365 Questions: The Beauty of Procrastination

Who came up with this project?? Oh yes, me and my friend Kristin. I’m definitely finding it a challenging initiative as well as an introspective one. I hope everyone else who is partaking in it, is finding that it’s stirring the brain pot a little bit each week.

I try to answer the questions as honestly as I can, for the particular moment in time I’m answering them. So much is dependent on my mood, level of fatigue and the amount of time I have allotted to answer them . . . though I definitely do not rush through them.

Week 12

80. What grounds you when the world around you is spinning?

These days it’s exercise. I try to get to the gym at least four to five times a week. Even though I’m a huge music fan, I don’t utilize it during my workouts. I prefer to be alone with my thoughts and use the time to think, reflect and even solve problems. I have found I can discover some pretty creative solutions when I’m on the treadmill or running outside. Immersed in my thoughts the workout time passes quickly. And, I always feel better afterwards.

81. What are your core values?

My core values are loyalty, imagination, altruism, action and honesty.

82. If you could live out the rest of your life happily, somewhere else, where would it be and with who?

I’m pretty happy wherever I am but it would be great to spend six months of the year living at my cottage and the other half in Barrie or maybe somewhere in British Columbia. I would hope to be with my partner (a position yet to be filled) or failing that, a few close friends like my sister.

83. What’s the nicest thing someone’s ever said about you?

I’m reading a book called Deeper Dating and one of the exercises is to have some of you closest friends tell you what your gifts are. I was blessed to hear a number of very kind things during that exercise but the one that really made me well up with tears was someone telling me that when I’m with people, I make them feel like they’re important. What a beautiful thing to say and I truly hope I do that for those I’m with.

84. What’s the difference between living and existing?

I think the biggest difference between living and existing is how you interact with the world. Living means being 100 per cent engaged (maybe not every minute but most of them) and present – open to opportunities and adventures. If you’re simply existing, you’re just marking time.

85. What do you wish you didn’t know?

This is a tough question to answer. I think knowledge is certainly power, and the more information you have makes you better equipped for life. That being said, I wish I didn’t know that it does all come to an end eventually. It would be great to be a time lord and have the ability to regenerate several times, but that probably has its downside too. Just another reason to live life to the fullest and not to bypass opportunities or the chance to tell someone that you love them.

86. How would you describe your life – in just 10 words?

For today those 10 words would be: I am blessed with an abundance of love and friendship.

Week 13

87. What are your top three priorities?

1. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 2. Staying mindful and present. 3. My friends.

88. What’s the best part of getting older?

Being comfortable with who you are.

89. What motivates you to go to work every day?

I’m on the downside of my career and coasting towards retirement, so it’s probably the paycheque that gets me out of bed and out the door each morning. That being said, I do love where I work – especially my co-workers who make spending seven hours a day with them totally enjoyable.

90. What makes you uncomfortable?

My right hip makes me uncomfortable most of the time but I’m working on fixing that problem! I’m also not the best dater . . . I’d rather just skip all that mess and head straight to the relationship. Because I’m introverted, it takes me awhile to warm up and to really let my personality out. I can be a bit quiet and reserved when meeting people for the first time – not always my comfort zone.

91. What makes love last?

I’m probably not the best person to answer this question as I’m still single at 54, but I believe that constant and honest communication along with mutual respect, affection and a belief that giving up is not an option.

92. What do you want more of in your life?

Clarity.

93. What’s one thing you’re really good at?

Getting things done. My friend Kimberly calls me a rain-maker because I’m usually the one who takes the germ of someone else’s idea and helps make it a reality.

WEEK 14
94. What draws you to someone else?

I’m drawn to people who are kind and have a wicked, smart sense of humour.

95. What does hurt feel like?

Hurt for me is usually a deep sense of sadness. I’m a sensitive soul and feel deeply. I cry during most movies and if anything moves me. So, when I’m hurt, it’s like there’s a vise wrapped around my heart.

96. Do you like who you are?

Definitely . . . I’m one pretty cool chick.

97. What does success mean to you?

I think that for me, success means knowing I did my best every day. And on any given day, my best can mean different things.

98. What did you learn yesterday?

I learned that it definitely takes at least 30 days to break a habit. You can go a week and think you’re good, but then something happens and you’re back to square one again.

99. Which is worse, failing or never giving it a shot?

I think that you always have to give it a shot. There really isn’t any such thing as failing . . . everything is a lesson and potential data for your personal growth.

100. What have you given up on?

I have embraced the fact that I am never going to be a handy person. I’m not one of those people who loves the idea of renovating my own bathroom or making homemade curtains for my bedroom. I’m a great helper, but I’ll never be the foreman.

WEEK 15

101. If we never had to sleep, how would you fill those extra 7 or 8 hours a day?

I would likely do longer workouts, write more and spend more time with my friends.

102. If you could change careers, what would you do and why?

I think I would make a good life coach. While I’m not always the best at deciding what I should do with my life, I usually have good instincts when it comes to others and enjoy helping people with their personal and professional growth.

103. What are your strengths?

I’m extremely loyal and dedicated. So when I decide to do something, I’m very focused and I stick to it. My loyalty also extends to the people in my circle. I’m creative and I’m very loving and giving.

104. What is your greatest weakness and how do you work through it?

I can be extremely indecisive. I think I’ve mentioned this before in a previous answer, but I’m learning to rely on my intuition and trust that I’m making the right decision. I’m also getting more comfortable in the knowledge that even if I don’t make the best decision sometime, it’s not the end of the world.

105. What’s your favourite day of the week and why?

I would have to say Sunday. I’m not at work and it’s usually an unplanned day, full of potential. And, most of my favouite TV shows are on Sunday evening.

106. What’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told?

That there’s nothing wrong with this relationship.

107. What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?

Why are my neighbours shingling this early on a Sunday?