What’s your top tip to be successful in life?

Know what success looks like to you, because everyone has a different view of what a successful life looks like.

What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you wish you could experience again for the first time?

A Tv show I wish I could experience again for the first time is Broad City. The amount of times I have watched that show is unhealthy LOL I’d love to be able to see it again for the first time.

What is something you wish you could tell your 20-year-old self?

You are doing way better than you think, and you’re also NOT the problem you think you are. I know you’re going through a horrific spiral of anxiety now that you’ve moved out of the chaos of your parents’ apartment, and I know the overwhelming feeling makes it feel like you have always been “dramatic” or “abnormal,” but this is NOT TRUE!

Your nervous system has grown up in a chaotic environment, and although now you’re in a peaceful place, your nervous system is wired in a way that keeps you on edge, ready for anything at any moment. Your sensitivities may feel like a burden, but just know that they are actually your superpowers. Once you learn how to regulate (which you will, now that you’re in an environment where you can), you’ll start to understand why you are the way you are, and you’ll be able to give yourself more grace.

At 20 years old, you feel so old, yet so young. You’re out on your own, paying your rent/bills, working a job, taking community college classes, yet you feel so new to this independent world. The anxieties and worries linger around every decision, but just know that decisions are portals, and no matter which one you make, it’s the right one for you.

Life is a series of lessons, and these lessons turn into blessings as you learn discernment and emotional regulation. We make mistakes, we learn, and we do better next time. Focus on being present and healing, so you can continue to thrive in this life- I know you will. 🤍

List three books that have had an impact on you. Why?

The Four Agreements By: Miguel Ruiz- it’s ancient wisdom that reminds you of simple, yet powerful ways to live happily.

Identical By: Ellen Hopkins- I remember crying and being completely shook along side the character during a wild realization.

The Universe Has Your Back By: Gabby Bernstein- a spiritual guide for being present and playful with the universe around us.

Who would you like to talk to soon?

I’d like to talk to my friend in Denver soon! I love our phone calls and I’d love to plan a trip to visit her some point within the next year! We recently decided we’re also going to be pen pals so I sent her a cute letter a couple weeks ago! We’re doing our part in keeping the 90s alive!

What do you do to be involved in the community?

Honestly I am not really involved a lot in my local community, but I do plan to visit / support the farmers market this year!

What public figure do you disagree with the most?

Honestly, it’s hard to trust any public figure, so who knows which one I disagree with the most. I feel like in general I disagree with most celebrities, political figures and influencers because many are motivated by money and power.

What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

Halloween!!! I love spooky movies, fall time, and all the fun costumes! I used to host Halloween parties, but it is quite a lot of effort so I don’t think I’ll be doing that much anymore. I prefer to do small gatherings with a few of my gal friends, so I’m sure I’ll do some pumpkin painting or other Halloween crafts with them this year! I also love going to the pumpkin farm and getting some delicious apple cider donuts- I’m so glad we’re halfway to Halloween!!

Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.

I remember when I was shopping with my husband in TJ Maxx and I was looking at all of the Stanley Cups on sale. I was telling my husband that I need one of the 40oz tumblers and he was saying how I don’t need more cups.

A random young women, likely in her young 30s came up and started saying how the Stanley’s were such a great price and how she has a collection of them and spent over $100 on a custom nursing Stanley. Needless to say, she ended up convincing my husband to buy one for me and for himself LOL!

Describe something you learned in high school.

I learned that you absolutely can find and fall in love with your forever person as a teenager. This year we will celebrate 2 years of marriage, and 15 years together. It took lots of communication and learning along the way, but I feel like I’ve learned more valuable skills from this relationship/marriage than I did from actual classes in high school.