I used to be young, but now I'm free.

Free for the first time to revel in the luxury of me. No more looking for a mate (bought the tee-shirt). No more running ragged, almost always on someone else's behalf. In short, no more pleasing others, unless it is my express desire to do so. No more feeling obligated to say yes, no matter my own personal circumstances. No more trying tirelessly, but failing miserably, to please your children; except on the very rare occasion.

Oh, we are a busy lot we women. We are the purveyors of many things: wife; mother; nurse; counselor; cook (my own personal nemesis); cleaner (even if you are not the most domesticated being, you are still kept pretty busy); laundry mistress (unending); peacekeeper; personal shopper to name a few. All this whilst in all probability holding down a career. Well, no more. Now life will be made easy, or at least easier.

Now is the time for reinvention. Is it hardly surprising that, with greater financial freedom, women of a certain age are choosing to strike out on their own. Possibly leaving behind long marriages. As your children leave the nest do you really want to be left looking after one remaining childlike figure - their father. In past times, women whose husbands left them for "younger models" would have more than likely been secretly pleased had they the financial freedom and opportunities enjoyed by women today. Oh, to lose that last bastion of responsibility. A man. Just one more person to pick up after, run around for, try to please, massage his ego - all mostly unappreciated. Also, after having worked whilst raising a family, working while living on your own will become something of a pleasure. Especially, if it is a career you enjoy. It is a lifeline to freedom. A freedom where you are not left exhausted, as you only have yourself to please once you step over the work threshold and head for home, or dinner or the cinema or shopping etc. No deadlines. Only the deadline of work.

How refreshing to come home and kick off your shoes and have time to gather your thoughts. The evening is yours. Do I roll out my yoga mat, turn on the TV, read a novel, have a bath? Do I even feel like eating? Does it matter? Bliss.

Now is the time to spread your wings. Takes those classes you've always dreamed of but never had the time nor energy to indulge in. Go on a longed for foreign holiday, luxuriating in your own company or that of friends. Even enjoy a carefree

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