I have always been a stay at home person.  Being a single child, I found it hard to make new friends, and thoughout my school years, stuck to a small group of people, that I determined were true friends. Judy, Jane and I were usually found together in classes and in the playground. Once school was over, and I moved away from the immediate area, we still made the effort to keep intouch, going on holidays, swimming at weekends, and celebrating New Years together.  However, life goes on in many directions, and before we knew it, we gradually lost touch with each other.  I never really realised it over the years, but work became a priority, full time hours took over my social life and a routine was built around it. Because of this, I found that saying no to invites was safe and secure.  I did not want to move out of my safe area.  Big mistake!
Over the years, I reamained in this same routine, work, home, eat, sleep then work again.  I moved on, only in my career, my life remaining in the same safe,but dull routine.  Then one day, a face that I recognised was standing infront of me, and childhood memories came flooding back, as Judy and I chatted.  We exchanged addresses and began to write to each other on a regular basis.  Letters changed into e-mails, and then one day, she mentioned that she had started line dancing with some of her friends in the beginging of the year.  I had had a go once or twice whilst on holiday, and had really enjoyed it.  The next thing I know, I am invited to join Judy and her friends.  Plucking up the courage, I said yes, and after the initial fright of meeting new people, I began to relax and found myself enjoying the company and the dancing.  Everyone was very welcoming and happy to teach the "new girl" the dance steps.  To this very day, I am not the best dancer, and will still turn the wrong way, but laughter is all you hear, and smiles of understanding all round.  All of it friendly. 
If I had not bumped into Judy that day, if we had not made the determined effort to keep in touch once more, if I had not said yes to her invitation, I would still be stuck in a boring routine. Life is so much better now.  I have met more people, in this last couple of years, and been out for meals, with the line dancing gang, as well as with my new group of friends.  All because for once in my life, I said yes instead of no.  Life is good, and, in my opinion, can only get better.  Just like dancing, I am taking it one step at a time, and making steady progress.