At 60, I never imagined I would be starting over, yet here I am, recently divorced and standing at the beginning of a new chapter in my life. For decades, I lived in a world of “we”—our plans, our dreams, our compromises. But after years of living a life that didn’t feel fully mine, I made the difficult decision to leave the marriage. Many would call it a setback, but I see it differently. For me, divorce is an opportunity—a chance to finally reclaim my life.

In the early days after the divorce, I felt lost. It was disorienting to suddenly have so much space and time that was just mine. I hadn’t realized how much of myself I’d put on hold, how many of my own dreams had been tucked away in favor of keeping the peace or following a shared path. Now, for the first time in years, I was free to think only of myself and what made me happy.

Slowly, I started to remember who I used to be before the responsibilities of marriage and family life took over. I dusted off my old sketchbooks, which had been hidden away for years, and began to draw again. I signed up for a watercolor class, something I’d always wanted to do but never found the time for. I took long walks in the mornings, savoring the quiet moments of solitude, feeling the joy of making choices without having to consider anyone else’s needs or expectations.

I also allowed myself to dream big, something I hadn’t done in years. I’d always wanted to travel, to see the world beyond the routines of home and family life. I started planning trips to places I’d only read about—Italy, Japan, New Zealand. It was thrilling to have the freedom to dream, to plan adventures that were just for me.

It hasn’t all been easy. There are days when I feel the weight of starting over at my age, when doubt creeps in, and the fear of being alone lingers. But I remind myself that this is my time, my chance to discover what truly brings me joy. I’m learning to be comfortable in my own skin, to embrace the uncertainties, and to welcome the possibilities that lie ahead. At 60, I’m not winding down—I’m just getting started. This is my time to reclaim my life and pursue the dreams that have been waiting for me all along.