A Reflection Exercise on Writing, Work and Self-Care
Aka response to July interview questions
This post is a response to the excellent July Interview Questions by Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她). I love her prompts as they get me writing and more importantly reflecting on different themes and philosophies. I had a lot of fun with June’s questions on idea generation, relationships and culture- so I am eager to try this month’s set as well.
Without further ado, here we go:
[1] If you could go back to the beginning of your writing career, however far back that is, what is one tip you would give yourself?
Start writing.
Start Publishing.
Start sharing.
When I began, I used to write on and off. When I began consistently blogging, I barely shared. Like many newbies, I held back for a variety of reasons. Inexperience, insecurities, ignorance, indecision, you name it!
But really, unless we share, unless we get eyeballs on our work and start actively soliciting feedback, improvement, and progress will both be painfully slow. Don’t get or stay in that trap. Come out already.
Plus, I shall tell myself, feedback is still better than crickets. It’s a fabulous chance to change or pivot.
Stop overthinking, start writing, and share.
[2] In classic group-based ice-breakers format: “Share your name and one random fact about yourself”, how do you choose the fact to share? Do you come up with one on the spot? Does it change depending on who you’re talking to? Do you have one “go-to” answer for all of these ice-breaker situations?
My name is Nirupama and I can read children’s books in different voices.
Hehe. I know, pretty cool when raising (or trying to raise) two little readers.
I am an extrovert so I do have different responses depending on the situation and audience. I have been known to enter the proverbial room full of strangers and walk out knowing at least three. I am actually proud of this because I am not a born speaker. To this day, I still place myself in these situations just so I don’t get rusty.
Of course, years of practice helps. So, to answer this question: yes, I do keep multiple answers handy depending on the situation.
[3] In what ways do you take care of your mental health?
- I read. Either re-read my fav Agatha Christie books or any physical book.
- I listen to a set of specific songs depending on my triggers. (Of anger, sadness, stress)
- I like to walk. I find nature soothing- so off for some nature therapy.
- I also rarely can be heard breathing in and out really loudly. It always reminds me of my two deliveries. The method works because 1) it’s fun 2) it’s funny 3) it reminds me of my two darlings and the memory of my babies is a wonderful magic wand that can dispel the foulest of moods.
- I do have a list of junk food items that I reserve s for the days when I need the extra ammunition to keep me sane and physical channels or outdoors are not an option. This past year has seen me use this tactic a lot! I try to keep it under five instances in a month though and I find they coincide with my period days a lot. 😞
[4] How has your culture or context shaped your beliefs about what work ethic or productivity looks like?
I grew up in Mumbai. So, I believe in working to make things happen.
There are many folks in the city who achieved their dreams and beyond through hard work and sheer determination. Those Bollywood movies are not too far from reality in that aspect.
Dream big, work harder, think even more strategically. The city inspires that ethic in everyone.
Plus, my parents worked really hard and still do to reach their goals. I learn firsthand from their experience. First to uplift themselves, then to build a nest egg, then to have enough for availing luxuries, including the luxury of helping others without fretting over their own finances.
The goal post in life is a moving one, but we can choose where to place it!
[5] What’s one food you like to make if you don’t want to think or plan or buy new ingredients at all?
Dosas.
These are like pancakes and can be made with different ingredients. Super simple and quick to make and my kids love it. And I can put it together with whatever I have. So, definitely my go-to recipe for hurried or lazy days.
Fave or Nah?
- Favorite moisturizer?
Mango Fragrance from The Body Shop.
Japanese Blossoms from Jergens.
- Least favorite car?
I hate the Jeep sorts where you can sit backward. That makes me feel funny. Unless it is a train, I cannot travel backward except for short rides.
- Favorite chore?
Loading the dishwasher. Not only do I appreciate not having to do it by hand, but also optimizing a load to be full satisfies the nerd in me.
- Least favorite tv show?
I was trying to watch Schitt's Creek but it just did not gel with me. I quit after 15 mins.
- Favorite body part?
My hands. I love painting my nails, nail art, wearing rings, bangles, Mehendi tattoos, Mehendi.
Plus, they are so useful to write, type, soothe a baby, splash water (pool or on a bathing toddler), and more.
Articles to share
- A piece that you published in your first moments of being on Medium
- A piece that challenges assumptions
- A piece related to food
- A piece from a fellow writer you love
- A piece you think deserves more love
This post as I mentioned is a response to the interview prompt here at The Brain Is a Noodle. The original challenge can be found here:
There are still few days for the month to be over, enough time to post a response. So, do consider sharing yours. Hence, tagging all.
I would love to see what you, dear reader perusing this will answer — always exciting to read diverse perspectives and advice. You can find another great response by Rachella Angel Page here: