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#233. authenticity, type-A personalities & the finite nature of life

Writer's picture: Devyn Penney Devyn Penney



Age: 29

Relationship Status: Single

Occupation: Registered nurse!

Income: $60,000

Astrological Sign: Taurus sun, Gemini moon, Leo rising


What is the most important part of your daily routine?

My time for myself! I love waking up earlier to have the quiet of the morning to enjoy my coffee. I also try to run on all my days off for no purpose other than to show up for myself and clear my head


What is your current happiness most dependent on?

At the end of the day, showing up with my whole heart and authentically as myself in everything I do. Sometimes, it’s the only consolation prize when I feel like I don’t get the outcome I want. I’m currently in the middle of trying to find a job at home, so I have a greater support system to lean on than where I’m at right now. I’m really happy with my career choices and the life choices I’ve made, and proud of the person I am.


What do you wish you were less reliant on?

I don’t think I’m very reliant on anything, but I worry a lot. I have such a desire to find deep love and have children. It gets nerve-racking the closer I get to thirty because of societal pressure, but I really keep trying to trust it will all happen in its own time and that what’s meant for me won’t pass me by.


When do you question yourself?

Being rejected when trying to date. Coming from an authentic and healed place has given me a lot of peace, but it hurts when things don’t work out the way I would have hoped. It can lead me down the rabbit hole of what about me makes this person not want to commit, which isn’t the most fair to myself.


What is something that has positively impacted how you perceive your self-worth?

That no matter which state or job I’ve been in, I’ve been able to feel and share so much love and form authentic connections. In moving around, I am the only common factor between those environments, and I’ve felt extremely fortunate to feel loved for who I am, no matter the location.


What is something you have forgiven yourself for?

The unhealed version of myself. I had a difficult relationship with my parents growing up, and it really impacted my self-esteem for so many years. Working hard in therapy has given me a good amount of self-compassion for what I’ve been through.


What is something you have forgiven someone else for?

I have so much empathy for others, so I forgive easily because I can often understand where they’re coming from and/or know their back story. It’s a continuous balancing act of keeping that part of myself that I love while also enforcing healthy boundaries.


How do you ground/center yourself?

Walking outside is when I feel the most calm and at peace. I try to get out daily. Journaling also really helps me release any pent-up emotions that may have made me feel angsty all day.


What is one thing that helped you through your most difficult time?

Crying it out.


Have you ever felt like the best version of yourself? When?

I feel like the best version of myself when I am balanced. At my core, as much as I love spending time with others, I am definitely introverted. Having time to recharge by myself allows me to show up better for others.


What is something you fundamentally disagree with?

Having kids to check a box. I feel like it’s totally okay not to have kids if that’s not what you want. I was a very intentional pregnancy and still felt so unloved at so many points growing up.


What is something you know for sure?

I know that even though it may be so, so incredibly painful at times, my capacity for love will never diminish.


What are three of your non-negotiables in romantic relationships?

1. Clear communication and honesty

2. Respect, care, and consideration for me and my feelings

3. Playfulness and laughter but also a deep loving relationship


When do you feel most comfortable in your own skin?

I feel really comfortable in my job as a nurse. It’s natural for me to care about my patients, but I also lean more towards a type A personality, so I’m always determined and work super hard to problem-solve and give my patients the best care I can.


Have you ever been in awe of something/someone? When?

Moments in nature leave me in awe. I am amazed at how life can be so beautiful but so painful, but somehow, that makes it more beautiful. I am also amazed at the finite nature of life and how we all have our own unique experiences in this world.


What is the best (physical/material) gift you have ever received?

It’s not necessarily a single gift, but looking back over time or around my apartment, I see gifts from the people I love the most.


What is one thing you wish you had said ‘yes’ to in the past?

I’ve done a lot of healing to have the confidence to be vulnerable and not have any regrets. However, I feel sad for the unhealed version of me who was so much more closed off to “protect” herself. So maybe some things during those years.


What is one thing you will always say ‘no’ to in the future?

Anything that compromises my wants and needs in the long run.


What do you believe is your most attractive quality?

My genuine ability to make others feel cared for is one of my favorites and capacity to love. My sense of humor. My ability to remain calm, grounded, and rational and provide that to people in my life.


What/who do you want to be when you grow up?

A mom.


BONUS: Tell me something good.

There is so much to look forward to in life that you don’t even know about yet.

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