Describe a positive thing a family member has done for you.
When my husband and I were in Florida before our wedding, my aunt came to us and offered to pay for the reception dinner as our wedding gift! It was so kind of her & a huge expense off our plate!
What makes you nervous?
Public speaking isn’t my favorite, which is also another reason why I have delayed started my podcast. I did well when I took a public speaking class in college, but it still makes me so nervous to think about speaking in front of large crowds. I know my podcast at least will be recorded in the comfort of my house and my own company, but knowing that I want to post it publicly does make me nervous too. I’m sure the nerves also have something to do with the fact that I’d be talking about my own personal story and healing journey (vulnerable af). I’ve done things in the past that have been out of my comfort zone and I have been totally fine, so I know once I finally pull the trigger and record I’ll be okay.
How do you use social media?
I currently only have Instagram and Snapchat. I use snapchat to stay in touch with friends, sending pictures and videos to them individually and also sharing stuff to my story. As far as Instagram, I go through phases of creating/sharing reels and I love seeing funny videos as well as spiritual and inner child memes! I often share those to my stories and sometimes reshare them to Snapchat as well.
Jot down the first thing that comes to your mind.
I just woke up and I am ready for this wonderful Saturday! Breakfast date with my husband, possibly a little bit of clothing shopping, and recording my first podcast episode! Well, my first episode for my own podcast- technically I was on an episode of my friend’s podcast a couple years back.
Describe a decision you made in the past that helped you learn or grow.
About five years ago, I decided to leave a toxic work environment. I had been having extreme anxiety where I was literally throwing up every day before work (working for a narcissist will do that), and when I finally decided to leave, I took a pay cut. I learned so many lessons from that job/situation, but one of the main lessons: money isn’t worth your sanity.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ten years from now I’ll be 39. I see myself and my husband with two children, living in a new, single family home with a yard. The kids are in school, youngest just in preschool or kindergarten, so I’m returning to a more full time work schedule. Whether that is still in dental or at one of my children’s schools to get help with tuition assistance (if we decide to go private), I know I’ll be happy either way.
I see us being creative at home, having the kids help with tasks like cooking simply because they think it’s fun to be helpful. I see finger-painting days, as well as days where we make messes with shaving cream with food coloring. I see movie nights with an assortment of different popcorns and snacks. I see more time at the parks and the pools when it’s nice out, and lots of sledding and snowman building in the winter.
Life looks busy, yet also slow. I see less technology usage for myself, except when it comes to work or helping the kids with school. Oh, and of course we will have our Mario Kart nights so we need our technology for that! I’m still blogging, and I am finally good at being intentional with my mornings, as I’ve learned that getting alone time is still a huge priority.
My husband and I still get our solo breakfast dates at least once a month, but usually twice since both sets of grandparents love spending Saturday mornings with the kids. Our anniversary is celebrated in the house as our “family birthday,” and our kids grow up seeing what real, healthy love looks like. Ten years from now looks pretty good to me.
What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?
• my husband
• my cats
• sunshine
• comfy bed
• coffee
Describe one positive change you have made in your life.
I reached out for help when I needed it (for my mental health). It was almost ten years ago when I first saw a mental health professional, and although it took me several months to recognize that I was not actually being helped/listened to, I was able to advocate for myself and eventually seek help elsewhere. The journey was a long one, with many long breaks and breakdowns in between, but I am finally feeling much more regulated in my body and mind.
What’s the most fun way to exercise?
For me, I love:
What book could you read over and over again?
I recently read Verity by Colleen Hoover and I could definitely read that again. I first thought of another book of hers called Reminders of Him, but I fear that one is too emotional for me- although it was beautiful.
Actually, scratch those. The Four Agreements- I need to re-read that one. I honestly have said how I want to read it yearly, and I have not done that yet. Maybe I’ll pick it up while I’m recovering from surgery the rest of this week, especially since it’s a short one.
finding light in the dark 