writing camp + One Woman's Journey

People who knew the quiet, shy child are about as surprised and mystified as I am at the gregarious, outspoken and "put yourself out there" adult I am today. In actuality, I shouldn't be at all surprised, after all, I created her, me! This COVID pandemic with its resulting confusion, restrictions and lockdowns, combined with my present personal situation, has given me plentiful opportunities for reflection on a life, so far, well lived. Don't get me wrong, it has by no means been "perfect"! In my opinion my life has been no different from anyone else's, it's had it's ups and downs, but how is that not different from yours? I readily acknowledge that some of my opportunities might have been better than yours, but then again it's also possible that the worst of mine are things that you hopefully didn't or won't have to endure. The ultimate conclusion I've reached through all of this introspection is: "FORREST GUMP"! Come on! You must have seen the movie! "Life is like a box of chocolates. You don't know WHAT you're going to get!" To that I add "It's what you DO with the ones you don't like!" The person you're meeting right, through these stories, is the resulting product of the re-purposing of these experiences by toning down both the highs and the lows, to create a psychologically and emotionally well-rounded human being. Trust me, this is no easy journey, but it is fulfilling! In answer to your question, yes, I use the present tense as it is still a "work in progress". I am at peace and content with all of my choices/decisions regardless of the outcome! I am strong physically, mentally and emotionally! I have a wicked sense of humour! I judge no-one, never have, never will! I talk to strangers anywhere and anytime, for literally HOURS! I have strong opinions/beliefs and I share them frequently while remaining open to other sensibly plausible ideas. I tolerate neither lies nor liars; they have no place in my life! I also seem to have the ability to thoroughly "put you in your place" and harbour no grudge. Once I've said my piece, the situation no longer exists for me. I love unconditionally! I AM NOT PERFECT! I sometimes wonder just exactly HOW did I get to this space? When, where and how did I start on this journey? Honestly? To this day I'm not exactly sure what the trigger was, as there were multiple events that occurred in close proximity to one another in my early childhood. So, as the song goes, "start at the very beginning, it's a very good place to start". The Sound Of Music! The first movie I ever saw, in a proper cinema no less, and still one of my favourites! I think I was about 5/6 years old at the time, but I digress. I do that a lot, by the way. One thought leads to another, leads to another.....you get the idea. Most annoying to some people, myself included, as I lose my train of thought and "I'm left standing on the platform AFTER the train has left the station"! (Came up with that one myself, years and years ago.) Anyway, back to the point, the beginning. The people, places and events that formed the child that was me, the young lady I became and the mature woman I am today. Just wanted to make you aware, some of these anecdotes will be shorter than others, I'll try to combine some of them if they fit together. I hope you enjoy traveling!