Many of the successful and strong personalities did not have a flying start in life

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

I am Teodora Angelova - I identify as a woman, mother, psychologist, and a person who knows that there is always more to learn.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

I dreamed of becoming a journalist. I really liked the news anchors. When I was a child, the profession of psychologist did not exist yet, even though since elementary school my notebooks are filled with personality tests, horoscopes, and song lyrics - artifacts that speak of my interest in understanding the human soul.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us some curious incident?

It's a bit embarrassing, but I clearly remember how I earned my first 5 BGN. I must have been about 5-6 years old when my mother's uncle promised me that he would give me 5 BGN if I said that I was from a certain party. I want to emphasize that I have never voted for it. I earned my first consciously earned money at 15 in a video store during vacation. Work has always been a part of my life - I love independence, freedom, and the experience it provides. As an adult, the most valuable reward for me is satisfaction and meaning.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an earlier age and form our interests? What is your recipe for curiosity, sources and wells of information and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

Carl Rogers conducts research precisely on these factors that determine our development as individuals and our success in life. His hypothesis is that the defining factors will be family, education, environment, etc. However, it turns out that it is not exactly so - many successful and strong personalities did not have a flying start in life. Then Rogers defines the “internal factor” as determining the development of personality. For me, this is that spark in the soul that is ignited by difficulties and lights our path both in depth and forward and upward. For me, people and the live contact with them will always be the greatest inspiration.

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in mature age about what motivates you to do or not do something?

Inspiration and curiosity continue to be leading motivators. For long-term activities, in addition to motivation, discipline is also needed.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was this decision correct, looking at it from today’s perspective?

The decision to study Psychology at Sofia University was mine and despite the opinion of my relatives. I was a freshman in 2004, back then no one went to a psychologist and all comments were against this eccentric choice. I am grateful to my younger self for having the strength to not listen to others, but to my intuition. My decision turned out to be more than correct - I found myself in this profession, there is no upper limit for development in it, every day I learn something new and enrich myself from communicating with my clients. For me, the greatest privilege of my work is that I am allowed to the most intimate experiences of people. In my daily life, there is no idle talk.

Share with us more about your interests, knowledge, skills and hobbies?

Since childhood, my favorite activity has been reading and imagining stories. Probably, I should start writing them. Writing definitely helps me hear myself. I love going to the mountains. In fact, I turned my childhood hobby, which started with personality questionnaires, into a profession.

Would you change your profession today and which fields of activity capture your interest?

I would not exchange what psychology and psychotherapy have given me for anything in the world. I would adapt them to the time we live in and the needs of people. Today more than ever, we need authentic connection, community, and belonging. That’s why I would step out of the office where I work individually to work with groups, through experience, storytelling, and creating an environment where people can communicate sincerely and empathetically.

They say that personal brand is everything that people say about you, when you are not in the same room with them. What would you like to hear today?

I would like to hear that I made them feel something, to think, and to find a new perspective.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills are key conditions for success in the last few years. How do you cope with the daily challenges of life, to stay in good shape and mood?

I myself, as part of my continuous professional development, am constantly in therapy - whether personal or group. This has been the case since 2005. I am nourished by deep and meaningful friendships, nature, art, sports, and love. Love for life in general.

What are the most important conclusions you have made so far about maintaining proper communication considering the different characters of the people, whom you meet daily – colleagues, friends, relatives?

The most correct conclusion for me at the moment, at my 40 years, is to be myself. This attracts people who are for me and I for them both personally and professionally.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

I think, money is absolutely pure form of energy and it depends on us whether we will use it in a constructive way. One of my philosophy professors at the university used to say that money reaches people without imagination. I always have an idea of what course to take, where to travel, or what dress to buy. In the 90s we lived very poorly and I know that I can manage with little money, but I hope I won’t have to again. Money is a means for us to be more fulfilled people. The means should not be confused with the goal.

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?

To follow their inner compass and not to care about “what people will say.”