Alyssa Loveless
What makes you feel proud?
Making people feel loved and appreciated and seen for who they are. Paying attention to the little details that are often overlooked but mean so much to people. Using someone’s name, mailing them a birthday card or a postcard because I’m thinking of them. Asking about something I know is important to them. Remembering the names of their pets and families. The beauty is hidden in the little details and all of those little details make up a lot of love.
What keeps you up at night?
Worrying about my family and friends and people I care about and my community. There’s a lot of darkness in the world, but also so much good. I try to remind myself to refocus on what I can control and what I am doing to make a positive difference. I keep a notepad next to my bed to write down things I don’t want to forget, ideas or to-do list items to clear the out of my head so I can rest better.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
Losing my Nana. I had 31 years of her love and support, but it wasn’t enough. She was such a pivotal force in my life and I spent much of my childhood with her while my Mom was working as a single parent. Grief is hard and weird and hits in unexpected ways. Two years later, I still feel that loss. Therapy, medication and having a solid support system have helped me. I also cry when I want to and smile and celebrate things she loved and share them with others. It helps keep Nana’s memory alive and that brings me a lot of joy.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A mentor in college told me I would never be able to repay him or thank him for what he’s done for me except by paying it forward and mentoring others. That’s how you truly thank someone and make sure the good act continues to live on is by investing in others.