So ... moments, they may not seem much, but they have a total (and everlasting) effect.

You're absolutely right about this.

I'm so sorry that you had troubles with bullying and mean teachers! It's a testimony to your character that even though those moments had an impact, you've risen above the bad/negative things and choose to live a happy, positive life. You're also very courageous to share such things with us!

Much love to you, Deborah!
*hugs*

Thank you - although I don't think I'll ever be able to get through the problems I have, in now being able to mention them I've come a long way ... thanks in a great part to my wonderful LJ friends .... your support is amazing.

Thank you

*hugs tight*

A teacher pushed you in?

That's horrid

I fell off a pier into the sea at the age of about 5 and it was my father who jumped off the pier after me and got me out! I was a dangerous child and remained totally unfraid of water much to my parents despair

You've done so well to be swimming after that experience!

Also with the bullying

Look how far you've come! Going to London to that first gig and you *did* make friends!

So give yourself a pat on the back

Yes, a swimming teacher! Our school had a rule, you swam every week till you could do 1 length and jump in at the deap end. I did a hesitant length and then we all had to do the jump ... something made me freeze, so the teacher pushed!

It took me a few weeks to even walk into the shallow end holding another teachers hand ... fortunately the Head of Games had seen it happen ... she suggested I went to these other lessons - a differnet teacher, He was great ... but it took him 6 months for me to swim out of my depth ... and another month or so to actually get me in the deep end ... but, he was patient. I still swim next to the edge of a pool ... I can't believe that I was 14 when that happened and I still can't "let go" ... even though I swim regularily.

When I shower, and was my hair, I have to have a hand on the wall ... same fear.

Oh, yes, I have some good friends ... but still find it hard to actually be relaxed among people ... if people approach me I'm fine, but no way can I walk up to them ... even those I know well! I'm like that in Church etc ... so me walking to you those couple of years ago ... still shocks me ... Thank you Deb! (or is it the power of James!!!!?)

Those moments will affect you in ways and time to come. I was also bullied as a child and it has taken me years to be somewhat happy with myself. As a course of that I made some bad choices but those also gave me good moments. Good versus bad. Hopefully the Good moments are more then the bad at the end.

I admire you greatly for overcoming some of your fears such as swimming. We are alike a lot Deborah and I hope to keep your friendship for a long time. *HUGS*

Thanks Astrid - for years I couldn't even say the word 2bully" ... but having good friends has helped ... and in having friends, I've realised that many people had similar situations ... so that has made me more determined to speak out. In doing so I learn to accept ... even though, as I just told Deb, I still can't approach people ... even though at a James gig it is a bit easier for me (the power of James-squeeeeeee!!)

Your friendship is very special to me, as well.