The one lesson I’ve learned from life
Jenny Seagrove
ACTRESS Jenny Seagrove, 59, made her name in the 1983 film Local Hero, and TV dramas A Woman Of Substance and Judge John Deed. She lives in London with her partner, film producer Bill Kenwright.
NEVER GIVE IN TO YOUR FEARS
I GREW up a bit of a gypsy . I was born in Malaysia and spent my earlychildhood moving around Asia.
My father, Derek worked in intelligence during World War II as a Japanese interpreter. He stayed out in the F ar East and set up an import/export business.
When I was less than a year old, my mother, Pauline suffered a stroke giving birth to my baby brother . She lost the baby and was unable to care for me.
A wonderful, kind, vibrant woman suddenly lost capacity and became different from other mothers. And that’s always difficult for a child: we want our parents to behave properly.
Wherever we went, my mum would have to take a fold-up stool with her because her left side was so weak she couldn’t stand for long.
As I grew older , I realised what an extraordinary woman she was, but as a young child I’d think: ‘oh, Mum, please don’t do that, it’s embarrassing!’
Aged nine, I went to boarding school in Surrey. I was home once a year , so spent a lot of my holidays as a guest in other people’s homes.
Living as a nomad, you learn to be polite. I was grateful to them for having me, but had to be always on my best behaviour. I couldn ’t be rude or fight back, and I think an essential part of childhood is being able to rebel.
I know I can be slightly formal and a bit shy, and for years I kept thinking: ‘Why am I like this? It’s really annoying.’ Then one day I realised: ‘oh, ok, because I’ve never been in my own space, I don’t get to burp.’
But I’ve learned you can change the journey of your life by being in control of your thoughts and your actions.
Every year , I have a New Y ear’s resolution: ‘I won’t be afraid’.
often I fail, but at least I have a go. It doesn’t matter if you make a mistake, so long as you say sorry.
The bottom line with fear is: Is it going to kill me? If not, why be afraid?