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Writer's pictureDevyn Penney

#61. experiencing love, electrified school buses & humanizing your parents




Age: 31

Relationship Status: Partnered, living together

Occupation: Communications for a climate non-profit

Income: 103k

Astrological Sign: Cancer

 

What is the first thing you do when you wake up? 

Oh, I wish I had any semblance of a morning routine. Ideally, I’d do some stretching and wake up slowly. But in reality, it takes everything in me to crawl out of bed, and I’m a ghoul who doesn’t like being spoken to until after 10 am.

 

Have you ever felt genuine fulfillment? When?

I’ve moved around a lot, so whenever I’m around many of my loved ones in the same space is a treat, especially when two people I love meet each other for the first time and it just clicks. That happened recently at a wedding and it was such an incredible feeling to see them get along so well. Makes my heart sing!

 

What is your most repetitive, negative thought? 

It’s a sad cliche, but like a lot of women, I’ve had issues with the way I feel about my body. It’s evolved over time for the better - it’s more manageable and not deeply destructive. But negative thoughts about my body still creep into my head on a regular basis.

 

What is your most repetitive, positive thought? 

I have so much love in my life, and I’m so thankful for it.

 

What is one thing that surprised you about adulthood? 

Financial stuff is confusing as hell, and no one preps you for it. It would have made a world of difference to have a course in school on even the basics. In more recent years, social media has been such an educational tool when it comes to 401ks, high-yield savings, etc. (shout out to the financial influencers).

 

What are three things you want to put every woman onto? 

  1. The “Just Break Up” podcast! The hosts Sam and Sierra cover so many topics around love, relationships, and sex and are hilarious. They answer letters from readers and there’s even a private Facebook group you can join to chat with other listeners. I’ve been listening since the start of it six years ago and it’s helped me with my own healing.

  2. Hey y’all, ever heard of water…and three solid meals? ;) Because I know we’re out here dehydrated and sometimes under-eating. Let’s go, girls!

  3. The idea that working out and movement should be something you enjoy doing, not a chore - so try making it fun, whether that’s dancing, boxing, walking around your neighborhood.

 

Rank the following from most to least important:

money, food, sex, love, and laughter (feel free to explain or don’t).

Laughter, love, sex, money, food (money before food only because you need it for food!)

 

How has your relationship with your parents/ guardians changed in adulthood? 

I’ve humanized them. They’ll always be my parents, but they’re people too -- and that comes with more empathy, forgiveness, understanding, and appreciation.

 

When do you feel most like yourself? 

When I’m biking or dancing.

 

What is the best compliment someone has ever given you? 

That they felt comfortable opening up to me.

 

How do you feel about falling in love? 

The more love I’ve experienced, the more I appreciate the action of love and the choice of love, rather than the seemingly fleeting “feeling” of love. That being said, I am a Cancer, so yes, I love love, all kinds of love :)

 

What is one thing you’re sick of hearing?

My partner and I are poly. I’ve been in monogamous relationships as well. Coming into this lifestyle has been so incredibly “me,” but I don’t think it’s some kind of evolved state of mind or for everyone, and I’m tired of the unwarranted comments (“I could never do that, it’s not for me, I’m too jealous”) as if we’re trying to convince or convert anyone.

 

How often do you feel alone? 

Not often! Now that I live with someone, and it’s the first partner I’ve lived with, I’m typically physically not alone, so when I am actually alone, it’s a nice, welcome solitude. Emotionally, I feel secure enough in the relationships I have in my life that I don’t feel isolated or alone.

 

What is one thing you hope everyone experiences in their lifetime? 

The un-replicable growth that travel brings to your perspective.

 

What is one thing you hope no one has to experience in their lifetime?

Oh, so much. Generational trauma is such a curse. I hope we can all break the cycle.

 

What is the best decision you’ve ever made? 

Getting into the work I do on climate. Having a meaningful job is a privilege I don’t take lightly -- I’m glad I took the leap from an unsatisfying job in my early 20s to move into climate work. It gives me a deep sense of purpose and has made me meet the most incredible people. At the same time, I wish it didn’t have to be a job at all.

 

When do you feel most at ease? 

Probably on the couch after an active and satisfying/exhausting day, whether that’s walking around a new city, going on a hike, being out on water.

 

What does having a successful life mean to you? 

Having the freedom and time to rest, enjoy the small moments, and explore what this one life has to offer.

 

How often do you think about your body? 

Too often than I’d like to admit. Read: Daily.

 

When do you ask for help? 

Oh, this question made me emotional, because I can’t think of the last time I did…thank you for the reminder!

 

What is something you feel strongly about?

Life is happening right NOW, and we should try our best to enjoy it, instead of thinking about the next step/phase.

 

BONUS: Tell me something good. 

Since it’s back to school season…school buses across the nation are being electrified so kids don’t have to breathe dirty diesel fumes going to school :)

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