For over two decades, my identity was deeply intertwined with being a mother. Raising my two sons, now 22 and 18, was my daily role, my anchor, and my identity. But when my youngest moved out a few months ago to start his own journey in Sydney, I found myself standing at a crossroads of emotions. There was pride and happiness for him, of course, but also a quiet grief, and a sense of being untethered.
I felt lost. And without purpose. For so long, my days were full of meaning and momentum but suddenly, the rhythm I knew was gone, and I wasn’t sure what would fill its place. Even though teenagers don’t talk to you that much, their presence is still always there. The daily transactional needs of washing their clothes, buying food they like, feeding them and keeping them on track means you always have a purpose.
My husband travels half the year for work, and I hadn’t fully realised how isolated I had become in our home. It was my safe space, especially after years of managing mould illness, but somewhere along the way, that safety turned into silence. I stopped exploring. I stopped saying yes. I became a recluse and old before my time—ironically, I was writing my book about longevity and connection, but somehow I had lost myself along the way.
I had spent the past 12 months writing that book while alone, focused, and deep in thought. At the same time, I was running multiple businesses, juggling everything on my own terms. It looked productive from the outside, and in many ways it was but behind the scenes, the isolation only deepened. I was working, but I wasn’t truly living.
For the first time, I’ve gifted myself this kind of time and space. I’ve never travelled like this before, never felt safe enough to stop. To not be hustling. To not be proving, doing, pushing. And even though I’m still working remotely while I’m here, it feels different. Calmer. More intentional. I’m writing. I’m creating. I’m choosing how I spend my energy.
So, I said yes. Yes to four weeks in Bali. Yes to midlife female solo travel. Yes to stepping into uncertainty and rediscovering my edges. Yes to adventure—jumping on the back of grab bikes is one of those facing your fears and learning to trust (with a helmet of course) but the kind that lives in waking up each day curious, open, and unafraid of what’s next.
I’m now living in a villa with three other women, soaking in the rhythm of Bali — wellness cafes, healthy food, coconuts daily (one of my fav things in the world), reading, sunrise walks and all the magic this island has to offer. It’s not just a holiday; it’s a reclamation of my freedom. It’s me facing long-held fears and emerging on the other side with a deeper sense of self.
Biohacking in Bali: A Wellness Playground
Bali has also become my testing ground for all things biohacking. From breath-work sessions in the jungle to contrast therapy and fitness recovery protocols that would rival the best urban wellness centres – this place has it all.
I’ve been diving into saunas, ice baths, magnesium pools, high-performance strength training, and nutrient-dense organic meals. The pace may be slower, but the intention is sharper. This is wellness with depth where ancient practices and modern optimisation meet in the most beautiful ways. It’s a whole new dimension of adventure: one that’s physical, emotional, and deeply personal.
Hosting a Women’s Retreat at Revivo Wellness
And this journey isn’t just for me. I’m here to host a women’s retreat next month at Revivo Wellness—a sanctuary for healing, reflection, and reconnection. It’s designed to give other women what I’ve found on this trip: space, clarity, vitality, and the courage to begin again. More on that soon, but for now, just know that it’s coming from a place of lived experience and deep purpose.
At 48, I’m not chasing youth—I’m honouring wisdom. I’m not escaping life—I’m embracing it. This is about saying yes, even when it feels scary. Especially then.
If you’re out there wondering if it’s too late to do something bold, to leave your comfort zone behind, or to rediscover the fearless woman inside you—the answer is: it’s never too late.
Follow me here for my travel adventures in Bali