Birthday Interview

What three words would you use to describe this past year of your life?

Exhausting, lonely, eventful 

What was the most unexpected joy you experienced this year?

Finishing my book or being accepted to put my art up locally 

What challenged you most, and what did you learn from it?

My illness. Rest and focus on smaller things 

What made you laugh hardest this year?

Matt 

What book, movie, song, or piece of art moved you most deeply?

When Women Were Dragons book 

What's something new you tried for the first time?

Yoga nidra 

Who has been your greatest support or inspiration this year?

Matt as always 

What habit or practice served you well that you want to continue?

Deep breathing before sleep 

What's something you're proud of that you haven't given yourself enough credit for?

Making a difference 

How are you different today than you were on your last birthday?

I'm not asleep yet

Sweet or savory?

Savory 

Early bird or night owl?

Early 

Beach or mountains?

Neither 

Best spontaneous decision this year?

Made Matt get random free things from people 

Song that's been stuck in your head lately?

None really 

Most-used emoji?

❤️

Comfort TV show you've rewatched?

I haven't fully rewatched anything.  But my comfort show is The Vampire Diaries 

Splurge that was totally worth it?

Book crawling 

Go-to takeout order?

Yellow Thai curry obviously 

Most-worn item in your wardrobe?

Big sweaters

What makes you feel most alive right now?

Escaping into books 

What are you curious about in this season of your life?

How to calm down but still fighting for myself 

What feels most aligned in how you live your life now?

Hermit without a choice 

What relationships are nourishing you most deeply?

My husband and animals and friends who get it

What wisdom are you embodying now that your younger self needed?

Self affirmation 

What are you learning to make peace with?

Everything 

Where do you find beauty in your everyday life?

My animals 

How do you honor your body and its needs these days?

Vitamins, doctors, massages

What boundaries have become important for your wellbeing?

Time to wind down before arguing 

When do you feel most like yourself?

I never feel like myself anymore. I'm not even sure exactly what that feels like. 

If you could relive one day from this past year, which would it be and why?

Getting my wheelchair finally 

What advice would today-you give to you-on-your-last-birthday?

Rest when you need to. The book store will be there tomorrow. 

If your future self visited you today, what would they thank you for doing now?

Focusing on my health and fighting for equity and a cure

What trend from your childhood would you bring back if you could?

Talking on the phone all the time 

If you could have dinner with any version of yourself (past or future), which age would you choose and why?

51.  I want to know if there's hope 

What would you like to invite more of into your life this coming year?

Acceptance 

Is there something you're ready to release or let go of?

Stress

What adventure or experience are you drawn to explore?

Getting my book in local stores

How might you nurture your creativity in the year ahead?

Keep doing it 

What relationship would you like to deepen or heal?

With myself 

What would bring more joy or playfulness into your days?

Not stressing so much 

What's a skill or area of knowledge you're excited to develop?

Disability advocacy 

How might you be more compassionate with yourself this year?

Let myself rest

What's a small change that might make a big difference to your wellbeing?

Schedule naps

What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead?

My art at the Garfield Arts Center show 

Desert island 

What three foods would you want to have?

Vegan shrimp, curry, curry burrito 

What one book would you bring?

When Women Were Dragons 

What luxury item would you not want to live without?

Phone 

What skill would you finally have time to master?

Making a raft to try to escape 

Who would you want to be stranded with you?

Matt

What makes you feel truly seen and appreciated?

Validation 

What are you discovering about your own strengths?

They are unstoppable 

What wisdom from those before you do you carry with you?

Stay aware of surroundings 

What brings you peace when life feels overwhelming?

Sleep or books or art

What truth are you embracing more fully with each passing year?

I'm sick but I'm strong

How has your definition of beauty evolved?

Idk.

What parts of your younger self do you want to reconnect with?

Letting loose

What makes a day feel well-lived to you?

I haven't felt that in a long time 

What legacy are you creating through how you live?

I don't think I an

What would you tell others who are about to turn the age you were last birthday?

Nothing. My experience is very different than most 35 year olds