There are a few things you can’t change but you can change a lot

Francoise 46, half French. Divorced with two children works part time as a Special Education Needs teacher. 

How are you? 

I’m a reasonably contented person, if things are bad change is not far away. There are a few things you can’t change but you can change yourself a lot and it’s up to me to make those changes.

What's your most memorable experience? 

When I get the chance I take the pilgrims' trail from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostella. I go by myself and just enjoy the experience. Once I met a woman with a short, shaved head; a natural lady with a knapsack (very Dick Whittington) she was a proper pilgrim. At night she’d sleep out under the stars. She did the walk in a very basic way and had no fear. She was one of life's inspirations. 

How do you think other people see you?

I’m embarrassed by the question - I don’t like the spot light being on me. I suppose they see me as quite independent and slightly reserved.

What are your dreams?

Drinking expresso coffee or red wine. Talking in a small group of people - having open conversations. To have adventures, to walk along a path and finding out what happens. I dream of travelling a lot in the latter part of my life as I think this is when I will feel the most inspired and connected with everything around me - a real feeling of freedom.  

What brings you down?

Worry, anxiety and stability. It’s wanting a sense of stability that blocks me. Sometimes I want to be adventurous in an adrenaline junkie sort of way. I have the desire to deep sea dive or to go hot air ballooning. I’m a suppressed thrill seeker really. I just wish I had the confidence to do it.

What do you think about life?

I don’t love it all the time. There are periods when I absolutely love it but I’m glad it's not forever. I feel you have to go though certain experiences - phases that are challenging. I’m glad life comes to an end. I don't want to go tomorrow -I’d be happy with three score years and ten.