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#265. self-discovery, sea moss & spreading positivity

Writer: Devyn Penney Devyn Penney



Age: 30

Relationship Status: Single

Occupation: Sr. Underwriting Support Specialist

Income: $65,000

Astrological Sign: Taurus Sun, Gemini Moon, Scorpio Rising

 

What is the most important part of your daily routine?

I can be lazy at times and very much value my sleep! Staying on top of my morning routine usually sets the tone for my day. I do my best to always start my day with some stretching, my skincare routine, drinking water, my 1 cup bone broth, and 1 spoonful of sea moss before anything else. It sounds tedious, but it makes me feel better!


What is your current happiness most dependent on?

Coffee. What can I say? I am easy to please!

On a deeper level, I have slowly been rediscovering myself. I am finally healed from an awful heartbreak/loss, and finding new hobbies or practices that bring me joy again has been rewarding.


What do you wish you were less reliant on?

I tend to base my self-worth on how others perceive me. I am working on that! It’s weird. I have definitely come a long way and don’t care what others think as much (at the end of the day, I will do what I want and what I think is right); however, when it comes to my character, I always wonder and stress if I am truly liked/good enough.


When do you question yourself?

All the time. I always wonder if I am showing up enough for others, myself, and my work. I put a lot of pressure on myself to always do the right thing, be perfect and be the best version of myself 24/7. I need to slow down and remind myself I am human and it’s okay to make mistakes and be selfish from time to time.


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

Moving to a big city a few years ago by myself and going on my first international solo trip 2 years after that really helped me find my independence and made me realize I am way more capable than I thought I was! I learned things about myself I never knew existed. I used to base my self-worth on how many friends I had or how many plans I had set on my calendar. Now, I appreciate being alone and doing things on my own.  


What is something you have forgiven yourself for?

I am a perfectionist and blame myself for everything that goes wrong. I would beat myself down constantly if I ever made a mistake, thought I did, or said something that “wasn’t right.” I was never kind to myself and sabotaged my relationships a lot in the past. I’m not fully there yet, but I'm slowly learning to love myself more and practicing patience.


What is something you have forgiven someone else for?

Betrayal. At one point, I had two very important people in my life that I thought would be in it forever, no questions asked. Losing them the way I did was one of the most heartbreaking experiences I went through at the time. It made me feel expendable, and I was angry about how I was treated. As much as it hurts to think about it sometimes, I’m finally at a point where I have accepted it and appreciate the learning experience/growth. Even though I respect myself and would never go back if the opportunity ever presents itself, I still love them and wish them the best from a distance


How do you ground/center yourself?

Hot baths, long walks, my favorite playlist, a good book, or coffee. I love spoiling myself when I can.


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

Journaling. I have really bad OCD/Anxiety and tend to spiral when I get too overwhelmed and find myself in a constant, never-ending loop of negative thoughts. Writing down how I am feeling at the time gives me a clearer mindset.

My friends and family as well, I am so thankful for the support system I have.


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

I like to think I am always learning and growing. There was definitely a setback a couple of years ago when I was going through a rough time; however, I feel the strongest I have ever been now because of it. I am nowhere near accomplishing the goals I have set for myself, but I am the closest to the person I have always envisioned wanting to be more so now than I ever have in my life so far.


What is something you fundamentally disagree with?

That people treat you the way that they feel about you. Everyone is fighting a silent battle.


What is something you know for sure?

I am important and here for a reason!


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

  1. Effort

  2. Trust

  3. Friendship ( I want to be with my best friend, someone I can stay young with while growing old together).


When do you feel most comfortable in your own skin?

When I am out meeting new people and discovering new things, I am in the best mood! I am a very adventurous, outdoorsy, and social person, so any chance I get to be out and about doing something creative/active/fun always puts me in the best mood!


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

Anyone who has the courage to start fresh and begin a new chapter is inspiring. As much as I love experiencing new things, big life changes have always frightened me. It is inspiring to see someone stay so strong and positive when things don’t always work out as planned.


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

This is a hard one; I refuse to let anyone get me anything because the idea of anyone spending anything on me makes me feel bad. Don’t get me wrong; I am extremely grateful when I do, but I like to think I am a naturally giving person, and I love spoiling my favorite people instead. My love language is quality time; when it’s a special occasion, I tell everyone, “You don’t have to get me anything; your presence is enough!” Because it’s true! Anyway, if I had to pick, I received my first wooden dollhouse when I was younger. One time, when I was a kid, my grandma brought me to an old friend’s home. The friend used to make them as a hobby and had each room full of different models she hand-made. I was in awe. When I got one of my own, I was so excited to decorate it however I wanted and to create a story of its own.


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

There is nothing I can think of specifically; however, my anxiety was the worst in high school. I was so afraid of putting myself out there and being anywhere away from my family or home. That has clearly changed! But I used to say no a lot and restricted myself to anything unfamiliar to me at the time. As much as I can look back and regret the choices I used to make and opportunities I missed out on, I like to think everything happens for a reason, and I am where I am meant to be today. Maybe it just took a little longer, but that’s okay!


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

Anything that I feel uncomfortable with, where I feel my boundaries are being disrespected, or something I feel I am being forced to do just because someone else thinks “it’s the right thing to do.”


What do you believe is your most attractive quality?  

Physically, my eyes. I have my grandpa’s light hazel eyes, and I always get compliments on them, which makes me feel pretty. Personality: I would say my heart. I care a lot about people, sometimes to a fault. I try to treat others with kindness and give them the benefit of the doubt, even when it is difficult to do at times.     


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

I just want to be someone people can admire, look up to, and feel comfortable around. I was bullied for a time before transferring colleges and felt very excluded. I'll take any chance I get to include someone, make someone happy, or make someone feel good about themselves. Knowing I am able to make someone’s day by making them laugh or smile or changing their perspective on things keeps me going and gives me purpose. I just want to continue spreading positivity when I can and more so as I get older.


BONUS: Tell me something good.

You are never given more than you can handle, even if it feels that way sometimes. You are stronger than you think!

 
 
 

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