The turning point in my life came two years ago, when I decided to move to Spain. Nothing really was happening for me here, and I needed a change. I knew nothing of the country, nor the language, but I still mustered all the courage to just go there because as an amateur excavator, I wanted to see some of the famous cave paintings in Altamira.

I was working as a part time art restorer at the Detroit Institute of Art. So, I had some experience to help me attain work in that profession, practically anywhere I’d go. Since having acquired a Master’s several years before, at the U. of M., I had not only good credentials, but had saved enough money, since my restlessness was going to continue. Then about 2 and some years ago, I finally decided that my pivotal point had arrived. I don’t like to admit this, but for an answers sake, I’ll add that I had a boyfriend, but that relationship seemed also as stagnant as my life. So in a surge of courage, I left my boyfriend with a lot more ease than I thought I would have, he’d become a rather stale, place holder kind of habit, told my parents I was going to leave the country and took what money I had saved, and flew to Madrid. after not feeling that Madrid was a place that was exotic enough for me, I traveled southward and finally FOUND WHAT was suitable to me, which was, is still Seville. I now work as a restorer in an atelier owned by a family there who collects paintings, artifacts, and such like.

Even though I have returned home for the next 3 months and I have a fondness for my country, I miss Seville because it suits my rather adventurous nature. And it is beautiful, and I feel viscerally that I belong there.

I suppose when I made that decision to get up and leave what was familiar to the point of stagnation, it was my courage which turned around my life.

I am now happier, more constructive and creative (through having a purpose) and feel rather proud that I got up and went, for what would give more significance to my life.

I realize that not all people are able or capable to just “get-up-and-go! But I had no other choice if I was to make a significant change toward a far more meaningful life.

I’d tell you, speak of REAL situations that will allow you to LIVE your life with purpose. Don’t settle for simply an existence, because courage becomes less active as you get older.

Good luck and I hope my experience has explained a little of those turning points in your life, when you simply have to act and not look back.

Ollie.

hv another one -my father died suddenly. he comes fr conservative fanatical family. since his death i broke away fr family/religion and found greater peace and harmony in another spirituality. no hocus pocus, no rituals, absolute equality of man/women understanding their differences etc. my immediate family are all sane and doing well both spiritually and materially. my father’s clan is still in the doldrums. had my dad been alive, probably i wld also be a fanatic. maybe a mad militant!

ggeeeeee tts indeed my turning point!

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