If you’ve ever uttered the words ‘it’s too late’, you’re in the right place.
Hello and welcome! Thank you for stopping by.
My name is Teresa Renton and I live in Harrogate with my husband and teenage son. Our daughter is all grown up now and has recently left home. So, having waved goodbye to my forties, and halfway to empty nest syndrome, I decided to think about navigating this second phase. The rehearsal was over, and I wanted an end to my procrastination.
What?
Every woman deserves a beautiful space, hopefully this website will offer you that. I want to offer a sanctuary of calm positivity; a visual and literary treat for the soul; a place of inspiration, ideas, and motivation; a place to tread gently upon the earth with kindness to ourselves.
Why?
I wanted to create a space for women to feel as if second chances are possible. I have spent most of my life, never feeling ‘good enough’. There was always something missing.
When I was in my thirties, I felt like I’d missed the boat. I watched others climbing career ladders, yet despite having performed well academically, why did I never really succeed? I imagine that this was because I followed paths that were not mine to tread.
Lack of self-confidence and self-esteem, expectations of others, fear of comparison, and many more factors have played their part. I do not look to the past for answers; I look inside myself, by asking myself the right questions.
I could internalise the story that there was something wrong with me, or … I could change my story.
I reckoned there are others too, who feel as if they are living in a limbo of lost opportunities and little or no future. I want to challenge such perceptions.
How?
Brain fog is a more than a vague ship in the distance; my mind has always been all over the place, brimming over with ideas and the next thing. I recharge with a healthy dose of alone time. I am constantly looking for ways to simplify my life, my surroundings, and my busy thoughts. I find that journaling really helps me to unlock feelings that may never have surfaced otherwise. Having simple, clutter-free surroundings, brings me calm and allows my mind to rest. I discuss simpler living and decluttering, although I am not a full-on minimalist; read here to learn why.
Adopting an optimistic mindset towards a positive midlife, I have been using words and pictures, through the power of stories, to rediscover the long-buried passions of childhood. This is how I am slowly uncovering myself, inviting creativity in, and connecting with others.
Writing, and taking a lot of pictures (including many really bad ones) is what puts a spring in my step. The potential, the possibilities that lie ahead are truly exciting and I am literally dancing my way through that labyrinth. I can only do this slowly and patiently. If anyone of you feels stuck, overwhelmed, or left behind, learning new ways, is something delicious to savour and I want to share this with you.
“Whatever our age, thirty or sixty, many of us are still a work in progress.”
Whatever our age, thirty or sixty, many of us are still a work in progress. That is why I write about identity, vulnerability, and midlife navigation. Through creating, learning new skills, and embracing a cosy and personal kind of minimalism, I am finally feeling a connection to my identity. An ongoing interest in fashion (sustainable), vegan lifestyle, and ethical beauty, adds a spark of vibrancy.
By embracing a slower, more intentional approach to life, I find I experience more gratitude for the everyday joys. I challenge you to take what life throws at you with grace, and choose to learn and grow from it.
We cannot avoid the inevitable, so let us be prepared – whether that is a cheeky pot of hair dye, or a ‘go for it’ head of silver hair. Compassion is the game changer. Cultivate care for yourself, your way. Demonstrate care for others by wishing them no ill, for animals, and for the wonderful planet we inhabit. We have all entered this world and have been subjected to its many challenges and curveballs; let’s learn to manage the plot of our own story before tinkering with the apostrophes of someone else’s.
I invite you to be visible, vibrant and most of all, your most true self.