FLINT AND STEEL WRITING PROMPT

Flint & Steel Interview: Bits and Pieces About Me as an off the Clock Psychologist

Featured Writer at Flint & Steel

I would like to start this interview by giving a huge thanks to the wonderful and brilliant editor and writer, Ellie Jacobson, for having given me the opportunity to take part in this amazing initiative she proposed. I am beyond thrilled to share more about me in this wonderful publication!

That being said, let’s jump right into it!

How did you discover Medium and how long have you been writing here?

I have discovered Medium a while ago reading some articles and I have been wanting to start my adventure as a writer here for two years. But self-doubt and fears of not being good enough have sabotaged me until one day when I said enough was enough.

Until one day when it felt just right. I used the MWC as a deadline to publish my first two articles. I work better with deadlines. It might sound strange, but I didn’t want to win, just wanted to get started. And ever since, I just kept on writing. I might have stopped though if I hadn’t found such a wonderful and welcoming community here of friends that helped me grow and flourish. So a huge thanks to everyone here who has been so kind and supportive along my writing journey.

What are you reading, listening to and/or watching these days?

These days I have been reading Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola. It’s funny because I have heard about this book before but didn’t really feel any strong pull towards it. But then one day, two different people recommended it to me, each of them telling me the book was about something else. So I decided that this was definitely synchronicity and I decided to go for it and bought it on my kindle. Each chapter is about something entirely different and yet it all connects. It’s almost like different chapters call me at different times in my life. It’s definitely something else.

As Alice Walker said it: ‘Women Who Run With The Wolves isn’t just another book. It is a gift of profound insight, wisdom, and love. An oracle from one who knows.‘ Highly recommend it for all the women out there who want to take a deep dive into their subconscious.

As for what I am listening to, I absolutely love inspiring and psychology-based podcasts like Feel Better, Live More with Dr. Rangan Chatarjee, and Huberman Lab Podcast, hosted by Dr. Andrew Huberman. I like motivational videos on youtube like Women of Impact, Impact Theory, or Science of People. I also love listening to audiobooks in the background when I am doing some chores or commuting.

And at the moment I am watching The Office and prior to that I absolutely loved The Good Place. I have found myself recently watching more lighthearted films like comedies and sitcoms because it is my way of relaxing after working with clients every day- I am a Psychologist and I find it really refreshing and balancing to have some midday or end of the day downtime to recalibrate myself; I also love taking a walk or doing some yoga as well after finishing my sessions for the day.

But I also do enjoy thought-provoking films or TV series and psychological thrillers every now and again. I would definitely rewatch Dark, Behind her eyes, or The OA.

P.S. Looking for recommendations if you guys are interested in these genres and have watched anything interesting lately. Please do share!

What is around you while you write?

Usually, whenever an idea comes to me, I do my best to write it down in a notebook or my phone. Whenever I want to write, I set the intention as I go about my day to find something or someone that inspires me, and then I put it at the back of my mind whilst trying to be as mindful and aware as possible.

Then when I find the time, I like to put on some essential oils- at the moment I have one called mountain flowers) and I pour myself either a cup of coffee or hot cocoa and I make myself comfortable at my desk. In the beginning, words don’t come easy and I find myself a few times hearing that nagging voice: let’s do it later or this is so difficult. But I have learned to get used to it and now whenever my inner critique starts rambling, I just smile and say thank you, but I nonetheless go ahead with my writing. I usually manage to get into a state of flow after five to ten minutes of writing.

Unlike most people who prefer writing with music, I love silence. I love hearing the noises around me, especially when I go to the countryside to visit my parents, I love the sound of animals or crickets, I find it very peaceful. They ground me whilst I allow my mind to travel freely to another realm for inspiration.

Or if I do play something in the background it’s usually nature sounds or some zen music.

What is your guilty pleasure(s)?

My guilty pleasure is walking in nature. I would absolutely take any chance I get and go for a walk. Forests, mountain trails, beaches, open fields, you name it. As long as there is greenery or beach sand, I’m up for it.

Oh, and chocolate is of course another guilty pleasure. Always.

What must be in your fridge (and/or cupboards) at all times?

In my fridge, there must always be some veggies and fruits (frozen will do, though they won’t be as nutritious as the fresh ones). In my cupboards, there must always be coffee, cocoa, and pasta- in no particular order. And chocolate, did I tell you I love chocolate? 😄

If you could travel anywhere right now where would you go? (in the perfect bubble where money, covid, and the world is not an issue)

I absolutely love traveling. I have seen most parts of Asia, Europe, and some of Africa. But if I could choose one, in particular, I think I would go back to Bali. It was definitely the place where I felt more in tune with myself, more in tune with others, and the most peaceful I have ever been.

There is something about the energy of that place and the people there who just makes it surreal. And not to mention that I am a huge fan of the hot and humid weather, it makes me feel alive and makes my skin glow as well. Even my father was telling me I looked the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever looked whenever we were video calling whilst I was there.

Tell us about one of your Medium articles that you loved writing, that you are the most proud about?

It sounds strange, but for me, every article is so deeply rooted within my soul that the process of bringing it out into the world makes it very special. My creative spark is rekindled every time I sit down in front of my laptop and start typing. It’s magical to allow an idea to catch physical form and see what the finishing result looks like. ✨

For me, all of them are special because they have been all written in different moments of my life, different stages and I can somehow look back at the first one I’ve ever published and track my evolution. If I were to pick one though I would say it’s You’ve Always Had the Power, My Dear. You can find it here:

Tell us about your favorite Medium writers, ones you read on a regular basis.

I absolutely love reading Ellie Jacobson, Trista Signe Ainsworth, Elizabeth Kasujja, Ashley, Cosmin Firta, Indra Raj Pathak, Norlisa Alias, Aurora Frois, Kelly Aluna Martone, Umme Salma, Sharing Randomly, Harry Hogg, Kris Bedenian, Sahil Patel, Purbita Chakraborty, Hamsalekha, pockett dessert, and so many more others amazing writers!

They are not just writers but a community of wonderful and supportive friends!

And your favorite Medium publications to write for and why?

My favorite publication to write for here on Medium are Flint and Steel, Thank You Notes, Clear Your Mind, The Summit, The Personal Growth Project.

Why?

Because here is where I found the most like-minded people who helped me not only improve my writing skills by giving me a lot of feedback but also resonated on a deeper level with my work and the messages I wanted to convey through them.

Where else can we find you outside of Medium?

You can find me on LinkedIn.

Thank you for reading, I appreciate you!🌞

If you’d like to take part in this wonderful initiative and have your interview featured in the Flint and Steel publication, thus giving the chance to others to get to know you better, you can read the guidelines that Ellie so wonderfully put together here: