10 Questions To Ask Yourself, and Also Me

Inspired by other writers

This post is inspired by Jeff Porter ’s post, which was previously inspired by John Troppello’s post.

I hope that’s not confusing.

When I saw this idea, I had to jump in.

Why? Well…I loved that when I read the questions, they weren’t all easy-peasy for me to answer. Not so simple. I had to actually think about my responses. And that, my friends, presented a challenge I felt like I needed.

If you love this idea too, great! Write your own story using these questions (or others…there are no rules), and please tag me in it so I can read it too!

Here we go:

10 Questions I’d Like to Ask You…

1. What’s one of your most cherished childhood memories?

It’s impossible to choose just one.

That said, I have very vivid and distinct memories of picking up my childhood cat, Bandit.

I was about 7 years old, and full of emotions. My six-month-old kitten had recently died unexpectedly of a congenital heart condition, which obviously devastated me. On the flip side, I was also eagerly awaiting a new fuzzling to give my heart to. I couldn’t sit still.

My new best friend was found on my parents’ colleague’s farm. Discovered by chance, it was apparent immediately that the mother kitty had abandoned her litter, and Bandit was the sole survivor.

Knowing of my recent loss, the owner of the property worked on providing nutrients to the little kitten — though he was not a cat person — and arranged a time where we could visit the farm and meet the tiny tot.

It was love at first sight. The black and white flash ran up to me on his teeny little legs, and it was like we’d been buddies forever. While he did end up being a lovely family cat to everyone, it was always evident to everyone that his heart truly belonged to me.

He passed away of cancer when I was 20, and it remains one of the greatest losses of my life.

2. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

So, this one is kind of complicated.

I do not fly. For the sake of my mental health, I actually can’t fly. (We can talk about that another time.)

But, presuming that this destination doesn’t have to be realistic from that perspective, I would choose a Mediterranean cruise.

I just love being in warm, sunny places. And a cruise like this would give me the opportunity to have that wish granted, while also visiting multiple countries and cultures — without having to even switch hotels.

It feels like I would get two vacations in one!

3. What’s a book or movie that had a profound impact on your life?

This is a tough one, but I think I would have to pick Angels in America. We both read and watched it in my university English class, and the emotions I felt while immersed in the story are hard to describe.

I definitely think that the story helped me learn a deeper sense of empathy than I ever had before.

4. Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies that people might not know about?

As a youth, I was very good at playing the flute.

I still dabble from time to time, and am still ok!

5. What’s your favorite way to spend a lazy Sunday?

IN MY PAJAMAS! Have I not made this clear before?

My favourite type of Sunday is one when there is nothing on my calendar, and I can decide what to do as I go! For example, I might take a scenic drive through the nearby countryside, especially if it’s a bright sunny day.

Bonus points if we pick up a snack on the way out…

6. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

I think I would have to pick Martin Luther King Jr. I have adored him since I was a child.

I would really love to get his perspective on the state of the world right now. I wonder if he’d be hopeful, or horrified.

7. What’s a goal or dream you’ve always had but haven’t pursued yet?

I used to want to be a teacher. However, I came to realize that I never would be able to handle the workload and emotional output required of them.

Still, I suppose there is some regret there. The idea of helping shape the minds of our youth continues to appeal to me.

Thankfully, my sister is a teacher, and while she loves it, I can see first-hand how challenging it is.

Do you have kids? Do they go to public school?

Through a parade for those educators. They deserve it.

8. What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I am not fun.

Does getting engaged after only six months of dating count as adventurous?

9. Can you describe a moment that changed your perspective on life?

When I was 10-years-old, my third grandparent died.

I was no stranger to loss by this age; however, this grandfather was only in his mid-seventies and died without warning. It was kind of a wakeup call for me, to realize that not everyone lives to be eighty-five or more. And that time can not be taken for granted.

10. What qualities do you value most in your closest friends or family members?

Empathy for others is a huge one for me. Especially when it is directed at the most vulnerable members of society.

Beyond that, I love friends with a wicked sense of humour, kind hearts, and open minds.

(See how I utilized the Oxford Comma there?)

Well, there it is! Ten questions answered!

I hope you liked reading…and I hope you will consider responding, too!

Pssst…I helped start a new publication. It’s a cohesive space for men and women to share our struggles together, and help understand each other better. I think you’d be a good fit. Check it out here!