The Answers

Thank You, Janice

Janice Tovey asked some great questions today. Life questions that deserve an answer. And I challenge you to write your own answers as well.

1. Why do you think you are worth getting to know? I’m funny, sweet and encouraging. My kid’s friends have said I’m cool, nice compliment.
2. If you could cure insecurity and self doubt, how would you do it? Let’s add that money is no object, ok? After all, we’re talking about curing something, so let’s continue to use our imaginations. If I could cure insecurity and self-doubt, I would require every business owner, parent and student to take a 1 year course in mentoring others. Included would be modules on child psychology, empathy, and recognizing talents in yourself and others.There would be classes on the art of expressing emotion and encouragement and why, when and how to show kindness, patience and forgiveness. Those who cannot pass the course would be required to begin the course over and would receive a one-on-one tutor.
3. Really, no really, how are you doing? Physically, I could be doing better. I need to be moving more and not sitting so much. I need to eat more salad and greens. Emotionally, some days are better than others. Today is a good day. Maybe an 8.
4. When you wake up in the morning, who thinks you are the most beautiful person in the world? Hmmm…. this is a good one. Maybe my cat? But he’s got ulterior motives.
5. Can you remember when you did something for the very first time? A couple of months ago, when I was getting ready to drive cross country, I bought a campstove (mainly so I could make hot tea in the mornings no matter where I was). I was so nervous about anything that involved fuel and fire. But I practiced on it at home before I left, and there really was nothing to it. Nothing caught fire, nothing exploded. It’s all good.
6. What was it? — — ooops! (see above)
7. What, where and who brightens your soul? Topping the mountain and seeing the vista spread out below. Wow. It filled a spot in my soul that I didn’t even know was there! Tears would spring to my eyes at the beauty of it all. So, I guess the answer would be traveling as the ‘what’ and everywhere would be the ‘where’ and the Creator for ‘who’. My children are a very close second.
8. What is last thing you did for someone who could nothing for you? I was traveling in California and had stopped to get gas out in the desert. There was a bus parked near the freeway exit and a young guy with a guitar standing by it. His sign said they were headed to ski near Mt. Shasta. I always use my debit card and rarely have cash, but that day I happened to have a $5 bill and told him that when I handed it over. I felt bad that I couldn’t give him more, and I hope he got to where he was going.
9. Are you dreaming about your dream job or are you building it? Nope, I planned to retire last year, and actually got to. Now, I do have a dream of writing for a living. I am working to make that come true. I am more excited about writing than I ever was about any of my “jobs” I worked at.
10. What is your dream job? I would have loved to sing professionally. My dad did (briefly) but not with any great success. But I love singing (not performing so much) and it’s the one thing I will always regret not pursuing.
11. If you possessed magic, name one thing that you would change about yourself? Being young again, of course! Maybe in my early 30’s. But with every bit of experience and wisdom I’ve collected since I was actually that age.
12. If you were a famous writer, what is the first thing you would do? Start a foundation to encourage young writers. I would make tours of 4th and 5th grade writers and sponsor writing challenges and contests to catch promising writers very early in life.
13. If you knew that you would not fail, what would you attempt? Staying on my low-carb diet for a whole month. Right now, I can’t even manage a whole week. I feel better when I’m eating right for me, but the cravings get so bad. Bread, especially bread. But I digress. If anyone has any suggestions for the cravings, though, I’m open to suggestions.
14. If you could whisper only one thing to yourself, what would it be? “Try to be my best friend again. When did you get to be such a crybaby?” Since I’m supposed to be whispering it to myself, I won’t go into my backstory. Maybe you don’t even need one.

Thank you, Janice Tovey, for the writing prompt and for writing your original article: 14 Essential Life Questions to Ask Yourself.

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