Anna Renouf

"I think I've learned that when something bothers you or when something hurts you or upsets you, to not just tuck it under the rug which is a think that I've always done and still do sometimes...but I think I've just kind of realized...it's really not helpful and it always ends up coming up at some point and it's usually way worse...to just let yourself have those moments. To be sad is okay because then if you have it and you get rid of it or experience it you can move on and be happy....let yourself have those moments."

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14 May 2017: Anna Renouf and I talk growing up in Canada, appreciating and understanding alternative family dynamics and being honest with those around you. She's so interesting to listen to! Enjoy!

Reflections on My Conversation: I've known Anna for a couple years now but, as we speak about, my first introduction to her was as "Caitlin's sister". Having said that, I wish I had gotten past that convenient label sooner! I had such an incredible time speaking with Anna and was so in awe at how poised and articulate she is! I could listen to her talk for days. I related with her on a lot of things but I thought the ways in which she described sharing spaces and identities with her sister when they went to university together and being hesitant to share one's feelings with friends particularly resonated with me. I always find it difficult and scary to think about bringing certain people in my life into certain fears. That sounds vague but what I mean to describe is bringing my family to know who I am as a friend, or showing one friend group how I am around the other. But Anna has encountered that and is better for it! I also completely sympathized with her hesitancy to share feelings of discontent with friends but she is so right, airing it out and expressing it is always the better option. Thanks so much for chatting with me, Anna! I hope you all enjoy listening to her as much as I did!