Alicia Romijn
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Hi, I am Alicia! I am 24 years old, a scorpio and am very connected to my feelings. I have struggled with anxiety and depression the past few years but I have really focused on myself, my confidence, and the energy I surround myself with to become the person I want to be. I love to paint, write, sing loudly in the car, read, dance around the house, cook and spend time with the people I love.
If you could have dinner with any 3 people (dead or alive), who would you choose? - chloe
I have actually had this conversation with a few people recently! If I could choose anyone my first person would be Martin Luther King Jr, he has always been such an inspirational figure in my life since I was young. His words are engraved in my soul. I would also have dinner with Nana who passed away when I was around 10, I have so many fond memories of time spent with her and she was such a kind, beautiful and giving woman. My third person would probably be Michelle Obama, one of the most incredible women in the world right now.
Do you think everyone has a sole purpose in life? - simone
That’s really tough…. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I that we were all put here to do something incredible with our time. Whether it be inspire people to be their authentic selves, to create things that make people feel seen, heard or loved, to spread positivity or just to be a good person to the people around us. Whatever it is, big or small, you can make an impact on peoples lives and I think that is our purpose, to connect and love one another, without that our lives would be meaningless.
What has been a phase in your life where you have experienced the most growth? - jamie
I definitely think I have grown the most in the last 10 months. I have learned to love the person that I am and have really put a lot of time and energy into becoming someone who loves their body (most days - I’m not perfect), who speaks up when there is something that is not serving me or the people around me and I have had the courage to change the things in my life that didn’t fill up my cup. I have worked so hard to manage my anxiety, surround myself with good people and just be happy.
What inspired you to create Everyday Connection? - sharna
When I first created Everyday Connection I had recently lost my job due to COVID-19 and I felt so lonely and I could tell that the people around me were struggling as well. I felt like the conversations with the people around me were changing and I wanted a place to connect with people on a deeper level. I was really inspired by Humans of New York and how they show that everyone has a story to tell, but I was also inspired by a Q&A I did myself with Salte. I wanted to create a safe space for people to share their story and ask questions that we don’t usually ask ourselves or reflect on. I was also just so inspired by so many incredible and inspiring people around me and I wanted others to be inspired by them too. I wanted everyone to have their chance to shine!
Advice you would give to your younger self? - sharni
I would tell my younger self to not put so much pressure on yourself. You are beautiful and smart as you are, you do not need the approval of others. Do not put in time and energy into people and relationships that do not give back. Surround yourself with good people. Don’t try to please everyone, just do what makes you happy. Get help! It will be the hardest part but it will change your life. Be kind to yourself. Their ideal body type is not the definition of beautiful.
How do you find ways to stay motivated? - emma
I think the best way to stay motivated is to be around people who are also motivated to grow and be better. I also get up early and try to move my body or do something I love in order to get into a good mindset for the day, whether it be train at the gym, walk the beach or stretch, pull a tarot card or read my book in the sunshine. If you start your day right, you will be in the right frame of mind to achieve the things you want to for the day.
How did you overcome the biggest struggle of your life? - abbey
My biggest struggle has definitely been overcoming my depression and learning to better manage my anxiety. I used to have panic attacks, cry myself to sleep and feel so overwhelmed with anxiety every day. I think the first step was definitely seeking help from a doctor and seeing a psychologist. I was also on anti-depressants for a little while which helped me to function in my everyday life until I was ready to come off them on my own.
After this, I feel like it has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride the last few years going from highs to really low lows until the last 10 months. I am so lucky to have a partner and best friend who listened, loved and cared for me in the way that I needed and showed up for me every day the best way they knew how to and that they continue to do that for me to this day. I put all of the energy that I was giving to negative relationships into myself and really worked hard on being where I am now. I found things that I loved, I surrounded myself with friendships that truly made me happy, and I was honest with myself. I faced some big fears and set boundaries where I needed to. I learned to love me.
Top 5 feel good songs… - sharna
These are my sing loudly in the car or dance around the house songs!
Keep ya head up - 2Pac
Dancing in the Moonlight - Toploader
Sunny Days - Allen Stone
Can’t fight the Moonlight - LeAnn Rimes
COPYCAT - Billie Eilish
Something that made you smile recently
Going for a bike ride with my boyfriend. Sitting on the beach watching the beautiful full moon and eating fish & chips with dear friends. Seeing my brother so excited to pick up samples of his t-shirts. Messages from my beautiful friends and all the amazing ladies in my life who helped me write this blog and all the amazing people who have ordered my journal!