After stumbling across famous people doing the same interview every year, I decided to steal some of their questions and do an interview of my own—in written form. Some questions are fun, some thought provoking, and others informational. I thought it would be a good way to self reflect, as we are coming to the end of another year. Ready to dive in?
How old are you?
What advice would you give yourself a year from now?
What advice would you give yourself a year ago?
Trust the Lord. You may be confused and lost and hurt, but He’s working everything out for your good.
What's your biggest regret?
Not understanding as much as I do now when I was younger. I know that’s just the way life works, but things could’ve been a lot easier if I’d known more. (In all honesty, I don’t really have regrets. Mistakes are a part of life. Without them, there isn’t any growth.)
What is the biggest thing you've learned?
Trust in God. He has complete control over anything, and I really don’t need to be worrying all the time (not saying I don’t).
How would you define your style in three words?
Comfy, Black, Unusual
What is the most important thing in your life to you right now?
Serving the Lord.
Okay, I know that’s too basic of an answer, so here’s an alternative one: figuring out where my life is headed. I have many things I want to accomplish. I have many things I want to experience. I’m confused and all over the place, but I know God has already planned out my future. I’m just waiting for Him to make it clear what He wants me to pursue. On a more specific note, however, trying to finish my four WIP’s.
How do you define success, and do you think you've reached it?
People usually define success as fame, money, and power. However, that’s not how I see things. For me, success is having an impact on people’s lives—being able to change someone’s life for the better. I don’t think I’ve reached that point yet, and to be honest, I don’t think I ever can or will. At what point will I think it’s enough? God has called me to a lifetime of glorifying him. I think success is when I reach heaven and he tells me, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
What is one thing you're struggling with?
Relationships. Just…what are relationships supposed to be as a Christian? I know we are to serve, love, and uplift one another, but how does that play out in real life? Currently, all of my relationships (outside of my immediate family) are online. It’s a whole new level of challenging. You can’t do things together, be there physically for each other, have in person, real-time conversations, or any of that stuff you normally do to get to know someone. Plus, everyone is different. Learning to love each person individually is a learning curve and sometimes tricky. There’s also a whole layer of stuff I’m not getting to, but yeah…relationships.
Biggest thing to happen to you this year?
So much has happened this year. However, I’ve got to say getting a phone. The internet has allowed me to grow exponentially in my writing and understanding of the outside world, and I’ve gotten to meet people I never would have otherwise. Getting a phone made everything way easier. It’s been so helpful to me both personally and in relation to my writing journey, and the connections I’ve made I hope will last for many years to come.
Do you feel pressure?
Yes, immense pressure. Mostly coming from myself. I’m really pushing myself to be in a specific place (both life and writing wise) by a certain time. I’ve been working on just laying everything in the Lord’s hand and trusting him with the process. However, as a very self motivated and driven person, I often pressure myself to get things done, taking the fun out of things. Again, this is something I’ve been working on. The Lord has been teaching me a lot about this recently, and I’m grateful for the amount of pressure He has lifted off of me.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
What's your philosphy?
The Lord is writing the world’s story, and everything and everyone is here for a purpose. Glorify Him in everything, and strive to do what you believe He is calling you to do.
What is a place you want to visit?
I’m not big on traveling (says the person who traveled in an RV for years). I’m actually a homebody, and the max “visiting” I like to do is going for day trips to do something out in nature. Thus, my answer is…a hike nearby?
How are you doing?
😃😫😭😜😟😬 Did that sum it up well enough?
Honestly, I don’t know how I’m doing. Stressed and confused are big ones, but there’s also excitement and joy. Life is a journey, and I’m definitely going through it.
What achievement are you proudest of?
I got an editor for my historical fiction book. That’s one of my proudest achievements, but then there’s also the fact that I did NaNoWriMo.
What is one goal you want to reach by next year?
I want to have a steady source of income by this time next year. I’m about 30% sure it will happen, though. Maybe even that’s a stretch.
Favorite memory from this year?
My time with my friend Maya (whom we visit about once a year). I love her. She’s a great friend 😊
Missed reading this blog until now, Kayla. When I was seventeen, I had similar feelings to yours, though my life experiences up to that age was very different from yours. I had lived in 5 different houses, had gone to preschool, attended 4 elementary public schools, then a middle school and high school. I began attending the University of Hawaii at age 17 and met your grandpa there.
I would love to hear more about your life since your wrote this blog and share more about my experiences, your mom’s, even great-Granny’s when we were all about the same age. Call or email me when you have time. You must be super busy with your full-time and part-time jobs!
Love you,
Granny