Unlocking Me

Lately, I’ve been listening to Brené Brown’s podcast, Unlocking Us–which I highly recommend. My favorite episode so far is the one on burnout. And then there was this other one about using play as an energy source. Oh, and the interview with Dolly Parton this week is so great.

Okay, so I don’t have a favorite because they are all my favorites.

Anyway, at the end of every show, she asks her guests the same 10 rapid-fire questions and the answers give a lot of insight into who they are as a person. So, I thought I’d give it a go.

1. Vulnerability is…. not a weakness; it’s the path to the truth.
2. When I’m called to be brave but the fear is real, I…push through. Quick story. I don’t like small boats. Actually, I’m terrified of them because I’m not a strong swimmer, and I’m deathly afraid of capsizing. This happened to friends of mine on a duck boat many years ago, so I don’t consider this an irrational fear. Anyway, while I was on vacation with my extended family in Costa Rica, everyone wanted to go on a boat trip. Normally, I would let Scott and the kids go, and I’d stay behind but, I didn’t want to be the party pooper. So, I got on the boat and traveled downriver past some scary looking alligators to see amazing wildlife that I never would have seen otherwise. It was a memorable experience but I was much happier when we were back on solid ground. So, when I’m called on to be brave and the fear is so real that I can feel it all over, I give it my all to push through.
3. Something people get wrong about me…that I was popular in high school. I’ve had several people say this to me in my adult life and nothing could be further than the truth. I’m an extrovert, so maybe I give off that vibe, but back then, I was a bonafide nerd with a small group of solid friends and zero self-confidence. I was a very late bloomer. Thank God for college where I became much more comfortable in my own skin and felt ready to take on the world.
4. Last show that I binged and loved … The West Wing. It was exactly the dose of hope I needed to get me through the last year or two… or four.
5. Favorite movie … The Princess Bride – and I often quote it when I feel it is necessary and I am frustrated when people don’t understand the reference.
6. A concert I’ll never forget … I’ve been to many, many concerts, so this is not an easy choice. I’ll go with Madonna’s Ray of Light tour. I love Madonna, but it was a terrible show. Like, awful. I was blinded by all the strobe lights and special effects. The whole concert was one big music video where she sang everything from her new album and none of the hits I grew up with. One silver lining – watching other people parade around the arena dressed up as the many looks Madonna has shown over the years. That was pretty awesome.
7. Favorite meal … Rosh Hashanah dinner – juicy brisket, kugel, sweet and sour meatballs, Jewish apple cake…yum!
8. What’s on my nightstand … Glasses – distance glasses, reading glasses, a glass of water, oh and my CPAP machine complete with a nasal mask. Sexy, right?!
9. Snapshot of an ordinary moment of my life that brings me joy … any picture of me dancing with my dad. I’m not the best dancer, and I never know exactly where he is going to step next and where I’m supposed to put my feet. But, I always enjoy my time with him on the dance floor. And the photos, always capture those special moments.
10. What are you deeply grateful for right now… Hand sanitizer.
    No, I’m kidding. I’m deeply grateful for my own resilience during a difficult year. I lost my job, then searched and found a new position. I can only describe that experience as a soul-searching, often gut-wrenching, roller coaster ride. I supported the people I love who struggled this year and got them through some tough moments. I managed our day to day life under this new normal while keeping my own anxiety in check. Yes, my resilience has definitely been a blessing this year.