…and I genuinely mean it. In fact, most of the time, this is exactly how I live.I would be lying if I said that every day was easy. Of course, there are days that are harder, and there are challenges — sometimes pretty big ones. But even with all of that, I love my work and I love my life.

So, why is this interesting? Why do I want to share this with you?

I am a lawyer by education and profession. Until 2018, this was largely what I did, and I think I can safely say that I was good at it. I was 40 when something started shifting inside me. I felt that I needed something different — that somehow, I needed to live and work differently. By 2018, I had already completed several other courses and training programmes, and yet I stayed in the same old routine. I didn't move. My work no longer gave me any joy. I was constantly tired and unmotivated. And my children saw this every single day. They were growing up watching me live like that.

Around that time, one of my dear teachers, Zsuzsa Bán, was conducting a series of interviews with young people from Generation Y. Strangely enough, despite having spent only a relatively short time in the world of work, many of them said that they hated their jobs, their workplaces and even their colleagues.When asked how this could be, their answer was simple:“We hear this from our parents at home.” 

That really made me think.Is this really the example I am setting? And even more importantly — is this really the life I want to live? Do I want to become a bitter, unhappy, grey fifty-year-old and then a bitter, unhappy, grey sixty-year-old? 

Nooooooooooooooooooo!!!

But wait — I am almost fifty! Do I really want to turn my life upside down now, and change everything from the ground up? Isn't it too late? Have I completely lost my mind? 

The questions kept racing through my head… 

…and then I thought: Okay. If things go well, I probably still have at least another 30 years ahead of me. Okay, so how do I want to spend them? Do I stay in the familiar, warm sh@t — or do I change?

Because, when you get right down to it, at the end of the day, everything comes down to one decision. One of the most difficult things for me to hear in coaching is when someone says: “It wasn't my fault.” Or “I had no other choice.” This is when it becomes a beautiful challenge to ask the questions that gently but clearly reveal that there is always another choice. Sometimes you simply don't want to make that choice. Sometimes it feels more comfortable to remain in the role of the victim. And actually, even saying “I don't have the strength or energy to do this right now. I need a little more time — and then I'll go for it!” is far more empowering. The only problem is that eventually that deadline arrives. And then the deadline itself seems to be asking: “So… what's the next step?”

So the real question is this: Even when everyone around you — perhaps even your neighbour — thinks you have completely lost your mind because you are changing your life - do you have the courage to see it through? Don't expect someone else to come and save you. 

The people who can truly save you are yourselves.

And how? By taking the first step. By going for it. The hardest part is making the decision. Of course, I would be lying again if I told you that the last eight years have been a walk in the park. There are always obstacles to overcome. And there are plenty of moments when a little voice pops into my head and says: “Did I really need this?”

Yeeeeeeeeeeeees! 

I decided to save myself. And by doing so, I didn't just set an example for myself. I also set an example for my children — and for others.

Little by little, step by step, I became better and better, and I still am. At 57, I am completely healthy. I genuinely love going to work. And right now, I am enrolling in a yoga teacher training programme. Too late? I don't think so. I think the time has simply come.You know — that magical moment when human timing and divine timing meet. I dare to wear my ripped jeans. I adore my tulle skirts and my red lipstick. And I don't just know what makes me happy anymore. I actually live it.

And there is something else I want to tell you. On this particular yellow brick road, not everyone will clap for you or be happy that you are changing. Not everyone will look kindly upon your decision to live a different life. This isn't good or bad. It is simply a fact. But!!!! The first law of the Universe is the Law of Free Will. I was sad too when I had to say goodbye to some friends because they didn't like who I had become. And, in turn, it became difficult for me to watch them remain in a life they no longer wanted to live. Our paths diverged. I am grateful for every minute we spent together, but by then I wanted — and still want — to walk my own path. My soul was, and still is, pulling me forward because it loves what I have chosen and who I have become through those choices. And, by the way, here is the good news: You can make true friendships even after 50. Really.

So yes, it was worth it — and it is worth it — to keep walking along that yellow brick road every single day. I am living my life. Not the life someone else designed for me, but the life I chose. 

My decision. My responsibility.

I am happy. I love my work and I love my life. I created it. 

And this is what I wish for you, too. It is never too late! Go ahead! Go for it!