The best thing I did to start getting my confidence back when I finally got to do something for ME, when YD had started school, was to start adult education classes. Loads of courses to choose from , so found something I fancied trying, (painting) while Ds were at school.

Actually going was really nerve-wracking. But the first thing the tutor said was that we had already done the hardest part of the course, in walking in to a strange place full of new faces. We were asked to wear name stickers, just for one week, so we could find out who was who. We were all in the same boat and some were very nervous about talking to others. But by drawing everyone into conversation we rapidly gelled into a very friendly group. Even when we couldn't remember names, we knew faces. And the best bit was that I was me. Not D's Mum. Not OH's wife. Not the person who used to work at the Bank.

Just Me.

It was hard, but the best thing I could have done.

LisaR, you are not alone.

DDx