Life Lessons:
Pattie Hartin
Are you happy at the moment?
Yes. I consider myself a happy person most of the time although menopause wreaked a little havoc on my disposition
If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
I am not one for looking back. I never have. I am also not one who is constantly thinking about the future. I truly live in the now. If I HAD to say something to my 16 year old self I would tell her to ask my parents more questions about their childhood.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
This year? I need to remember to breathe when I run.
What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
To complete a 5k run without stopping and in a decent time.
What’s your secret to happiness?
I’m not sure if it is a secret but I just try to live each day to the fullest and enjoy my time with my family when I can.
What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Spending time with my dogs.
What’s your biggest regret?
I did not go away to college right out of high school. First I traveled and then went to community college part-time. I would have skipped the part-time and gone away to a four-year university sooner. I do not regret the traveling part though.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
My nephews have grown into responsible, smart, successful men. They are 32, 29 and 26. Two of them are married. I think they had/have good role models growing up in both their parents and their aunts and uncles (myself included). We all tried to lead by example. I have gone on many a family vacation with them ….when they were kids and as adults. One of my favorite memories is when we were on a cruise and I got sick. I was in my cabin when my three nephews came knocking on my door and wanted to play poker with me. We stayed up late in my cabin just the four of us. It made me so happy that these teenagers would want to spend some time with just me. I wish more kids today would realize how the smallest gesture can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Kindness matters.
What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
I have horrible eating habits but have been trying to change that in the past two years.
Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
No kids and not married. I did exceed my expectations in my career though. I would also like to say I get very angry when people say that their spouse or significant other “complete them”. I do not feel incomplete not being married or not having kids. I think being married is wonderful but it would not complete me. I digress…..I am most proud of my relationship with my family.
When were you happiest?
I loved college. I loved having friends around all the time. However I am pretty damn happy right now.
What ten words best describe you?
Honest, decisive, intuitive, determined, kind, protective, organized, love to laugh, grateful, thoughtful.
Pattie Hartin is 49 years old and will turn 50 this summer. Born and raised in Oyster Bay on Long Island, New York, she received her B.S. in Broadcasting from SUNY Brockport. Pattie has four siblings (two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law) which has given her three nephews (with two nieces-in-law). She started in television at WVEC in Norfolk as a Production Assistant and worked her way up to Director. After 13 years at KTVT in Dallas/FW she has been working as Production Manager at WTVD in Raleigh/Durham for the past four years.
