What do I need to know/ prep for the next stage of life ?

[MermaidsInABox]

I'm afraid, I always seem to be on the back foot with knowing things that other women seem to know ( emotionally distant parents ) and have messed up a few things. 2024 has been horrible and 2025 is going to be my best year yet.

In the future I want to better prepped rather than things happening to me passively. I want to live and have as much fun as possible Im 50 and mum of two, youngest off to uni in Sept, husband of 25 yrs but we seem to have grown apart and we have moved a few times so have no real circle of friends.

So what do I need to know, do now to make this the best year yet make more connections and feel more vitality and fun in my life or anything I shouldn't do?

Im not sure what you mean as your post is kind of vague?

Figure out what you want and make a plan and go for it.

Listen to your own instincts as they will tell you a lot about people situations etc.

Dont be so hard on yourself x

Its easy to spout advice to others, especially if they are younger than you, but few of us live up to our own advice! Be kind on yourself, we are all just muddling through and doing our best!

I am unsure I get organised

I suppose the life I want is more friendships and a support of a gang of friends, to go back packing like a 20 year old. However my husband is much more conservative and not up for travel and I don't have a circle of friends. Next year I don't want to see in the new year in my PJs !

What are your hobbies? Are there any groups locally around this?

Start a new hobby, volunteering, sport?

My husband found a huge group of friends/acquaintances when he became more involved in DD's Scout group.
I have more an online-friendship based on my hobby but I travel solo to events and meet people there in person (think like ComiCon for a different medium).

Maybe start thinking what's important- do you want a different job, new friends, then look at ways of getting them. Are there things you've missed or wished you'd done- you're still young enough to start creative writing, re engage with art or a sport. Do you want to leave dp or re ignite that relationship.

Well, go backpacking by yourself? You don’t need to bring your husband. I’m 52 and travelling around Spain by myself in a week — DS (12) will be at home with DH. You need to work on making friends, but I wouldn’t postpone backpacking until you’ve made them.

I'd start a hobby. I'm a little younger than you but we relocated a few years back. I started a sports hobby and have met such lovely women they make up so much of my social time now. Also joined a gym/health club and really enjoying that.