But what I did the other day, with hindsight, was a mistake that could have ended up much more painful. Should I Have Known Better? Forgetting my age, (only 66 and a half), I decided to leap off my grandchildren’s trampoline onto a very large vinyl beanbag. Unfortunately, the moment my feet hit the bag, the force displaced it forward, leaving my backside to meet the grass instead. I’m only too glad I didn’t cause more damage to my bottom and coccyx, as it landed with quite a thud.
Badly bruised, and with my 11-year-old grandson asking if I was okay, I picked myself up. Aside from the embarrassment of my misjudgment, I walked away carefully but without serious injury.
We do make mistakes, but there is always something to learn from them. I decided I will keep bouncing, but I will make better decisions next time and remember that while I may think young thoughts, I need to consider my physical maturity.
Bouncing isn’t just child’s play. It is one of the most joyful, health-promoting activities we can do for our bodies. Each leap works our muscles, strengthens our bones, and stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to release toxins. Best of all, it is pure fun - something that keeps the mind and spirit young.
As I thought about this today, I reflected on the journey that has brought me here, on the many skills and experiences I have gathered along the way. I have held many roles in my lifetime, and each has added a layer to the woman I am today.
This reflection was sparked by my granddaughter passing her online driving theory test. At just 17, she is at the very beginning of her adult journey. It took me back to my own start, when I was eager to explore the world and try my hand at anything. My first paid role was a Saturday job as a car valet, polishing cars until they gleamed.
At home, I was already a capable cook, having learned early to bake. In the 1970s, school included Domestic Science classes, where we were taught to sew, iron, and cook. It was a foundation I built on daily at home.
In 1977, I married and took on the full-time role of wife and mother, raising four children. Over the years, my working life has been wonderfully varied. I managed a bakery, worked as a nanny, was employed in a bank, served as a barmaid in a pub, provided private care, and also worked in a large care institution. I trained as a massage therapist and a beauty therapist, and then became a teacher.
Alongside all this, I was blessed with eight grandchildren, my greatest joy. Later, I ran my own art gallery and, as a mature student, attended Falmouth University, graduating with a degree in Textile Design.
Today, I run Nettle Revolution, a project close to my heart. As a wiser woman in my mature years, I blend creativity, nature, and holistic healing - proof that life does not stop giving us new paths to follow.
So yes, I will continue to be more careful, but I will keep bouncing on a trampoline. I bounce for my health, my joy, and because there is still so much life in me. Every jump reminds me that age is not a stop sign. It is simply a different stretch of the road, with views you can only appreciate when you have travelled this far.