Hello Ladies,
I got an invitation from @bloghound to participate in this contest. I needed to think about it. To be honst I don’t like talking a lot about myself. But I have to admit that while reading her post, I got to know her better. So here I go!
Just a quick edit: I forgot to invite someone ... So I hereby invite @thisismylife to join!
First I will start with a very short background story to clarify my situation. It’s part of who I am now.
As a yound woman (20 years) I always dreamed to have my own business. My plan was to work a few years to save and start something by myself. I’m now talking about the early 90’s and I wanted to have a computer shop. So far so good.
1992 was a difficult time. All my plans and dreams were destroyed. I got very ill and after a struggle of several months the doctors told me that I have a muscular dissease. A year later I was paralized and needed surgery. My whole world collapsed!
The recovery took very long. I was in a wheelchair for 9 years, had a serious depression. Luckily my husband always supported me and we fought our battle together! It took me years to recover from the depression and finding joy in life again. But thanks to my lovely hubby we also achieved that. He encouraged me to find a passion.
So far the background. At this moment my illness is under control. I’m still not able to do a lot of fysical things, but I don’t regret that anymore. One thing I could do was swimming. But that was a bit boring to me, so I started scuba diving. Being in the water is good for my muscles and bang! I found my passion. My doctor was impressed by the results and one day I told him I wanted to be a scuba instructor. And believe it or not … I achieved that goal. I didn’t want a career in the diving business because my body couldn’t handle that. But I wanted to proof myself that I could achieve that. And when you have a passion, it’s unbelieve what you’re capable of! So follow your dreams, life your passions to the fullest!
I travelled all over the world to discover the underwater world as much as I could. And at a certain point I stranded in the Philippines. The warm climate was a relief for my body and that was the start of hopping between 2 countries.
After 5 years (due to the pandemic) I returned back to Belgium. End of a chapter in my life, ready to move on to the next one: Spain.
My second passion is photography. I started with an analog camera but I wasn't really into it. The problem was the cost of the development of the film rolls. So I just took some classic holiday pictures. Years later we entered the digital camera era! Woohooo ... No more costs of developping and you could see the results immediately! Now it was time to start experimenting with photography. I started with a very simple point and shoot camera. In those days a digital camera costs a fortune. And I liked it. Later on I followed evening classes to improve myself and switched to a digital dslr camera. I tried to find my own style and slowly I was making some improvement. I tried different types (we had the assignments in class) and quickly find out what I like and what not. I'm not a portrait photographer. For me the best ones are the one I can do by myself. In my own comfort bubble. Just me and my camera, we make a good team 😁
I'm very lucky that I can combine my 2 passions: underwater photography.
I always wanted to have a tattoo and of course it's dive related!
Well congratulations on reaching the end of this post. Sorry it was so long, but it's hard to tell in a few lines.
You can forget about everything I wrote, just remember to follow your dreams and turn them into passions! 😘
All pictures in this post are made by me. The collages are made with CollageMaker, using my own pictures.
Oh wow. I almost choked up. I am so sorry to hear about your depression. I got goosies 'cause I have been into the same situation.
The photography and tatts, we pretty much alike.
Thank you for accepting my invitation.
Big air hugs, @fiatgirl
You rock and you are amazing. Don't forget that!
Thanks for your kind words! I'm now a very positive person and left those dark times behind me. It made me stronger. Indeed it looks like we have a lot in common!
Big kiss and stay strong Sis! 😘
I am actually crying and smiling at the same time.
Much respect, sis! Xoxoxox
Thank you to you too!
Hello @fiatgirl
Welcome to Ladies of Hive.
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Thanks for sharing.
Good luck with the contest!
Thanks! This looks a nice community!
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Amiga you are living proof that it can be done! ... I am amazed, delighted, motivated, and happy with your story of overcoming... you are a powerful woman. Your passion, scuba diving, enchanted me since I saw the picture. You are definitely an amazing woman.
!LADY
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blush You make me blush with your kind words. I decided to share my story to inspire others and spread a positive vibe.
Your article was upvoted by @minnowsupport !
Thanks for the support! I appreciate it!
I got fascinated with diving in Puerto Galera, Philippines. Since then I dived in many waters as well. But no dive instructor. Only fun. 😊
Puerto Galera... That was also a nice place. The best diving I did in Leyte. Most of my dives I did was fun diving. You can't take your camera with you if you have student on a dive 😁
Nice passions you have! I hope you can do this photography for a lot of years! !hbit
Oh yes! Can't wait till we both go on a walk. Prepare yourself when I shout: Strike a pose! 😁
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Thank you for the support!
Nah, that wasn't that long.
Congrats getting out of that chair. I have a vague idea what you mean. I got one leg so normal shit like hiking, walking, etcetera, I'm real limited. So.. I dive. <3
Nice to meet you.
Ooops. Sorry to hear that 😥 Maybe this sounds weird, but now I don't see it as a bad thing that happened to me. Yes, I'm limited, but I must say I enjoy more the little things in life. And there's so many things to do and discover without the need of 2 legs or a perfect health. It's all about perspective ... Do you like diving?
I love it. I enjoy trying to explain weightlessness to someone knowing they have no idea what I'm saying. And sitting on the ocean floor in one spot until I'm so overwhelmed with fish I have to push them away and go somewhere else.
I'm no instructor or anything, probably just between 50-100 dives, all from California coast and islands. I'd love to get down there again.
How long's it been since you were down there?
Hahahhaa ... It's very hard to explain that you're free in the water to people who have never done this. It's now more than 2 years I haven't been diving. When I left the Philippines I had to leave everything behind. Here in Spain I don't think I will pick it up again. After diving in Asia the local water is not that interesting to me. And also buying everything again is too costly at the moment. I think my husband will ask for a divorce 🤣 I'm very thankful for all the dives I did (+/- 1000) at incredible places. I have enough pictures and memories for the rest of my life! Can't wait to read your stories about diving! Keep diving !!!
I lied, oops, I dove in Costa Rica one time also. That was about 5 years ago now, saw some rays the size of a moving van.
I've asked questions at a couple dive spots the past couple years about rentals and stuff but being from where I'm from, I can't handle cold water so opportunity, location, yata yata yata, it's always 'something,' right?
😁😁😁
Your pictures are absolutely marvelous.
Wow.
blush Thanks!
Great post!
You gone though much but hanging on to your passions and dreams will keep you going!
It's still a long road but keep going.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us @fiatgirl
Thank you for your support! I wish Hive would have exist in those days! 😉😁
The post was long but i didnt even realise it as you sucked me in with the first few lines. I'm so sorry you had to go through so much but I love how you kept your fighting spirit alive and you pushed and pushed until you were better. Good a thing you also had a loving husband by your side. This challenge also helped you discover your passions in scuba diving and photography and from the looks of it, you seem to be very good at it. Those shots are lovely. I'm glad you have your life together and you are having the best time of it.
Thank you for your lovely words. Yes, I've been through a rough time, but it made me so much stronger. I wanted to share my story so that other people could see that better times come if you want to fight for it. Hope someone who's going through a dark time gets some inspiration and look for a brighter future! 😘
You inspired me already. One lesson I take out of this is you don't let your challenges keep you down, you get up and fight and defeat it. Thank you so much for such inspiration ♥️
blush 😳
Hehhehehee. It's allowed
I feel you, @fiatgirl. Depression is a horrible illness. I'm glad you were able to come out of it strong and that you found your passion. That will be the best medicine.
Thanks to your wonderful husband for taking care of you the way you needed. Not everyone understands what you are going through and I know the damage that good intentions can do.
With hard work it can be done, you are an example of that. So am I. A big hug. 🤗
Thank you so much for your lovely reply. And indeed, without the support of my hubby it would be impossible!
Big hug! 🤗
What a victory! You know, I didn't mind the length at all because...WOW! Your triumph was well worth it. There's no way I could understand what you may have possibly been feeling, but you emerged and rose like a phoenix from ashes. You're inspirational. I was depressed once and there's nothing good about being Stuck in an endless blackhole. Thank you for sharing this. It was a message if nothing else and it spoke a lot to me. And your husband is a wonderful man. He stood by you when some would have shied away. Hats off.
I came in through Dreemport!
Well, I'm still overwhelmed by the many comments on my posting. Honestly, I never expected this. Only people who had similar experiences will understand. My main goal for this posting is to give some support to people who're going through a rough time. It doesn't matter what the troubles are (illness, financial, emotional, ...) Sometimes you think you're stuck forever in that misery. I just want to let them know you can fight you're way back. Don't go on the path of self-pity or blaming others, no ... Face your problems and act. The sun is waiting behind the clouds to shine on you again!
I know how lucky I'm with my hubby. At that time we weren't married, just living together. So no strings attached. It could be so easy for him to walk away. But we're still together and stronger then ever!
🤗
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
These are some seriously stunning pictures from bananas to the Filipino boats!
Good luck in the contest and popped in today from dreemport:)
Thanks for popping in. I had so much fun when I made the picture of the bananas 😁
Oh and the contest is over. And it was a big surprise that I was the winner blush
Woohoo you won! Well I am not surprised and congratulations😁😁😁
Thanks!
YOu are so very welcome!
This is interesting. I enjoyed reading your post and it's such an inspiration from you. The best is for one to follow his or her passion because you will never miss the road but keep being happy always with it. Those photos are awesome and that shows how passionate you are to bring out the best. Thank you for sharing a bit about you. I came through Dreemport 🤗
Thanks for your lovely comment! I appreciate it!
Sad story! Awesome passion you got there! Just keep winning as you have been.
I'm glad you decided to write this, we got to know you more.
Read from @dreemport
It was a sad time, but I left that behind me. Now I'm a very optimistic person and enjoy life 😁
That's amazing to hear ❤️
Your heartfelt post tells us what an incredibly strong, determined and talented person you are -- a role model and inspiration for others! 👩💻📸🏊♀️🥽🐠📸🐡
Excellent advice! There are no limits as to what you can achieve when you set your mind on it.
I look forward to seeing more of the incredible aquatic pictures from your collections as well as all of the other creative images. From your photos of the banana and egg faces, it looks as though you have a great sense of humor too!😀
Pleasure to meet you! @fiatgirl👋
!LADY
💕💗💟💗💕
Thanks for your lovely reply. I really appreciate it. To me it's a bigger reward knowing that I can inspire people and help them through rough times. Of course It's nice to be the winner, but I put that in perspective.
Nice to hear that you like my pictures. Yes, I do like to laugh. I can be very serious in talking and the next moment BAM ,,, a joke. To me laughing is very important. It doesn't always have to be out loud. Sometimes seeing something cute draws a smile on my face. Those moments keep me going!
No thanks necessary and you're welcome!😊
Agreed. Life is filled with entirely too many serious moments. More laughs, more random acts of kindness, and cherishing the blessings we have are what it is all about! 🙌 ☮🙏
New slogan: Spread the laugh! 😉😁😁😁
I love it!!!💓😀😁😂😉💓
Felicidades amiga te deseo mucho éxito
Muchas gracias!