Well it’s been a long time – round seven years I think – but I’ve started blogging again. A new name, as no way am I still in my 40s, but hopefully this one will last indefinitely. I was going to start a new blog as it has been so long and so much has changed, but I was reading back through 40s Chic, fondly remembering my life then and I thought, why not keep it? It’s part of me, it’s my past, my history, so that’s what I’m doing.
Who said the only constant in life is change? They were bloody right! So much is different now to then. I’m still up north, but a bit further down – in Teesdale to be precise, living in the countryside surrounded by sheep, cows and horses (not mine – I wish!) I am definitely a country girl and I don’t want to live in a town ever again.
I’ve returned to freelancing, after almost eight years as a copywriter for a large company. It took me that long to realise I don’t want to work for anybody but myself. I’m still writing for a living, starting over with the pitching and feature ideas – it’s like being a newbie all over again – but I’ve also set up as a virtual assistant focusing on copywriting, PR and social media support. I think it gives more structure to that side of what I do. It’s early days, but so far I’m creating social media posts for an autism coach in the USA, working on PR for a small charity in York, freelancing for PR agencies, and doing a bit of marketing. I’m realistic, I know it takes time to grow a business.
For those of you who perhaps remember me from the old days – is there even anybody still around from then reading this – you might remember my horse John. Last year I set up an online gift shop for horse lovers and named it after him. Jon Jon Equestrian has been a huge departure for me – I’ve never done anything like this before – and it has been fascinating, challenging, stressful and emotional all rolled into one. It’s definitely a labour of love and it’s not easy selling on t’internet these days, with millions upon millions of people also trying to make their fortune. Still, I have a lot of love invested in it, as well as the proverbial blood, sweat and tears, so it’s going to remain a part of my life going forwards.
Which sort of brings me to what this blog is going to be about. Before, I was a mummy blogger. I’m still a mummy and a blogger, but my little girl is now 21 and living her own life so I’m not really part of the mummy blogger scene any longer. I am also older, wiser (?) and I think I have a lot to offer people my age, so this blog is now going to be… a lifestyle blog for mid lifers! Which is what I am, and I’m sticking here, I don’t care what anybody says.
So many people are starting up their own businesses later in life. Maybe they’re also sick of working for somebody else, or perhaps they’re re-evaluating their existence after a global pandemic we never saw coming? Life is for living – and that’s not a twee statement, I think if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s taught us that. We have to grab it and make it as fulfilling as possible. There are no do-overs.
Perhaps I can help with a little lived experience on working for yourself, and a bit of what not to do; I can definitely help with info on moisturisers that can handle changing skin and books that enhance your life. How about yoga to keep you fit and meditation to keep you sane? Dogs also help with that I find. So many opportunities and new things to discover. I hope you’ll stick around to discover them with me 🙂