About the AuthorVanessa Pinnington / Nessie, The Nomad
I am a solo female traveller who at times, has struggled with social interaction. Sometimes it’s easier not to smile and say hello, but then I could be missing out on a chance to make a new acquaintance.
The aim of my blog and forthcoming book, is to encourage people in a similar situation to embrace their oddities and to open up opportunities that they may have previously considered impossible. If I can do it, anyone can!
“I am committed to supporting people like me, who are still searching for their place in society and whose perspectives will change once they realise the possibilities which are out there.”
If you’d asked me twenty years ago, would I consider travelling alone, the answer would have been a resounding no. But time changes our perspectives. As we age, we begin to appreciate that life is short, that our time in this world is fleeting. Therefore, we must make the most of it.
Maybe if teaching hadn’t been such an important part of my life, then it’s possible that making my mark, leaving something behind for others to benefit from, may never have been a consideration.
I’m not asking to be remembered like Albert Einstein or Rosalind Franklin, the latter who’s work, especially her X-ray diffraction image of DNA, was crucial for Watson and Crick’s development of the double helix model.
The supportive role I have spent many years mastering, that’s what’s important, and allowing that care and empathy to dissipate is not part of my plan moving forward.
Unfortunately, teaching in a school is not something I wish to return to, not because of the students. Do not be swayed into thinking that they caused me to finish. No, other factors played a major role in my application for early retirement.
But the time and energy to maintain a professional role, whilst also managing the hurdles I encountered along the way, cannot be wasted.
There have been many other roles which have contributed to, and broadened my outlook, many jobs which led me to become a science teacher. Hard and soft skills which also need to be utilised for further development. Hence why I am here, writing this.
But life, family and acquaintances, relationships, have all played a huge part in ‘How I Got Here’.
Nessie the Nomad has possibly always been on a journey of discovery, yet she didn’t realise fully until she stopped. Stopped working full-time, stopped running around after people and began to think about herself for once. Putting people before you is good, but only to a limit.
Children should be considered first and foremost. I had my son, then it’s my responsibility to ensure that he is ok. But a people-pleaser is not what I wish to be recognised as any longer. Pacifying, negotiating, are skills, traits, which are useful, there’s no doubt. A resilient person I may be, people tell me that all the time, however, becoming stronger and better at saying no, is a characteristic I am working on, and one I wish to be more successful at.
Stop trying to fit into every group you meet. There is no way that everyone will ever get on, all of the time. If we did, there would be no more debate, no opinions, no contesting of any kind. And how boring would that be? A civilised discussion to clarify and to resolve a situation will always have its advantages.
Maintaining some kind of inner peace will remain as one of my goals, but being a doormat? No.
The problems surrounding my development have been based on not knowing the boundaries, the limits, and unfortunately I’ve pushed myself too much at times, then they take advantage, then it’s my world which falls apart, not theirs. They move on and find someone else to do their dirty work, and I’m left with very little compensation, mentally, physically, emotionally, financially. I’m stripped of self-confidence, a rag that’s been washed out and left to dry up too many times.
So, it’s time for change, and a new version of me.
And it’s the ‘Little Wins’ which are important, those positive moments. Sometimes a millisecond of joy will boost us and motivate us to carry on. A grateful person appreciates a step forward, even if it’s a small one.
Happy reading,
Vanessa
