5 Things About Me Challenge
I’ve seen introductions and a variety of challenges on Medium, but never took part myself. Heck, I never did a prompt challenge either!.. (realisation hits, head shaking, notes scribbling and to-do list expanding).
Thank you The writer's path for giving me a nudge — this is a great way to s̶t̶a̶l̶k̶ get to know fellow writers and build a stronger sense of community!
1. What is my favourite food?
I’m a picky eater. But I’ll eat anything cooked with love (yes, I’m that polite person who will normally wipe the plate clean, unless it’s something I absolutely hate — no liver, frog legs or snake soup, please!..).
I love Mediterranean cuisine — give me prawns and fresh veggies, and I’ll be happy. Part of my family lives in Barcelona and there’s nothing quite like wrapping up the week at the beach — sipping Estrella and sharing a pan of paella. With patatas bravas and some tapas, of course!
Living in England pulled a trick on me and now I’m addicted to Scottish eggs and the Shepherd’s pie… But if left to my own devices, I will always seek out a good lasagna or delicious sushi (wontons and onigiris are always welcome too!).
My comfort food? Ramen.
2. What is something that nobody or almost nobody, knows about me
I went to Medschool — you see, being born into a family of medical professionals, your life is kind of planned. Journalism or writing was not an option!.. It didn’t take too long to find myself stuck at the prosectorium and marvelling at dissected bodies (along with faint course mates, scrambling towards the door).
Needless to say, I am not a doctor. But three years of hell gave me a good idea of what life is — or how one should live to survive. It also killed my writing… But hey, I got out of my shell, got into Business school and went on to live an exciting life! And look who’s writing again!
It’s not that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger — it’s more like if it’s killing you, you have the power to overcome it. We are the choices that we make, but not making a choice is a choice in itself.
3. What are things that can make me cry?
I used to cry when we lost a patient — it wasn’t only the realisation of the fragility of one’s life. It was the helpless resignation — You’re in pain and suffering, but there is nothing I can do for you. We come to this world alone, and in the end — we are still alone…
Having rebelled and chosen a life of my own making, I was forced to put myself through university. London is expensive, but medical professionals — or those with significant experience — are scarce. Ironic how I put myself through Business school whilst working at a hospital (psychotic laughter in the background). And you know what’s special about the British health system? It’s person-centred. To the core. No one dies alone.
I recently read an article about death — the author called both life and death a privilege, a sacrosanct individual experience. And it is, but the British think otherwise — so nurses and carers are stationed by the beds of those who are about to leave. It’s a beautiful act of service and human affection, but no one talks about the emotional toll on the ones left behind. The first times were difficult but eventually, the tears dried up. I found myself imagining The Plague and how Camus described the dulling of senses — over time, even death does not touch us anymore.
To this day, I still struggle to express my emotions, I suppose it’s a defence mechanism. Life doesn’t make me cry anymore, but art — good art — sometimes does.
I have a better chance of crying from laughter.
4. What is something that you regret in your life?
Regrets mean nothing — actions do. We’re on this Earth to learn and improve ourselves, become a better version of whatever being we are. I live to harness my talents and overcome my shortcomings. And I live in a way that is respectful, fair and mindful.
Opportunities are to be harnessed and when they present themselves, I contemplate what my life would be if I didn’t take them. It’s easy to say how I regret going to Medschool, but the knowledge, experience and relationships it gifted me led to the person I am today.
Regretting something makes life miserable — it can suck you into a self-destructive loop. I don’t do misery.
5. What are some of your dreams?
The young me was saturated with P. Coelho and Alchemist - I believed the Universe would ensure that my dreams came true. The mature version scoffs at such a notion — I plaster a wide grin on my face and head towards the battlefield. I know: this will make my goals a reality.
People without dreams are lost, but some people are lost in their dreams. I’m pragmatic — big missions get chopped into achievable, measurable and timed chunks. That’s how one builds the life of their dreams.
I’m passing the ball to amazing writers — I’m excited to imagine the interesting things you will share!
Once again, thank you, The writer's path — you guided my virtual fountain pen and like a magician encouraged brewing this concoction… Out of thin air, perhaps with no inspiration even, but with the purest form of my essence.
My scribbles dive into a variety of topics. Yet whether I scribble fantasy or horror, highly opinionated or research-driven pieces, I hope it leaves you with something to ponder: makes you feel better (or worse?..), strikes an inner monologue (hopefully, voiced out in the comments!) or simply gives you something to chew on, inspiring to keep the creative ball rolling.
Thank you for reading!