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If ever guilt-free idling is deserved, it’s in later years when life’s essentials are settled. The precious stillness I now enjoy is hard-won. I once rushed through chores, lived by deadlines, and sped through life – but all that frenzy came at a cost. That was a different life, and much has changed since.

Since retiring, I’ve let go of the rush and embraced a calmer rhythm. In my 60s, mindful of time and energy, I travelled widely and was fortunate to complete my bucket list of places to see, just before the Covid-19 pandemic.

These days, I crave an afternoon nap. Sleep offers welcome respite from the constant flux around me. My husband, a gifted sleeper, is my life-size model. After each rest, the world feels altered – problems untangle, and clarity returns. Sleep, in short, refreshes and restores me to a satisfying calm.

With time now on my side, I’ve grown lax with housework. I’ve happily let go of domestic drudgery to savour small, quiet moments that suit my unhurried life – without guilt or the nagging voice of an inner critic on “proper housekeeping.”

The gift of growing older is reaching a place of peace, where doing what you love – and even daydreaming – brings joy. In embracing change and staying present, we nurture growth, confidence, and creativity, imagining new ways to live beautifully.

Steve Jobs’ Stanford speech on doing what you love struck a chord with me. I’ve come to find joy in life’s small details – coffee, a well-made bed, new books, a poem, my husband’s antics, and a good laugh.

Being busy is a blessing, but choosing a slower, pause-filled life is magic. It clears the clutter, creates space for meaningful connection, and allows you to embrace stillness without guilt.

The Japanese concept of “ichigo ichie” (one time, one meeting) reminds us to cherish each fleeting moment. It invites mindfulness and presence, urging us to savour even the smallest experiences: smell of grass after the rain, warm sunlight, running water, a bee by the jasmine bush, or the scent of my grandchild nestled close.

Retirement brings a new calm and ease – along with, admittedly, a touch of boredom. Yet even quiet moments can hold hidden blessings. As we age, we continue to learn and grow, discovering that life’s essence lies in love and meaningful connection.

Accolades fade and money brings comfort, but true fulfilment comes from love we give away. With time to reflect, I’ve found that happiness begins with a peaceful relationship with oneself – where solitude, not loneliness, brings lasting joy.

I treasure quiet mornings to replenish my spirit and reconnect with what I love. Change is inevitable – and welcome – if it means growing, learning, and living more fully. Am I kinder, braver, and happier? To some extent, yes.