There’s something about a fire that keeps me there

Alice 51 married with three children, works in design.

How are you?

I am really good, I’ve never felt better. My 50th birthday party was a turning point - a watershed, 'a coming out, 50 and proud'. It’s a liberation.

What’s your most memorable experience?

My first year at University. I was driving in a car with a guy I fancied. I felt happy - it was a rare feeling to really notice it. Being completely in the moment. Driving along, having your own car, it was very sensuous feeling.

How do you think other people see you?

Very capable and sorted, yet so much of the time I feel quite the opposite. I always cared what other people thought. I was quite a depressive and unhappy in my 20s. Pretty recently the colour went out of my life, but things change and now my life’s been in full colour - in fact it’s in technicolour.

What are your dreams?

Being in nature around a campfire. There’s something about the fire that keeps me there. Just to be in the moment. I dream of being less busy but content.

How do you see yourself?

I am a very spirited person and quite adventurous - a bit of risk taker. I really like that side of myself. 

Who or what inspires you?

My Husband inspires me with his kindness and engagement. My Children inspire me too, they’re so different from me. I feel excited by the people I work with, I love their creative minds and openness, they leap from one thing to another.

I love religious singing, especially old Plain Song and the smell of Jasmine oil. Nature inspires me. 

What do you think about life?

I think it’s about connecting with other human beings which might be my mission in life - to really engage and connect with this incredible place. You can live life on the surface and really miss the point. There is a mystical, magical wonder to this world and I kind of believe in something bigger than us. When all people come together there is something very powerful that happens.