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

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.

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.