Sunday 2 September 2007

Random Fact # 2

As a young child, I was painfully shy to the extent where I would hide behind doors when people I didn't know very well visited our home. I guess you could say I grew up with the 'middle' sister syndrome. I lived in my older sister's shadow as I was an introvert whilst she was a born extrovert. I was so used to my sister having all the limelight that I would become very uncomfortable and afraid when attention was ever focused on me. My younger sister was Daddy's little girl so I was just.....there. I have learned that shyness can be a huge drawback in personal growth and it's still something I have trouble trying to overcome.  There were also a couple of traumatic events that happened in my early childhood which I'm sure contributed to my shyness also. Sometimes, I think back to the little girl I was then and my heart cries for her. Yes, I am still shy around people I don't know and I still feel uncomfortable when attention is focused on me but I'm not as fearful as I used to be. As an adult, I guess I've learned to deal with it in better ways.

Please don't notice me - Graphite in A5 sketchbook - © Serena Lewis

Click on image to enlarge

13 comments:

  1. Hi Serena,
    You have done some beautiful work. Seeing the emu on the fence looking back at you, the spider-so real but is there a smile on it's face. Your #2- personal growth as an adult. We remember our childhood and have a vision to go forward with our hopes and dreams. These experiences make us who we are today. You are gifted in so many ways and thankyou for sharing your wonderful artworks with us.
    Regards,
    Kym Simms:)

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  2. Thank you for your kind words, Kym.:)

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  3. Hi Serena,
    I grew up quite shy also & have only managed to become more outgoing as I've grown older.
    Thanks for sharing that 'random' fact with us, your blogging friends:)
    Maria
    ps you put a lot of work into your sketches which are lovely!

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  4. Thanks, Maria....I'm glad that you have become more outgoing in adulthood. :)

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  5. Serena, this is so well done. The shyness just leaps out at me. You are making these facts so interesting.

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  6. Hi Serena,
    I'm looking forward to your next 'random'fact :)
    Maria

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  7. Just amazing Serena. Such a lot of emotion in the drawing alone without even needing the description. You've managed to capture the feelings of many with this drawing. Well done, Ro

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  8. This is a lovely drawing.

    Those of us that are far more inclined towards being introverted instead of outward social butterflyism usually get a tough time...but there's nothing wrong with us!

    Your work is wonderful, thanks for sharing!

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  9. This is a great drawing Serena as is your spider previously...I won't say I LIKE the spider, since I always kind of quickly make myself scarce!!
    Nice work!
    Ronell

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  10. Thanks, Ronell....glad you dropped by ~ :)

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  11. Serena, this rather broke my heart too for your younger child self. And this bit: "My younger sister was Daddy's little girl so I was just.....there." -- Awww! :( So glad you are learning to feel more confident around strangers. It's not easy for those not inclined to be as extroverted.

    What a beautiful sketch you did here to describe that childhood trauma, of sorts.

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