I am who I am

What do the words "only human" mean to you?

“Only human” is a phrase we should all live by. As I have aged, and with the world in the state it is in, this phrase couldn’t be more true. To me, these two words mean acceptance without a second thought or a blink of an eye, forgiveness when feeling wronged and apologies when necessary. You’re raised with so many sayings and statements including “life is too short,” and this has never been more accurate in this last year. As a frontline worker and occupational therapist, I have been extremely humbled working with patients with Covid. My job requirements suddenly changed from rehabbing patients with covid to flipping (proning) them while they’re intubated and sedated to give them a better chance at survival, to, unfortunately, holding some of their hands as they passed, and then peacefully wrapping their bodies up to be moved to the morgue. No matter our background or upbringing, we are all only human.

What are you passionate about?

Spreading kindness in whatever form I can, from smiling at a stranger, striking up a convo in a grocery line (more-so pre-covid), buying that person their favorite coffee/object, to helping them post injury to telling a cheesy ass joke. I’m always only a text or phone call away if someone in my life needs help.

What makes you the happiest?

1. Making others happy by being myself, giving back, though sometimes that’s to the detriment of my own happiness, though never expecting reciprocation.

In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

I decided to be more open about who I am, who I am not, and am always working on not giving any “Fs” what others think. I decided that I should be number 1 in my life more and to let…shit…go..even if that means things, comments, friends, or partners…if they’re not meant to be in my life.

How do you keep yourself positively inspired during overwhelming times?

Music!!! Always music! Podcasts, time with friends and my lil Chloe dog (maltese mix).

If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be? Why?

Anyone who is less fortunate than me, as I am lucky enough to have been raised as a white, middle class American woman.

What book (or books) have greatly influenced your life?

“Oh the places you’ll go” by Dr.Seuss. My parents got me and my siblings this book at HS graduation, “The subtle art of not giving a f***”

What’s your favorite quote?

“Everything happens for a reason”

“Life is not a looking glass, don’t get tangled in your past.”-Brandi Carlile lyrics

What is your most-used emoji?

What would be your advice to a human who just graduated from high school and was about to enter the "real world"?

You don’t have to have it all figured out. College may not be for you, even some of the most successful people didn’t go. Take it easy on yourself, theres no such thing as perfection, you are responsible for you, don’t rely on anyone else more than you do yourself.