I'm not one for regrets - don't see the point, but I do wonder what might have happened had I received better careers counselling at school. I believe I have aptitudes in acting and writing (although I acknowledge both would need considerable development) which were never properly recognised at school, least of all by me. The careers which appeal to me most - acting and journalism, are ones which I feel are out of reach now for many reasons. Both are hotly contested and both demand extended periods away from one's family which is not an option (by choice) at this point in my life.
I wish I could swim. Whilst learning at primary school, I 'acquired' a veruca and was banned from lessons for about 6 months, the irony being, of course, that I picked it up in the swimming baths' changing rooms. By the time I returned, my contemporaries were all swimming without aids and, as a person nervous of almost everything, I never learned. For years I felt acute embarrassment at not being able to swim, and it wasn't until I was in my 20s that I felt able to admit it freely. My Dad was an excellent swimmer and diver. My Mum learned at 52. I now realise that it is within my grasp if I want it badly enough - presumably I don't.
Does anyone have any idea where a woman my age could learn? Its not like having sedate guitar or piano lessons is it!
