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.
What animals make the best/worst pets?
Cats are the best, and I 100% know this because my cat Sky has been nonstop by my side while I’m recovering from my surgery. She has been the best at cuddling and making me feel calm. She also turned ten years old on 4/4, the day after I had my procedure! I just love her so much and I also have two other cats that I love as well!
What Olympic sports do you enjoy watching the most?
• synchronized diving
• figure skating
• gymnastics (my favorite floor tumbling)
What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?
Ooof, well this will smack me into reality because I always say I want a good morning routine, yet lately I’ve been letting the snooze button win. I have been feeling more anxious lately as my surgery day approaches, so right now I typically wake up with a stomach ache and my heart racing. I typically wake up before my alarm feeling like this, so I’ll use the bathroom and then spend time laying in bed trying to mindfully breathe.
Sometimes I fall back asleep, most of the time it feels like I don’t. Once my alarm goes off I usually snooze is so I can try to mindfully breathe myself out of anxiety, and I will get up and feed the cats. I then typically get dressed, brush my teeth & put on some deodorant (I usually shower in the evening) and kiss my sleeping husband before I head out to work!
finding light in the dark 