June 2011 Archives

It's one thing to say "I've answered most of 12,500 questions about life, all by hand." It's another thing to show it. Thanks to some MIT students, I was able to show it recently, displaying 8,000 cards in an MIT lobby, just long enough to take photos. Take a look!

It's a good time to reflect on the project. What have I learned? Seeing the hundreds of ways that people can phrase a question that's common has given me insight into what people are really asking. Here's a card with more.

What have you learned about people, doing this?

We don't show it on the outside, but everyone has a troubling problem or question. We have enormous control over our own lives. Making a change is possible; it just requires conquering our fear of failure. Most people love the concept, but don't offer to help. I like saying hi to strangers. :) <3 <3 -------- Want daily inspiration? Subscribe! And try my other blog, Events Insider.

I'm excited to hear in the news that Egypt and other states may become true democracies. But I'm not surprised. It's part of a long trend, and shame on the people who think we'll "never" see democracy in China, that instead there will be some kind of totalitarian takeover or dominance. Here's a card on that.

Do you think we will ever find peace? With other countries, and with ourselves? (I hope so)

The world is already half at peace. We're at an all-time low for number of armed conflicts worldwide & for deaths as a fraction of the population per year, even including the cave man days. Half the world now lives in a democracy, and world commerce helps to stabilize relations, too. Hang in there! We'll see world peace by 2050. <3 <3 -------- Want daily inspiration? Subscribe! And try my other blog, Events Insider.

I handwrite every answer I give, so having been asked "What is the Meaning of Life" a hundred times, I've given a hundred answers. It's a big question that lends itself to a variety of responses. Here's a good one.

What is the meaning of life

Every person you meet is an opportunity to change someone's life. Taking actions that cause you Regret is the worst thing that you can do to yourself. Make a difference in the world that survives longer than you will. <3 -------- Want daily inspiration? Subscribe! And try my other blog, Events Insider.

Every time you catch yourself thinking, "Am I normal?"... that's normal. :)

If I have never had a boyfriend what am I doing wrong? (I am a girl.)

You're not asking any boys out. Work on gaining confidence by sorting out all your "issues" actively, instead of waiting & hoping. It's the most attractive thing about a person to be confident. :) <3 <3 -------- Want daily inspiration? Subscribe! And try my other blog, Events Insider.

Being an author of a memoir gives me a different viewpoint on life. When something good happens, I wonder if I can write about it. When something bad happens, I'm sad of course, but I also think: Damn! This would make a good chapter! I've even caught myself feeling a bit jealous of the noteworthy disasters in the memoirs of others. Damn! Why can't I be chased by dinosaurs like in Jurassic Park?

Yesterday I saw my dad and we were going through old photos when he made a comment about my weight. Three, actually, one of them being. "You sure were a chubby kid!" Instead of being hurt or annoyed as usual, I just rolled my eyes and chuckled to myself. "I gotta write about this!!" I thought. A nice change.

(What, you're saying Jurassic Park is not a true story?)

What is the difference between love + addiction? Sometimes I can't remember...

True, healthy love is when you have the confidence to say "no" and not be permissive of your partner mistreating you -- but you don't need to because your partner is consistently giving & never gets angry, and you are too. Addiction is when you feel love, but the relationship is not giving two-ways, and you have this delusion that you're "trapped" & can't leave. <3 <3 -------- Want daily inspiration? Subscribe! And try my other blog, Events Insider.