Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1182230
D ear D.W., The handwritten letter you sent to me in praise of this column and of Carmel Magazine made quite an impact because it wasn't just a "nice fan letter ;" it actually made me evaluate my own life. You mentioned you were nervous to write it, that your pen- manship was messy, and that I wouldn't like it. The opposite is quite true. See, people like me—those of us who write stories, columns, and articles for a living—only know from people like you that what we are putting out is appreciated; that it makes a difference in someone's life; that baring our souls can be worth it. Although we don't live that far away from each other, you paint a picture that makes it seem as if we are worlds apart. That's probably not the case. I'm from Fremont and have lived in Carmel and Pebble Beach for close to 30 years now. This area is fantastic, and still leaves me in awe. I won't argue that. But, if you saw my day to day life, it'd be more similar to yours and your parents' than you imagine. I do my chores, my errands, some screen time, dog walking, etc. along with the classes I teach and take. It may seem boring, but I really love the simplicity of it. D.W., you are correct: many interesting people live and visit this area—movie stars, singers, athletes, famous politicians. Just as you wrote, they walk the streets and shop in the stores. My friend had Leonardo DiCaprio and Justin Bieber in her bou- tique. Steph Curry and Tiger Woods play golf here. Indy 500 winner Danny Sullivan is a local, as is Leon Panetta, who people see at church. It's no secret that Clint Eastwood loves his Mission Ranch in Carmel. But what I want to point out to you is these folks are no different from you. Nope. Not at all. Not only do they have to use the bathroom first thing in the morn- ing, they often wonder how they'll be perceived, and feel doubt about their actions. They have attained fame and fortune for the most part, but they are simply human beings with hopes, dreams, worries, struggles and victories. You call yourself extremely shy, and you point out that peo- ple often make fun of people with your type of personality. Can I tell you a secret? I've become kind of shy, myself. I didn't realize this until later in life. For my first 40-something years, I made up for feeling anxious or nervous by being outgoing and gregarious. I think I overcompensated by talking, talking and more talking. Now, I can keep to myself for an entire class if I feel like it. Sure, I'm still friendly, but I no longer need to be the life of any party. I look at shyness as a virtue. Reserved people don't put on false fronts for others. Instead, they live very hon- est lives. You mention that going to college, being in a classroom, is really scary for you. D.W., may I make a suggestion? Enroll at your local community college. Take a class you've dreamt about. It's different in higher education than in high school. People like you describe yourself to be are not shunned. There are so many personality types in class these days; those who don't speak English well; people who speak freely about the mental health challenges they face; adults who've dropped out of high school and decided to give it another go, much later in life. I've only witnessed people being welcomed with open arms. It's a different world now. Don't miss out! You told me that you don't expect I'll write you back because you think I'm really busy and people always ask me to do things. Well, I've backed off doing things when I don't really want to. That has been an excellent life lesson. Doing fewer favors, saving my energy for things I really choose to do, has brought me a life almost devoid of resentment. I never feel taken advantage of because I only say "yes" when I really mean it. And I say yes to replying to you. Thank you for your "fan" let- ter, D.W. It's small gestures like yours that truly make the world a sweeter, kinder place. Your fan, Dina Dina Eastwood is a former news anchor at KSBW TV, past host of "Candid Camera" and has starred on a reality show on the E! Network. She is a writer, editor and yogini. She resides on the Monterey Peninsula with her daughter, Morgan. BEHIND THE SPOTLIGHT D I N A E A S T W O O D I've only witnessed people being welcomed with open arms. It's a different world now. Don't miss out! Unexpected Connections 46 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 9