Interview with Hailey Rose Barrett
Today we are going in-depth with Hailey Rose Barrett, Author of Changing Lanes: From Hell to Heaven.
How do you feel about your family, now that you’re an adult?
I value my sisters more now than I did growing up. Inherent life lessons and maturity have brought us closer as we have all become more tolerant of each others differences. My mother is no longer alive and I choose not to have a relationship with my father.
What do you want from life?
I want “me” time. It seems that my life’s destiny has been to care for others at great sacrifice to my own needs and desires. I also want to share my story and inspire others.
If you were granted three wishes, what would you ask for?
World Peace, an end to racism of all kind, for me and my children to live in the same city.
What three things would you take to a Desert Island?
Bottled water, sunscreen, instant coffee with a heating element.
What, in the outside world, is preventing you from getting it?
Money and that one “connection.”
What, in yourself, is preventing you from getting it?
Nothing, I am ambitious and I will eventually “get it.”
What must happen before you overcome this?
More exposure and continue to acquire broad brand awareness.
In your relationship with others, how are you different with family than you are with friends?Why?
I am very generous and I accept my family members unconditionally. I may not approve of their life style or life choices, but we are still family. As far as friends go, I choose them wisely and I choose people who are uplifting and “non takers.” As I get older, I have less tolerance for whiners and free loaders, and I choose not to associate with them.
How do you fall in love? At first sight?
Over a long period?I think it is a little of both. Something usually grabs my attention about the person that makes me want to pursue them. As I get to know the person, it is either a connection or it is not, and then I move on.  This can be a romantic relationship or a friendship; it applies to both.
What parts of loving come easy for you? Hard?
The part of loving that comes easy to me is giving everything (almost to a fault). I usually put others needs before my own. The hard part about love is truly accepting that person unconditionally through good times and bad. I was not too good about accepting during the bad times when I was younger. Instead I chose to walk out.
How do you decide if you can trust someone?
I think you know if you can trust someone through consistency of behavior over time. If they “usually” come through on things they promise, are compassionate and caring even without you having to say anything, and they anticipate your needs and help when you really need it. How do they treat others and what are their relationships like with family and with strangers? All of these interactions help build trust and reveal a great deal about ones character. First impressions for me are usually correct. I have a sixth sense that I rely on when it comes to trusting strangers. I am more trusting than most because I tend to believe that most people will do the right thing even when no one is looking.
When you walk into a room, what do you notice first? Second?
What I notice first is the ambiance and the colors of the room. Is it a warm comfortable setting or is it cold and stringent as it can be in a professional work place. The second thing I notice are the people in the room. Am I drawn to them or am I indifferent towards them.
When you walk into a room, what do you expect people to notice about you?
That I am approachable and friendly.
Describe yourself to me.
A leader, a doer, helper, ambitious, self-driven, health conscious, generous and dependable.
Is one sense more highly developed than another? (Are you more visual, or audial, etc, or do you rely on the famous sixth sense?)
I have very sharp intuition. I am very visual person. If I see something I tend to recall it better than if I just hear it.
Did you turn out the way you expected? The way your parents predicted?
Yes and no. My parents did not expect anything from me and therefore my life had little direction as a young adult. That being said, I would not be able to share the trials and tribulations of my life, and the lessons I learned , if that had not been the case.
What really moves you, or touches you to the soul?
Any kind of abuse or discrimination sets off a visceral reaction for me. I cannot tolerate these types of behaviors and I will always fight for what is right and humane.
What’s the one thing you have always wanted to do but didn’t/couldn’t/wouldn’t? What would happen if you did do it?
Becoming a physician was a goal of mine for a long time. I believe I would have been a wonderful doctor and I could have contributed a great deal to the underprivileged of society as a physician. Maybe next time.
What do you consider are your strengths?
Drive, dependable, predictable, knowledgable, leader.
What do you consider are your weaknesses?
Inpatient with people sometimes. I have little tolerance for inept situations and incompetent individuals. I need to practice patience.
What is one physical attribute you are proud of?
Not sure proud is the right word, but my hair is my best feature. It is thick and I don’t have to fuss too much to get it to look good.
What one physical attribute would you change?
My noise.
What do you consider your special talent?
Analyzing problems and coming up with solutions.
What do you wish your special talent was?
I wish I could sing. I would go on American Idol.
What are you most proud of about your life?
My children. I am so proud of the young men they turned out to be. They are both hard working and compassionate people.
Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done? What would happen if you did it?
I think secretly I’ve wanted to just pack up and move to a different unknown city and get a new job and live there for a while. I would repeat that a few times until I was tired of moving. Not sure my husband would agree to this lifestyle.
What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done? Why?
I married my second husband knowing that it was not a good decision. I should have thought that out a little better.
Describe your ideal mate.
A man that treats his mother with utmost respect as well as women in general. An honest, easy going, intelligent, and driven man. Someone who believes that they have a gift to share, and then they share it.
What are you most afraid of?
Getting fat during Menopause.
What’s the most important thing in your life?
My children.
What do you value most?
My health.
How do you feel about your life right now?
I am in a good place. I have a wonderful husband, my children are healthy and happy in their adult life, I have a good job, I have my health.
What, if anything, would you like to change?
I have been a nurse for 30 years. I am ready for a job change outside of the hospital setting.
If you could be an animal, what would it be? (You can adapt this question to fit the character ie/make it what kind of car, plant, whatever.)
I would be a champagne color Mercedes convertible.