The Proust Questionnaire was popularized by Marcel Proust, the 1920s French essayist, and novelist, who believed that an individual reveals his or her true nature in answering these questions,
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Being on or by the beach all day.
What is your favorite kind of food? Rice and seasoned black beans. And paellas.
What is your greatest fear? To be alone, homeless, and not able to work.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I can be bossy and very impatient.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? The fear of trying new things.
What is your greatest extravagance? My handbag and shoe collections.
What is your current state of mind? I have never been more at ease in my life!
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Diplomacy. I find that too much of it can be annoying. I like to see emotions.
On what occasion do you lie? I lie when I don’t want people to get upset.
What do you most dislike about your appearance? Ummm, I like me! I wish I knew about foot health and the impact on the rest of the body. I would have worn heels a lot less in my 20’s.
Which living person do you most despise? There is one but I am not going to write his name down. I don’t want to inject even more negativity into the world.
What is the quality you most like in a man? A man who shows and can speak about his emotions.
What is the quality you most like in a woman? A well-spoken woman.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? The plank is the most important exercise for the human body! Ask my clients…
When and where were you happiest? Right here, right now!!!
Which talent would you most like to have? I would like to speak 10+ languages fluently.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Learn how to be more patient.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I have two: First, I decided to move to a different country when I was 20 with $1,500 in my pocket and a suitcase. Second, I decided to completely change my career in my 40s. In both situations, I was scared to death but I did it!
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? Angelina Jolie. I love the humanitarian work she does, her dedication to her kids, and she is a kick-ass actress.
Where would you most like to live? 3 months of the year in Washington, DC; 3 months in Marbella, Spain; 3 months on a beach in Brazil; and the remaining 3 months traveling the world.
What is your most treasured possession? My cat Lilla. She is my sunshine, all day, every day!
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Calling the police on someone because they are black or latino or a minority.
What is your favorite occupation? What I do right now. I help people discover their happy and healthy selves.
What is your most marked characteristic? People tell me I am elegant. I think there is some truth to that.
What do you most value in your friends? I can be my true self around them and they don’t judge me. If we get in a fight, we always make up. And they make me laugh – hard!
Who are your favorite writers? Alice Walker. The Color Purple is my most favorite book.
Who is your hero of fiction? Aquaman, especially if he looks like Jason Momoa. I like sea creatures! My name, Janaina, means ‘Mermaid’ in Tupi-Guarani, a native Brazilian language.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Joan of Arc because of her fortitude, courage, and faith in her purpose.
Who are your heroes in real life? My husband who is always able to keep his cool under the craziest circumstances and he was brave enough to marry me.
What are your favorite names? Jacqueline and Andrew. I have always loved those two names.
What is it that you most dislike? Racism and people that ask me for discounts… if people only knew how expensive my education and training was/is, they would be embarrassed to ask for a discount.
What is your greatest regret? I wish I had learned about emotional literacy back in my 20s.
How would you like to die? Sleeping by the sea.
What is your motto? Remember to feel good and the rest will work itself out.