Tell us one thing you hope people say about you.

I’m sitting in a super busy cafe writing this. In Norway we call it Texas when it’s like this.

I think my close friends would use the words above to describe me. I’m kind but I’m not a doormat & I don’t tolerate abusive behavior.

I’m open yet more reserved than I used to be. I used to be a huge extrovert but now I’m more quiet. I tend to keep my mouth shut if someone is behaving badly.

Anyway, I think my close friends would say that I’m kind & thoughtful & not into bs.

What is something others do that sparks your admiration?

Others are rude. I had to do that today when I encountered a rude client. I did what was asked & he still was verbally abusive & not very nice. I stayed calm & let him rant although he was wrong & had forgotten our original agreement. Here’s a hint if others are walking your dog over an hour a day it’s an accessory not a pet.

I have a four legged creature myself & no I don’t treat him like some people treat their dogs with their headphones on & their faces buried in their phones. I talk to my dog & all the dogs I walk.

But the topic is what I admire, people that stay calm & clear when people are rude. I admire that & have finally learned it myself. By being calm he looked like the entitled jerk he was. I did what was asked & I don’t feel guilty because I have a path of correspondence & a note in my calendar. Hence, no guilt!

What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?

It began in June when my good deed was watering my Mom’s plants in her garden. She’d been really ill in April & May so it was only natural to help her by flying to visit her & help.

I’ve also worked with the ageing population that has dementia by going to a reading group once a week. I found the hours volunteering there really touching & moving & am forever grateful that I got to do it.

I also try to do random acts of kindness. But it doesn’t give me the same joy as volunteering did. I like making a difference in my community & that’s hard to do where I live. My focus has always been to make a difference even though it can be hard sometimes. What have you done to improve their daily lives?