04/27/2026
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I have always felt like "Napoleon Dynamite," on the "inside," and I think I always will. I have never "quite" fit in anywhere that I can remember LOL:).
Napoleon moves through life on his own wavelength. He's not "smooth," and he doesn’t try to be. When I am not with clients, I am often "kind of in my head" and socially awkward vs. outwardly engaged with others e.g., a little distracted, and always daydreaming;).
When I am out in public or at social events, I often feel unseen, which I like sometimes (because I am naturally very, very shy) and being a chameleon helps in my profession. I am 100% ok with this, and accept it about my Self.
But, like Napoleon Dynamite, I can also feel "nuanced" or "layered" inside, "uncertain" yet "knowing" internally, at the same time. Like Napoleon, I can be unapologetically myself, loyal to the people I care about (his support for Pedro 🥹), creative and original (I love to laugh often and cry less, haha) and quietly resilient.
I wanted to share these nuggets with you to set the stage in anticipation of this Thursday night's "Double Interview" with my Self and Angela Williams of Focus Point Mental Health, LLC Focus Point Inc. continuing our "Brave Conversations: The Many Faces of Mental Health," as Angela and I share a little of our lived experiences as healers and as humans.
So, I thought it might be time to interview the "fun" side of me for you gentle reader and see what you think.
1. Name:
Jenny Yates
2. Occupation/Educational Background:
Master's in Social Work, Specializing in Communities, Groups and Organizations. Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Founder of Four Rivers, Inc.
3. Favorite hobbies in your free time:
I love the freedom of getting outside -- roadtrips, hiking, soaking up nature. I also love spending time w my two teens, shopping, working out and binging Netflix.
4. What brings you the most joy in life?
Celebrating "life" with my teens - I cherish every trip to we take together, whether its to Dollar General or the beach. Every minute is a memory.
5. What do you like to do on a Saturday night?
I love, love, love, getting dressed up, going to a fancy restaurant (think...Roanoke or Greensboro:) and going dancing after. But most of the time I am home relaxing and catching up on paperwork (haha).
6. What helps you “get out of bed” in the morning?
I love the anticipation of a new day, meditating with my first cup of coffee and gazing upon the little white lights in my bedroom.
7. What is one thing you love about yourself?
I deeply love what I do as a therapist. I believe its a calling and something I have known about my Self for a very long time. I love that I have stayed committed to the healing work that I do everyday and consider it an honor to be invited into my client's worlds, and witness stories of courageousness. I am so content when I am "in flow" as a therapist, holding sacred space for others.
8. What is one thing you love about your community?
I was born and raised in South Carolina then moved to Martinsville, VA about 20 years ago for love and to build a career and family. I have greatly enjoyed watching Martinsville/ Henry County grow and do a little happy dance in my heart every time a new place to eat, get gas, or shop opens up.
9. What do you hope others might consider doing after reading your interview that would make you smile?
I hope whoever is reading this is inspired to go outdoors or even sit near a window and put their face in the sun, and just feel the sun on their skin, if only for a moment. That would make me smile.
Love to all,
Jenny Yates
PS ~ See you all THIS TH NIGHT with Angela as we "interview each other" about our Lived Experiences and how we navigate this "thing called Life" together:)🥰
