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#258. balance, being hyper-independent & an opal from Australia

Writer's picture: Devyn Penney Devyn Penney



Age: 32

Relationship Status: Married

Occupation: Education Technology

Income: $55K

Astrological Sign: Leo Sun, Gemini Moon, Cancer Rising

 

What is the most important part of your daily routine?

Exercise. Movement is an important part of my day every day, whether that’s running, lifting, Pilates, or a walk. It’s the only time of day my mind slows down and focuses on the moment, so I try to prioritize it.


What is your current happiness most dependent on? 

Balance! I’m a working mom to a toddler who is also in school for my master’s degree. I have to make sure all parts of my life are fulfilled: time to feel successful in my career, time to work on myself and my school, time to spend with my boy, and time with my husband. Not everything gets 100% every day, but I find that throughout the week, I am happiest when I feel all areas are in balance.


What do you wish you were less reliant on?

Technology. I’m chronically online, and I spend way too much time scrolling.


When do you question yourself? 

I struggle a lot with corporate politics. I don't like to fake who I am, and playing the corporate game doesn’t feel authentic to me.


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

Meeting my husband. Before him, I was always hyper-independent but highly self-critical. Over time, he has loved me so well that I have learned to love who I am. Having the right support systems in your life really makes all the difference.


What is something you have forgiven yourself for? 

When I was young, I was sort of lost and spent much of my 20s making impulsive choices. I’m not as far in life as I would like to be in my 30s, but I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t made those choices. 


What is something you have forgiven someone else for? 

I come from a big family, and I’m the oldest daughter. My parents were young, and I spent my childhood as a third parent. I resented them a lot for this in my teens. Now that I’m older, I know they were just doing the best they could.


How do you ground/center yourself? 

Exercise! I have had lifelong anxiety and a racing mind, and movement helps me channel that energy in a proper way.


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

I had a very difficult pregnancy, and my husband showed up every step of the way. I also have a wonderful support system full of women who go above and beyond. I know that I am lifted by those around me - they have been by my side through the worst times.


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

I am the best version of myself when I’m traveling! I traveled a lot in my twenties and I am happiest when exploring a new place and experiencing a new culture.


What is something you fundamentally disagree with? 

Trickle-down economics.


What is something you know for sure?

We are exactly where we need to be in life, and everything happens for a reason.


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

  1.  Support- you gotta be my biggest hype man!

  2.  Humor- if we can’t laugh through the hard times, we won’t last.

  3. Attraction- basic, but this really does make a difference.

 

When do you feel most comfortable in your own skin?

What an interesting question! I don’t know if I have a good answer, so I guess I need to work on this.


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

The process of childbirth. It was a crazy experience to go through, and I was in awe of the healthcare professionals who support people through this every day. Going to the location in Portugal where Christopher Columbus departed also really left me in awe. It was crazy to think of how I was standing where one event occurred that completely changed the course of human history and the world.


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

My grandmother left me jewelry when she passed. She traveled all over the world and collected jewelry, so she left me an opal necklace from Australia. I later had my son in October, and his birthstone is opal. She also left me her first ever “big girl” purchase- a pair of diamond studs. She bought those in the 50s when she moved to DC to work for the FBI, which was a very big move in those days. She was so proud of herself, and I cherish them.


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

I wish I had followed my heart more when it came to my career.


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

Anything that stresses me out and upsets my peace.


What do you believe is your most attractive quality?  

I am really funny. I have great humor and wit.


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

I like who I am and who I am becoming!


BONUS: Tell me something good. 

My toddler son has learned how to kiss me on the cheek, and he gives me kisses whenever he gets home from daycare.

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