Laura Rennie
Turning 50 years old this year has had a profound effect on my mindset. So many don’t get to celebrate getting older (and wiser). Turning 50 feels like a big deal. I really am ‘all the woman I’m going to be’ this year.
It is liberating to do exactly what you want to do and not be affected by the opinions of others.
I decided to set myself a challenge before my birthday – to do 50 things I wouldn’t normally do before reaching the age of 50. I made a list:
Face a fear
Tell a joke on stage
Learn a new skill
Take a solo trip
Try a new hobby
Sign up for a massive challenge
and so on….
I’ve almost completed my list. Signing up to do the London Marathon certainly wasn’t in my plans in January 2026, but next year I will be running it!
Learning how to ride a horse was one of the first things I checked off the list. I was absolutely petrified at first, and then, I looked over to my 17-year-old horse-loving daughter. She was watching me, encouraging me and telling me to “walk on”. I cried for most of the first lesson, and the second, but then I started to look forward to it. The next big show jumper I will not be, but I am extremely happy to be able to celebrate the new skill and no longer have an irrational fear of horses and horse riding. I know my daughter is as proud of me as I am of her. We both celebrated the joy of horse riding together. I enjoyed so much more than learning a new skill.
Within the business world, the team and I have partied with the best of them. Being shortlisted in seven award categories in the last six months, winning one (Best HR Consultancy in Scotland) and being Highly Commended (HR Training Academy) in another, gave us good reason to party! And there are still two more awards to find out about.
We can also celebrate our best year financially, most positive client feedback, and wonderful innovation with the launch of our Interactive Staff App and Executive Leadership Programme which has been a real labour of love with Qualifications Scotland over the last three years. Celebrating in every corner of life has been the biggest take away for 2027.
I wonder what you, the readers, are celebrating as you read this magazine. Celebrating with family and friends is extra special at this time of year so that’s my wish for everyone. Taking in every minute of this time of year and being at peace, having presence and enjoying the life you have, not wasting time craving for the one you want. Dream big yes, but party and celebrate all that’s positive in your life as you travel through it.
