Growing up I was a very shy girl. I would do anything to avoid the spotlight because I didn’t want people to laugh at me. During my elementary school ballet recital I pictured tomatoes being hurled at me. In middle and high school, I obsessed over what people thought of me. If someone didn’t like me, then my day was ruined. I spent most of my adolescent years in misery.

And yet I wouldn’t take any of it back. Life is a learning experience. I am a much stronger person than I was all those years ago. I never would have been able to be on a TV show as an adolescent. I was just on “One on One with Vin Dacquino” to talk about my life story. Last year I was on “Let’s Talk Writing” (also hosted by Vin) to discuss Toastmasters.  Here are the things I did before the show.

The day before the show (both times) I would record myself on my iPhone. Seeing myself on the phone screen helped me; it was a precursor to being on the show.

The morning of 8/3/2016 I woke up with a little stomachache. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst), it was probably a 3. It was bearable; I wasn't going to miss Vinny's show! I always start my mornings with a Law of Attraction video on Youtube. That morning, I watched it twice. Then I meditated for 20 minutes. Afterwards, I said my Positive Affirmations in the mirror. Finally, I looked in the mirror and said several times, “Yanna, great job on the interview. You enjoyed it.” I visualized myself having fun during the interview. Visualization definitely helps. There was a study involving 3 groups of basketball players. First Group practiced for 20 minutes each day. Second Group visualized themselves making free throws (no practice). Third Group did not practice or visualize. During the free throw test, the Visualization Group improved significantly; they were nearly as good as the people who practiced! 

It's also good to be practical, and take care of basics (like a slightly upset stomach).For breakfast  I decided I was going to eat only bread, and drink water because of my stomach. No scrambled eggs today! My stomach felt better after breakfast, which consisted of 2 pieces of toast.

I met up with Vinny, Renee, and Deanna (who were also going to be on the show that day) at 9:15 in Starbucks. I ordered a dry bagel, and sipped my water. I needed food before the show; I work best when I'm 75 percent full. We discussed what we were going to talk about in Starbucks. I had notes covering some key points, and Vinny is a wonderful television host. He is a natural speaker, and has the ability to make his guests feel comfortable. And he’s also the leader of the Mahopac Writer’s Group!

In the studio, I wanted to be as relaxed as possible. I decided I was going to look at Vinny the entire time, and pretend it was just me and him in the room talking to each other. I wasn’t thinking about who might be watching; that would have made me nervous!

During the interview I focused on Vinny’s words, and spoke like myself. Being myself helps me relax. In college I was constantly trying to impress people, and I always felt "off" when I didn't act naturally.  

Observing myself on my iPhone the previous day also helped me feel comfortable during the actual interview. I have been going to Vinny’s Thursday Writer’s Group for the past 2 years, so that also helped.

I wrote “Fall and Rise: My Journey to Happiness” to give people hope. The hardest part of writing my memoir was the editing process because I had to reread every struggle I had been through. Yet I know everything happens for a reason. I believe people have inner strength and perseverance. There are so many stories of people who thrive! I know if I can find happiness, then so can anyone. The interview could be seen below; I’ve also included the book link. Please enjoy!         

My Interview With Vinny

Amazon Book Link