I’m back from abroad and had some time on the plane to finally fill out the so-called 50-Questions that will free your mind (and make you think differently). It was good to think about and it knocks something else off the 101 in 1001 list.
- How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
25. Because I still want to party, but I am definitely an adult.
- Which is worse, failing or never trying?
Failing, hands down. Which is why I often never try. It’s a Catch 22 really.
- If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
We feel obligated on some level to do what we believe society thinks we should do, and we fear for the future. I work hard now at a job I don’t love because I am worried about future income.
- When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
That depends on who you ask; people will say I have done a lot. I believe I haven’t done much and I think I will have said more than I have done.
- What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
I would make is so where you are born doesn’t determine how you live, but rather who you are and what you are truly capable of.
- If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
Looking after others, either health-wise or socially
- Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
For now, I am settling for what I am doing. But I’m doing that because I believe I can do what I believe in in the future.
- If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
I would start doing the things I really want to do today
- To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
I’m not sure how to answer this. I’ve done some things I’ve wanted, but done a lot of what I believe was expected of me.
- Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
Doing things right
- You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?
Ask them why they feel that way. Let them know that the person is my friend. Try to set the opinion right and then ask them to talk to the person directly.
- If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Be who you are because you are the only one you have to answer to.
- Would you break the law to save a loved one?
Yes
- Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
Yes and usually inside myself
- What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
I think about the future differently, I’m always pushing for something better
- How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?
I’ve been told before that I am unique – and I don’t really fall under the typical social conventions. I guess
- What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
I want to work for an international aid organization. I’m worried about my future (financially), what my family will do (be worried), and that I am not good enough to make it (so fear of failure).
- Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
Yes
- If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
I’d live pretty much anywhere.
- Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
No, that I one area of my life where I exercise patience.
- Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
Worried genius – I don’t believe ignorance is blisss
- Why are you, you?
I’ve had great people in my life, who have shown me how great people behave, I was bullied as a kid, so I treat others well.
- Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
Yes
- Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
A good friend moves away is much harder. You care about them and you don’t get to see them. When you eventually lose touch, it’s a gradual process and they are always around to reconnect.
- What are you most grateful for?
My family
- Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
Never be able to make new ones
- Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
Yes
- Has your greatest fear ever come true?
Yes.
- Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
I don’t really remember that time, and if I did, no it wouldn’t. I may have a short temper, but I don’t carry a grudge.
- What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
I don’t really have memories of my childhood.
- At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
When I am on the road, either travelling for work or for pleasure
- If not now, then when?
What?
- If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
That’s a question I’ve not even been able to work through with my therapist.
- Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
Yes
- Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
Because they believe that their love is better and how you portray that love is best.
- Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
No
- If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
My current job, YES. But I wouldn’t quit working.
- Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
More work I actually enjoy doing.
- Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
Today? No, but most Monday to Friday’s yes. As Shakespeare said, “Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps along at this petty pace from day to day”
- When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
My university years. Although sometimes at work, I fight the good fight when required.
- If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
My mom and grandmother
- Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
No
- What is the difference between being alive and truly living?
Truly living is when you finish everyday happy and fulfilled. You’ve done something that amazes, surprises or scares you.
- When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?
When it makes a difference to others.
- If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
We are worried what people will think, how it will affect our lives – we may learn, but what do we lose in the process.
- What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
Date more actively
- When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?
Sleeping last night
- What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?
Travel. Yes, I just got back.
- In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?
I’d like to think so, as I have just been away, but from work. Not likely.
- Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?
Nine times out of 10, I am making them for myself, but I often seek advice from others (which helps me to learn and grow).
Rules for living 