A Nudist's Diary

This is a group where members enjoy to write and read experiences in nudity.

My Naturist Journey

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It all began about 9 years ago shortly after I moved to London. I found myself starting to suffer with depression, despite a life full of ups and downs depression wasnt something Id ever experienced. I felt my life had ended; everything was just a hazy mess. I knew I had to pick myself up but for the first time I just didnt know how, Id given up. Then I had an idea, what were my greatest fears, everyone has some things that really scare them, Im not overly keen on heights, so maybe a parachute or bungee jump. I convinced myself that if I could overcome one of my greatest fears then everything else would be much easier by comparison. Then it came to me actually my greatest fear was being seen naked. I managed to avoid P.E at school by having a verruca for 5 years, there was no way I was going to shower naked with the other kids, and as I got older it became worse to the point I wouldnt even take my T shirt off on the beach, and as a result as they were growing up I never went swimming with my children. That was my eureka moment, if I could overcome my fear of being seen naked then I really could overcome anything and get my life back on track. That was it, I had no choice, I went online and found a local naturist club and booked myself in for a day visit.
I remember taking a towel but no swimming shorts, it started to feel real. Am I really going to do this, on the drive there I couldnt stop shaking, once I was there, I was shown to a changing room where I could leave my clothes, I was so happy that the changing room was empty I quickly undressed and then wrapped my towel tightly round me and ventured outside. It was a scorching August day, and it was really busy I walked towards the pool through hordes of naked people, avoiding eye contact and making sure I didnt look at them, I did notice a few glances, some people were looking at me. Now I realise why. I was the odd one out I was the only one wrapped up in a towel, Once at the swimming pool came the moment of truth. I only had one towel and I had to lie on it, In one quick swoop I took it off laid it on the sunbed and instantly lay face down on it. My heart was racing but Id done it.... After about 40 mins my back was starting to burn it was a hot sunny day, now I was in trouble, I had two choices, turn over and lay on my back exposing myself or jump in the swimming pool and be hidden under the water, I decided on the latter. Getting in the pool was a sort of blur I just didnt think about it and once I was in the pool I started to relax, it felt amazing to be in the water naked, the most natural thing in the world, before I knew it I was even talking to people, they were all really nice to me, I remember thinking what nice people, people dont normally talk to strangers in a pool. Then I had to get out, getting in had been easy I just sat on the side of the pool right next to my sunbed and had quickly lowered myself in, but the steps for getting out were at the other end of the pool which meant to get back to my sunbed I had to walk the entire circuit of the pool naked...It just felt really strange but I was a bit more relaxed, my time in the pool had calmed me down a bit. I just blanked the fact I was naked from my mind and walked as quickly as I could. Having made it back to my sunbed I lay on my back and soon dried off ,by now I was really thirsty. So, this is it I thought, and stood up leaving my towel I made my way to the clubhouse to get a drink, as I walked through this sea of naked bodies this time I felt different and I realised that no one was actually looking at me because I no longer had a towel wrapped around me, I was wearing the same as everyone else ...nothing. As I walked no one pointed at me or laughed or made any comments, nothing. I started to feel different, like a great weight had been lifted off me, I felt free, as the day went on I became more and more relaxed. It was the most amazing liberating feeling. Id found my escape from reality for the first time in my life I felt truly relaxed. I couldnt remember the last time Id felt so good. I drove home that day with a huge smile on my face and as soon as I got home I booked myself in for another visit the following day and no it wasnt a one off, I still experienced that same wonderful feeling and as they say... That was it. Since then all my holidays have been naturist ones Ive been to Vera Playa a dozen times, (I stay at the naturist Hotel) Ive been to the theatre to see a production of Hair where all the audience were naked. 6 years ago I joined BN and have had two amazing weekends to Alton Towers, taken part in a Naked Heart walk raising money for charity, and fortunately BNs Sunfolk club is only 20 mins drive from me, so Im there as often as I can and Ive just returned from my second Nudefest, this year Im booked to see in the New Year at BNs first Nude Years Hotel break and I cant wait.

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RE:My Naturist Journey

Thanks for sharing, especially since it has a happy ending. Sorry you suffered gymnophobia for all those years. Take credit for overcoming your biggest fear!

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RE:My Naturist Journey

Life is here to be lived and you now understand that fact! I'm very happy you had the guts to give yourself an experience so many others don't ever dare try. The world is full of people, every one of them has been bare at some point, but now you know the truth - clothes need not run your life. You're among friends!

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