My Nudist Journey Looking Back.. 2+ Years

So on my downtime on a rainy day.. I am just having lunch and sitting here and its peaceful. Which brings me to my thoughts on all of this nudism business.. What I like about it, what I don't like about it and where I am now. Its been over 2 years for me on this site so far, and a bit more getting to know and understand this 'lifestyle'. To be honest its not be easy for me over all. I am actually shy about all this, so baring myself, still, to this day does not come easy but it comes easier than it did. So that is some progress I suppose. I started all this as a way to get out of my comfort zone, which I have. Its helped that I had some great support from great nudist friends who showed me what this is all about. For those who do not know my story, or care to know, I started on a beach in St Tropez France, doing topless sunbathing. Which led to me braving a trip to Haulover Beach in Florida and ultimately, an totally by accident booking a trip to Saint Martin. I had no idea I booked a hotel 5 mins walk from Orient beach. I had contacted my friend in France to introduced me to my (now) very good friend and nudist mentors, Pierre and his wife. And ultimately my other friend Robert and Nicola. I have learned so much, they made me comfortable, took me to places to visit and spiritually - that reinforced what they taught me about this crazy life style. I think the funnest times for me were the most awkward. Going to a the nude beach in Saint Martin, Im still not comfortable in beach crowds, but I do go. The other was a nudist BBQ and Wedding reception. And by far the oddest thing was having to live in a 'clothing banned' home with Pierre and his wife during my stay. Its like having a crazy uncle Pierre who wags his finger at me for wearing cloths and makes that ' tsk tsk' sound .. then saying ' why are you wearing cloths??" All good. So what have I learned. Tolerance, acceptance, and to just be myself. To not be worried by my appearance or horrified by the naked human body. Yes I am still shy. but its a lot better. So to my friends, and you know who you are, who during Skype and WhatsApp chats, did not make rude comments on my nude pictures, but encouraged me. How shy was I? I signed up on Facebook round 2009, it took me to 2015 to even put up a BATHING SUIT PICTURE on there let alone instagram. Yup a good 6 years!! And considering how much time I spent surfing and at the beach that is huge ... But it's all good. To me, for me, its been a growing experience. All good? no. But its changed my mind on what we are, what we should be. I cannot say this site has helped that much, its been frustrating, especially with how some on here are just in a sheer fantasy world of their own. If I had gone by this site and how things have been put to me, I'd have quit on the spot. But - I listened to reasonable voices and stayed on the course. Despite how things here are, nudism is not a website, its not putting nude pics up in the chat room, its not about nude profile pics, telling others, for some absurd reason, that you cannot be a nudist because of that one fact (the missing nude pic) its much much more. Its being outside, with your friends enjoying food, drinks, time in the sun, evenings sitting by a fire or just a dinner party. With others who care about you, and the lifestyle - truly care. But to the good friends I have made off here, to those I have cam'd with, voice chatted with, Texted with, from here, over my 2 + years its been great. I even have a nudist boyfriend. If someone told three years ago that I would be traveling to St Martin, to attend nudist events, have a nudist boyfriend etc etc. and all I stated above - I'd say you need to give your head a shake.. But, it is what it is now and I am fortunate. So? Over all what did my nudist friends - What did you give me? * You showed me an inner being that I did know I had. * You gave me the encouragement to grow as a person * Confidence to go to a nude spa! * GREAT stories on places within the life style * I have a nudist boyfriend :) * An understanding that the human body is a beautiful piece of art. So where does that leave me? I have no idea but its an ongoing journey. Thank you, to my sister who got me into that first step to take my top off. And all of you who had a hand and continue to have a hand in my journey.. You created a nudist Frankenstein ;) ~ Sian