As the needle punctured the skin on my leg and pumped ink into it, I winced from the pain. "It will be worth it, Mum, my son, 24, winked. A tattoo artist, he'd convinced me, at 51, to get my first tattoo. It was his birthday gift to me, and as the cherry blossom and peonies began to take shape, I had to admit it looked beautiful. A few years ago, I'd have shaken my head vigorously at the idea of getting a tattoo in my 50s. I'd always admired them on other people, but never had the confidence to have one myself. But since my divorce in 2018, I'd been on a journey of change and growth and this tattoo was just another step towards the new me.
I was 46 when my husband and I split up after 24 years of marriage. By then, my sons, 19 and 14, were less reliant on me and I felt like I'd reached a crossroads in my life. I'd lost myself in my marriage and motherhood, and wasn't sure what direction to take next, but I wanted to use the opportunity to focus on myself and explore new things.
MAKING CHANGES
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?