Samantha

How are you feeling today?

I'm feeling really good! I'm discovering that I can live a life of meaning and fulfilment without children!

What are you most proud of?

My resilience and resourcefulness to keep going, when the going has been tough - like the famous song!

What is your biggest learning in life so far?

That life is full of ups and downs but you can always find a way through, particularly with the support of great communities.

What are your hopes for the future?

That childlessness won't be a taboo subject, that no one will feel shame, stigma, or failure when they talk about it. That the workplace will be an inclusive environment for both parents and non-parents, and that society will recognise and stop the invisibility of older women, without needing to think - 'they're all okay, they're all grandmas'!

What would you tell your younger self?

To have confidence, be proud of who you are and recognise that your achievements, both internal and external - are valid and meaningful. You don't have to prove anything to anyone. Oh, and buy some shares in Microsoft.

When or where are you happiest?

Singing and dancing my heart out at 80s pop concerts!

What would you like to say to wider society?

l forgive you! Recognise how much you rely on talking about your children and imagine the world for people without children. And there's more of us around than you think. It's just that society makes us invisible. If you love and appreciate your friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues, recognise everyone's life achievements, big and small, and don't trump them with the baby/child talk.