This question threw up a lot of issues and challenges that Shellie had to deal with in her life. Moving to a new place and having to try and fit into the myriad of social groups at her new school. Initially being rejected, feeling very alone and like she didn’t belong or was accepted. Being loved truly by her family but not by boys! Having no self-respect and doing things she knew were wrong but needing to feel like she was being seen so did them anyway. Then came the point of no return when enough was enough. She wanted out and to go somewhere where people understood her and that she felt like she BELONGED! She had searched for so long to find happiness, a sense of belonging and acceptance when what she really needed was always there inside of her, but she just hadn’t seen it. Happiness lies within!

Shellie throughout her adult life turned to alcohol to give her the “buzz” she needed and to hide how she really felt. This went on for some time until one day unfortunately she had an incident that changed her life. I truly hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.