Do you know what my favorite thing is about people?

It’s that every single person you walk past has secrets buried inside of them.

Secrets, skeletons, and maybe even some sins…

People are mesmerizing.

Not just because of what they keep hidden inside of them, but because they have depth and layers and stories and ideas waiting to be expressed.

And sometimes, people live for decades never having the chance to be seen, heard, or even listened to.

There are 8 billion people on this random planet…

Which means there are 8 billion brains filled with ideas, perspectives, and stories that may never be known.

So in this case, let’s spotlight some stories.

This interview is about Peter.

You’ll never know anything more about him than what he’s answered below.

Peter

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

Born – New Bedford, Mass

Grew up in New Canaan, CT

What’s something you wish people knew about you?

That I have made a long commitment (since 1998) to get out my newsletter on a regular basis. 

Describe yourself to me in 5 words. 

Conscientious, responsible, curious, athletic, independent

Describe humanity to me in 3 words. 

Awful, wonderful, complex

What’s something you’re scared to say, but want to?

Seeing a therapist.

Tell me about something that you love. 

A great book, a great play, and a great movie.

Tell me a story of a moment in your life that makes you happy. 

Giving a graduation talk to the class of 1983, with my parents and brother there.

Tell me a story of a moment in your life where you were scared, what happened and what did you do? 

Case of vertigo but didn’t know what it was at the time, just that I could not stand up – called neighbors for help they arrived and called an ambulance.

Tell me something that you never thought would happen to you. 

Never thought I would find work at a foundation working on education issues.

What did you dream of when you were a kid? Do you still dream about it? 

Sharks – threatening me and no.

Who do you admire and why?

Abraham Lincoln – wise, courageous, great leadership at a critical time

If you could change anything, what would you change? 

Donald Trump’s removal from American life and politics. 

If you could go back in time and relive your life, would you? If not, why not? Also, do you wish you lived your life differently? 

No, as I think that would take me down a dark path – no desire to focus on regrets,  though I have them.

Similar to part b, but wish I could have made a bigger difference.

What’s a risk you decided not to take? 

Pursuing Meg.

What’s a risk you decided to take and what happened because of it?

At nearly 40 left New England where I had lived most of my life and went to graduate school in New Mexico. It led to good work and a new life in Colorado. 

If you could do something again for the first time, what would that be? 

Teach at the high school in Vermont.

What do you love learning about?

Wonderful, amazing people. 

If you could have a special talent or superpower, what would it be?

Right now, make life better for a sister.

If you could change any law or rule, what would it be?

More restrictive gun laws.

What are 3 things you wish you had an endless supply of?

A good perspective, kindness, good humor.

What’s your favorite quote or words to live by?

The love you take is equal to the love you make (Beatles).

What do you love most about the world? 

Limitless possibilities.

Tell me about something that changed your life forever. 

As a teenager, I had thoughts of becoming a minister, and then at 19, I lost my faith.

Love,

Anastasiya