Life Lessons:
Stephanie Boyd-Walker

Don’t let Stephanie have all the fun.  We’d love to see what Life Lessons you’d like to share with GEM Nation.  Click here to email us for the questions.  Now take it away, Stephanie.

Are you happy at the moment?

Extremely! Life is good right now.

If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be? 

Life is so good for you right now. Don’t try and grow up too fast. Being an adult comes with lots of responsibility and bills!

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?

Sometimes it is okay to say “no” to people, especially those that have no problem saying no to me.

What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?

I currently have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in instructional technology.  In the next 12 months I would like to have finished my PhD in curriculum and instruction and focus more in the area of consulting.

What’s your secret to happiness?

Laugh. A Lot!

What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?

I take at least 20 minutes for myself at least twice a day to meditate.  I turn off the cell phone, shut down the iPad and internet, lock myself in my bedroom, and have time for myself.  It gives me a great piece of mind.

What’s your biggest regret?

I don’t have regrets, but I have lessons learned.  I have learned that life is too short to hold onto anger.  In the end, the only one who suffers from bottled up feelings and emotions is ME!  I have also learned to take things one day at a time without putting pressure on myself.  I have so much I want to accomplish each day.  If I don’t get to do it all, it is definitely okay.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?

Always be kind to others. You never know when you may need someone for something even if it is 20 years from now. People always remember how you treat them.

What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?

I talk aloud to myself without realizing it sometimes. This has caused some embarrassing moments!

Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?

I made a goal of furthering my education and stuck to it. It was difficult with the constant travel that comes with being a military spouse and having three children, but I am extremely proud of myself for sticking with it.

When were you happiest?

I was happiest when I gave birth to each of my three children.  It is an experience that is unlike any other, and I am enjoying every aspect of motherhood.

What ten words best describe you?

Ten words that describe me are honest, funny, talkative, outgoing, foodie, focused, affectionate, ambitious, creative, and friend.