Sitting on the sofa, I was biting my nails and wondering what my first blog should be… Being a psychologist, my first thought was writing about “what is therapy… maybe how to cope with the pandemic… or how to be more active…” I could not really feel motivated or excited by any of those topics, perhaps because I read too much about them in the past year. When I was about to put away my laptop, I decided to give it one last try and before I began, I got up to refill my glass of water. Maybe a change in position will lead to a change in thoughts? As I touched the cold running water from the tap, I closed my eyes and remembered a saying, “don’t just do something… stand there.” When I first heard that phrase a few years ago, it really resonated with me because growing up we were frequently told to make ourselves useful by doing something. All this to say that I decided to write my first blog on a collection of 50 random questions that I want myself to answer while I “stand there… and NOT just do something…” So, I invite you to do that same with me.
- When I close my eyes, what image makes my heart smile?
- If I could choose five neighbours, who would I pick?
- Am I afraid that I will fall out of love one day?
- What would I do if I knew no one was judging me?
- Do I yell because I hide my tears?
- When was the last time I did something awesome just for myself?
- Will I be happier if I loved someone from a distance?
- Once a month can I do something where I choose curiosity over fear?
- When was the last time I remembered my grandmother?
- When was the last time I sang loudly?
- Do I have any regrets?
- What do I think about when I am alone?
- What will I tell my 12-year-old self?
- How did I feel when I first met my partner?
- Do I add value to those around me?
- Am I ashamed of anything?
- How will I be remembered when I am gone?
- Do I yell because I do not want you to see I am scared?
- Can I consciously make an effort to use one kind word a day?
- What have I learned from those relationships that did not succeed?
- If I had a chance, what will I say to those I have hurt?
- Do I find my job rewarding?
- If I had a choice, would I choose any other profession?
- Am I brave enough to talk about my mental health?
- What am I most afraid will happen if I talk about my mental health?
- Where are my ancestors from?
- Is there an identity that I hide from others?
- Is there an identity I am proud of?
- Do I remember any stories my grandparents used to tell me?
- Am I a pleasant person to be around?
- Do I take anything for granted?
- What are my values on finances, relationships, intimacy?
- What will I do if I had no telephone, internet, or TV for a month?
- Do I enjoy my own company?
- Do I wish for someone to forgive me?
- What did I learn about my principles and my world views?
- What is my one hope for the future?
- Do I believe that I belong to the earth?
- Who do I pray to?
- What has helped me when I grieved?
- Am I really free?
- Do I envy someone?
- If I could change one thing in this world, what would that be?
- Can I think of one thing I want to do before the end of the month?
- What am I most grateful for?
- Which relationship am I neglecting?
- Do I avoid confrontations?
- The pigeons in my verandah, what do they talk about with each other?
- If I only had one year left to live, how would I like to live?
- What would have been my first question this afternoon before I started making this list?