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Writer's pictureDevyn Penney

#175. kindness chains, bookstagram & buying furniture from Ikea




Age: 29

Relationship Status: In a relationship

Occupation: Nonprofit Manager

Income: 55k

Astrological Sign: Cancer and BOY, AM I!!!

 

What is your first thought every morning? 

I am NOT a morning person, as much as I have tried to convince myself otherwise. So, I tend to black out my mornings until I have my first cup of coffee.


What is something you do solely for you?

I have a “bookstagram” account where I review books. I started it during the pandemic and just kept it going. It’s a fun hobby and really helped me get back into reading! 


What is something you dread? 

Death and everything about it. Losing family members, watching them get older, my own death. I am not very religious, and I am not sure what...if anything...to believe. The idea of never seeing my loved ones again or nothingness after death freaks me the fuck out. 


What is something you are looking forward to?

Having a family. My boyfriend and I are enjoying just us for a little while longer, but I know we are going to be such great parents. I can’t wait for that phase. 


When do you feel most accomplished? 

Simple things like doing well at work, helping a friend through a hard time, making an effort to see my family, and baking a delicious dessert. I try not to measure my accomplishments but to be satisfied with the small victories. Life is full of them.


What is something you regret investing in financially? 

It's not a huge investment, but Hello Fresh. Those ingredients were NOT worth the $70 a week I was spending. Plus, their packaging is very wasteful. 


What is something you regret investing in emotionally? 

Eh I don’t know, probably my ex. I knew the relationship was over at least a good year before I actually ended it but, alas, I was too chicken shit to actually end it. I spent a year arguing with him when I could’ve focused on my peace. But on the other hand, I learned a lot, so I try not to be regretful. 


What are three things you think are absolutely worth the investment?

(financially, emotionally, or time/energy-wise)

  1. FRIENDSHIPSSSSS!!!!! Everyone needs a solid support system. 

  2. Not using your phone an hour before bed and reading a good book. I think this has helped with my sleep and anxiety so much!

  3. Go on a vacation you have been dying to go on. Make sure you see what you want of the world. 


When do you feel most creative? 

When I am cooking a new recipe! I love it when I “wing it” with a recipe, and it comes out perfectly. So satisfying. 


How often do you compare yourself to others? When? 

Often. However, I have found that deleting my personal Instagram account has helped. I am happy with the path I am on. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. 


What is one thing you’d like to thank your past self for? 

For getting my depressed, broken-hearted ass up off the couch and going to a friend's birthday party. I met my current boyfriend that night, and we have been inseparable since! 


What is one thing you believe about your future self? 

I don’t really know! Anytime I try to plan something out, it pretty much goes in the complete opposite direction. But I do know my future self will continue to be kind and happy, and hopefully, I’ll have some cute cats still!


What is one thing you learned in childhood that you have now had to unlearn in adulthood?

That just because someone is older than me, I have to show them respect. Some people are just assholes! I am typically an overly nice/forgiving person, but am no longer afraid to stand up for myself when necessary. 


Have you ever felt pure joy? When? 

Buying furniture from IKEA with my boyfriend the weekend I was moving into his house. Knowing that he is my person and that this is the start of our life together was so comforting and happy, and it’s a simple memory that I will cherish forever. 


What is something that would feel really good to get off your chest?

Trigger Warning

Last year, I found out I was unexpectedly pregnant, and my boyfriend and I decided that an abortion was the best option at that time. We are so in love, but we were not in the place we needed to be to have a child. We both had rough childhoods and we want to be able to give our children everything and set them up for success. It was something we really thought about, and we both felt at peace about the decision. It was hard and sad and a terrible experience, but I think it’s okay to accept not being ready, and I am thankful to live in a state where I am able to have a choice, and the medicine I needed was easily accessible. It’s something that will stick with me forever, but I do not regret my decision. 


When do you feel most in your feminine energy?

At dinner with friends, a cute outfit, a couple pitchers of margs and good stories going around the table! 


What is one interaction that changed your life? 

Watching my long-term boyfriend of 5 years slam back his 10th beer after he swore he was not going to drink that night. Growing up around an alcoholic father, I knew I wanted better for myself and did not want to repeat the cycle. We broke up 2 weeks later. 


What is something you want to give up? 

Gossiping. It’s hard not to give in to the gossip at work or in friend groups, but I always feel guilty afterward, and I no longer want to be that person. 


What is something you want to take up? 

I want to take up gardening! I planted some flowers this year and really enjoyed watching them bloom and taking care of them. I would love to be able to grow my own vegetables and fruits! 


What do you believe is a universal truth? 

How ya get em is how you lose em. 


BONUS: Tell me something good. 

There was a “kindness chain” going on at my local Dunkin today where everyone was paying for the person in the back of them with the message “Smile, it’s Friday.” People are still good :) 

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