Agnes from Poland (45 years old) Describes herself as a child of water and sun. She loves Poland but dreams of life between two worlds. When cold comes, Croatia calls—her home of warmth, freedom, and fluid living.

Eva from Poland (49 years old) Dreams of traveling on the Orient Express—the legendary, elegant train that has fascinated her for years through Agatha Christie and her novel Murder on the Orient Express. This desire grows out of a childhood fascination with the world of luxury, Art Deco style, and conversations full of class.

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, see how her home beyond the forest changes, and how her garden grows. She even wants to occasionally complain or be a little mischievous when needed – and be able to blame it on her age. Ah, that grandmother! That’s just how grandmothers are.

Alice from Poland (53 years old) As a child, Alice was mocked and humiliated, which affected her sense of self-worth for a long time. Despite this, she managed to rise above it. 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.

Svietlana from Sweden (48 years old) Svietlana dreams of peace and safety. After experiencing war, fleeing Ukraine, and rebuilding her life from scratch in a foreign country without knowing the language, her greatest wish is that her children can pursue their own dreams—and that she herself will never again have to run from war.

Maya from Poland (49 years old) She dreams of skydiving and getting a driver’s license—of freedom and independence. She once weighed 106 kg and could not bear the looks of others. Today, her story is a journey from shame to strength and self-acceptance.

Jana from USA (52 years old) Jana left Slovakia for New York in 1992, without knowing English and with only 300 dollars in her pocket, overcoming fear and immigration hardships. Her greatest dream was to tell her story.

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 has dreamed of the Himalayas since childhood. After years in a toxic relationship and giving up her passions, at age 36 she left with her children, starting anew. At 48, she trekked to the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Camilla from Sweden (50 years old) Her dreams have evolved from material goals toward inner growth and creative freedom. Camilla dreams of telling true stories through writing, leaving a trace, and having an impact on others.

Dorota from Poland (48 years old) A difficult period after her father’s death made her reassess her life. She has many reasons to be grateful—her family, her home, and the small everyday things that give her a sense of security. What she desires most is to never lose the childlike joy of life. Dorota also dreams of a world without wars – she believes the Earth has enough for everyone, and that a lack of conflict would make life simpler and more peaceful.

Monica from Poland (49 years old) Unfinished studies feel like a thorn in Monica’s side. Today, she dreams of starting again in a photography program and finishing it this time. She would like to buy a small piece of land with an old house and a glass-enclosed veranda, where, surrounded by flowers, she will have a place to read.

Anna from Sweden (51 years old) Lives in northern Sweden. She was raised in a hunting tradition and, as long as she can remember, even as a child, she always accompanied her parents on hunts. She spent her 50th birthday with close friends, who gave her a list of things to accomplish in the second half of her life.

Renata from Poland (55 years old) She dreams of mountains and wild, rugged peaks. She dreams of standing on the summit and feeling the triumph of overcoming herself. Unfortunately, her diagnosed asthma makes the sharp, cold air an obstacle for her. She knows she won’t reach the highest peaks, but she still dreams of pushing her own limits.

Teresa from Poland (57 years old) She has lived in a care home since childhood. She enjoys life, helps others, dances, and plays tennis. She dreams of going to the seaside to rest and of shopping independently so she can dress up.

Alyaa (40 years old) She left her country – Iraq – 10 years ago, leaving behind two daughters whom she couldn’t visit for a long time. She was born in a beautiful place in Babylon and now lives in Finland.

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 has supported her throughout. She dreams of dancing with him once more, standing on her feet—just like in her first life.

Inari from Finland (45 years old) She dreams of peace in the world. It may sound like a banal, but today for the people of Eastern Europe, it is a real desire. She lives the life she dreamed of – she has children, love, friends, and work that gives her meaning. For years, she has been active in social organizations and travels a lot. Her greatest wish is to have more time and patience. Deep in her heart, 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) Lost parental rights due to alcohol. After eviction and homelessness, she met Adam in a shelter and started a new life. Today, she dreams of reconciling with her children, treating her upcoming 50th birthday as a fresh start.

Lidia from Poland (54 years old) An anesthesiologist, Lidia spent her 50th birthday in a COVID ward, saving lives and dreaming of health for her family. As a doctor, she also wishes for improvements in the transplant system in Poland and for going on medical missions—to remind herself why she became a doctor.

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.

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) She dreamed of a life in which she is loved, heard, and free from control. After years of jealousy and restrictions, she dared to divorce, rebuilt herself, and today enjoys life with her daughters and granddaughter.

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.

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.