WE ARE CHILDFREE

At the grand old age of 38, I finally feel like I have the freedom and the courage to say: I’m not having children. Ever. And it lights me up inside when I say it.

Not because I don’t like children (I have 3 spirited nephews and other children I am an honorary ‘auntie’ to). But because I feel like in coming to this decision, I’ve released an anxiety that had been building up for some time, and that I’m now free to pursue the life that I want to lead.

A year ago, I hadn’t yet made my final decision on being childfree. A successful career had given me the opportunity to take a year out of work, a career break to travel the world.

And during this time, it really hit home how much I enjoy my life, and I realised that a big part of that is the freedom I have. Financial freedom, the freedom to make decisions, and the freedom to travel, and that’s just for starters. I see the sacrifices that friends and family make every day to have children, and whilst I respect their decisions, I know this is not for me. And this is exciting!

I’d love to find someone to share my new found freedom with, who is also childfree by choice and curious to explore everything the world has to offer. I know that day will come (when I return from my travels and to the dreaded dating apps!), but for these last few days of my career break, I’m celebrating my choice to be childfree for today and forever with a cocktail in my hand and the sun on my face.