Ask Yourself This

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January 21, 2010

Via Julia Allison.

I like questions that make me think. And within the first five of this list, I was already scratch my head wondering, “Hmm, what is my answer to this?” So here are a couple responses to some of the questions I liked.

1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? 25
2. Which is worse, failing or never trying? Failing is like poison to me. I hate it. However, I don’t fear it. So I guess never trying is worse.
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? Sometimes I do things I don’t want to do because I’m trying to be a good person. Otherwise I probably do them for money. But most of the times, I simply don’t do them.
4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done? I don’t think so. I’ve said (blogged) way too much. And I don’t mind. Words are just as powerful as doing.
5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich? Photography. Or being a nutritionist.
7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing? Doing what I believe in.
8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently? So far, so good. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t live much differently than how I live now.
9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken? So little. I feel like life has taken me by the hand and led me to exactly where I needed to be every time.
10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
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?
12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?
14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity? Haha, probably every day of my life.
15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people? I know I see differently than most people. Life is one giant stream of photographic moments and I’m always composing how I would take the picture in my head.
16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy? Not everyone likes to work so much. But not everyone likes their work as much as I do.
17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back? I want to buy a house and make it completely mine. I hope it will be just like a photograph I take — my signature there but invisible in every corner. Time and lack of options are holding us back right now.
18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? Yes.
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 would move anywhere. Chile is mine now. I like a challenge. I would like to make another country mine. It’s a rough yet enjoyable process.
20. Do you push the elevator button more than once?  Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
22. Why are you, you? One word — Rita.
23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
25. What are you most grateful for? Knowing my passion. Having a husband who shares dreams with me. Having the best dog in the world.
26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones? Lose all my old ones. I’m all about moving forward. Always.
27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?
29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset?  Does it really matter now? Yes, and no, not at all.
30. What is your happiest childhood memory?  What makes it so special? Being good at sports/being good at sports while people I loved supported me. Like I said, I love challenges and I also love winning and being the best — both of which didn’t always happen, but every time I was high or low my mom was there to share it with me. That means the world and I don’t think she knows this, but I never, never, never took for granted counting on the fact that I KNEW without a doubt in my mind that I would have a parent at every single event, rain or shine, far or close. I always felt a secret happiness, like my mom loved me more than anyone else’s mom loved them. That feeling is such a special memory.
31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive? 5 minutes ago. I’m editing the most recent photos we’ve done right now and it makes me proud when I look at a good shot and know the couple will have that memory of their love forever.
32. If not now, then when? Always.
33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose? We could lose all of our savings that we worked so hard for, plus more than a year and half of our professional careers that could’ve been spent climbing the ladder in someone else’s company.
34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever? Yes.
35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil? In most things, yes.
37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job? No.
38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before? No se si he vivido diez mil dias o un dia diez mil veces… :)
40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in? I can’t remember a time. Sometimes I’m right and sometimes I’m wrong but I always know what I believe.
41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living? Autopilot.
44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right? Today.
45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake? Because failure sucks.
46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? Wear the furry vest hanging in my closet.
47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing? Today, running. It was TOO LOUD.
48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this 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? Fortunately I have pictures to remember what I was doing a lot of the days of my life. So yes.
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? Making them for myself. And it feels so good.
Some of the questions I just skipped because I thought they were boring or really obvious. But I would absolutely love to hear from anyone who read this. Pick a question that spoke to you. Answer it in the comments. Think about your life.

17 Comments
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17 Comments

  1. Question 9 – I don't think it was the actual question that spoke to me as much as it was your answer. I look at your life and you always seem to have everything so calculated and planned out so your response surprised me because it was so different as to what I would have expected. I feel the same way. I mean, I make my own decisions as well (#50) but then on the other hand I really feel as if events and circumstances have led me to where I am today.

    And #8 made me think that although I do like how I'm living my life, I should push myself a little harder.

    Comment by Renée — January 22, 2010 @ 2:31 am

    Reply

  2. Wear the furry vest!

    For number 8, I think the only things I would change is that we probably would have gotten married and had kids already or be having them now. In terms of friendships, activities, work, etc I don't think I'd change anything, but the family stuff is something where it's important to me, but I feel like I have time since I'll hopefully make it past 40!

    Comment by emilyinchile — January 22, 2010 @ 5:09 am

    Reply

  3. You answered #39 in spanish, you thought that one differently, or it was just for no reason? Me llamó la atención eso.

    Comment by I_Marmo_I — January 22, 2010 @ 7:37 am

    Reply

  4. Wow, it actually makes me feel good that somebody thinks I have a plan! No, I really feel like so much has just been circumstances and then making the best of those circumstances.

    In a sense, I plan some stuff. But for instance, wedding photography. Never planned on working full time in my own business. But when the opportunity presented itself I took it and ran with is and now si, am planning on doing this and have a plan to make the business bigger and better. So yes and no…

    Comment by kyleracine — January 22, 2010 @ 7:55 am

    Reply

  5. I thought about the same thing, maybe kids. But I just don't have a strong enough desire to have a mom at age 25 so I think even if I knew I only had 15 more years of life, procreating might not be on top of my list.

    Comment by kyleracine — January 22, 2010 @ 7:56 am

    Reply

  6. Jaja, Marmo, son las letras de una cancion de Shakira, Te Necesito :) Nada mas po…

    Comment by kyleracine — January 22, 2010 @ 7:56 am

    Reply

  7. i just stumbled upon your blog and am in love with it! i grew up in chile (although i haven't been back for years), so totally feel a connection to you + your work for that reason. plus as a fellow photographer i appreciate your style–it rocks!!! i will definitely be adding this to my daily list of must read blogs!

    Comment by Claire_Rouxby — January 22, 2010 @ 8:26 am

    Reply

  8. Loved your answers… it's just too bad the questions are from Julia Allison's site. SO not a fan of hers, although I am totally a fan of yours!

    Comment by Mei — January 22, 2010 @ 8:34 am

    Reply

  9. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, Shakira :facepalm: hahahhaha ni se me pasó por la mente. xD

    Comment by I_Marmo_I — January 22, 2010 @ 5:15 pm

    Reply

  10. These are awesome questions! I love your response to #9. We place so much importance on having a plan and a road map that we can miss interesting landmarks and surprises on our journey. I agree with your response and can admit to deviating from the plan with my education, career and relationships and I have no regrets!

    Comment by Debora — January 22, 2010 @ 9:06 pm

    Reply

  11. Thank you so much Claire! A lot of expat Chileans have been finding me lately. I love it, it's so interesting to hear the opposite perspective on life…and now from a photographer, even better!

    Comment by kyleracine — January 23, 2010 @ 10:07 pm

    Reply

  12. Haha, thanks Mei, don't stop reading because of JA! She entertains me :)

    Comment by kyleracine — January 23, 2010 @ 10:07 pm

    Reply

  13. Debora, I am so guilty as charged though! I totally always try to take control and make sure that I have everything planned out. I just try to be open to any detours, but sometimes it's hard!

    Comment by kyleracine — January 23, 2010 @ 10:08 pm

    Reply

  14. Kyle, I have been called a control freak in the past–especially at work. But I guess too much planning & control in the workplace is better than too little. So I think you're OK especially since there are so many influences beyond your control in your profession. Outside of my professional life, I have improved my ability (and willingness) to be less about control & more spontaneous.

    Comment by Debora — January 24, 2010 @ 1:18 pm

    Reply

  15. 1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? 21, I'm young at heart
    2. Which is worse, failing or never trying? Never Trying, you can't fail if you never try.
    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? Well, you need to work to get money to do things. I'd e like to go to Hawaii, but don't – cause I need money to do that. Its a vicious circle.
    4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done? Sadly, yes. At this point of my life.
    5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world? The human condition.
    6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich? Making people laugh.
    7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing? Doing what I believe in, trying to make a difference in my corner of the world.
    8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently? I'd e be dead by now.
    9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken? None. God is in control, not me.
    10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? Not worried about anything, that's God's problem. Doing right things goes hand in hand with doing things 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? Stop them, she is a friend and I'm not going to hear any more of it.
    12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be? Get real, what kind of idiot offers a newborn advice.
    13. Would you break the law to save a loved one? Yes, to save their life.
    14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity? Yes, I work for a living!!!!
    15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people? I listen to people, actually try to help them the best I can.
    16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy? God created us all differently, DUH!
    17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back? I want to travel to Hawaii. Money.
    18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? Yes.
    19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move
    20. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster? I only push the button once and have patience.
    21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
    22. Why are you, you? One word — God.
    23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend? Yes
    24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you? Both are a terrible loss.
    25. What are you most grateful for? God giving me my husband and kids.
    26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones? I would rather never be able to make new memories – I would lose memories of my parents who are deceased and the birth of my kids..
    27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first? No, I know the Truth – the Way – the Light, it's Jesus!
    28. Has your greatest fear ever come true? No fear with God!
    29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now? Nope and Nope.
    30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special? Getting a Barbie Dream House. My parents didn't have much money and they got it at a garage sale for me.
    31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
    32. If not now, then when? The birth of my kids.
    33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
    34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever? No, gotta talk to have a conversation.
    35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars? RELIGION is classified as the RULES AND REGULATIONS on how to do thing in church – the do's and don't s in a church. Wars are started because of strife, been going on since the beginning – in the Garden of Eden.
    36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil? YES
    37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job? No.
    38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing? I enjoy my work, and would actually enjoy more of it.
    39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before? No
    40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in? WHAT?? If I marched into the dark, I would probably stub my toes or walk into a door.
    41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today? I'm going to be raptured!
    42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous? NO
    43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living? Coffee!.
    44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right? Today.
    45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake? No one is perfect – we ALL make mistakes.
    46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
    47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing? About a year ago when I had a cold.
    48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this 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? WHAT WAS THE QUESTION?????.
    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? Making them for myself and going nite, nite!

    Comment by judyhepp — January 24, 2010 @ 9:12 pm

    Reply

  16. Kyle, I have been called a control freak in the past–especially at work. But I guess too much planning & control in the workplace is better than too little. So I think you're OK especially since there are so many influences beyond your control in your profession. Outside of my professional life, I have improved my ability (and willingness) to be less about control & more spontaneous.

    Comment by Debora — January 24, 2010 @ 9:18 pm

    Reply

  17. 1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? 21, I'm young at heart
    2. Which is worse, failing or never trying? Never Trying, you can't fail if you never try.
    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? Well, you need to work to get money to do things. I'd e like to go to Hawaii, but don't – cause I need money to do that. Its a vicious circle.
    4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done? Sadly, yes. At this point of my life.
    5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world? The human condition.
    6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich? Making people laugh.
    7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing? Doing what I believe in, trying to make a difference in my corner of the world.
    8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently? I'd e be dead by now.
    9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken? None. God is in control, not me.
    10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? Not worried about anything, that's God's problem. Doing right things goes hand in hand with doing things 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? Stop them, she is a friend and I'm not going to hear any more of it.
    12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be? Get real, what kind of idiot offers a newborn advice.
    13. Would you break the law to save a loved one? Yes, to save their life.
    14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity? Yes, I work for a living!!!!
    15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people? I listen to people, actually try to help them the best I can.
    16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy? God created us all differently, DUH!
    17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back? I want to travel to Hawaii. Money.
    18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? Yes.
    19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move
    20. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster? I only push the button once and have patience.
    21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
    22. Why are you, you? One word — God.
    23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend? Yes
    24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you? Both are a terrible loss.
    25. What are you most grateful for? God giving me my husband and kids.
    26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones? I would rather never be able to make new memories – I would lose memories of my parents who are deceased and the birth of my kids..
    27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first? No, I know the Truth – the Way – the Light, it's Jesus!
    28. Has your greatest fear ever come true? No fear with God!
    29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now? Nope and Nope.
    30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special? Getting a Barbie Dream House. My parents didn't have much money and they got it at a garage sale for me.
    31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
    32. If not now, then when? The birth of my kids.
    33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
    34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever? No, gotta talk to have a conversation.
    35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars? RELIGION is classified as the RULES AND REGULATIONS on how to do thing in church – the do's and don't s in a church. Wars are started because of strife, been going on since the beginning – in the Garden of Eden.
    36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil? YES
    37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job? No.
    38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing? I enjoy my work, and would actually enjoy more of it.
    39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before? No
    40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in? WHAT?? If I marched into the dark, I would probably stub my toes or walk into a door.
    41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today? I'm going to be raptured!
    42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous? NO
    43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living? Coffee!.
    44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right? Today.
    45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake? No one is perfect – we ALL make mistakes.
    46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
    47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing? About a year ago when I had a cold.
    48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this 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? WHAT WAS THE QUESTION?????.
    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? Making them for myself and going nite, nite!

    Comment by judyhepp — January 25, 2010 @ 5:12 am

    Reply

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