50 Questions To Inspire Thought | Chit Chat

Y'all know I love myself some existential crises. I was doing some exploring of Woven Words, and I came across this post. There are 50 questions which aim to inspire thought, and this type of content is right up my alley. So, let's do this... (enjoy my endless quotes!)

1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

I feel equal parts 16 and 60. I can be incredibly lazy and refuse to move, but I have the mindset of a 16 year old in that I'm still entirely lost about what's going on in my life.

2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?

Never trying. "We regret the chances we do not take." is something I believe wholeheartedly. I may not always preach it, but there are lessons to be learnt from failure. From never trying, the only feeling is sheer regret. 

3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

Dang. I felt semi-confident responding to these questions, but apparently we're going straight to the deep end. To quote Alicia Florrick, "Poetry is easy. It's the parent-teacher conferences that are hard." I think we're creatures who know how to dream big, but live as if we aim merely to survive. The things we 'don't like' are often things like working a 9-5 job, practically until you die. To be frank, it's scary to live a life that we want, because let's be real, we all have bills to pay, responsibilities to take on. The things we don't do take a life of its own, and we love it - but we also don't want to ruin it. How many hobbies do you have that you're not gonna let become something bigger for fear of losing what made it so special? There are people who live by the motto that life is short, and therefore will not waste time on things they do not like and I love and respect that. But I guess I can see why others don't - because I am certainly one of them.

4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

Probably. I'll only hope the difference between what I've said and what I've done isn't too big.

5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

If I could physically do this, I would honestly remove any politician who holds their position primarily for their personal gain. I've paid far too much attention to the tax 'reform' bill in the US, and have been shocked by the sheer selfishness of it all - that people really want to keep their millions so much that they would make healthcare more inaccessible than ever I've also been incapable of understanding that people can't stand to lose their campaign donations, so therefore refuse to even talk about gun control. Politicians are meant to represent their constituents - and it frightens me daily to see how often they don't and no, this is not just an American issue. (I wrote this late 2017, and it still applies 100% but I'm also rapidly more frustrated at Australia's own stance when it comes to doing things for themselves, while celebrating practices which are inhumane and unsustainable.)

The other thing I want to change is the way we talk about charities, and social enterprises. I believe that one person cannot change everything, but one person can change something. So, I want to somehow reshape the cynicism about organisations which are not profit-driven - and do better when it comes to supporting organisations like that. (To give examples - I think what Gift Box Organic, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and Thankyou do is so, so important.) I want to remind people that there are always opportunities to support the things that matter that most to you; you just have to find them.

6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

Something to do with travel, blogging, and videography. I would love to see the world, and blog - but not necessarily for the same reasons. I love blogging, but honestly, I want to be able to create my own template and make the style my own. Making fanvideos is so fun when I find my inspiration. Honestly, this could all be one job or it could be three separate ones. I'm not necessarily the most creative person - but I also want to create so that's confusing. 

7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

I don't know. When it comes to my future career, the only thing on my mind is learning. I'm trying for jobs in the accounting area, but I am also scared I'm settling. I guess only time will tell what I'm doing. Everything is kinda in the air right now, and I'm not really doing anything. I'm just... taking it one step at a time.

8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

I would've travelled more during uni, and tried for things I wasn't qualified for. I would've worked in other jobs to expand my skillset. I think, above all, I just would've done more and be less willing to let other people's rules about how I live define me. I would be smarter about the mistakes I made, and saved my 'rebellion' for something bigger.

9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

I think I'm the reason I am where I am today (ie. not very successful, HAHA) - but I did it without an ability to stop. I think I took more control in the last year, but I'm still looking to make active steps about my future this year.

10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

Doing the right things, I guess. I don't believe there is any purpose in doing something right if it's not something that's (ethically) right in the first place. Doing the right thing may not always be done right, but I also don't think it's always done wrong. We're responsible not only for ourselves, but for future generations. Based on that alone, it seems wrong to not try to do what is right.

11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?

Defend the friend.

12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be brave. Be willing to think big. Explore absolutely everything; you might discover something you never expected.

13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?

Yes.

14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

No. I'm not entirely sure I know what this means. 

15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

The only thing coming to mind is just plain weird. Until recently, I swallowed cherry (yes, cherry) seeds. I stopped, which is good because I just found out apple seeds and cherry seeds contain cyanide.

16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?

We're all different people. We cannot be satisfied by the same things.

17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?

Travelled (internationally, but also domestically). I mean, money is kinda a big deal, but it's not always what's held me back. I have overprotective family, and we've finally reached a point where we don't fight endlessly - but a consequence of this is that I don't do some of the things I've wanted. Some of the wildest things I've done - I've told like 3 people in total.

18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

Probably. But I'm not good at that. 

19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

I have three separate responses to this, HAHA.

If I were to move to another capital city, I would move to Melbourne. I love its top-notch public transport, its resemblance to Sydney in terms of shopping, and the fact the temperature is slightly cooler. Honestly, it's just a bunch of little things. Everyone just seems a little nicer. They have free water taps everywhere which is such a useful, if minor, investment. The place just relaxes me.

If I were to move to anywhere in Australia, I honestly think I would move to a smaller city/country town. The only thing that would hold me back is too much quietness and lack of things to do, but I love the friendly vibe of it all and I think it would test me to find new hobbies.

If I were to move overseas, I would love to live in New York or Copenhagen. I've never been to either, but both stick in my mind. New York is the city I've probably dreamt about forever, and I seriously can never get it out of my mind. Admittedly, I would rather not visit for another 2-6 years, but honestly, I have a European friend who I would love to explore the East Coast with. As for Copenhagen, there's no rhyme or reason. There's something seriously unique about Scandanavian countries which appeals to me.

20. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

Sometimes. No, I don't think the lift comes faster when I do that.

21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

Joyful simpleton. I've lived so long in a perpetual state of worry, that I geniunely don't think I understand the concept of not worrying.

22. Why are you, you?

To paraphase Dr Seuss, because 'there is no one youer than you.'

23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?

Generally, no. I can count on one hand the amount of times I've been a good friend. I think I've stepped up at times, but it's not something I've done consistently.

24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?

Losing touch with a good friend who lives near you.

25. What are you most grateful for?

I'm grateful for the fact that I would never be in a place where I'm utterly unstable unless I choose to change that. I'm grateful that I've met some people and I'm grateful that I am okay, I guess.

26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?

I would rather neither of these happen. I thrive off my old memories, and I will not be fulfilled unless I can make new memories - so I'm just gonna skip this question...

27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?

Yes. However, I think there are times where the whole truth does not reveal itself unless you challenge it.

28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?

I honestly don't know what my greatest fear is.

29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?

I do remember. I guess it mattered in that I learnt how giving people and empathetic people can be when they 100% do not need to, and it also matters because it is a reminder of things about me which I don't necessarily vocalise but are fundamental to who I am. (That was vague...)

30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?

I was out with my family and friends, and somehow we ended up at the beach. Of course, I'm the one that managed to get dumped by a wave, so I was a sandy mess on the ride home and the only way I was allowed to eat was if someone fed me, which is how my friend ended up having to give me Cheezels every time I whined (or something less complaint-like, I don't know 😂). It was one of those days where my biggest problem was sand in my hair and on my skin - so I guess that sticks out.

30.  At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?

Lmao, how many times do I bring this up before it gets old? I felt the most alive when I went to Melbourne and skydiving. I was also super excited when I was interning in July. Filming videos have been super fun too.

32. If not now, then when?

I always say 'later' - but I guess the point of this is to remind me 'the time is now'.

33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?

Nothing, in theory. I guess I'm fucking terrific at over-complicating things.

34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?

I have, I think....

35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?

I don't believe religions that support love cause war. I believe there are people who misinterpret the words of the God they believe in, and treat love like a privilege - something which has exclusionary policies. When you pretend that the right to love and show love needs to meet certain requirements, that's discrimination. And people don't stand for it.

36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?

No. There are scenarios where situations are black and white, but grey areas can arise. 

37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?

I would certainly quit my current job. But I would be chasing a new job, because I like keeping busy. I like learning and doing something productive, and one day, I hope I find a job I love, irrespective of the paycheck.

38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

At this very moment, I would like more work. Trying to find projects for myself is hard. I want to do things and create, because learning without adding value to something isn't always fulfilling.

39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?

Yes. I'm currently in a place where I'm not moving foward as much as I would like, which is why I'm so desperate to make this year one of change - not particularly caring of what kind of change.

40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?

This question is too metaphorical for me.

41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?

Everyone I'm close to.

42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?

No. I don't thrive off either of those things, unless they bring in income - which would be great given how broke I currently feel.

43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

Being alive doesn't require to do anything except breathe. Living is the experience. It's doing things that you want to do, trying things that would fulfil you, taking risks which you aren't entirely sure will pay off. Living is harder, but it offers a greater sense of accomplishment.

44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?

I believe we all have a line when it comes to what it is 'right'. There are things we believe in, but not enough to ignore the rational part of your mind. The point you stop calculating is quite frankly when it does not matter to you, when what is right cannot be argued against the pros and cons.

45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

We're scared of what others think of us. We're scared that the only thing we'll have to show from our learnings is a series of failures. We're scared of being viewed as worse than someone else. We're conditioned as human beings to achieve, but we never really talked about what making a mistake means until we're older. It's much harder to unlearn and relearn than learn something new.

46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

I would talk about things more openly. I would let people see the side of me that's weird, the part of me that tries to be insightful. I would jump in head-first into things that have no rhyme or reason but just feel right.

47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?

Every time I exercise. 

48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?

I'm not going to explain this, but yes, there have been actions which expressed my love.

49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?

No. That's why making memorable moments is so important. I want to remember things I've done because they mattered, or because they brought me joy and excitement.

50. Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?

A mix of both. I'm aiming to make decisions for myself, but I also know I'm limiting my choices based on others.

Aaaaand, that's a wrap! Wow, it's been awhile, hasn't it?!

Catch you next post!

Emily