"Chasing Freedom" with Jane Shelton

Meet Jane Shelton, who retired from her successful business in Britain to pursue life in South Africa. Despite achieving financial freedom, she struggled with losing her career-based identity - a common challenge in midlife transitions. Following her stepdaughter's loss to cancer, Jane found a purpose in raising funds for children's cancer charities.

In the landscape of aging, freedom takes on profound new dimensions. For many entering their middle years and beyond, it transforms from an abstract concept into a tangible pursuit - freedom from societal expectations, freedom from career demands, freedom to embrace natural aging, and freedom to explore life authentically. But many of us struggle with our identity without a career, a social routine, and a new purpose. Her journey from feeling lost to becoming an influential voice demonstrates how freedom, when anchored in purpose, transforms both personal fulfillment and community impact.

Financial Freedom: From Constraint to Choice

Jane's journey begins with her quest for financial freedom, emerging from early hardships where she recalls "writing post-dated cheques to pay the bills" and carefully measuring out £5 worth of fuel. "I've lived as high and as low as it's possible to go," she shares, painting a picture of financial struggle early in her life.

"I've lived as high and as low as it's possible to go"

She built her way up to become a successful business owner, though she acknowledges being a demanding "hard taskmaster" - a drive stemming from her challenging background. The pinnacle of her professional success came with her business getting acquired and she deciding to moving on. However, this transition proved challenging as she grappled with losing her identity as a businesswoman.

The Silver Hair Revolution

After moving to South Africa with her partner, Jane shared that her stepdaughter was diagnosed with cancer. Her daughter fought the battle for eight years before passing away. She was "an amazing athlete" who had a heart for helping others - she would raise funds for children who couldn't afford medical care.

After her stepdaughter's passing, Jane wanted to honor her memory by raising money for her stepdaughter's chosen charity. Jane decided to shave her head as a fundraising initiative. This fundraising effort on Instagram garnered international support, with people from the United Kingdom, Australia, America, and Canada donating to the cause.

But while regrowing her hair, Jane was deeply inspired by #silversister hair movement where several other women influencers had embraced and encouraged natural hair growth. It was then she finally chose liberation from the "hassle of going to the hairdressers every three weeks".

It's a journey of discovery – there are moments on mountaintops and moments in deep valleys of despair

This personal journey has evolved into a movement, with Jane journalling each step for others seeking similar silver transformation. As one community member notes, "This silver transition is very hard and we are all here for each other". The community approaches this freedom collectively, sharing both technical advice and emotional support, understanding that breaking free from long-held beauty standards requires both practical guidance and moral support.

Her understanding of hair transformation also reflects a personal evolution as a non-linear journey. "Transformation is a process, and as life happens there are tons of ups and downs," she shares. "It's a journey of discovery – there are moments on mountaintops and moments in deep valleys of despair".

Self-love and self-care can be misinterpreted in so many ways

Freedom of Movement

"I've never been great at sport," she admits, but rather than viewing this as a limitation, she's finds freedom in choosing activities that bring her joy. Through her posts, Jane shares how she focuses on long mindful walking and hikes during her trips.

"As I walk between villages and towns," she shares, "I realize that more often than not, the things that I worry about are trivial in the bigger scheme of things."

"No matter how big your house is, how new your car is, or how much money sits in your bank account - we all bleed the same color," she reminds her followers, encouraging freedom from social comparison and materialistic measures of worth especially when transitioning into later age and trying to find a new path.

No matter how big your house is, how new your car is, or how much money sits in your bank account - we all bleed the same color

The later age landscape has dramatically evolved from a purely financial milestone to a complex psychological journey. Contemporary research reveals that this life-stage transition impacts individuals far deeper than previously understood, with approximately one-third of retirees experiencing significant adjustment difficulties. Professional identity, often cultivated over decades, doesn't simply fade with the farewell party. Studies show that 60-70% of retirees continue to define themselves through their former professions years after retirement.

While retirement promises abundant free time (approximately 7.5 additional hours daily), this blessing often becomes a complex challenge. The "endless vacation" fantasy crumbles for 65% of retirees within six months, revealing the crucial need for meaningful engagement.

Yoga and Self-Care

Jane mentions that she recently started practicing yoga and considers it "a phenomenal way of keeping fit and exercising". She expresses some regret about not starting yoga earlier, saying "I just wish that I had embraced it a little younger because I might be a little bit more subtle and agile". However, she uses this as an example to emphasize that it's never too late to start something new, pointing out that she's seen women transform their bodies and lives in their 70s and 80s, achieving their best physical shape ever

I just wish that I had embraced Yoga a little younger because I might be a little bit more subtle and agile

Oseterics is on a mission to inspire you for active and graceful aging. A regular, practical, and tailored Yoga regimen is proven to help in both physical and mental health.

Jane also regularly tries out derma facials, botox and spa. For her, taking part in herself is both a discipline and a ritual. "Self-love and self-care can be misinterpreted in so many ways", she emphasizes keeping physical and mental health at the top while being mindful of finances.

Silver Sisters

Silver Sisters movement has inspired women to break free from various constraints - some launching modeling careers in their 50s and 60s, others embracing natural aging, no dyed hair and many finding the courage to pursue long-held dreams. Through her social media presence, Jane has also created a safe space for women.

While the chase for freedom may begin with external changes - like letting hair go gray or retiring early - it ultimately leads to deeper forms of liberation: freedom to be authentic, to connect genuinely with others, and to live life on one's terms.

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