My first blog for my new city lifestyle site for my new life path. No pressure, then.

Let me start with some of the things I’m aiming to achieve here.

Firstly, I want to help. If this is by sharing some of my experience and life tips, then I’m more than happy to do so. I’ve been mentoring business owners, mainly women, for a long time. And I’ll be continuing to do this. If it helps just one woman to set up her own business, or manage it better, or become financially stable, or have the confidence to try something new, then that will be good for my soul too.

Secondly, I want to step into the spotlight (a little more). I’ve been good at hiding for a long time and it’s become a habit that’s been hard to break. I’ve been guilty of holding myself back, for no good reason. At my time of life, there are no more excuses. I am getting over myself and getting on with it.

Third, I want to document what I’m doing and where I’m going. It’s easy to forget your achievements and how far you’ve come. With social media as it is, it’s so easy to post a little about yourself and what you’re up to.

Another thing I’m moving into is the multi-hyphen way of working. Ever since I started my business studies, I’ve loved the idea of a portfolio career (coined by Charles Handy) where you design your work life to suit you. Varied income streams, various jobs, including time spent giving back to society in some way – these ideas have all resonated with me and informed the career path I am now on. It feels energising after so many years in one career. This type of career seems so suitable for a city lifestyle.

I’m at a stage in my life where, now I am not working full-time, I have more time to enjoy the things I love doing – reading, travelling, museums and exhibitions – and generally enjoying a fuller social life. I’ll be sharing my cultural experiences, reviews and recommendations on this site.

I think that’s covered everything I wanted to get down in my first blog. So, instead of deliberating and agonising over it, I’m going to press publish. I’m looking forward to engaging, collaborating, laughing (lots) and learning as I go.