What word is on your key for 2023? What does it mean to you?
Inspire. One thing that is so important to me is that I choose to live a life that makes an impact, and I would only hope that the things I share or speak on can inspire people the way I have. I have been fortunate enough to have mentors that believed in me, and hope to be able to create the same impact in everything I do.
In what ways will you be incorporating more CONNECTION in 2023?
For me personally putting myself out there has always been a large part of who I am, but connection means depth so beyond meeting people it's getting to know people intimately. One way I want to build more connections is to spend more time with some of my newer friends. Intentionality in how we spend our time really is so important.
Why do you think human connection is so important in the world today? As someone who often overthinks I get caught up in my own thoughts always. I sometimes feel like I'm the only person going through my struggles, but I am fortunate to have friends and a community I can confide in who constantly remind me I am not alone. We all need to be reminded of that especially with everything going on; we all have different struggles, experiences, and needs, but the one thing in common is that we weren't meant to go through any of that on our own. Tell us the story of how you have passed on your key or how you plan to pass it on. Actually, about 2 months ago I had a Strength key I wear often. My local Starbucks is a few blocks from me. Most days I go through the drive-thru, but today I walked in. A woman who was sitting in the corner complimented my jacket, and we started a conversation. She had recently gotten out of jail and was homeless; I bought her a sandwich and wished her well with a hug. Two weeks later when I saw her again she smiled, hugged me, and we caught up shortly. I bought her another meal and placed my Strength key in the bag. I haven't seen her since, but I hope the small gesture reminds her how strong she is when she needs the strength. Bio: Camly Nguyen is a Los Angeles native who shares her favorite hidden gems around the city.
