I haven't been able to bring myself to write in quite some time. Due to everything going on in the world (and in my own life), it just didn't seem right. For a number of reasons, I've found it quite difficult to do anything for myself, even writing on this blog. The thought of doing anything for myself in light of recent events has only riddled me with guilt because it leaves me feeling empty, like I'm not doing enough, like I'm not contributing enough and I shouldn't spend time on myself when there are more pressing matters at hand. And while part of me still feels that way, I've realized how important it is to take care of myself and to do things for myself even in the midst of all this chaos and tragedy—because if I don't, there will be none of me left to fight. So if that means writing easy, mindless puff pieces in addition to signing petitions and donating where I can and re-educating myself on issues of systemic racism, then so be it (and I encourage you all to do the same! if you are able to attend protests, please do so safely!)
Anyway.
I discovered some "conversation starter cards" in my living room a while ago (courtesy of Natasha lol) and thought I'd give them a go. Since there are quite a few questions, I thought I'd split them into a couple different posts so as not to overwhelm you or myself :)
1. Would you choose to be 20% better-looking if it made you 20% less happy?
Probably not. I already have low-enough days... I don't need them to be any lower lol
2. Do your morals ever get in the way of your happiness?
Oh, definitely. Not often, but there are times where the easier, immoral option is the quickest road to happiness and yet I have to stop myself if I feel like keeping my integrity.
3. What quote do you live by?
Rest in Distress.
-Evan Rubenzahl
Lmao jk I have a handful. But the one I tend to come back to over and over again is "Have courage and be kind." Who knew Cinderella would have the answers on how to live my life ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
4. Is happiness over-rated?
Absolutely not.
5. What made each of your past pets special?
Oh boy, there were quite a few so I dunno if I'll be able to remember them all! There were the cannibal snails; the rescued baby bird; Roger the Hamster named after the iconic Mr. Rogers; Gato and Bachi, my parents' first set of cats; the mysteriously disappearing frogs; Sandy the Prize Turtle who we thought was a boy but was actually a girl; probably several fish that have vanished from memory; Bernie & Phyllis, my precious sassy old rescue kitties; Suki the peanut chihuahua-terrier, who is the love of my life but such an old little woman now; Nutella the warm, adorable slobbery bulldog pup; and finally, Phoenix & Scout, my current demonically playful, astonishingly needy (and loud) kittens adopted from South Salem, New York.
6. Do you think it's easier to be happy when you don't have as many choices?
It can be. Ignorance is bliss and all that jazz.
7. Are you letting any of your gifts go to waste?
I mean, I hope not. I'm assuming gifts here means "natural talents" or something like that? Each of my "talent" inclinations has always fallen in the artistic realm but I haven't necessarily had the means to pursue them as in-depth as I'd like. Dance/voice/music lessons are not cheap, my dudes. I know I have skills there, I just need to figure out how to harness them fully.
8. Which bad habits could you cut out that would help you sleep better?
I'm not even gonna go there. Insomnia can go fuck itself.
9. What do you sometimes take for granted?
Probably my friends' kindness. They are too good to me and I do not deserve them <3
10. What is contributing a surprising amount of happiness to your life these days?
Not all that surprising, but Phoenix & Scout have stolen my entire heart and can get away with probably anything if they nuzzle me hard enough.
11. Have you ever tried to regularly take quiet time for yourself?
As an introvert, it's sorta hard to exist without it.
12. How often do you make a to-do list?
Ohmygod, every day.
13. What's the hardest thing for you to resist?
Persuasion.
14. What would you like to give up thinking about?
Student loans hahahaahhahahahahhaaaaaa
15. Which of your commitments is the hardest to keep?
I'm not entirely sure what this means but I guess anything school-related stresses me out the most and therefore I end up brushing things off until the last possible minute.
16. If you could wave a magic wand and one thing in your life would be checked off your to-do list what would you pick?
Any homework, ever. I love school and I love learning yall, but completing assignments? Not my area.
17. Do you accept what can't be changed?
Not always. I want to, though.
18. How can you be happier than you are right now?
If I could stick to a routine. I mean actually, really truly stick to a healthy routine to the point where it becomes second nature. But unfortunately, not much of my life has allowed for it.
19. Which locations are on your bucket list?
Colombia, Peru, El Salvador, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Scotland, The Netherlands, Portugal, France, Greece, Italy, Austria, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Nepal, China, The Philippines, Egypt, Lebanon, Nigeria, South Korea, Singapore, Bangladesh, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland... Man, the list could go on.
20. What are the three most important qualities you look for in a partner?
Compassion, humor & reliability.
21. What's the difference between pleasure and happiness?
I like to think of pleasure as a short-lived, immediate thing whereas happiness is more of a long-term, all-encompassing thing.
22. Which area of your life needs the most organization?
My sleep schedule, holy shit.
23. Are you ever surprised by your own behavior?
Rarely. Usually, the surprise stems from the shock of my own self-restraint. I tend to be very impulsive when it comes to my emotions and the actions that follow them, so if I'm able to fight off some impulsive instincts, it's no small thing.
24. Who's the most surprisingly happy person you know?
All the ones I can think of are children, so... I dunno what that says about the adult world.
25. Do you have unnecessarily impossible standards?
For myself? Absolutely 100%. For others, not particularly.
..........
And there you have the first 25 questions, folks. If anything, I hope this brought some vague sense of levity to your own life before you go out and fight for change in this world (go do it! we need you!)
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
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