#354. high cortisol, hope & having strong energy

Age: 23 (ready to be 24)

Relationship Status: Single (all my life)

Occupation: PR

Income: 70.5k

Astrological Sign: Aquarius

If you had an extra hour each day, what would you do with it?

All the admin work I put off every week —like booking dentist appointments and flights, or sleep!

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

“All you need to do is a little more and a little better than yesterday.” My mom told me this when I was crashing out. I set it as my screen saver, and it’s a comforting reminder to chip away at projects and tasks —eventually they’ll get done!

What is the worst piece of advice you have ever received?

Honestly, nothing comes to mind when I’m trying to think of bad advice. I ask for advice ALL the time, but I don’t always take it. I like hearing what others have to say. Not all advice will be for me, and vice versa!

When have you felt most accepted?

The last quarter of my senior year of college.

When have you felt most supported?

Probably this first year of post-grad. My parents have shown me so much support, grace, and love as I navigate this weird chapter of my life.

Is there anything you are avoiding?

Booking a dentist appointment.

Have you ever confronted a fear? How did it go?

I get social anxiety at times, and over the weekend, I was at a party with friends when I suddenly lost everyone I knew in the crowd. Instead of walking around trying to find them, I chose to go up to people I didn’t know or semi-knew and say “hi! My friends and I want to meet more new people, so I just wanted to introduce myself.” I’ll preface this by saying there was a lot of liquid courage involved, but everyone was so kind and open to meeting me!

What is one promise that you have kept to yourself?

Honestly, I set New Year's Resolutions every year and never stick to them. This year, I wanted to bake more. I baked once in January and haven’t baked since! I guess I don’t love New Year’s Resolutions…or baking.

How do you cope with stress?

I work out in the mornings and relax in the evenings. I got my hormones tested a few years ago and learned that my cortisol is highest in the morning, which explained why I’m always so f**ing anxious when I wake up! Working out in the mornings relieves SO much of my stress, and then my evenings are free to relax and decompress.

What is a moment you are most proud of?

Graduating college. But more so, seeing all of my fellow classmates in their caps and gowns, too. I’ve never felt so much pride in others that day. Even the people I didn’t know in my class…I was tearing up watching them walk across the stage. We had all been through so much as a COVID class, and I was just so proud of how far everyone had come since we entered college in 2020.

How do you celebrate yourself?

I blast music and dance when I’m home alone and buy little treats when I want to!

What is something that you feel like you have to earn?

Oof, unfortunately, love. I’ve never been in a relationship, and it makes me feel like I have to do something to earn love. I know I shouldn’t think that way—“it’ll come when I least expect it” — but when I’m the chronically single friend, it’s hard.

What is something you feel like you are inherently worthy of?

FOOD. Everyone needs to eat, literally everyone. And it connects humans together; it’s pretty beautiful. You are always worthy of a nourishing meal, no matter what.

When was the last time you changed your mind?

I used to think in black and white. For example, I either wanted someone in my life or I never wanted to see them again. I now like to live in the gray. And I think everyone should, too. After I graduated from college, I stopped viewing things in extremes and started taking things less seriously. It’s so nice!

Is there anything you wish you could take back?

I had one of those “can we talk?” conversations with a friend back in college, and it wasn’t productive. I ended up regretting airing out my friendship grievances to her because neither of us left the conversation feeling good. Looking back, I also recognize that that was just me trying to control her and fit her into a box that I liked. When I should have just let her be who she is, which isn’t perfect, but who is?

What does being true to yourself mean?

Doing what you want to do and not what you think you should do. I stopped using the word “should” in 2025, and it has seriously changed my life. It makes me feel so in control.

When do you feel in control?

Perfect segue! When I follow my intuition and only do what I want to do, not what I should do. Trust your gut.

When do you feel out of control?

When I go against my intuition and do what others are telling me to do even though I know it’s not right. And when I drink coffee.

Finish this sentence: It’s my life and…

I’m so excited to live it! I feel so empowered and inspired about my life and what my future holds. I just know I’ll live in all of the cities I want to live in, work at all of the jobs I want to work at, visit all of the cities I want to visit, etc.

BONUS: Tell me something good.

A psychic approached me in public and told me to book an appointment with her… so I did. It was so fun! Apparently, I have strong energy, which I already knew ;)