Life + Questions

In my more than humble opinion, life has no particular purpose – you are just supposed to be born, live, and die. Get up every morning, put one foot in front of the other, and move forward. Humans take themselves and life too seriously. We think we are all that – intelligent and sapient. We are just pieces of meat who can talk and walk upright. So just count your blessings, be grateful, be kind, don’t be evil. Learn something new every day. Be calm, contented, peaceful, and engaged, and you will be a good human.

I also believe that the death of our bodies does not end our lives; death is impermanent, and our soul, our essence, lives forever.

I admire Mo Gawdat so much. He is so wise and calming –  I am trying to incorporate his advice into my life, seeing that I am an expert ruminator.

• You will never fix the world, but you can fix your little world in little ways.
• Life purpose? No such thing. Your mission in life is to wake up in the morning, be your best self, and be present in all you do. There is a lot of suffering and injustice in the world, and sitting in a corner and complaining about them will not fix anything. All you can do is the tiniest good thing you can, and when you do that, you become better. My daily goal is to make at least 3 people smile – to add a sprinkle of joy to others’ lives by making them smile. 
• You have to be calm, peaceful, and contented to accept that life is shit and to make it a little less shitty for anyone that comes your way.
• Happiness is a state of calm and peaceful contentment when you are okay with life as it is. No lies, no stories about life – you recognize life in all its harshness but always bounce back to calm and peace.
• Life is going to throw shit at you, and you will take it. It is natural to get upset and emotional and pissed off, but you have to bounce back, collect yourself, and do the right thing – find the easiest path thru the shit.

What I said sounds uplifting but also fatalistic. I will take the Stephen Colbert Questionnaire with additional questions to make this posting lighter. This is a good way to get to know someone quickly, and it is also fun. Try it.

1. Best Sandwich?

A chicken roti, enveloped in a soft yet sturdy flatbread, the chicken simmered in a rich curry sauce with a medley of spices that sing of the Caribbean’s soul. Some people may not think it is a sandwich, but I do.

2. What’s one thing you own that you should really throw out?

The extra plastic bags I keep underneath the sink to use as extra trash bags – it is just too many.

3. What is the scariest animal?

Cockroaches – they scare the shit out of me – those nasty anthenas, spiny legs, and those that fly! Oi!

4. Apples or oranges?

Oranges remind me of sunny days and have a refreshing zest that I prefer. They are also good for cooking. However, I cannot drink the juice.

5. Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?

No.

6. What do you think happens when we die?

Our energy and essence move on to another form or existence. Death is a transition, not an end.

7. Favorite action movie?

Skyfall with Daniel Craig (007)

8. Favorite smell?

The aroma of masala chai brewing. It’s comforting and invigorating, a scent that feels like home. I will cheat and also say I love chocolate candles and cardamon.

9. Least favorite smell?

My own shit, floating in the toilet before I flush it.

10. Exercise: worth it?

Nope – I hate sweating.

11. Flat or sparkling?

Flat – don’t like sparkles. It feels weird when it goes down the gullet.

12. What is the most used app on your phone?

Messages on the iPhone.

13. You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life: what is it?

“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley. It has a calming and optimistic message.

14. What number am I thinking of?

21, the combination of lucky 7 thrice

15. Describe the rest of your life in five words.

Calm, peace, contentment, teaching, learning.

Added questions

16. How often do you think about death in general?

Every single day, even when I am taking a shit or going down the stairs to walk the dog.

17. Have you thought about your last meal before?

Yes, click on this link for details – Last Meal.

18. Who would you like to share your last meal with?

My daughters, Isabelle and Yasmin. My dog, Bentley, if he is still around.

19. What song do you want played at your funeral?

No funeral for me. I want to burn, cremated, by myself. Leave my body at the hospital. Do not bother to claim it. If you thought I was not much while I was alive, why be a hypocrite and show up to my funeral? Plus, it is such a waste of money! Only people who truly loved me will miss me when I am gone.

20. What is your biggest fear?

Death – I am afraid that it is going to hurt.  I want a quick and painless death. I would like some notice, though, to ensure my panties are clean.

21. What is your greatest regret in life?

Marrying for love instead of marrying for money. Money talks. I could have learnt to love the dude with money in his pocket.

22. Why am I alive?

Not really sure. To give birth to my daughters?

23. Who or what would you die for?

My daughters. Mommy and Daddy. Aunty June. I asked myself –  Who would I run to protect if I saw a car barrelling down the road about to hit them? Would I run to shield them? Absolutely.

24. Are you happy?

Hell, no. I am striving for contentment and an authentic pleasant expression on my face.

25. Last words before you die?

See you later,  on the other side. Be grateful, be kind, don’t be evil. Eat well. If someone treats you like rubbish, drop them like a hot potato and walk away.

Cover photo generated with the kind assistance of Leonardo.AI