Anjali M.
Hometown: Englewood, New Jersey
"I am first and foremost a mother of a beautiful 7-year-old boy. I am a wife, a daughter and a social worker by profession. I work in the field of domestic violence and trauma. I have sought to help and heal those afflicted by trauma, as a therapist, an advocate, a teacher/trainer, a community educator and an administrator. Along my journey, I have healed and chosen a path where I want to heal through writing. I keep a journal, I write a blog on journal writing, and I want to provide self-care to those who do the direct work. My mantra is 'If we can't heal ourselves, how can we heal others?'"
What are your three favorite things?
My three favorite things are writing, painting and walking in nature.
What would your superpower be?
My superpower would be to always be able to make childhood easy for children.
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is 20 minutes of stretching followed by meditation.
What is the last thing you do before you go to bed?
The last thing I do before I go to bed is some deep breathing.
What is your favorite OWN show?
My favorite OWN show is Oprah's Master Class. Each one is unique in its own way because of the individuals that are being interviewed.
What is the one item you can't live without, and why?
My journal—it is my best friend, my mentor, my guide and a reflection into my soul. My journal keeps me sane in the midst of a crazy workday. My journal is what helps me view things from a higher perspective rather than fall into the drama of other individuals. My journal is what has saved my relationships. My journal has helped me give a voice to words when I never would have thought to do so.
Who is your hero?
My hero is my mother! She is has shown me the meaning of strength, beauty, simplicity, sexiness, spirituality and altruism.
What do you like that most people dislike?
I love solitude.
What are you proudest of?
I am proud to have been able to make it so far. In addition, I'm proud that I have been able to play all my roles the best way I can.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is people operating in a power mode and not having a dialogue. Dialogue and discussion are so important in order to provide solutions, and most often people shy away from it because they want to be in control, in power to make the decisions.
What would you like to learn to do?
I would like to learn to become a certified journal therapist.
What are you particularly bad at that your friends tease you about?
I am particularly bad at overspending!
