Interview with Shannon
travel, flowers, and fun
Shannon has been my best friend for many years. I wanted to do something new hereā¦ interview people on work, life, and self-care. And of course I wanted her to be the first one.
I hope you enjoy this and if you would like an interview, send me a message or leave a comment.
About Work
How did you get into the travel industry, and what excites you most about your work?
I've always enjoyed traveling and in college worked in hotels. Many great conversations with our hotel guests lead me to pursue a career in the travel industry. What excites me most is fulfilling travel dreams for folks.
Has being in the travel field influenced your perspective on self-care or finding balance?
Most of our guests are senior citizens and it is clear which ones have a grasp on self-care and balance. They have a zest for life that is hard to ignore. I want to be the same. I always try to find ways to get little tips from them in our conversations.
Whatās one memorable destination youāve visited that you think everyone should experience, and why?
Guatemala - It's a beautiful country with such a varied history and culture. Not to mention the coffee there is the phenomenal!
How do you juggle the demands of work and family life, especially with a young child?
I have a strict cut off time for work. You won't see me checking work email after work hours. I've learned that you can't mix the two and feel like you've given both your best attention. At the end of my work day I turn the computer off and I've set my phone to stop notifying me of incoming work emails after 5pm. This way I can be full present for my family.
About Self-Care
Hiking and gardening are such grounding activitiesāhow do these hobbies nourish your mental and physical well-being?
Both can be great exercise, but I get so much more from the fresh air, touching the dirt and hugging the trees. Being one with nature calms me, centers me, and regenerates my energy.
What does self-care mean to you as a mom, wife, and professional?
I think self-care is different for everyone. For me, self-care if being aware of keeping a balance between work and family. Remembering to find a moment or two just for myself each day. Even if it is something as simple as a 10 min walk around the neighborhood or those few minutes early in the morning when I'm watering my garden.
Do you have any daily or weekly self-care rituals that help you recharge?
10 min quick walks around the neighborhood, which I can do all year long. In the warm months, I like to go around to all my lovely plants in my garden and touch them, smell them, and yes even talk to them.
How has your approach to self-care changed in your 40s compared to earlier stages of your life?
My self-care is more intentional now. Before, it wasn't as important. I could live off of Ramen and coffee, get no sleep, work three jobs and didn't really worry about how it was affecting me. Self-care then was a shower and a face cream w/ sunscreen. I still do those two things of course, but I try to take care of my mental wellbeing now, too.
About Skincare
Do you have a skincare routine or favorite products that you canāt live without? I've used Oil of Olay Daily Moisturizer w/ 15 SPF every single day since I was in college.
As someone who spends time outdoors hiking and gardening, how do you protect and care for your skin?
Sunscreen! And even more so, remembering to wash that stuff off every night.
Are there any natural ingredients, like oils or plants, that you incorporate into your skincare?
I always have tea tree oil on hand. So many great uses for skin and hair.
If you could design your dream skincare product, what would it be and why?
Oh in my dream world I would create a skincare product that does actually completely smooth our cellulite. I'd be rich for sure! LOL!
Fun and Whimsical
Your love for playing bells and drums is so uniqueādoes music ever feel like self-care or an escape for you?
100% - Even if I'm tired from work and family life, playing music uses a different part of the brain and I always feel refreshed at the end of rehearsal.
Whatās a movie youāve watched recently that resonated with you or brought you joy?
I recently saw A Biltmore Christmas. Slightly cheesy typical Christmas story but the scenes were amazing and took me back to my roots growing up not far from the Biltmore Estate and there was a bit of time travel in the story, which is always fun.
If you could design a garden inspired by your favorite travel destination, what would it include?
All the tropical plants and trees of Guatemala and Costa Rica. They are so beautiful and unique. I would definitely have the Parrot Flower (Heliconia).
If you were a plant or flower, which one would you be, and why?
Lavender. I'm hardy and difficult to bring down just like a lavender bush. I enjoy boosting moods and helping people, which seem to be important to lavender as well.
Closing Reflections
What advice would you give to women in their 40s about balancing career, family, and personal time?
Don't try to be a super hero and remember you're not a robot and need to take care of yourself as well.
Is there a mantra or piece of wisdom you live by that helps you navigate life? Everything in moderation.
Looking ahead, whatās one thing youād like to try, explore, or achieve in the coming year?
Every year I want to try sky diving...eventually it will happen. But for now I would be happy with finding new plants that grow well here that I can use in multiple ways. The more uses I can get from a plant, the better!
How do you see whimsy playing a role in your daily life?
With a 9 year old son, my life is full of whimsy! LOL! I am all about routines and planning, but I continue to learn with each day that embracing the unexpected and finding the positive in all situations results in less stress, less wrinkles, and a happier healthier me.