#416. puppies, pain psychology & capri suns

Age: 48

Relationship Status: married

Occupation: Podcast host, children’s book writer and illustrator

Income: 0

Astrological Sign: Aries

Describe your ideal morning:

Coffee, music, Pinterest, puppy, swinging chair in my shade garden.

What is the last thing you think about before going to sleep?

I meditate either on what I want more of or less of in the world.

If you could talk openly about any of the following ‘taboo’ subjects at a dinner party: politics, religion, money, or sex, what is one question you would pose to the table?

I’d want to talk politics.

What is something you wish were taught in school?

Financial literacy.

How do you define personal happiness?

Love, community, artistic expression, and puppies.

When do you feel most helpless?

When I am in a physical disability flare, when I am at the pain clinic, or when I am in the ER.

What is something you are nostalgic about?

Bike rides and Capri Suns.

When does, or will, your life feel complete?

When I die.

What is something you have forgiven, but will never forget?

My parents, taking turns on being there when I needed them.

What is one decision that seemed small at the time, but completely changed the direction or course of your life?

Becoming roommates with a guy who became my son’s dad.

What is something that comes easily to you?

Answering with, what if. Seeing other people as fully human.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Got a divorce.

Where is your favorite place on Earth?

My shade garden or San Chapel.

If you woke up tomorrow and were in charge of EVERYTHING, what would be the first thing you would do to make the world a better place?

Free education at the college level. Fully free housing stipend, food, books, and classes.

Finish this sentence: money can’t buy you happiness, but it can afford you…

Dignity.

What is the best thing you have been gifted or purchased on your own within the last year? 

My puppy.

If you could give a woman who is 10 years younger than you a single piece of advice, what would it be?

Do not make anyone or anything a priority that makes you an option.

Is there anyone who knows everything about you?

No.

If you knew that life was short, what is one thing you would do right now?

I do, and I spend time creating and curling up with those I love.

If you knew that life was long, what is one thing you would do right now?

Get my Phd in long-term chronic pain psychology.

BONUS: Tell me something good.

As scary as things are, we have never been more connected or interested in the truth.