1. One of my favorite questions when I want to learn about someone is by asking them to give me their 5 second introduction when I pose the question: “What do you do for a living?”

I design and advise on how to improve the user’s experience on websites. I’m a designer for amazon.com.

Stephen’s Response: Well, if there’s anything I’ve seen at Think Simple Now, you certainly do improve a visitor’s experience there!

2. Tell me in 3 to 5 sentences something we can’t read in your bio or at the “About Page” at your blog “Think Simple Now.”

Great question!

I plan to leave my job and “retire” within the next two years. To me, the concept of retirement means having complete freedom of time. I may be working on a project, but it is out of the joy of it rather than doing so for money in survival mode. I believe that this attitude and life style change will result in projects that I’m completely passionate about. I believe that passion combined with determination, persistence and a desire to service leads to success. And when that happens, money will follow. “To get what you want, help others get what they want, first.”

Stephen’s Response: The last quote reminds me of what famous motivational speaker Zig Ziglar is known for saying: “If you help just enough other people get what you want, you’ll get want you want.” An early retirement sounds like a great idea! Watching you burst on the Internet scene last year and making great strides leaves me with no doubt that you’ll achieve your early retirement dreams.

3. How long have you been blogging at “Think Simple Now”?

Since September, 2007. About 8 months in total, but I took a 3 month break during this time.

Stephen’s Response: With the number of people who subscribe to your blog, I would have thought you were around much longer! Congratulations!

4. How did you come up with that very interesting and eye catching title?

It came to me one day. I regularly brainstorm ideas and domain names. This was a result of one of those brainstorms. I had originally planned to use this as the name for a consulting company I started with my friends. They didn’t like the name. So, when I decided to start blogging, I started using this domain. You can say it was a happy accident. But then again, nothing is an accident.

Stephen’s Response: I totally believe that nothing is an accident. Everything happens for a reason, one of my mainstay phrases around here. While we have free will and have the power to choose, what seems like random occurrences really aren’t. Thanks for reinforcing that belief. I love it!

5. What is the real reason you started “Think Simple Now”?

My original intention was to create an audience base if/when I launch my own personal development products. But after starting the blog, I fell in love with the process of writing and sharing my voice. The blog is no longer about creating an audience base for the future, but rather about my own personal growth and written specifically with the best intentions for my readers.

Stephen’s Response: The amazing thing about writing is that it can be a cathartic process, especially when used in a way that makes a difference in both your own life and those of others (who take the time to send you an email and/or leave a comment letting you know you’ve helped them in some way form or shape). There’s something to be said about the power of words. The beauty of having a blog is that it is like having your own publishing company. Blogging has definitely changed the face of the media as we know it today. Those of us who have blogs have the opportunity to be heard and you’re definitely being heard Tina!

6. One of the reasons why you’re being interviewed, Tina, is because you write with a sense of authencity. We get to see your own personal story in just about every article you write, helping us connect with your struggles. It’s obvious you spend hours crafting each article. How did you learn to write so well?

Wow, thank you! I appreciate that.

For years, I’ve always thought of myself as a bad writer. I would always shy away from writing, because English was my second language and through social conditioning, I believed that I was not a good writer. My high school English teacher once told me this, and caused a lot of anxiety for me as a teen. Part of why I’m writing is to overcome this fear of writing.

Since I started writing at Think Simple Now, I’ve learned that when you are in a place of peace within yourself, clarity comes and you can easily fall into the flow of Life. When your mind is calm and clear, you can easily connect with your Soul and write with total authenticity. I believe that we are all spiritual beings connected by an invisible thread, and when you speak from that place in you where Truth and Love permeates, others will be able to relate with you, because they too can feel it in that place within themselves of Truth and Love.

Stephen’s Response: Wow, I used to think the same way! For years I struggled with the structuring and selection of words and phrases but once I left the world of Wall Street, I began to journal, letting the words flow from the heart. The more I wrote, the more confidence I had in my writing. Eventually it got to the point where three stories were selected for publication including best-selling Chicken Soup for the College Soul. When that happened, I knew I finally found my stride. That’s not to say that writing is a breeze in the park every day. There are days when I get stuck and nothing seems to flow but then there are other days when the words are flowing from the divine easily and effortlessly.

I totally agree that when your mind is calm and clear, you can connect with your inner spirit and write with total authenticity - that’s what I was talking about a minute ago. When the words are flowing, I know I’m connected to my inner source of strength.  On the other hand, when I’m all over the place, I know my head is full of noisy thoughts.  That’s when I have to light a candle and get quiet. 

7. The reason Think Simple Now is so successful is because there’s a real human being behind it. You allow yourself to be transparent and honest. If I were to ask you to dig a little further, how would you define who you really are?

I am a spiritual being having a human experience.

Stephen’s Response: That’s also my favorite saying! I believe that all of us are having the same experience - but not everyone is aware of it. That’s the key, isn’t it? Becoming aware and leading a conscious as opposed to unconscious life.

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Given?

“When desire is mixed with faith backed by massive action, the probable becomes possible, every time. No exceptions.”

This came to me when I was writing for problogger. I love it because it’s applicable to everyone.

Stephen’s Response: You bet Tina! You absolutely nailed it. That’s how I defied the naysayers in aviation and became the world’s first deaf instrument rated pilot in 2006. Even experienced airline pilot friends of mine doubt it could happen. But it did. Why? Because of faith and massive INSPIRED action.

9. What do you consider your proudest achievement in life?

Finding happiness.

Stephen’s Response: Hmmmm…interesting. I wrote about happiness not too long ago and questioned the real meaning of it. Happiness can mean different things to different people. I suspect this response will open a flood of responses from readers because it’s a word that leaves the field wide open for discussion. What do you mean by happiness? What’s your definition?

(Turning to audience): Well, here we are! Thanks Tina for joining us. It was fun opening this session with you and we are looking forward to having you back with us for Part II next week!  By the way, let’s open the floor and talk about happiness.  What does it mean for you?  Are you happy? Why?  Or why not?

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