Sharing, Caring and Lending a Virtual Ear: Meet @gingerw

May 24, 2019 | Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Comments (18)

Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight.

2019.5.21.@gingerw.Connect Spotlight

ROSEMARY: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? What motivates you to take part in the community?

@gingerw: I have been receiving the Mayo Clinic newsletters by email for years, and always was impressed with the wide variety of subjects covered. One day, there was a link to Connect, and I took a chance. What a game changer!

ROSEMARY: What about Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?

@gingerw: This community consists of motivated people. We share, we care, we lend a virtual ear to others who reach out. As an adult on the autism spectrum, interfacing in cyberspace is easier for me than face-to-face sometimes.

ROSEMARY: What groups do you participate in?

@gingerw: Among them, Mental Health, Chronic Pain, Kidney & Bladder, Transplants, Autoimmune Diseases, Depression & Anxiety, Just Want to Talk , but I always scroll through the Connect Daily Digest in case there is something that piques my interest.

ROSEMARY: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Connect.

@gingerw: When others who read my posts feel they have received some information or find relevance, it’s a good feeling. Like so many in this community, I have gone through a lot in my lifetime. If my experiences and support can make a difference to someone, then my mission is accomplished.

ROSEMARY: What surprised you the most about Connect?

@gingerw: How easy it was to step up and start posting!

ROSEMARY: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@gingerw: I value time spent creating artistic things, be it with fabric, yarn or pen. Also, I love the outdoors. The picture here is of Multnomah Falls in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge. We visited there in 2017; the area was decimated later that year in a wildfire.

ROSEMARY: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@gingerw: Last year I took my first lesson in Zentangle, and find the meditative drawing a good adjunct for my other therapies. In fact, this summer I will become a Certified Zentangle Teacher, after attending a multiday training in Rhode Island. It’s my new go-to pastime.

ROSEMARY: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?

@gingerw: I have two. A recent one is “Find Joy in the Journey.” The other one is a quote often attributed to Dr. Seuss, “Be who you are and say what you feel. Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”

ROSEMARY: Puppies or kittens?

@gingerw: Definitely kittens.

See more Member Spotlights.

Interested in more newsfeed posts like this? Go to the About Connect: Who, What & Why blog.

lioness | @lioness | May 24, 2019

@gingerw I love your spotlight and all your responses ,the picture is beautiful I feel I've gotten to know you a little better from this spotlight Love the quotes especially Dr. Seuss. Thanks for your spotlight

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | May 24, 2019

Hello @gingerw
Thanks for sharing your story on the Spotlight! It's great to get to know you a little better. I really like the picture you chose, I just love waterfalls!
Your posts are always touching, true and reflect your vulnerability - all good things. I'm glad that you have joined our Connect community!

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | May 24, 2019

@gingerw The Spotlight was so upbeat! Just what is needed on Connect. I’m so waiting to see some Zentangles! Maybe you could give a lesson or two or three

Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | May 24, 2019

@gingerw - I love the Spotlight and how it shares so many aspects of your warm personality and highlights so many of your interests. And yet, while it captures a lot, it doesn't fully do justice to the compassion, caring and concern you demonstrate every day in your Connect posts. People are just going to have to tune into some of the your groups to truly see the sunshine you bring into the lives of others here on Connect!

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 24, 2019

@gingerw -- Thank you for letting us get to know you a little better. I can hear you calling..."here kitty kitty kitty!"

Happy Friday! ☺

Scott, Volunteer Mentor | @IndianaScott | May 24, 2019

@gingerw Enjoyable post! Now I am going to look up Zentangle! Cheers and I hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day weekend!

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | May 25, 2019

Ginger, @gingerw, I am thrilled to see your Spotlight Interview in its completed stage! It has been fun to work with you and to get to know you during the process. I look forward to your continued support and sharing on Connect.

thankful | @thankful | May 25, 2019

@gingerw- Ginger, so glad you did this Spotlight! I agree with others that this is just a small snapshot into the person that we see regularly on Connect.
Your warmth & candor is all throughout your posts and we appreciate you and your compassion. I too now am very courious about Zentangles!
I have lived in OR for over 40 years and love waterfalls and Multnomah Falls is just so... beautiful!
Have a wonderful holiday weekend! Jim @thankful

lioness | @lioness | May 25, 2019

@thankful Waterfalls are beautiful each setting is different have you seen Niagra falls it's a mammoth waterfalls ,when we where there we went for a ride on Maid of the Most behind the falls incredible.

thankful | @thankful | May 25, 2019

@lioness- Many, many years ago as a NY born & raised kid our family used to tent camp for vacations and we went to see Niagara Falls. We did the tour of the different contraptions that people over the years used to risk going over the falls in, but didn't do the Maid in the Mist boat ride.
In OR we have so many beautiful waterfalls, several that take a preety good hike to get into seeing, but always worth the hike. Jim @thankful