[Swannie]

Hello everyone.

I've been reading Steve's blog for a few months now. Lots of very interesting posts. I find myself agreeing a little too often with Steve's view points, though!

I'm here because I've found some posts that I really want to reply to. I will get around to starting a blog when the time is right, it's just not quite yet (though the core idea, subject areas and some draft posts are already written). I'll no doubt be commenting within that on some issues, but for now, most things I can reply to on here.

A little about myself. I'd say I've been all about personal development from a young age. I was recently having a conversation about addictive tendencies with my current running partner, and came to realise I've been able to step back and reflect on my actions since about the age of 11. If it hadn't been for the bullies at school, I wouldn't be who I am today. After getting hit a number of times in a classroom, with teacher present at the age of 13 or so, I began accepting responsibility for everything that happened to me. It was a heavy burden going through my teens! Until recently I didn't realise quite how profoundly these experiences had shaped me.

To give you an idea of who I am, a few words from my friends. My recent ex still describes me as "very precious", an acupuncturist told me "you search out and connect with sensitive people" (which at the time was a revelation). A close friend told me "of all my friends, only a few people have their life sorted, and one of them is you", and another "you listen and take notice, do you know how rare that is?".

I'll let the details of my life, interests and hobbies fall out as I go :-)

I look forwards to sharing some of my thoughts with you :-)

Swannie