Hey all! We’re running our Life Lessons feature every day this week because I want to introduce you to five spectacular women who have joined our internship program. Beth Bellor has been a Good Enough Mother supporter for a quite a while now, watching as GEM went from a blog to a business and now helping as it moves into its next incarnation. Beth is one of our writing interns who’ll be lending a hand as we crank out copy; needless to say there’s a lot to do and we are thrilled she’s a part! Anyway, take a peek at Beth’s Life Lessons and remember, if you’d like to do it, we’d LOVE to have you; drop us a line here and we’ll get the questions right out to you.
Are you happy at the moment?
Largely. I feel like I’m moving forward and that’s encouraging.
If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
Dump that boyfriend. Seriously, he is manipulative and you’re just not seeing it.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
I am not cured of depression as I’ve thought for years, rather I just found ways to hide it from myself. When I was told the compartmentalization I’d developed in college to be able to function was a defense mechanism and a form of denial, my tool-kit shattered instantly.
What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
See above! I need to develop healthy ways of handling life and relationships.
What’s your secret to happiness?
My family.
What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
I need a small piece of time alone to zone out every day. Also, weeding. Too bad Michigan’s growing season is so short.
What’s your biggest regret?
Not partnering with my husband on our budget. It hurt us financially and hurt our relationship.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
Be true to yourself and focus on the quality of your friends, not the quantity.
What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
What SHOULD I change or what do I WANT to change? My eating habits are terrible.
Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
Not there yet! It will be something creative and uniquely mine.
When were you happiest?
I just don’t think that way. What good is it to think some past day was better? Be happy now.
What ten words best describe you?
Intelligent, creative, stubborn, loving, sarcastic, sensitive, artistic, nurturing, reserved, analytical.
Beth Bellor is a journalist living in Michigan. She grew up in Kentucky (go Cats!), has been married 23 years and has a 19-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter. You also can find her on Twitter @bethbellor and at bethbellor.wordpress.com.
