Second Act
Take a Leap
Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for happiness. Read our inspiring stories from people who took a leap of faith - and felt happier than ever.
Last Updated On |
I quit my well-paid job to clean for a living – and I've never been happier
Laura Mountford, AKA Lauracleanaholic on Instagram, left her 20-year career to follow her dream. Here's what happened
Cancer took everything from me – and made me discover who I truly am
You find out how strong you are when being strong is your only choice says cancer survivor Jackie Scully
My 'luxury' work-life balance at 48
Fleur Sladen refocused her priorities when she reached midlife
I was labelled the 'vintage vixen' at 45 but age won't define me
HELLO! columnist Glynis Barber has achieved more since turning 50 than any other decade
I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and attended the Olympics Opening Ceremony aged 70
Jan Thomas braved the rain for an unforgettable experience at Paris 2024
I'm 55 and happier than ever - here’s how
Hollywood makeup artist Monika Blunder, 55 shares her tips for being the best version of you at midlife
At 49, I've finally found true happiness – but it's been a journey
After a freak accident, Natasha Mena reset her whole life. Here's what happened
How a solo trip to a wellness resort reminded me to cherish my own company
Here’s what I discovered on my first solo trip…
Dreaming of changing your life? Try these 4 things before taking the leap
Life coach Gail Muller shares the things you should consider if you're dreaming of changing your life
I cured my crippling 15-year snake phobia in an hour - and it changed my life
HELLO! visited phobia expert Christopher Paul Jones' clinic in Harley Street
I'm not exaggerating when I say a wellness retreat changed my life
I visited Santorini with Travelgems for a life-changing wellness retreat – here's what happened
I became a swimsuit model at 57 – and I feel more confident than ever
At 57, Nina Cash is feeling more confident than ever
I braved the Canadian wilderness on a bucket list trip – this is how it's changed my wellness game
Exploring British Columbia and The Yukon changed my perspective on travel and wellness
I risked everything I had to follow my dream - here's what happened
TV chef, author, and founder of Mowgli Street Food restaurants, Nisha Katona, 52, tells HELLO! how taking a leap transformed her life
Everything I wish I knew before running the London Marathon for the first time
Considering entering the ballot for the London Marathon 2025? Read this before you do
My empty nest at 59 shocked me into changing my life
After struggling with an empty nest, Lesley Holder found a new way to embrace life – and feels better than ever
The BBC's Louise Minchin: 'How I finally found my sense of adventure after 45'
The former BBC Breakfast presenter has been embracing thrill-seeking for ten years
My mum's shock death inspired me to change my life
Sam Grice shares how the death of his mum inspired him help others plan for what happens after
I took a 'grey gap year' at 51 – here's what I learned
After a hectic few years, Michelle Feeney, 60, took a break for the first time in her life. She shares her story with HELLO!
How a major life change reset my world view
Laura Bunting left her life in the UK to move to Kenya – here's how being in nature helped her overcome stress and embrace a different pace of life
How a solo holiday helped me reset
Writer Leo Bear indulged in the ultimate self-care in Marrakech, mixing stepping out of her comfort zone with total relaxation
I feel stronger and more empowered than ever after one hour of jiu-jitsu
HELLO!'s Bryony Gooch attended Alliance Jiu Jitsu's flagship London studio
Why 'life-changing' transformation retreats are set to be 2024's biggest travel trend
More than yoga and massages, transformational retreats encourage rejuvenation, introspection and the opportunity to redefine one's life – sign us up!
How a five-week solo holiday changed my entire life
Amy Chapman, 36, travelled alone to Australia – and discovered a passion that took her in a new direction
Lorraine Kelly talks embracing new challenges in her 60s as she celebrates major career move - Exclusive
The ITV star spoke about the inspiration behind her new book, The Island Swimmer
Hearing loss changed my entire life – here's what I wish I'd known
Amanda Philpott was diagnosed with hearing loss at 52 – and it changed her life
Postpartum depression made me change my life – here's what happened
After struggling following the arrival of her baby, Hannah Burton took her life in a new direction. She shares her inspiring story
Taking up horse riding in my 30s gave me a new sense of freedom
After a move from London to the countryside, 30-year-old Lotty Campbell Bird felt inspired to step further out of her comfort zone
Sadie Frost's second act: 'I'm the best version of me'
At 58, Sadie Frost is living her best life. She tells HELLO! how she reprioritised and found herself happier than ever
I'm 48 and I have never felt more alive
Joyologist Donna Easton shares how she found happiness in midlife by ignoring her inner critic
I went through a trainwreck divorce - here's what I learned
My disastrous experience in divorce sent my life in a new and fulfilling direction, says Kate Daly
A shock diagnosis changed my entire outlook on life – here's what happened
Emily Williams left her career as a bridal hair stylist after her son was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour. Here she shares how her whole world changed
I'm doing my first ultramarathon at 46 – and I've never been a runner!
'I wanted to remind myself I'm grateful to be alive', says two-time cancer survivor Deborah Ward-Johnstone
Our first family cruise was a surprisingly relaxing, fun and bonding experience
Parenting Editor Sophie Hamilton and her family travelled with Celebrity Cruises around Italy, Croatia and Montenegro
I found a sense of freedom at 49 through a challenging new hobby
Jude Palmer took up an extreme hobby which helped ease the stress of daily life
This empowering workout reframed my attitude to exercise
Martial arts workouts are more popular than ever. HELLO! spoke to fitness experts about why punching and kicking boosts our confidence
I'm a senior citizen gamer – and gaming changed my life in ways I'd never imagined
Novelist Richard Sparks is a 72-year-old gamer. Here he describes how computer games have helped him grow more confident and make new friends
How setting up my own business made me happier than ever
Harry Potter star Emma Watson and her brother Alex launched their gin brand, Renais, in 2023. Here Alex shares what working with his sister has taught him about happiness
A near-death experience made me change my whole life
Sarah Aspinall took a leap of faith, quitting her job as a lawyer to become a ballet teacher specialising in midlife
I tried therapy despite thinking I didn't need it – and it was eye-opening
After booking a 90-minute MOT session at Self Space, I've realised my mental health is just as important as my physical health
I tried online dating as a widow in my 50s - here's what you need to know
After losing her husband, Nicky Wake turned to online dating to meet someone, but soon found dating as a widow to be a different experience