Interview with John Ross
A rich conversation with a loved one or stranger. A walk through the woods on a sunny day. A cup of coffee on a rainy day. Snuggles on the couch. A buzzer beating game-winner. Star gazing at night. A worship service. Dreaming of the future. Writing poetry.
John Ross writes amazingly well and I came across his profile while reading some of the poetries on Illumination. Later on, I read one of the articles titled “What’s the Secret to living until 104?” and it kept me hooked from the genesis till the end. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
He usually writes about his journey of life, experiences which have added meaning to his up-beating spirit, and lately, I have seen him writing on black lives matter topic a lot which is highly remarkable. John is very humble and a constant supporter of various members on Medium. He is active on Twitter as well and I have never seen him being ungrateful to anyone on this platform.
I wish him all the best in whatever he is doing at present and yearns to read more and more from his magical pen. I hope you enjoy reading his responses too.
- Where do you belong to? Is there anything you would like to change about the place you belong to?
I didn’t know this would be such a challenging question. I’ve already written, deleted, and rewritten my response multiple times. I think it’s because I don’t feel beholden to anyone or anything. I belong to humanity, to others… and that resides anywhere and everywhere.
2. What sets your soul on fire?
A rich conversation with a loved one or stranger. A walk through the woods on a sunny day. A cup of coffee on a rainy day. Snuggles on the couch. A buzzer beating game-winner. Star gazing at night. A worship service. Dreaming of the future. Writing poetry.
3. Which one is your favorite family memory and why?
It’s hard to pick just one. But if I picked one word, it would be ‘together.’ My favorite family memory and continued memories are the ones where we are together. Christmas and Easter have always been special in my family and anytime we get together, it’s always an adventure!
4. Is there anyone in your life you could give your life for? If yes, why?
I would say that I would hope it would simply be a reflex. I would like to say I’d give my life for anyone in a moment where it was needed.
5. Do you pour love into self from time to time?
The ways I pour love into myself are by a walk in nature, a cold brew coffee, and quality time with people I love.
6. How often you observe the people near you?
I’m constantly observing people. I live with 3 other guys, I work in an office, and I spend my free time on hikes and in coffee shops so I am consistently around others and constantly observing.
7. Why do you hope for? Does it change something within you or around you?
I hope one day for a family of my own. To be married and have children. Children of my own, adopted, fostered. I hope to share light, love, and hope with all those around me.
8. How does it feel like being a woman to you?
I will never fully understand what it feels like to be a woman. But I have two older sisters, and an incredible mother and grandmothers so I’ve got a little bit of insight into women. I think women are incredible and the world might just be a bit better off in women were in charge instead of men.
9. What you would like us to remember you for?
I would like to be remembered for how I loved others, how I gave others encouragement and hope. And it sure would be great to write a book (or 100) to leave behind!
10. How would you describe your life?
I’m really blessed. I’ve literally been able to achieve so many of my dreams. I have my dream job (NBA) in a dream city (Portland, Oregon) with a dream community (so many great friends). I’m really thankful for the life I get to live and do my best to share it with those around me.
11. What keeps you on your toes and how do you like to spend your time?
What keeps me on my toes is writing. I love to write. I have so many story ideas, book ideas, articles, blogs, poems… and yet I also work a full-time job J I love my job but when I’m off, I usually open my laptop and start writing!
12. When life gives you lemon what do you make out of it?
When I’m at my best, I sit in it. I let myself feel. I’ll get my journal out. I’ll write poetry (I process through poetry). At my worst, I get out my phone and scroll, lol.
13. What mystery of life you would like to have an answer for?
I would love to see how the world was formed! And then… if I could keep watching, I would just love to watch through all of history and time!
14. How were you different five years ago from what you are today?
I’ve grown in compassion and empathy. My brother-in-law passed away a little over 5 years ago. He was also one of my dearest friends. It was the first time someone that close had died at that young of an age (33). Before that, I feel like I looked at the world more in a sense of black and white, right and wrong. But now I see everything nuanced. Life isn’t fair. There’s mystery. There are unanswered questions. And I’ve learned to sit in that. And that being okay.
15. What would you like to leave as your legacy? Is there any message you would like to communicate to us?
I would say the same things that I have weaved throughout my answers being hope and love. Not just well wishes but a sincere tangible love. I want people to know when I leave that I loved them, that they are loved. And I hope that I leave them with lasting hope as I go.
John Ross is Writing stories, working in the NBA, and learning each day how to better love my neighbor @thejorolife
