Please welcome our Woman of the Week, Mary Ann. You will find her a very positive and uplifting woman. She always has a nice comment, a supportive word and incredibly kind feelings to share. Here interview is below..
1: If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would it say and why?
Be thankful, always.
t makes life so much easier, allowing us to be grateful for every little thing.
2: In the last five years what have you become better at saying no to?
I've become great at being able to turn down a date and not feel guilty. It's been liberating!
3: What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the "real world"?
Don't be afraid to pursue your dream job. Remember...Everyone has to learn at some point. Never have I known anyone that can just step into a job and do it without asking some questions. It's really okay.
4: What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made? (it doesn't need be financial in nature)
The best investment I've every made was the time I've used being mother. Never have I doubted or regretted that choice. Seeing the remarkable adults my children are now and the positive impact they make on this world made it very worth while.
5: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
Not being afraid of so many things. Reminding myself when I have a difficult day that those feelings and circumstance are just temporary. Tomorrow always offers me a fresh start again.
6: How has a failure, or apparent failure set you up for later success? Do you have a favorite failure of yours?
I don't consider things that didn't turn out as planned to be failure anymore. I've found that for myself, when I refer to it as a lesson instead, it is much easier to deal with and by doing so in turn boosts my self worth! Those "lessons" have been my greatest teachers. My biggest challenge was my divorce in 2007. I had to pull myself up through an emotional grave to find and be able to love myself again. I took my maiden name back which brought along with it a tremendous amount of dignity. I've moved forward from that and do my best to find joy in each day.
7: What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months or in recent memory?
A positive purchase of less that $100 was a gift card I bought for one of my daughters from Starbucks. She cried when I gave it to her. I know she needs to be able to get out of the house. Even if it's for a few minutes to go and get something just for herself. She said each time she uses it she thinks of me and knows how much I love her. I know it may not seem "huge" to some, but it really is the little things that count.
8: When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I'm overwhelmed I first withdraw and focus on my breathing. Making myself aware of my surroundings that all is actually calm around me. I feel comforted when I embrace the good energy that surrounds me. Reminding myself where I came from, what I'm capable of and allowing myself to glean from my mind and heart knowing that I have loving family and friends who love me unconditionally.
9: What is the book (or books) you've given most as a gift and why? Or what are one to three books that have greatly influence your life?
I've not given books to anyone besides children's books to my daughters for their little's. For me though, Anne of Green Gables series has been wonderful! I love how life threw trials in her way but she chose to keep those "rose colored glasses" on and look at things in a positive way instead. During my lifetime I've literally been criticized and questioned about my Pollyanna attitude. I have difficult days just like anyone else and have had things happen during my lifetime that I wouldn't wish on a soul. It's an intentional choice I make to be optimistic and work daily to find joy in life.
10: What is one piece of advice you would give to a woman that you wish you knew earlier in life?
Everything will be okay.
11: What do you think about the theory of "the love of your life", what does that phrase me to you?
The love of my life theory. To me, and for me it would be a man. One who I would feel sparked my soul, not necessarily my heart. One whom I can trust and be able to be a complete dork around without worrying he'd think I've lost my mind. A man where I feel safe and at home with when I'm in his embrace. To wake to in the morning, seeing the warm sun on his face and reminding myself how wonderful it is to have such a loving person in my life
12: What is something that you would find most helpful in your life right now? (what would be the best problem solved for you)
The best thing I could have in my life at the moment would be a good job so I wouldn't worry about meeting my monthly financial obligations. Searching is stressful for me and I've had to focus and not let that upset me. I'm thankful I have the skills that I do and know eventually I'll find the perfect one.
Thank you so much Mary Ann for your thoughtful answers, I am so glad that you joined the group and were willing to take the time to do the interview.
XO
Titanium