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Writer's pictureDevyn Penney

#204. spicy books, beating cancer & being a good mom




Age: 47 

Relationship Status: Married for 21 years 

Occupation: Stay at Home Mom 

Astrological Sign: Aries 


What is the most important part of your daily routine? 

When my husband comes home from work. I love listening to him and hearing about his day, the good and the bad. I turn my phone off, and we sit in the living room to talk about our days for 10-15 minutes. When our children were small, we never did this. You would not believe how much closer it brings you to just focus on each other for a few minutes each day. 


What is your current happiness most dependent on?

Myself. Other people can give us happy moments, but it’s ultimately up to us to live a happy life. Some days, I wake up groggy and just blah. On those days, I have to decide how the rest of that day is going to go. Sometimes, I embrace the blah, wrap myself in a blanket, and read or watch a movie. Most days, I snap out of it if I can. There is nothing wrong with a pity party day for myself every now and again, though. 


What do you wish you were less reliant on?

I don’t work, I am a stay-at-home Mom, and I always feel guilty spending any money on myself. We are a very average-income family with 3 kids and 1 in college. My husband never makes me feel guilty, but the guilt is always there, even for small things.

 

When do you question yourself?

 When my children need advice. I have this issue where I ask an insane number of questions because I am worried about them, and I go overboard with it. Like, I know my questions are irritating them, but I can’t stop because I am so worried. Then, they stopped asking for my advice because they are annoyed with me. I really need to work on this. 


What is something that has positively impacted how you perceive your self-worth?

My cancer diagnosis. I know that sounds strange, but going through all that and coming out the other end healthy and happy made me feel like a badass and that I am worthy of living a wonderful life. 


What is something you have forgiven yourself for?

I don’t think anything, unfortunately. I tend to overthink and feel guilty for things for a very long time. 


What is something you have forgiven someone else for?

I used to forgive everything when I was younger. So much so that people would walk all over me. Now that I am older, I have a hard time forgiving people for big mistakes or actions. I’d rather have a small circle of people I love and trust than a large one full of snakes. 


How do you ground/center yourself?

I snuggle my dogs. I LOVE my dogs! They are my babies, and no matter what life has thrown me that day, they are wagging their tails, just waiting for me to love all over them. It makes even the worst days brighter. 


What is one thing that helped you through your most difficult time?

My oldest child. He was 18 when I was going through chemo. I swear he was my rock and I never even asked him to be. He would just take it upon himself to go grocery shopping, clean the house, take my car for maintenance, take care of his youngest brother, and make sure he got all his homework done and to and from every activity. I realized during that time that he is going to be an amazing husband and father someday.

 

Have you ever felt like the best version of yourself? When?

Everyday. At least I try to be the best version of myself every day. I am the most honest, authentic person you will ever meet. I don’t lie; I don’t present a perfect life on social media; I treat everyone in my life with respect and love. My favorite quote is from Cinderella, “have courage and be kind!”. Kindness truly is free! 


What is something you fundamentally disagree with?

Politics. On every level. I don’t understand how anyone has the audacity to tell anyone else how to live their life. How other people live, affects your life none. I am very pro-choice. I don’t have the money to help a pregnant mother in need and I cannot adopt any children after these mothers have them, so who am I to say they HAVE to have that child? That doesn’t mean I would ever or have ever had an abortion. I just think that since I can’t be a part of the solution, I have no right to give an opinion on the problem. 


What is something you know for sure?

That I will love my children with every breath in my body until the day I die. They are the three best things I have ever done! 


What are three of your non-negotiables in romantic relationships? 

1. Honesty 

2. Hugs 

3. Sex- sorry, this one will forever be a need. LOL 


When do you feel most comfortable in your own skin?

Probably at home, curled up with a good book. I like the “spicy” books. IYKYK.


Have you ever been in awe of something/someone? When?

My father. His mother was brutally murdered about 25 years ago. He had to take the reins on everything. He was so strong and calm throughout the whole ordeal. I still don’t know how he didn’t have a nervous breakdown.

 

What is the best (physical/material) gift you have ever received?

An Esprit bag. When I was in 8th grade in the 90’s, everyone had one! My parents couldn't afford it for me for Christmas, but my mom saved up for months to get it for me for my next birthday! She literally saved penny by penny until she had enough! I will never forget that kindness or love. 

 

What is one thing you wish you had said ‘yes’ to in the past?

I can’t think of anything that I said no to, but I wish I had said yes. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Hmm…


What is one thing you will always say ‘no’ to in the future?

Going somewhere I am not comfortable at. I am somewhat of an introvert, and crowds where I don’t know anyone give me anxiety. I am actually fine in large crowds, but intimate crowds where my husband knows people and I don’t cause me so much stress. 


What do you believe is your most attractive quality?

My personality! I love to laugh, and I have an abundance of sarcasm. If I can make someone smile, it’s a good day! 


What/who do you want to be when you grow up?

All I ever wanted to be was a Mom. I never had any career aspirations, really. I am very happy with where I am at in my life in general. I wish my butt were a little smaller, but we can’t have it all. 


BONUS: Tell me something good.

My father was just sick with a little illness. It was not a big deal, but I was so worried because he’s getting older, and little things can turn huge in a matter of moments. He is 100% okay today though! He’s feeling great and like himself!! 

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