#335. community, adventure & living authentically

Age: 27

Relationship Status: In a relationship

Occupation: Proposal Manager in Renewable Energy

Income: $125,000

Astrological Sign: Cancer 

How are you, really?

Some days I’m fine. Other days I feel like I’m holding it together with string. I’ve dealt with anxiety and panic attacks this year — moments where I just feel overwhelmed and stuck. But I always pull through. I always get back up.

What is the greatest change you’ve made this year?

I stopped chasing approval. I walked away from people who made me feel small — friends, family, anyone who drained me. I’m learning that peace is more important than keeping people around just to say I’m not alone.

What is something you hope never changes?

My ability to care deeply, even when it hurts. I still want to show up with heart.

When do you feel most capable?

When I’m standing up for myself, especially when it’s uncomfortable. Whether it’s at work, legally, or in relationships. I’ve learned how to use my voice.

How do you nurture yourself?

I dance around the house, eat food that actually makes me happy, sit in the sun with a good book, and hang with my dog. That’s my peace.

How do you nurture others?

I listen — really listen. I show up without expecting anything in return. I try to be the kind of person I needed during my hardest times.

Is there anything you wish you had said but didn’t?

Yeah. I didn’t deserve the way I was treated — the criticism, the gaslighting, the emotional drain. I was too good for a lot of the people I let close to me. They lost someone real.

What is something that turns you on?

Feeling seen. When someone actually gets me; my mind, my heart, the way I think. That is  everything.

What is something that turns you off?

Fake kindness. Passive-aggressiveness. People who diminish others to feel superior, especially when they disguise it as care.

When was the last time you walked away from something that no longer served you?

Hopefully this lease. My landlord has been cruel and completely avoids responsibility. It’s been a nightmare. 

How often do you feel you achieve balance?

It’s a work in progress. Some weeks I’m on top of everything. Others, I’m just trying to make it through without falling apart. But, I try.

What is one risk you took that resulted in reward?

Letting go of relationships that didn’t feel good anymore, even though I felt lonely afterward, I’ve had more peace since.

When do you feel most overwhelmed?

When I’m being taken advantage of — financially, emotionally, or physically. I shut down when I feel used or unsupported.

How do you move forward?

By reminding myself no one’s coming to save me. I have to keep going, not because it’s easy, but because I deserve better.

What is something that will always make you laugh?

Awkward dancing. Especially when someone fully owns it. It’s just pure joy.

What is something that will always make you cry?

Feeling misunderstood. Especially by people I loved and gave everything to.

Have you ever been betrayed?

Yes, too many times. But it taught me how to trust my gut and not beg to be chosen.

What is your greatest temptation?

Wanting to be seen as beautiful and put together — even when I feel far from it. It’s hard not to crave that outside validation, even though I know it doesn’t fix anything on the inside.

What is one thing you feel is missing from your current life?

Community and adventure. Right now, it feels like I’m living the same day over and over — work, workout, Whole Foods, repeat. I want more — fun, connection, living.

What is one thing you can’t get enough of?

My boyfriend’s dog. He’s seriously the sweetest thing in the world. Just being around him makes everything feel lighter.

BONUS: Tell me something good.

I will do my best to live authentically — in my choices, in how I show up, and how I treat others. I won’t let depression or anxiety take my life away. I’ll always fight it. And I won’t let people make me feel like a weirdo anymore. I’m quirky, and I’m proud of it.