SAY IT, WRITE IT, SHARE IT

In our February issue, we posed a big question for three of our favourite writers: who are you really? In response, Sarah Hepola, Sara Collins and Erica Davies penned their thoughts about whether you ever truly know who you are, and how you can retain your sense of style and self as you get older. Kate (@suddenlymummyat40ish on Instagram) got in touch to tell us her thoughts. ‘I read your article Who Are You Really? and it made me start thinking,’ she wrote. ‘Last summer, I adopted a little girl, and life has been a whirlwind since then. As a single adopter in my 40s, settling in and supporting a vulnerable child has been immensely challenging at times. In my long journey to become a mother, I encountered lots of ups and downs through failed IVF treatments and a miscarriage. After each disappointment, I had to sit down and think about who I was and what filled me up, and had to learn to listen to my own needs and do what I needed to do. These tough times enabled me to reflect and think about who I was and what small things I could do each day to feel better and be me. When I look back, I can see that I was evolving and these experiences shaped me and helped me to become the woman I am today. I am proud that I could pause, reflect and decide what I needed for the next stage of my life. This year, as I’m getting used to being a mummy, I am now thinking carefully again about what I need to do to fill up my emotional cup and be kind to myself. Thank you for reminding me to pause and take stock, remembering that although I have changed – I’m a bit older, and go to bed earlier – I’m proud of the woman I have become.’