My turning point was starting college, and it too was triggered by my friends. I always had the same group of friends. Then I started college and it all changed. Some went off on their own path and those that joined me ended up dropping out. For the first time in my life, I was completely alone. For someone who was completely dependent on friends, this was a scary notion.

I had to quickly learn to depend on myself. And then I formed a new group of friends. These friends were total opposites of the ones from my past. Through their friendship I was able to completely turn my life around. My insecurities vanished and I started to become the person I am today.

I still have these friends, and I will be forever grateful for having met them. So there we go again... everything happens for a reason.

You've had a bit of a journey havent you :).

I didnt have a "grow up" turning point as such. That just evolved over time. So far as great, long term friends go Ive only found these in the last few years...and love them dearly.

When I was 18 my father suddenly dropped dead of a heart attack. At that point I knew the score. I know where my little car is headed. So I'm going to enjoy the ride.

That would certainly change things. Where was your car headed?

My turning point?
Somewhere when I was 14 and a half.
First Discos and alcohol.
Pretty much kept that up until I was 25.
What triggered it?
Escape from home, a sick Dad, a Mom with no time for me and her boyfriend living with us for a short time as well.
Pretty chaotic to tell the truth and thanks to friend alcohol I don't remember much of it....sigh.

Which could well have been a good thing? 14.5 is entirely too young. You turned out great though :).

Nicole, Ive just added a Photography blog to the site just so I can contribute to your Mother Nature Day!

Yepp, it turned out well in the end, but could have easily become a disaster.
I don't know how many times I drove drunk (and I mean stinking drunk), ...
A slight second turning came after my first 8 months working in Spain.
I had to make a decision. Going home and in therapy or staying there and cure myself.
I stayed and reduced drinking & partying. I was still a party animal but not nearly as bad any more.
Oh well. I always said my Best friend and I should mix our characters and it would be the better for both of us.
She would be more outgoing and I would be more normal ;)

P.S.: Off to the Photography blog :)
P.P.S: I love you blog Layout!

Yes, its a shame you didnt keep your diaries. Would you have done it differently...or are you grateful for the "character building"?

P.P.S: Thank you :)

I always say that if I hadn't done it that way I wouldn't be me.
And I like being me :)

Had I done things different, I would probably be married with 4 kids, living in the town of my birth or in a little village around there.

Nah, I like this better :)

Good :)