Thrive After Fifty · Opinions, with a life behind them
Hills I’ll die on.
Some things I’m still figuring out. Other things I have opinions about. Hot showers, doing things on my own and refusing to spend a fortune just to look after myself, for a start.
A growing collection of my opinions, with the stories and useful things behind them. You’re allowed to disagree. I reserve the right to change my mind.
Looking after myself
Hot showers are staying.
I get it, cold plunges are the new hot trend, but I don’t want to be frozen, thank you. You know what else eases my stress? A steaming shower where I solve all my problems under a stream. Perfection.
A hot bath and a fluffy dressing gown have earned their place too. Sometimes looking after myself means being comfortable. I don’t need every small pleasure turned into a test of discipline.
More on looking after yourself →Feeling stronger
I need to strength train. I’m not paying through the roof for it.
I want to get stronger, and I want a routine I can actually keep doing. My dumbbells and a workout sheet do a perfectly good job of giving me something to get on with at home.
There’s nothing wrong with paying for a gym or support you find useful. I just don’t want cost to be the thing that stops me starting. Here’s my three-day routine, with exercise explanations and printable workout logs.
Get my free at-home dumbbell guide →Doing it anyway
Someone else’s availability doesn’t get the final vote.
I like company. I also like having an interesting life, and organising anything with another adult can require the sort of planning normally associated with a military operation.
So I’ve been taking myself out. A sound bath, Sunday Papers Live, ideas, conversation and roast potatoes. I was there on my own, but I wasn’t sitting in a corner wishing somebody had come with me. I was too busy enjoying myself.
Read about the solo dates that were worth it →Ageing, with opinions
Ageing is going to happen. It doesn’t have to be a shitshow.
Ageing is a privilege. I can appreciate that and still find dry skin a pain in the arse. Gratitude doesn’t mean I have to pretend every change is delightful.
I want to look after myself and enjoy my life. That includes finding skincare that earns its place, lifting something heavy and making room for things I’m curious about. There’s still plenty I want to do.
Read what earns its place in my skincare routine →More hills to come. I’m unlikely to run out of opinions.