First and foremost, thank you so much to everyone who reached out with their questions. I hope to do another Q&A later down the line, just to see how the questions and answers change over time.
1. What are some ways you manage stress?
An important part of stress management is long term maintenance of stress. In order for me to keep a level head I like to meditate at least three times a week. I also enjoy working out since I feel the most relaxed after a workout. If I find myself in a stressful situation, I like to take a minute away in a quiet place to just clear my head. If the situation doesn't allow for me to have that minute, then I'll bottle the frustration up, but I'll be sure to release it later. I think its important to allow yourself to feel whatever emotion a situation causes. Maybe it isn't appropriate to react at THAT moment, but make sure you reflect back later and release.
2. How are you handling the transition into being a stay at home mom?
I won't sugarcoat this one at all - it is HARD! It took a lot of thinking and planning to even get myself prepared to begin this journey. My husband and I had countless numbers of conversations regarding finances, daycare, and my overall well-being. I took a leap and quit my job to stay home with our daughter. I've had a job since I was 16 years old, so this transition has been difficult for me to cope with at times. With corona going on it has been somewhat easier just because I really CAN'T return to work right now. Most of the difficult comes from the guilt I have been feeling knowing that Mike still works every day to support us. I feel bad when I can witness a big milestone (like her first smile) while he is stuck at work. I know I will be grateful for this time off later down the road, but it has not been easy adjusting. I keep myself busy writing during the day and sending books off to publishers. My goal is to return to work part-time (once corona is over) and write.
3. What activities do you prefer? What would you like to learn to play or ride? (I was also asked what is your favorite past time, so I'll rope that answer in here as well)
I prefer a variety of activities. My favorites are writing (obviously), painting and working out. Exercise in itself is something I enjoy doing in various forms - running, lifting weights and doing yoga. My favorite past time that does not involve these activities would have to hiking. I love exploring new places. I would love to learn how to play the guitar. I taught myself a few songs years ago, but sadly never stuck with it.
4. What have you always wanted? Did you ever get it?
Always is such a loooooooong time. I can't remember wanting anything meaningful until I was in my early 20's. I longed for a great relationship that would allow me to feel fully understood and cared for. Fortunately I did get it when I turned 25.
5. Do you open up for people first?
It takes me a while to open up to anyone. I like to take time to feel people out - understand their energy and their intentions - before I let them in all the way. I envy those who can be their true authentic self from the first time they meet someone. I spend most of the initial greeting period with anxiety, so I tend to stay very quiet and reserved. It takes me a long time to open up and come out of my shell.
6. When did you decide to become a mom?
I didn't really think much about having a child until I was about 27. Sure, the idea of it always sounded good, but it honestly terrified me at the same time. My husband has a son who was two when we started dating, and I'm sure that watching him grow eased my mind about motherhood. I didn't really ever feel 100% ready to be honest. But if I spent my life waiting for 100% readiness I would have never experienced most of which I already have. I will say though that I was probably 85% sure when we started trying, and I now 0% regret the decision. Having a child has opened up another part of myself I did not know I had.
7. What was the best day of your life?
The day we had our first ultrasound to see our baby girl. I remember leaving the office and telling my husband Mike "our wedding was nice and all, but this is my favorite day". Something about seeing her tiny little limb buds forming just changed my whole world, and it has never been the same since.
8. What are five things you don't like in people?
Dishonesty, uncontrollable anger, a lack of empathy, unkindness, and narcissism
9. What qualities do you have that others don't?
I'm not exactly sure how to answer to this one. I'm sure there are thousands of people with the qualities that I have. Maybe not as many with the same combination of qualities? I don't know, honestly. I pride myself on being a kind person, but I know several other people who are kind as well.
10. According to you who are the real heroes?
A real hero is someone who sacrifices a part of their life to better the life of another. A heroic act can be big or small. A hero can be anyone who has the courage to care for another more than themselves.
11. What's your favorite food?
Ice cream. Hands down. My go to ice cream is coffee chip in a waffle cone from Somerset Creamery in my hometown of Somerset, MA.
12. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Well for starters I hope to have another child by then and possibly a third on the way (my husband is very much on the fence about three kids). Hopefully I will have a book published by then to start my writing career. We now share a two family home with my mother-in-law, so I would like to purchase our own home in this time frame so we have more space for our growing family.
13. What is your favorite book?
The Great Gatbsy is my all time favorite book. I've read it more times than I can count and even used it as the theme of our wedding.
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