. Careers that once defined us come to an end. The busy years of constantly being needed begin to look different, and sometimes we can quietly find ourselves wondering…

“Who am I now?”

For nearly 35 years, my life revolved around customer care and travel, through my career with British Airways. I loved it, looking after people, creating experiences, meeting different personalities and cultures, being cabin crew was more than a job, it was a way of life.

And like many women, I also spent a lot of years putting everyone else first.

When a chapter closes, especially after decades, it can feel really unsettling. I know I certainly felt lost, a loss of confidence, a loss of direction, a loss of purpose ....  I lost me.

I think many women experience that at different stages of life, whether through divorce, retirement, children leaving home, losing loved ones, or simply finding themselves living alone after years of always caring for others.

It can become very easy to retreat into your comfort zone. To stay home more. To convince yourself that your exciting years are behind you.

But deep down, I knew I wasn't ready for that.

I still wanted purpose.

I still wanted connection.

I still wanted to grow.

That’s one of the reasons I’m so grateful I found ESSENS when I did. What started as a way to support my daughter in her business, slowly became something far bigger than I ever imagined. Not just a business, but a new chapter of confidence, friendship, learning and personal growth.

And if I’m honest, it has really pushed me outside my comfort zone.

A year ago, I was invited to speak at the ESSENS Global Conference in Prague. Even writing that now still feels surreal. Me, standing on a stage in front of hundreds of people from around the world.

I was absolutely terrified.

I remember the nerves, the self-doubt, the voice in my head wondering if I was really capable of doing it, not knowing if my legs would keep me upright until I got onto the stage.

But I also remember something else, the feeling afterwards.

The sense of pride.

The feeling of accomplishment.

The confidence that comes from doing something that terrifies you, something that you thought you'd never do in a million years but you did it anyway!

Seeing my daughter, granddaughter and team so proud and supportive meant more to me than I can put into words. In that moment, I realised how important it is that we don’t stop challenging ourselves just because we get older.

Growth doesn’t end at 50, 60 or 70.

If anything, I think we become braver in different ways because life has taught us resilience and strength.

These days, self-care means something very different to me than it once did. It’s not about trying to turn back time or pretend I’m younger than I am. It’s about feeling healthy, feeling confident, staying connected to others, and continuing to enjoy life as best I can.

Sometimes that looks like taking care of my health and wellbeing, having a spa day, or treating myself to a facial.

Sometimes it’s putting on a fragrance that lifts my mood and my favourite red lipstick.

Sometimes it’s travelling, learning something new, supporting my team, or simply socialising with others over a cup of coffee.

And sometimes it’s saying yes to opportunities that once would have frightened me.

I truly believe that as we get older, community becomes even more important. We still need purpose. We still need people. We still need laughter, conversation, confidence and connection.

Because the alternative can be quietly fading into the background.

And I don’t believe that’s what life is meant to be.

Getting older doesn’t mean we stop dreaming. It doesn’t mean we stop learning, growing, contributing or becoming more.

So if you’re reading this and finding yourself at a stage of life where everything feels a little uncertain or unfamiliar, I just want to remind you of something:

You do not stop growing just because you get older.

There is still so much life ahead, so many possibilities to grow, and still so much fun to be had.

And sometimes, the most beautiful chapters are the ones we never ever thought we'd write.