Agnes from Poland (45 years old) She describes herself as a child of water and sun. A being immersed in nature, drawing energy and meaning from it. Although she feels like a citizen of the universe, her heart belongs to Poland. However, when the autumn darkness comes, she longs for the light and warmth, for the freedom of the sea. A few years ago, she found her second place on earth – the "home of the sun." She decided that as soon as she turns 50, she would divide each year into two seasons: Polish time and Croatian time. She wants to spend autumn and winter on the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by the turquoise water and the scent of the sun.

Eva from Poland (49 years old) Eva dreams of traveling on the Orient Express, the legendary and elegant train that has fascinated her for years thanks to Agatha Christie and her novel "Murder on the Orient Express." This desire stems from a childhood fascination with the world of luxury, art deco style, and elegant conversation. Even if she doesn't manage to make this journey in real life, Eva finds a semblance of fulfillment in her small rituals—watching movies, reading books, drinking tea from a porcelain cup, and savoring a cucumber sandwich. Then, she says, the world slows down again.

Anna from Ukraine (52 years old) Anna lives in the Ukrainian mountains and runs a small farm with her husband. Every day she wakes up at five in the morning to milk the cows. She is the mother of five children – four sons and a daughter. She raised her children under difficult conditions, carrying water in buckets, washing clothes by hand, and taking care of the firewood and heating. Despite these challenges, she feels happy – today her children are grown and supportive, and she celebrated her fiftieth birthday surrounded by family and friends, even though one of her sons was at the front. Anna’s greatest wish is for her sons to return home and never have to fight in a war again.

Margaret from Poland (55 years old) She dreamed of the Himalayas since childhood. After years in an abusive relationship and giving up on her passions, at the age of 36, she and her children left her husband and started all over again. Margaret believes that life has a clear limit – fifty. Her older sister's words, repeated over the years, led her to believe that everything important must be done "before." Therefore, at the age of 48, she set off on a trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary. The moment she saw the snow-capped peaks from the plane window was a symbol of her regained freedom and strength.

Alice from Poland (53 years old) As a child, she was ridiculed and humiliated, which had a long-lasting impact on her self-esteem. Despite this, she managed to rise above it all. She recently fulfilled her dream of being an artist – she sang on the Polish television show "Mam Talent." Her dreams are diverse, colorful, and full of emotion. She would like to travel the world, explore nature, people, and the essence of life. She would like to star in a film, write a crime novel, and finally learn to play her dusty saxophone. She dreams of continuing to live life to the fullest, enjoying the moment, and not being afraid to dream—for herself and for her sons.

Camilla from Sweden (50 years old) Her dreams have evolved from material desires towards inner growth and creative freedom. Camilla dreams of telling true stories through writing, leaving a mark, and having a real impact on others. Like she says: "On a comfortable sofa at a high oak table in a café in my hometown, on colder days, I order a chai latte, its milky foam filling my palate with warm, soft notes of sweet tea and cardamom. In this environment, I find peace—a space that invites an open mind. I feel I'm in a liminal state, allowing me to stand with one foot in each reality: the one I live in and the one I write about. I take thoughts from one and sow them in the other, the fictional one."

Svietlana from Sweden (48 years old) She is a seamstress with years of experience who, despite enormous difficulties and lack of language skills, managed to rebuild her life abroad, fleeing the war in Ukraine. Today, she feels proud of herself and grateful to the people who showed her help and kindness. Her greatest dream is for her children to be able to pursue their own dreams and lead happy and safe lives, and for herself to never have to flee war again.

Maya from Poland (49 years old) Maya has two simple dreams: a parachute jump and a driver's license – symbols of freedom and independence. She once weighed 106 kg and felt rejected by the world – everyone looked at her with judgment. The most difficult moment in her life, however, was the death of her mother, who passed away in her arms. Over time, Maya realized that the most beautiful journey is the one within herself. Today, she lives with gratitude, discovering something new within herself every day. She has learned to love – and now she allows herself to be loved, because that too requires courage and acceptance.

Jana from USA (52 years old) As a nearly 19-year-old girl from Slovakia, with no English and just $300, she set off for the United States to try for a better life. She did so thanks to the help of a stranger at the embassy who helped her obtain a visa, and thanks to a remarkable series of events. Eventually, she found a job and began nursing school despite the rejection of some Americans. Her greatest dream was to tell her story.

Dorota from Poland (48 years old) The difficult period following her father's death reevaluated her life. After a period of mourning, she rediscovered the meaning of her work as a fitness instructor. She has many reasons to be grateful – her children, her wonderful partner, her home, the everyday little things that give her a sense of security. Most of all, she hopes to never lose her childhood joy for life, which she believes helps her get through even the most difficult moments. Her dream is to show people that exercise is not only a path to a better figure, but also to joy and mental health.

Monica from Poland (49 years old) Monica's unfinished studies are like a sore thumb. Today, she dreams of taking on new ones and this time completing them. Her life is incredibly dynamic; she constantly sets herself new goals and challenges, and her work fulfills her many passions. Therefore, her dreams revolve around peaceful things. She would like to buy a small plot of land on which to build an old house with a glass-enclosed veranda, where she can have a place to read among the flowers.

Eva from Poland (53 years old) When she was 18, she broke her spine, resulting in a spinal cord injury. Her world collapsed, and the active young woman she had been became a person who needs a wheelchair to move. Despite this, she did not give up. She passed her high school exams, completed her university studies, earned a PhD, and later achieved habilitation. Recently, she has received full professorship from the President of Poland. Her husband, whom she met after the accident, has supported. She dreams of dancing with him once more, standing on her feet—just like in her first life.

Dominique from Poland (47 years old) Dreams of a long life, as her experience with cancer made her realize the fragility of existence. She wants to accompany her growing daughter, reach old age, and enjoy everyday life, which, after her treatment, has become her greatest value. She would like to become a grandmother, watch her grandchildren being born and growing up, watch her house just beyond the forest change, watch her garden grow. She even wants to complain sometimes, be nasty if necessary—and be able to blame it on age. Oh, that's Grandma! Grandmothers are like that.

Vanessa from Finland (53 years old) She is a photographer who wants to tell stories about people, life and this wonderful planet on which we walk. She feels that everyone's story is worth telling. She is interested in topics that are important to us all, elevate us, affect our lives and societies. One topic that she would want to cover is the massive environmental destruction and crises that we face today as well as the solutions and the hard work we do trying to solve problems. She wants to spend her life doing this, because she is curious, encounters different people, cultures and situations. She wants to listen and share.

Alyaa from Finland (41 years old) She was born in Iraq. Due to the difficult and dangerous situation in the country, she decided to leave and seek refuge in Finland. Unable to afford to leave with her entire family, she decided to leave her two eldest daughters in the care of their grandfather's brother, believing this would be a temporary solution. She planned to return for the girls as soon as her financial situation stabilized. Alyaa's uncle took advantage of her absence and stripped her of her parental rights. For many years, Alyaa was unable to visit her daughters. This was a very painful experience for her. Today, her daughters are adults. The older one is married and has two children, while the younger one is a student. Alyaa dreams that one day the situation in Iraq will finally stabilize and she will be able to return there permanently—to the country she still loves and considers her home.

Monica from Poland (51 years old) She is the mother of two adopted boys who face many difficulties stemming from their biological mother's drug addiction. Despite these challenges, her life is filled with love and responsibility. She celebrated her 50th birthday with family and friends, wishing for it to be filled with joy, music, and dance. Although she has turned fifty, she feels no difference between how she felt when she turned forty and how she feels today. She is aware of her femininity and doesn't feel old, physically, emotionally, or mentally. She retains her youthful energy, inner strength, and clear self-awareness.

Inari from Finland (45 years old) She dreams of world peace. It may sound cliché, but today it's a realistic aspiration for Eastern Europeans. She lives her dream, has children, love, friends, and a meaningful job. She has been active in social organizations for years and travels extensively. Her greatest dream is to have more time and patience. Deep down, she dreams of writing a book and getting married.

Marta from Poland (56 years old) Didn't see her 50s as a milestone. She fulfilled her dream by descending the world's second-deepest cave well—Ghar-e-Ghala in Iran—as the first Polish woman and second woman ever, then stood at the bottom of Majlis al Jinn in Oman.

Katherine from Poland (48 years old) As a result of alcohol addiction, she lost her parental rights. After an eviction and a period of homelessness, she ended up in a shelter. It was the hardest moment in her life — she stood at the very edge of her endurance, overwhelmed by emptiness, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. Later, she met Adam, with whom she began a new chapter. Today, she dreams of reconciliation with her children and sees her approaching 50th birthday as a symbol of a fresh start.

Lidia from Poland (54 years old) She spent her 50th birthday in a COVID-19 ward, saving lives and dreaming of good health for her family. She always knew she wanted to be a doctor. She became an anesthesiologist because it's a life-and-death job, caring for people in their most difficult moments. She assists patients struggling to breathe and families who have to say goodbye to loved ones. As a doctor, she also strives to improve the transplant system in Poland. "Don't take your organs to heaven, they'll be useful on Earth" – this quote from John Paul II is her motto. She also dreams of a world without depression, a disease she herself experienced, and of returning to Africa on missions to remind herself why she's a doctor.

Anna from Poland (43years old) She has been serving a prison sentence for six years. Above all, she dreams of returning home to her children, who are her greatest strength and motivation in life. She wants to rebuild herself and write a book that could help other women avoid a similar fate, teaching them to take responsibility in the face of violence in relationships and to know how to ask for help.

Marcia from Sweden (53 years old) As Marcia approached fifty, she stopped to honestly ask herself if she was truly happy and at peace with herself. Her childhood was safe, and her youth was filled with sports. After graduating, she moved to northern Sweden, where she spent 25 years of marriage. After years of jealousy and limitations, she decided to divorce. Today, she is a grandmother and enjoys everyday life. Her dream was to be seen, heard, and loved, but not controlled. She fulfilled that dream—and that's why she can say: "I am happy."

Anna from Poland (45 years old) dreams of celebrating her 50th birthday in Bali with loved ones, resting and savoring life. She wants to feel fulfillment and courage, and to inspire others. She wants to ride a scooter, wear long dresses, and swim in the ocean.

Teresa from Poland (57 years old) She has lived in a nursing home since childhood. Teresa loves it here; she enjoys life, helps others, dances, and plays tennis. She has won numerous awards and medals in numerous local tournaments. She dreams of going to the seaside to sunbathe, swim, and relax. She would like to buy amber for herself and her mother. Her second dream is to go shopping on her own. She loves visiting shops, looking at different things, and buying dresses and shoes. She enjoys dressing up and having her hair done.

Anna from Sweden (51 years old) She lives in northern Sweden. She grew up in a family with strong hunting traditions. As far back as she can remember, even as a child, she and her brother accompanied their parents on hunts. It was a natural part of their lives, woven into everyday life and the rhythm of nature. When she became a mother herself, she also took her children hunting with her—she carried them on her back in a special carrier. Today her daughter is 21 and hunts herself. Her parents live in a remote place, surrounded by wilderness. Hunting has never been entertainment or sport for them. It is a way of obtaining food, grounded in ethics and respect for rules, animals, and nature. They hunt only as much as they need for their own use.

Nata from Poland (55 years old) She dreams of standing on a summit and “having the world at her feet” — of raw, dangerous, snow-covered peaks. Of overcoming her own weaknesses and feeling proud of herself. However, this desire will likely remain only a dream. A diagnosis of asthma has made sharp, cold air an insurmountable obstacle for her. Perhaps one day she will climb a lower peak, maybe in a warmer climate, without snow or that threatening aura. But it will never be quite the same.

Sanna from Finland (48 years old) Dreams about the future are a difficult topic for Sanna. She copes by studying and trying new paths. Although it is hard to call them dreams, she finds joy in new challenges and good relationships with friends.

Agnes from Poland (50 years old) She struggled with hemophilia, diabetes, and a disability that took away her independence. She was accompanied by a profound sense of isolation. She battled addiction, which ultimately led to her death. Years earlier, she had abandoned her children, just as her parents once abandoned her. She dreamed of forgiveness and of rebuilding a bond with them. She didn't make it in time.