#405. creative energy, overcoming trauma & taking a lover

Age: 60

Relationship Status: Married with a Lover

Occupation: Hospitality - Event Director

Income: 85,000/year

Astrological Sign: Virgo

What is something you look forward to every day? 

Messages and calls from my Lover.

Describe how your year thus far is going, using only three words:

Pretty damn good.

What is the most valuable thing you have earned? 

The respect of my colleagues.

What is the most precious thing you have lost?

Time.

Fill in the blank: if loving ___ is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

Him.

Is there a moment in your life where preparation has met opportunity? Did you take it? I cannot say I had prepared for any of them, but I took every opportunity that came my way to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new. Doing so has led me to some very interesting experiences that I otherwise would not have had. 

In a room full of people, who are you looking for?

The character. The one with unique tales to tell.

What is the most impactful, published piece of writing you have read?

(this could be a book, a poem, an article, a study, etc.)

The Prophet - Kahlil Gibran

When I am self-loathing, I tend to…

Detest my body.

When I am self-loving, I tend to…

Celebrate my uniqueness.

If you had endless amounts of talent and skill, what would you want to be famous or known for? 

Trust me honey, the only thing I am currently very good at is legal only in Nevada and Amsterdam. I've thought about this a lot. So, I know I would be a person who inspires others to be their best selves.

How does the best relationship in your life make you feel?

Protected, valued, desired, cherished. For the first time in my 60 years.

When do you feel most inspired?

I'm an energetic person. Creative energy is always with me. I write a lot, I always carry a pen and paper.

What is something that your inner child needs to hear from you?

You are worthy.

What is something that your future self needs to hear from you?

Plan for the leaner times. They're coming sooner than you think.

Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if you had made a different decision, and do you wish you had?

No. Everything I have experienced has molded me into the person I have become, good and bad. I am a product of some horrifying experiences and some marvelous ones. I don't waste too much time on "what could have been". No fruit is borne from such thoughts.

If money were no object, what is one thing you would have an unlimited supply of?

Freedom to do what I want, when I want, and not have to work for a living.

What is the most predictable thing about you?

Very little, I am a spontaneous person. But I am punctual.

What is the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you?

Being shot through the heart (by a gun) by someone I knew.

Describe a time that you were in awe of your own courage or bravery:

After being shot, I have refused to become a "victim". I don't subscribe to victim mentality. I am a survivor. I've lived through this and much more, and I will never be defined by my circumstances.

BONUS: Tell me something good.

In my life, I have experienced child sexual abuse, I have been beaten, I have been neglected, I have been psychologically abused. I have been rich, and I have been poor. I have walked away from a horrible childhood and a bad marriage or two. But...I have never looked back or felt that I am defined by trauma. I refuse to wallow in misery and negativity. Every day is a chance to grow, learn, and become a better version of myself. I am positive and happy.