#413. single-handedly raising children, losing a brother & being a late-in-life lesbian

Age: 47

Relationship Status: Engaged

Occupation: Dental Assistant

Income: 25,000

Astrological Sign: Gemini

What is something you look forward to every day?

Coming home from work and chilling in my bedroom.

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

Therapy, overwhelm, fast.

What is the most valuable thing you have earned?

A love of reading.

What is the most precious thing you have lost?

My older brother.

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

Women (I'm a late-in-life lesbian).

Is there a moment in your life where preparation has met opportunity? Did you take it?

I really, really prepped for my latest job interview because I really wanted it. It was tough to start over again in my 40s, but I'm glad I did.

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

My person.

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

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

I don't think I've read it yet, and I read a lot!

When I am self-loathing, I tend to…

Listen to the negative thoughts and believe them.

When I am self-loving, I tend to…

Have more time for the people I love.

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

Singing, I'd love to be able to sing.

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

It makes me feel validated. I spent years in the wrong relationships, and this relationship has made me the happiest I've ever been.

When do you feel most inspired?

When the sun is shining, the birds are singing, I've had just the right amount of sleep, and someone else is feeding me.

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

Don't seek validation from men who don't remember you exist. This includes your father.

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

That thing you think you're too old to do, do it anyway.

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

I read a book called The Midnight Library, where the main character can dip into lives she could have had, and it was very thought-provoking. If I had taken a different path or made one different decision, then I wouldn't have had my children, I wouldn't have met my person, so I think my answer would be no.

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

Holidays! I very rarely go away, and I want to travel more.

What is the most predictable thing about you?

My forgetfulness.

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

My brother taking his life 22 years ago, none of us expected it, and it shook our whole world.

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

I think that single-handedly raising 3 children has been a pretty epic achievement

BONUS: Tell me something good.

I'm finally in therapy to help me with the negative thoughts.