3 More Weeks...

We can do it!

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Like so many, the lack of sunlight here in New England during the winter has a deep effect on me and today I happened to check how many days until spring, and it turns out there’s just 3 more weeks.

Emerging from the darkness metaphorically as well as I continue to grow stronger each week of my recovery has me feeling motivated. Thank you to everyone who has continue to champion my journey, and welcome to my new followers as well.

As an introduction, I wanted to share 6 curiosities about myself followed by a few things I’m finding interesting lately:

I’m originally from Columbus, OH - Both sides of my family are from Columbus and I’m the eldest of 4 children born to my parents who were high school sweethearts. My paternal grandmother lives in Columbus and I enjoy returning to visit her! Which brings to what made me leave Ohio…

Wellesley College is my alma mater - I graduated from an all-girls’ school which I attended from 8th grade onward and while I was adamant against attending an all-women’s college at first, I’m grateful to my guidance counselor who encouraged me to visit. I did and the rest is history! While at Wellesley I studied psychology and economics and knew I wanted to go into the advertising industry.

I’m married to my college sweetheart - We met in Boston when we were 18 and this summer we’re celebrating 15 years of marriage. He’s my best friend and I enjoy raising our kids together, who are soon to both outpace me in height (one already does!).

I’ve had an entrepreneurial streak since I was a kid - It started with summer lemonade stands and moved onto reselling my Happy Meal toys, and I even had a custom, handmade t-shirt company called “Q-Tees,” with business cards and all. I’ve always known I wanted to have my own business which you can read more about here.

I value experiences > things - “This isn’t a dress rehearsal” is one of my favorite quotes and I try to live this reminder daily, making memories with my family and focusing on fostering connections as much as possible. I’ve traveled the world and my husband and I have enjoyed introducing our kids to many new countries. Two of our favorite places to visit are Portugal and Puerto Rico.

Public speaking isn’t a fear of mine - I know it ranks as the #1 fear for most Americans, but I thoroughly enjoy public speaking! Growing up, my mom started me off in church plays and I moved onto acting on camera and then as newlyweds, my husband and I became Toastmasters (which I highly recommend). I’ve met so many interesting people through public speaking and enjoy honing my skills any chance I can get. I’ll be speaking next at Altitude Summit in Palm Springs.

Now onto a few things I’m finding interesting lately…

• They Promoted Body Positivity. Then They Lost Weight. (gifted article)

sarahsapora

A post shared by @sarahsapora

• I host a lot of gatherings and this book has been in my TBR pile for a while, but at long last, I’m just about done. It’s given me some great insights, and confirmed what I’ve been doing right as well as areas I can make improvements.

• This Black History Month has felt diluted to me on a national scale, but personally it’s been an opportunity to relish in Black joy. I keep coming back to the Choir Rehearsal with Friends movement - I LOVE US! And I appreciate that it’s happening intentionally outside physical church buildings. How inclusive!

• This reminder is really resonating with me:

thereclaimed

A post shared by @thereclaimed

• Heading into Women’s History Month, I’m excited to be a part of this upcoming IWD Breakfast via Mass NOW - if you’re local to Boston you can RSVP here.

Please let me know below in the comments what you’re reading, listening to or following lately, and if you’re local to Boston, which upcoming events I should put on my radar!

~Quiana