What’s something you do completely differently from how you were raised?

I can start with a pretty basic one, I don’t drink. My doctor told me I had to cut it out after I began heart medication a few years ago & I don’t miss it.

I try to solve problems before they become in conflict with my partner. Talking is better than screaming & throwing objects.

I no longer lie about my parents or my upbringing. It was unhealthy & very toxic. By lying I’d still be protecting my father, something I refuse to do.

I start everyday by being grateful for where I am & for what I have. I no longer take friendships for granted or where I am. By practicing being grateful I’m no longer taking circumstances or people for granted.

What do you do differently?

What’s the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?

I was studying at a community college & was asked to pick up my sister over an hour away. I’d been given $20 which at that time was very much money. However, I lost it in a library.

I got to a fast food place & was about to order when I discovered the money was Gone. I mean like I couldn’t find it anywhere.

I remember telling this woman in line that I was broke & had to pick up my sister & she handed me something like $15 so I could fill up the gas tank.

When I got to the place to pick my sister up & the neighbor had already done it. I got yelled at by my parents for leaving her at the pick up point although I told them that I had lost the money and they never asked me how I got home? I’m forever grateful for the kind woman who saved the day.

Share a hobby you’ve picked up recently — what got you into it?

Last year I was sitting at the airport & my mom asked me why I didn’t have a travel journal. So, luckily they sold moleskin journals at the airport so I bought one.

I really enjoy that I can glue pictures in it & tell how my trips are going. I’m old school & write on paper with a pen. This blog is my exception.

So, what does one write in a travel journal, where you’ve been & what you have experienced. I’m decorating my journal with stickers & photos from our trip.

It’s really lovely to my writing separately as it helps me to compartmentalize & process what’s going on around me. If I had one piece of advice it’d be to journal. It really helps you process & see situations & things from a different perspective.