Living Life Thankful

Living Life Thankful
Thankful

Monday 12 November 2012

What's my story?


1. I was born in England on 26th December, 1969. Thanks Mum for hanging on that extra couple of hours so I wasn't born on Christmas Day! I don't usually like people to know how old I am but I'm secretly proud of having squeaked into the 60's.

2. I grew up, as one of six children, of missionaries to Papua New Guinea, which is just off the north-east tip of Australia. For a time we lived not far from Sydney, we returned to the UK for furloughs and I also spent a year in the States. So when people ask me  where I'm from; I always hesitate because I'm what's known as a third culture kid. In a nutshell, I have a strange accent and normally end up speaking like whoever I'm talking to.

3. As a teenager, I had romantic visions of becoming a detective or a journalist and also toyed with becoming a hairdresser. However, I entered teacher training and received my Bachelor of Education (Hons) degree in 1992 and soon after began my teaching career.

4. Whilst I was at college, I met the man who I thought was my 'one and only' and we married as soon as I finished my degree.  Life was good and we were full of optimism for our future together. Hindsight is a wonderful thing isn't it?

5.  I would also like to mention that I am a born again Christian but would hate for anyone to call me religious.  I don't believe that going to church makes me a Christian, anymore than standing in a garage would make me a car! It's all to do with a very, personal faith.

6.  During the years of 1995 and 2009, I was blessed with the arrival of four precious children. They are now ages 4, 9, 12 and 17. I have two boys and two girls and they are the light of my life. I thank God daily for them. (As well as wanting to throttle them most days as they drive me round the bend!)

7. After having spent four years, living as a family in South Africa from 2006 until 2010; we returned to live in the UK. My then husband and I, struggling to deal with the pressures of life and literally falling apart at the seams, separated in March of 2011.  It was a separation from which we would never be reunited and we divorced.  It certainly wasn't the way my life was supposed to go. It is what it is though and I have learned to accept it.

8. I am a recovering codependent, having lived with an alcoholic for many years, and am in a 12 step program. I very nearly lost my sanity but am thrilled to tell you that I found it right before it disappeared completely. Now, I just try to take one day at a time and count my blessings. I am learning to take care of my own 'oxygen mask' before assisting others with theirs. 

9. I always wanted to write but never felt like I had anything to write about. About eighteen months ago, I decided to write anyway. Whatever I had in me to say was in me for a reason and I decided to put it out there and so the Living Life blog was born. It is others' choice whether they read it or not.

10. I found that one positive quote in the morning could set me up for the whole day and make a difference to my outlook on life. With this in mind, I started my Living Life Facebook page. What I'm finding is that we all have a lot more in common than in difference and it is a relief to know that whatever we are going through in life; we aren't alone. 

P.S. I have recently returned to teaching, after a six year career break, and so begins the juggling act of being a full time parent to my four children, as well as educating other people's children. Crazy busy but fun and very fulfilling.

8 comments:

  1. Love your writing and the way you open yourself - you are such an encouragement!!!!!

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  2. Love your story & your beautiful writing Debbie.. See you around, Ivo

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  3. Now I know part of your story. Hey I see you lived in South Africa for four years. I spent the first 24 years of my life in SA. Now live in the USA. Positive quotes really do set one up for a good day.

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  4. Hi Karen! Thanks for stopping by. I loved South Africa but was relieved to move back to the UK. (Crime stats in SA terrifying!) x

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  5. Debbie, you have led an extraordinary life! Please continue writing and producing content for your Facebook page, which I follow. You're a jewel.

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