Yesterday I turned 49, and I find myself reflecting on how life shifts and evolves with age. There’s a common narrative that getting older is about slowing down, but for me, it’s been about opening up and embracing change, seeking new experiences, and deepening the connections that truly matter.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being open to new experiences. When we’re younger, it’s easy to believe we have all the time in the world to explore, to travel, to say “yes” to the unknown. But as the years pass, I realise that adventure isn’t just about grand gestures, it’s about the willingness to step outside of routine, to say “yes” to something unfamiliar, and to keep learning. Whether it’s discovering a new place, engaging with a different perspective, or simply allowing myself to try something new, these moments bring life into focus.
Travel has been a constant reminder of how much there is to experience. Seeing new places, meeting people from different walks of life, and stepping beyond the familiar always enriches me. It reminds me of the vastness of the world and the deep connections that exist between us all. Each journey, whether near or far, strengthens my belief that curiosity and openness are essential to a fulfilling life. Not to mention the food 🙂.
At the heart of everything, though, are the people who make life meaningful; family, friends, and the communities that shape me. The older I get, the more I value those relationships. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of work and obligations, but the moments spent with loved ones; sharing stories, laughing, supporting one another, are what truly sustain me. They remind me of who I am and who I want to be.
Alongside this, my Quaker faith continues to be a source of guidance. A core Quaker value is the commitment to speaking truth to power something that has shaped much of my work and life. Whether it’s advocating for accessibility, challenging systems that exclude, or standing up for privacy rights, I’ve learned that integrity and persistence matter. Surprisingly, my love of data protection feeds into this. Some might see data protection as dry, but for me, it’s about justice and ensuring people have control over their own information, that institutions are held accountable, and that transparency exists where it truly matters. It’s another way of standing up for fairness and empowering people in a world that often seeks to control them.
Another constant in my life has been volunteering for non-profits. It’s something that has always felt important to me, not just as a way to give back, but as a way to stay connected to a sense of purpose. Often, the work I do is in the background, writing policies or dealing with governance, all things many people don’t particularly enjoy! But for me, these are acts of service that help organisations function better, making them stronger and more sustainable. It’s where I feel valued, where I know I’m contributing to something bigger than myself.
My faith isn’t separate from my love of discovery, my commitment to justice, or my belief in service, it’s at the core of it. Every new experience, every deep conversation, every quiet moment of reflection adds to that journey.
So as I step into this next year, I do so with gratitude for the experiences I’ve had, for the people who walk alongside me, and for the unknown adventures still to come. Life is not about staying the same; it’s about growing, evolving, and remaining open to whatever comes next. Here’s to another year of discovery, connection, and truth.