Okay ladies and gentlemen - we are FINALLY back to the weekly interviews after a 3 week “vacation.”

Welcome back - I hope you all had a nice summer and that you’re ready to forge ahead and delve into the idea of meeting new people through the interview series!

How I met Jennifer Abbot, the subject of this week’s interview, was through Adversity University.   That’s right!  She began as a subscriber and then over a period of several weeks, we got to know one another.  And then one day she decided to create a Stephen Hopson Fanclub at Facebook!

I was like, “WHAT?  You did that for ME?”

From then on, I got to know her better through Principles for Peace.   That’s when I realized she would be a perfect fit for an interview here at Adversity University.  So, let’s call out Jennifer from the green room back there.

PLEASE HELP ME WELCOME JENNIFER ABBOTT!!

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 am a publisher and entrepreneur that is maintaining and developing a line of Internet based bookstores and coffee shops.  (This is the first time I have mentioned a “line” publicly- that puts a little pressure on me to get my plans rolling.)

Stephen’s Response:  You must really like coffee and books - the two of them surely go together, don’t they?  I mean, look at all the major bookstores these days - they all have a coffee shop. By the way, there’s nothing more powerful than holding yourself accountable by publicly stating what you intend to do!  BRAVO!

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

My husband and I are Caucasian.  We have four nieces and nephews between both of our families.  One is Caucasian, one is African American and two are mixed.  I love the diversity in our family and seeing how God made each one of them unique and special.  Spoiling my nieces and nephews is one of the greatest blessings I have gotten to experience.

Stephen’s Response:  How very interesting to have such a diverse family.  As you probably guessed from my previous gratitude post, I enjoy spending time with my family as well.   There was a time when racial mixing was considered taboo but we’ve come so far that it’s no big deal anymore.  Sure, there are certain segments of the population that harbor judgment and hatred but it continues to shrink with more people becoming accepting, tolerant and less judgmental - wouldn’t you agree?

3.  How long have you been blogging at “Principles for Peace”?

Before “Principles for Peace,” I was blogging with a blogger account for about 4 months.  Then I switched everything over to “Principles for Peace” in April, so I have been there for 5 months now - going on 6 months by the time this is published.

Stephen’s Response:  Well, what can I say?  Congratulations for making the move and making huge strides forward!  That must feel wonderful.  You’re on the right track - just keep going!

4.  What is the real reason you started “Principles for Peace”?

I created “Principles for Peace” for two reasons:

1.  To share with others the natural principles that brings about inner peace in a relaxed bookstore/coffee shop environment where everyone is welcome.

I have been very fortunate to learn from some amazing people the things that really work as far as inner peace is concerned.  I feel so grateful that I have had these opportunities.   I believe God put me here to pass this message along to others.

2.  To generate income from the bookstore and coffee shop (and other avenues still to come) that will help to support SFT Awareness - a non-profit program that teaches people how to remove emotional pain, thus resulting in inner peace.

It combines many passions/loves of mine - sharing inner peace with others in two ways, personal growth books, bookstores, coffee, coffee shops and relaxation.

Stephen’s Response:  I am with you about the importance of helping others reach inner peace.  It’s so important because without it, we can easily get lost.  I agree that God put you here to pass on the message of inner peace to others.  Sounds like you found your purpose in life.  I know that every one of us is here for a special mission.

All of us. Every single one of us, regardless who we are.  We are all God’s children.

I believe we’re all here to learn how to love unconditionally and without judgment.   It’s a tough call but we’re getting there.

5.  One of the reasons why you’re being interviewed, Jennifer, is because you come across as someone who I’d like to meet in person.  Your writings reflect a source of honesty and inner wisdom.  That means I perceive you as an authentic blogger, an important prerequisite for this interview.  How did you become like this?

To that I would have to say “Thank you!” Stephen and I can’t wait to meet YOU one day!

I have to say this was the hardest question for me.  I don’t know how I became this way exactly.  Maybe it just makes me feel good to be “real.”  And hey, there’s no way I can have inner peace if I am not real.

It’s a constant journey for me.  Being “real” is something that I constantly strive toward.  I am extremely attracted to people who are transparent and so I guess I just strive to be like them in that way.  Sometimes I feel like I’m a little too honest and sometimes not honest enough.

I have been fortunate to have my thoughts and beliefs challenged through various experiences and otherwise.  For some reason, I enjoy actually thinking now and challenging my own beliefs and will come up with some pretty intense things to ponder.   Often, as I think I blog, so I guess that is authentic blogging.

I also found out I can’t serve God and pretend to be perfect or something I’m not (maybe I’m still learning that).  It just doesn’t work.  God can’t use me if I’m doing any pretending.  It’s like I’m saying to God, “You didn’t make me good enough or I don’t need you.  Let me change who you made me.”  I constantly strive to become the person that God intended me to be.

As a child, my family was thought to be the “perfect” family.  Everyone looked up to us.  We were very far from perfect so it was a very hard act to portray to others that we were.   My parents did the best that they knew to do.  They did many things right and all of us kids are now faithful Christians, but we were not a perfect family as many thought (Obviously being perfect is not even possible).  Eventually my parents divorced (just 3 years ago in fact.)  Many of our problems became known and it was very humiliating.  I still find it hard to admit my faults to others, even though I know it’s the best thing to do.  But, that whole experience is still teaching me not to try to be something I am not.  I will be found out eventually if I attempt it and that’s just not very much fun.

I think a lot of it has to do with my deep embedded desire to really help people.  Sure I want things for myself, but at the end of my life I want to be able to say I made a real difference.  The only way to do that is by being real and genuinely authentically helping others.

Stephen’s Response:  I can’t wait to meet you either!  I loved the part about “striving to become what God intended you to become.”  I’ve never heard of it put that way - very cool way of putting it!

We all know that there is no such thing as perfection and to strive towards that end is insane.  Some of us have the “disease of perfectionism” and they’re the ones who end up getting sick — really sick — because of that.

What I love about your response to this question is that you understand the value of humility and know that it doesn’t pay to be something you’re not.  Hooray!  You’re much further ahead than most people on that count, did you know that?  Wink, wink.

6.  If I were to ask you to dig a little further, how would you define who you really are?

Wow, isn’t that a loaded question!   I am a Christian first and foremost.  I try to always do what is right, even though I fail MANY times.  I’m conscientious and love working to make myself a better person.  I have a dry sense of humor (that my husband doesn’t usually “get” J ).  I love helping people.  I’m a bit shy, but love opening up to people who show they care.  I thrive in an environment where I have a few close friends.

Stephen’s Response:  Yes I know that was a loaded question.  I was coming from a spiritual, not necessarily religious, point of view.   You’re continually striving to become a better person despite the faults you admit to having (we all have them!).   I know exactly what you mean about opening up to people who demonstrate they care.

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

Received: “ Life is not about you.  It’s about God.”

Given: “You can blame others for your unhappiness or you can be happy.”

Stephen’s Response:  I definitely agree that life is about God.  My take on that is we get our supply from God.  He acts through people, places and circumstances to give us what we need.  For example, I love teaching people that your boss (who pays you a salary) is NOT really your source.  It’s God.  God uses your boss to supply you with what you need  - get it?

The advice you have given is rock solid because it gives you a choice to be 100 percent responsible for your life.  You can choose to be happy or blame everyone else and be miserable.  Brilliant!

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

I would have to say my blog and the fact that I get thousands of different visitors and they actually read what I have to write and think it is good.  I never even knew I could write until last year.

Stephen’s Response:  That is indeed an accomplishment.  You took action and went for it.  Most people never go that far!

9.  We all have a dark side, what’s yours?

Just one?  J J/K.  I have to keep my silent stubbornness and selfishness under control when someone tries to get me to do something I don’t want to do (especially my husband).  This stubbornness wants to cry out a lot, but that’s no way to live.  It only makes things worse.  I’ve figured out the best way to keep it in check is through something you believe in very much, Stephen  - gratitude.  If I keep an attitude of gratitude I don’t feel like I have to always have my (silent) way.

Stephen’s Response:  I don’t quite get the “J J/K.”  What does that mean?

Anyway, you’re right — gratitude certainly keeps things in perspective when things aren’t going the way we want them to.  It helps us see different sides of the same coin and assimilate them in a way that makes sense to us.  The more grateful you are, the less you’re inclined to be upset when “life happens.”

10.   Just recently I read incredibly inspiring “Peace Pilgrim,” a book given to me as a gift by another subscriber/fan, Sharmaine Hobbs (recently interviewed here).  It was about a woman whose mission was to promote world peace by walking over 25,000 miles all over America.  How are you doing your share of manifesting peace over at “Principles for Peace”?  In fact, why did you name your blog as such?

I have got to read that book!  It is on my list.

How am I doing my share and why did I name my blog Principles for Peace?  I believe I really answered this question with question number 4, but to recap and expand a bit:  I have been so fortunate to learn the principles that naturally bring about inner peace in a person.  That was what I wanted the focus of the blog to be - not advice (although I may give some there), but on natural principles that work to bring peace every time when they are applied.  Of course, I talk about other things there too, but that’s the focus.  Doesn’t everyone want inner peace whether they realize it or not?

Stephen’s Response:  How I loved that book - I must have read it at least 3 times or more.

YES, everyone wants inner peace but they don’t know how to get it because they’re way too busy becoming attached to material things.  I believe material things are just fine but don’t get so attached to them!  Having a sense of detachment is half the battle.

One of the major lessons for all of us is to learn how to let go and let God.

(Turning to the audience):   That was a quick study!  Did you enjoy that?  Let’s give Jennifer a hug and round of applause for being here with us today.  Be sure to check out her blog, Principles for Peace.  She’ll be back next week for Part II, don’t miss it!

(Turning to Jennifer):  Congratulations and best wishes for your online ventures through “Principles for Peace”!!   Enjoy your time here at the university, get to know some of our students here.  They love meeting new visitors like you.   Can’t wait to see you again a week from today. 

Food for thought:  What does “inner peace” mean to you?

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