Marie Rowland

I reached a turning point in my life as I was approaching my 40th birthday. I realised that I didn’t want to be pushing another mascara to Harper’s Bazaar anymore. Running a PR agency was fashionable and glamorous but that’s not what I wanted my life narrative to be.

Being a counsellor is not a job, it’s a life’s work. Making a difference to peoples’ lives is life affirming and boosts my soul. I see a lot of people who live very busy and somewhat successful lives, but are not leading purposeful lives. My work at Talking Matters allows people not to lose sight of themselves and what matters most to them.

My best advice to people who want to make changes in their lives is simple — slow things down. When you slow things down you get to analyse and look at your life and you can begin to consciously make space for more of what you want more out of it.

In my spare time I just love to do different types of ethnic dances, but flamenco has been a lifelong passion of mine. I’ve been doing flamenco dancing for almost 20 years. The music is so beautiful and evocative.

For me, there’s nothing better than spending time with your kids. One of my favourite things to do is cook with them on a Sunday night. I find it therapeutic and it distracts you from your everyday routine.

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