From the series: Life on Dog Hill
In this posting, I bring to a close a series that I began five months ago after being inspired to answer 95 questions about myself. When I initially looked through the questions, I wondered if any of my seven children would know how I might answer and if they would be surprised by my truths. That’s when I decided to use the 95 questions as a means to interview myself so that my children could come to know me better.
Parts I, II, III and IV each include twenty questions and in this final entry I answer the last fifteen. I’ve enjoyed the process of interviewing myself so that my children can know me better. I’ve especially enjoyed translating my life experience into messages to my kids in the hopes that some small part of my life learnings might meaningfully impact their respective lives.
Occasionally, I’d come across a question that stymied me — either I didn’t like the way the question was framed or I didn’t really have an answer. For example, it took me about a week to come up with an answer to question seven below; and, given the question, I don’t think that’s a bad thing!
Drum roll, pleez…
1. What makes you feel comfortable?
The quiet of the woods.
Message to my kids: Mindfulness is not only having awareness of what’s going on around you but also what’s going on within.
2. What’s something about you that has never changed?
I have always loved trees and as a child I would name my favorite trees and talk to them. I can’t tell a lie, I still name my favorite trees and talk to them!
Message to my kids: The most constant part of yourself is likely the you the rest of the world most needs to see.
3. What will be different about your life in exactly one year?
In one year, I’ll be getting my head around sending my twin sons off to college and that’s going to be a huge change in our lives. I’m also looking forward to having published my second book, Stories from Spirit!
Message to my kids: If you don’t know where you want to go, how will you know when you get there?
4. What mistakes do you make over and over again?
Spelling. Thank God for spell check!
Message to my kids: Mistakes can be overlooked — integrity cannot.
5. What do you have a hard time saying “no” to?
The chance to help out and make a difference. Really, one can only take up so many causes…
Message to my kids: When you learn to think outside of yourself while still holding yourself in the highest space of love, forgiveness and respect then you will live your highest calling.
6. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
For the first time in my life, I’m truly doing what I believe in rather than settling and doing what others expected from me — and I’ve never been happier!
Message to my kids: Listen to your heart when it comes to living your life. Authenticity is ever more enriching than success and money.
7. What’s something that used to scare you, but no longer does?
Not getting what I think I want. In such cases, the goal is never set from my heart but rather from the expectations of others.
Message to my kids: Failure is a matter of perspective. When used to evaluate your priorities and hit reset, then failure is just another step to your destiny.
8. What promise to yourself do you still need to fulfill?
To be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend that I can be. That’s a lifelong promise that will carry me to my very last breath.
Message to my kids: Other than being the very best YOU that you can be, what else is there?
9. What do you appreciate most about your current situation?
That this is the happiest I’ve ever been… and that’s a lot to be appreciative about!
Message to my kids: Happiness begins with a healthy dose of gratitude!
10. What’s something simple that makes you smile?
Watching the hummingbird drink from the feeder on the back porch.
Message to my kids: Once you know what makes you smile, overindulge!
11. So far, what has been the primary focus of your life?
Learning who I am and how to be myself in a world oft filled with judgement and criticism.
Message to my kids: Know thyself. Then share that YOU with those who recognize and appreciate the gifts you offer.
12. How do you know when it’s time to move on?
My heart tells me. That doesn’t make moving on any easier; it simply confirms my truth.
Message to my kids: All of my biggest and best life changes resulted from letting go of what was.
13. What’s something you wish you could do one more time?
All the things I want to do, I’m doing!
Message to my kids: Don’t live looking over your shoulder. Instead, look into the future with curiosity, excitement and knowing that the best is yet to come!
14. When you’re 90-years-old, what will matter to you the most?
That I’ve lived (and continue to live) my most authentic life.
Message to my kids: Authenticity is the elixir of life.
15. What would you regret not fully doing, being, or having in your life?
I don’t believe in living in regret but rather focusing on gratitude. I’m grateful that I’ve chosen to live an authentic life and focus so intently on my husband, children and writing what lies in my heart.
Message to my kids: Regret is a stumbling block to happiness.
There you have it — the last of 95 questions to Help You Find Meaning and Happiness! If some of these questions resonate with you, take a few minutes to discuss them with someone you care about.
Finally, thanks again to my favorite blog Marc and Angel Hack Life for continuing to post such great, thought-provoking material.
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