Where you come from is important. Where do you come from?
I come from Newcastle. That’s the simple answer.
But there’s so much more to it than geography. Who you are is a jigsaw puzzle of early experiences.
So where do I come from?
I come from a cosy council house, where I shared a bedroom with my mum until I was 9.
From being raised by grandparents while my single mother worked full-time to support us.
I come from 10p mix-ups, pinafores and wonky fringes. From “children should be seen but not heard”.
I come from the eldest daughter of a Northern miner, from a relationship that was broken long before I arrived – and I wasn’t enough to fix it.
From a mother who gave up on life, and immersed herself in soap operas while I ran wild around the village, getting muddy knees and craving attention.
I come from a father who put himself first and walked away, because it was ‘the best thing for everyone’.
I come from singing Wham! songs into my hairbrush, from broken friendships, unrequited love.
I come from caravan holidays and wishing I had a sibling to play with.
From The Magic Faraway Tree and tales of Narnia, immersing myself in a fantasy world when reality wasn’t appealing.
I come from a weekend job in a shoe shop, earning my own money, being the good girl at school and at home.
I come from finding my first love at 16. From growing in confidence and learning how relationships work.
From leaving home at 18, from working hard and facing up to self-doubt to carve out a career.
I come from two miscarriages, followed by two sons, and two bouts of post natal depression.
From realising nothing good ever comes easily.
I come from determination to create a happy and settled family, but realising we can’t always be perfect.
I come from a need to be liked, from never feeling quite good enough.
From hours of counselling and a lot of self-scrutiny.
From knowing myself much better, and accepting the things I can’t change.
I come from a passion for what I believe in, a determination to protect those I love.
From good intentions and trying my best, but lots of mistakes along the way.
I come from faith and hope and sometimes wisdom.
I come from always knowing who I am… but finally starting to like that person
But if you ask me where I come from, I’ll say Newcastle. That’s so much easier, right?
Where do you come from?
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