The Changing Seasons at Blue Bell Wood
The sun is shining, and for the first time in months, I’ve shed my usual woolly hat, a small but delightful sign of the changing seasons here at Blue Bell Wood. The primroses are blooming, and I’m eagerly anticipating the arrival of the bluebells in the coming months. Nature is shifting, and with it, I find myself reflecting on my own transitions, challenges, and personal growth.
A Day of Projects and Perseverance
Today has been a blend of physical work, problem-solving, and personal milestones. My yurt project took an unexpected turn when I realised the second-hand octagonal base I purchased wouldn’t work with the circular yurt I had envisioned. Adaptability is key, so I’m now considering a more practical tent solution, one that better suits the woodland environment and is more cost-effective. It’s a lesson in flexibility, in letting go of rigid plans and embracing what works best.
One of my more demanding tasks involved moving insulation that my installer had left behind, part of the original purchase but ultimately unnecessary due to airflow concerns. Rather than using a wheelbarrow, I chose to carry it myself, making seven trips to my car, each involving around 500 steps. Some might call this inefficient, but for me, it was an opportunity for mindful movement. There’s something meditative about slowing down and truly experiencing physical effort, allowing thoughts to drift and settle as I work.
Embracing Personal Milestones and Challenges
Reaching 67½ feels significant, a midpoint between 60 and 75 that has prompted me to reconsider my approach to life and work. My newsletter is evolving, moving beyond retirement to capture a broader, more dynamic view of ageing. When I first began my research five years ago, retirement was my primary focus, but my thinking has expanded, just as life itself does when we remain open to growth.
Recently, I ventured out of my comfort zone in unexpected ways. A facial treatment with micro-needling, intended to stimulate collagen, turned out to be far more challenging than I anticipated. The procedure was painful, my sensitive eyes watered throughout, and I felt quite unwell afterward—headaches, blurred vision, and exhaustion. It wasn’t the relaxing experience I had imagined. But that’s life, isn’t it? Some experiences surprise us, some disappoint, and the key is to rest, recover, and move forward.
Fitness and Functional Strength
After an 18-month break, I’ve restarted personal training, working with my trainer, Jess, to focus on functional fitness—particularly improving my ability to get up from the floor. It’s fascinating how something so simple can become challenging as we age. During our session, Jess assessed my fitness level, and I was pleasantly surprised to find I wasn’t as far behind as I had feared. We worked on my hamstrings, using equipment that initially made me nervous, but I reminded myself that growth happens when we step beyond our comfort zones.
I often hear people talk about yoga as a way to maintain flexibility and mobility, yet I’ve found that even beginner classes can be tough for me. That’s why I’m focusing on practical movements—training that directly improves my daily life rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all fitness model.
Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
Recently, someone hesitated about attending one of my Woodland Retreats, feeling it was too far outside her comfort zone. It reminded me of a retired Chief Police Inspector I once dated—someone who had spent a career in high-pressure situations but now avoids going out at night. It’s fascinating how life experiences shape our thresholds for risk and adventure. The key, I believe, is not to let our worlds shrink. As we age, it’s crucial to keep exploring, trying new things, and adapting.
I’ve had to take on tasks my partner used to handle, and while some feel daunting, I’ve learned that there’s almost always a way through. It may not be the most efficient method, but independence brings a different kind of satisfaction—one of resilience and quiet pride.
Authenticity Over Perfection
This brings me to my thoughts on content creation. There are countless techniques for making videos and social media posts more polished, adding B-roll, captions, and editing tricks, but I want to remain authentic. I am the woman who earned her doctorate at 64 and owns this beautiful woodland. That’s my story, and it’s one I want to share as it is, without unnecessary embellishments.
Aging isn’t about contraction—it’s about expansion. It’s about continuing to explore, to try new things, and to navigate challenges with curiosity and independence. I want my content to reflect that truth.
A Personal Touch: Blue Bell Wood
Oh, and did I mention the wood’s name? It was originally called Buckram Wood, but I felt a deeper connection to the bluebells that blanket this ancient woodland each spring. I even had a sign made to reflect the new name—a small but meaningful change that captures the essence of this place.
Next time, I’m looking forward to bringing my hammock, slowing down, and truly immersing myself in the soothing sounds of nature. After all, rest is just as important as activity.
Here’s to continued growth, authenticity, and embracing every stage of life. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Until next time, take care.
