I Did a Shirley Valentine: Took a Gap Year and Found Myself.

2025-05-26

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Send us a textImagine reaching midlife and deciding to take a gap year, on your own, without your family, and without all the usual responsibilities. How many times have you thought, "I wish I could just do that," but for some reason, you don’t because you’re scared of change and the unknown? Well, today’s guest is anything but scared of having a go. Monique van Tulder took the leap. She stepped away from her busy life, not to escape, but to reconnect with herself, recharge, and rediscover who she truly is.Monique’s gap year wasn’t ...

Send us a text

Imagine reaching midlife and deciding to take a gap year, on your own, without your family, and without all the usual responsibilities. How many times have you thought, "I wish I could just do that," but for some reason, you don’t because you’re scared of change and the unknown? Well, today’s guest is anything but scared of having a go. Monique van Tulder took the leap. She stepped away from her busy life, not to escape, but to reconnect with herself, recharge, and rediscover who she truly is.

Monique’s gap year wasn’t about running away from life, it was about creating the time and space she needed for self-reflection and personal growth. Her journey not only gave her the clarity she needed but also inspired her to write A Grown Up’s Gap Year. In her book, Monique shares how taking time for yourself, embracing change, and stepping into the unknown can lead to a deeper understanding of who you are and what you want from life.

Monique offers practical advice for women who feel stuck or overwhelmed, reminding us that it’s never too late to make a change. Sometimes, all it takes is asking, "Why not now?"

To follow Monique’s journey and get your copy of A Grown Up’s Gap Year, visit her on Instagram.

Takeaways:

Self-care is essential for personal well-being.
Traveling alone can be a transformative experience.
Midlife is a time for self-discovery and change.
Confidence grows when you prioritise your own needs.
It’s okay to say no to things that don’t serve you.
Asking 'why not now?' can motivate action.

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