#429. deep conversations, rock climbing & becoming a counsellor

Age: 64

Relationship Status: Divorced/single

Occupation: Care-giver with Home Instead franchise

Income: 21,000

Astrological Sign: Aries

What is something you look forward to every day? 

A peaceful breakfast, especially coffee.

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

Better than expected.

What is the most valuable thing you have earned? 

Someone’s trust

What is the most precious thing you have lost? 

Various people who have died, including my parents and two sisters.

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

Cats.

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

I was laid off from work, I prepared for a trip to New Zealand, and absolutely took it.  Best decision ever.

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

Someone who can hold down a one-on-one, deep conversation.

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

The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker, read it several times and it changes with each reading.

When I am self-loathing, I tend to… 

Watch too much crap on TV.

When I am self-loving, I tend to…

Exercise, meditate, kitchen dance, laugh a lot.

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

A travelling philanthropist.

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

Warm, safe, loved and happy.

When do you feel most inspired? 

When I have free time and no stress.

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

You are doing well, despite being so unsupported.

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

Thank you for training to be a counsellor.

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

All the time, so many situations.

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

Travel tickets.

What is the most predictable thing about you? 

The time I get up in the morning!

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

Excelling at being a care-giver…it was an experiment until I became qualified as a counsellor!

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

Rock climbing in the Highlands of Scotland, I had to leap over a gap on Tower Ridge, then got a round of applause when my instructor and I summited.

BONUS: Tell me something good.

Due to a lack of confidence, I never thought, at my age, I would go to study to become a counsellor.  The first year went really well, and I now look forward to further study.