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#7. confidence, comparison & ClassPass

Writer: Devyn Penney Devyn Penney

Updated: Jun 19, 2024




Age: 26

Relationship Status: In a relationship

Occupation: Healthcare management

Income: $65k/year

Astrological Sign: Scorpio

 

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

I check my phone, then immediately take the dogs outside. Once back inside, I press start on the Nespresso and join my daily 8:15 am meeting on Zoom while waiting for coffee.

 

Have you ever felt genuine fulfillment? When?

I feel genuinely fulfilled when I’m told I’m doing a good job and my efforts are recognized. Whether that be on a professional level and my manager or team thanks me for going above and beyond or a friend expressing that I am a “good friend”, or my partner validating my growth and effort being put towards our relationship. I’m not typically a person who looks for external validation. However, those close to me noticing and expressing gratitude for things I do truly fulfill me internally.

 

What is your most repetitive, negative thought?

I worry TOO much about the future. I worry about not having enough money to buy a house, pay off debts (loans, credit cards, etc.), and financially support/contribute to my family. I worry (actually genuinely fear) that, coming from a divorced household, I, too, will have an unsuccessful marriage. I worry about the health of those closest to me. Literally, anything you could think of that one is able to worry about in the future. I’ve been there and done that.

 

What is your most repetitive, positive thought?

That everything in life will happen the way it’s supposed to. Whether there are things to celebrate or hardships to overcome, each occurrence will be beneficial to your self-growth. On that same note, I truly believe positive thinking brings positive outcomes (manifest, manifest, manifest. Speak that shit into existence!).

 

What is one thing that surprised you about adulthood?

Two things: One thing that has surprised me in “adulthood” are my energy levels. Never in a million years did I think coming out of college I would be DRAINED by 9:00 pm. Looking back to the weekends only 5 years ago, I’d be out with friends from Friday night at 6:00 pm straight through Sunday night at 6:00 pm. I could never have imagined a world where I’d need to prioritize resting my mind and body at the end of a long work week.


Second thing: How differently I look at friendships. Historically, I’ve never given the quality of my friendships a second thought. They were either a friend or not a friend at all. Period. As I enter my late 20s, I’m much less tolerant of “bad” friends. I have a few “iffy” friends, like most do, that are constantly negatively impacting my moods. I’ve made it a point in adulthood to put up boundaries and slowly drift from these people to protect my peace. In my earlier years, I most likely wouldn’t have even noticed their behaviors enough for them to have any real estate in my head.

 

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

1. Using ClassPass credits for spa services.


2. Nespresso machine. Just buy one. The most basic machine costs under $100. We need to stop normalizing paying $7-10 for a single shot of espresso.


3. La Roche Posay facial cleanser and moisturizer. You do not need to follow all of the TikTok skincare trends. My skin is the clearest and most glowing when I use the simplest, most basic products. A face wash should not be $50. I’m sorry, but it just shouldn’t be.

 

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

 

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

I definitely have a much stronger relationship with my parents as I’ve matured and entered adulthood… HOWEVER… they still treat me like I’m 15 years old rather than an adult who’s fully living on her own and supporting herself. To get specific, the constant unsolicited “advice” given with the attitude that “they’ve been on this earth longer than me and they just know…” or the judgment thrown at the way I live (attitudes, emotions, professional path, friendships), it’s a lot for me. Don’t get me wrong, my relationship with them is overall great, and I appreciate their love for me, but I would love for them to step back, let me take the driver’s seat to my own life, quietly support, and give opinions when asked.

 

When do you feel most like yourself?

When I’m with my high school friends, who have seen all versions of me from pre-k through college and then post-grad living in the real work, I feel like I can truly be my authentic self with these lifelong friends who know my heart and soul.

 

What is the best compliment someone has ever given you?

That I’m funny. I don’t know why, but when someone tells me I’m funny, it warms my heart.

 

How do you feel about falling in love?

I love love. If you’re lucky enough to find someone in life who supports your dreams and desires, pushes you to be the best version of yourself, and is a reliable teammate, lock that person in. There are so many highs and so many lows in life, and having a partner to experience it all with makes it so much more enjoyable.

 

What is one thing you’re sick of hearing?

That I’m mean. Not to to toot my own horn, but I am an extremely generous, reliable, and supportive friend, partner, daughter, sister, colleague, etc. Because of my bluntness and inability to sugar-coat my feelings and opinions, many people close to me, both jokingly and not joking, say I’m mean or a bitch. In all honesty, it truly bothers me when people take my honesty and bluntness as a negative trait. I’d rather be an honest bitch than fake, I guess HAHA.

 

How often do you feel alone?

Rarely, to be honest. Living with a significant other, I don’t find myself feeling lonely or alone almost ever. When I am physically alone, I use it to recharge and genuinely enjoy my alone time.

 

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

I hope everyone in life gets to experience a true best friend—someone who has unconditional love for you through thick and thin, who knows your heart and your soul, and who supports you through anything and everything. There’s nothing like it. I also hope everyone gets to experience some type of soul-crushing customer service, retail, or restaurant industry job. I think these experiences naturally build SO much character, fostering a sense of empathy and humility down the road.

 

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

Homelessness, starvation, lack of clean water.

 

What is the best decision you’ve ever made?

Realizing my passion early in life. And moving in with my significant other. Despite my initial reservations, our relationship has grown and matured exponentially since taking the leap of faith. It wasn’t always easy, but it’s been worth it. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.

 

When do you feel most at ease?

I’m most at ease with myself when I’m in my own environment, whether that’s at work or my apartment, with close friends or family. If I’m having conversations with the people closest to me about topics I excel at or feel confident voicing my opinions on, I’m always comfortable.

 

What does having a successful life mean to you?

To me, a successful life means achieving my personal goals. If you achieve what you want to, how you want to achieve it, and when you want to achieve it, then I think that’s success!


How often do you think about your body?

Frequently. I’m a person whose weight on the scale never changes, no matter how much or how little I eat. I use this as an excuse to eat shit foods, which in turn, make me feel like shit. I find myself constantly wanting to eat healthier and get into a good workout routine, but I can’t get myself to be consistent. I’m working on this…. I can report back…

 

When do you ask for help?

I can think of a million things I need help with; however, I’m not comfortable asking for help. So, to answer the question, never.

 

What is something you feel strongly about?

As a society, we need to stop comparing ourselves to others, our situation to others, our thoughts to others. Be proud of who you are and have the confidence to stand by your opinions and feelings. It’s okay!!!

 

BONUS: Tell me something good. 

If you’re confident and truly know your self-worth, you can achieve anything you’d like.

 
 
 

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