All About Me
When everyone tells you you’re normal you believe them. It’s only now, as an adult, that I look back and realize if I really were ‘normal’ people would not have felt the need to reassure me so often. The thing is my goal was never to be normal. My goal was to be myself. I’m interesting and intense and intelligent and funny. I have high ideals and standards. I want what’s best for the world and I strive to make that central to my approach in life. I’m happy with who I am, and I have learned to include people in my life who feel the same way. I don’t need to be normal to be successful and that realization has set me free.
The accomplishments I am most proud of are those where, not only do I succeed, but so do others around me. I grew up in my mom’s daycare where I was the ringleader of my friends, taking us on imaginary adventures where we were witches and pirates and spies. I loved watching them enjoy the stories I’d created, especially when they put their own spin on it. This penitent for creative leadership later led me to help organize, write and direct our school play. I have also been working on my own series of novels since I was thirteen and have written upwards of 300,000 words. I have a high attention to detail and my diligent focus allows me to produce work that I feel reflects my personal standards.
I have had experience with several schooling systems over the course of my life including the Waldorf school, two public schools and homeschooling. This gives me a unique awareness about how I learn in many different environments. Despite some setbacks and struggles in high school I graduated, and I am now completing my certification requirements to become a Maternal Support Practitioner. I started my own doula business and I love supporting Birthers as they navigate the twists and turns of becoming new parents. This job requires emotional intelligence and the ability to respond with empathy and respect towards my clients. It is a delight to watch what non-judgmental kindness can do to improve their experiences.
As for my personal life, I’m an introvert with an extroverted side. I have a wonderful mom who has done everything in her power to support me. She is the reason I get to be the creative person that I am. I also have a younger brother who is my polar opposite in personality but somehow, we still get along. I love reading, I have a dog, two cats and a bird, and I’m a lifelong student in the study of human emotions. Honesty, integrity and equality are the values I strive to cultivate in myself and look for in others. I have learned that I am happier and healthier when I prioritize my needs over what others expect from me. Making decisions from a place of authenticity allows me to be a more grounded and trustworthy person. You can contact me at hwhitney2000@gmail.com or if you have a question regarding my doula business you can find me at bumblebeebirthworker@gmail.com or @bumblebeebirtherworker on Instagram.
Wow! Incredible work Hannah! Your writing is authentic and genuine while eloquently communicating and making meaningful connections with the reader. Excellent work! [AS1]