@Jacques
I don't think you have sat at home and done nothing. I think you have been an exceptional carer for your mum. That's nothing to be ashamed of.

I also believe that we worry more about what people are going to think of our pasts than people actually do. If someone is going to judge you for your past - they aren't worth knowing.

But those who are worth having in our lives will judge you on how you treat them and how you make them feel.

We put so much pressure on ourselves in social situations - when 90% of what we fear doesn't actually happen or isn't as bad as we imagined.

I think you're great - so to me it's a shame for others not to get to experience that 🙂