I just told someone on a post that if I enjoyed life any more, I’d probably be arrested!  For the most part, this is so true.

I was born and raised in mid-New York State – rural and farm country.  I married the first time at age 17 with no goal in mind except to be a wife and mother.  Having accomplished that, I discovered that I wanted more than sitting in front of the television with an uninterested husband.  Watch out what you wish for.

My second marriage was much more exciting, if you call finding yourself in a abusive situation with an alcoholic and drug user, exciting.  In the early days of this living together, then marriage, I found myself dragged lower and lower until I thought I was stupid and no good and quite a few other things and that no one could possibly want me.

After a few years of dodging fists and words, I finally sought help and found out who I was deep down inside and what I wanted out of life.  Fortunately he, too, got some help.  Things did get better, for the most part, but when he finally decided after more than 20 years together that drugs were more important than me, I left and moved to the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York.

Now I have been more or less alone for more than four years, back in the woods, and have discovered that who I am is very much good enough.  I enjoy my own company, love to read and watch movies and am starting to write.  I am dating and just having a great time being exactly who I am, with no apologies.  I am a very strong woman, who is also very flexible and love and care about people who are going through tough situations – men or women.  I found I have acquired some wisdom throughout my life and enjoy sharing with those who wish to find a more fulfilling life for themselves as well.

I plan on the next 30 or 40 years being just as fulfilling!

How did you get to where you are now?

Through a lot of trial and error.  I usually have to do everything the hard way.  I feel that I'm still learning and growing and - hopefully - will soon learn that I don't have to settle for anything less than being the best I can be.

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

Ten years ago I was still stuck in thinking my job was to make everyone happy even at the expense of myself.  Within the last ten years I took a couple of big steps and am now in a place where I can and do consider myself.  I am still giving, but it's out of desire rather than necessity.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully still on the journey of becoming the best me that I can and fulfilling my purpose in life.  I am quite certain that I have learned what I have in order to help others on this walk that can be, at times, so difficult.  I want to continue to obtain wisdom and be able to pass it on to those who are ready to make the journey, too.

Just know that the direction you're going and the things you are going through will ultimately make you a very strong, caring and compassionate woman.  While you may not wish what you will go though on even your worst enemy, you will find that the journey will make you stop and say "I love who I am now".

A few aspects of the life of Anne LaBastille appeal to me as a role model.  Her life, as written in her Woodswoman series somewhat parallel what I've been doing in recent years.  I had the pleasure of meeting her for a brief moment, and having her autograph her books.  It was a pleasure.  More on Anne LaBastille.