Meet Catherine Berra | Author and Optimist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Catherine Berra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Catherine, how do you think about risk?
One of my counselors at Columbine High School, way back in the day, had a unique comment he’d always use when we were unsure of our own talents. Those two words were, “Risk it”. I believe those two words have really stuck with me through the years in so many positive ways. I look at taking risks as similar to the “YOLO” or “you only live once” in that we do truly need to make the most of our gifts and talents and the time we have in our lives.
I am adventurous by nature and even traveled to Europe by myself as a young woman in the 1990s before there was anything remotely similar to an internet connection or a cell phone. I felt courageous and alive on this trip and met some amazing people. I also put myself through college by working two jobs and have consistently tried to enhance my life and my son’s life by being an example of risking the fear some experiences require us to manage.
For example, I up and moved back to Colorado in 2014 to assist my aging parents, leaving a life I’d had near Washington, D.C. for 20 years. I then embarked on a new job, a graduate program in Animals and Human Health to conduct animal assisted activities, adopted a rescue horse even though I’d never had one, learned how to ride alone out in the countryside, and ultimately over the past few years, decided to become an author and self-publish two books. I am currently working on a few more.
Momentum and learning are key elements to life for all of us and I tend to risk trying rather than sitting on the sidelines.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is my unique love of writing and the fact that I’ve been writing poetry since 6th grade! Writing has always been a hobby but has also always been incorporated into my career in different ways: as a Senior Tech Write at the US Department of State in the Division of Cybersecurity, and as a Personal Assistant to a philanthropist and U.S. Ambassador among others.
I am most proud of the fact that, after over 20 years in the workforce, I made the decision to try authoring two books and worked very hard to learn about the process. I’ve learned that it is always good to keep knowledgeable people by your side and ask for help if you need it. I hired editors, layout design artists and a self-publishing consultant because I wanted to do this right and had the resources to do so.
I want to the world to know, as I’ve tried to explain with the publication of both of my books, is that it is possible to do the things you want to do. I wrote the comedy book about dating to simply share the nuttiness of my adventures and to make people laugh and smile. I wrote my poetry book to share a collection of some of my work that I’ve created since childhood. I believe my main goal is to let people know we all face similar challenges and go through similar experiences and that no one is alone in that reality. We need to lift each other up by sharing our gifts, no matter what they might be

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Colorado is an amazing state. When my friends come to town I always take them to my barn to visit my horse. This is top of the list since not many people can have that experience so freely. If possible, I’ll take them on a trail ride in Chatfield State Park!

Of course we’d take a trip up to the mountains. I love the drive up to Glenwood Canyon and then on to Carbondale, Basalt and Aspen. The Maroon Bells are a must in September! I always stop by True Nature Healing Arts Center in Carbondale for some time in their meditation gardens. I also usually try to get a reservation at Matsuhisa in Aspen and take the gondola up to the top of the mountain in summer for some amazing views.

I live in Littleton and enjoy Angelos patio, Eddie V’s for fancier occasions and Shanahans for a good steak!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people to thank on our journey and some of those for me are very close friends. Megan Rich, a former work colleague and very good friend, has been instrumental in convincing me to write my comedy book about online dating. She heard all of the crazy stories when I’d come back from nutty experiences and finally convinced me during COVID lockdowns that it was a perfect time to sit down and write the book!
Polly Letofsky of My Word Publishing has been an amazing mentor and guide in the self-publishing adventure I’ve been on for the past few years. Working with Polly and self-publishing both of my books on Amazon has been a very enlightening and exciting experience. She has provided amazing support and input and helped me get to #1 on Amazon several times.
My son Alec is, and always will be, my reason and inspiration for doing all that I do. He is an amazing human being and I try to be a great example of always trying new things. He is a great source of encouragement to me, and vice versa.
I’d also like to recognize Holly Hughes, a long time friend and mentor who has provided advice, guidance and positive encouragement to me through numerous challenges and hurdles in life.

Website: http://www.catherineberra.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherine_berra/

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@catherinerauthor