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365 Thought Provoking Questions. Answered: #49-64

49. Where do you find inspiration?

There are a lot of places in which I find inspiration. For one, when it comes to this little blog known as Dome Pondering, inspiration comes from many of the head-scratching, head-shaking, jaw-dropping, eye-squinting stories, concepts, and norms that occur in life. As for me personally, for some odd reason, I've always been motivated and inspired by doubters and nay-sayers. I'm often moved by negative-reinforcement (I'll show you!). Weird, I know. Other forms of inspiration are underdog stories, and hearing personal testimonies and stories of others who have turned their lives around. 

50. Can you describe your life in a six word sentence?

Thoughtfully running this race called life.

More Thought Provoking Questions. Answered.


51. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

Keeping it simple - no one likes to fail, ever. Failure is tied to inability, which is attached to self-worth, who is neighbors with acceptability, that affects our perspective on self-actualization. And while it is the greatest teacher, in a competitive, "what-have-you-done-for-me-lately" world, there is no time or room for set-backs or failure.

52. What impact do you want to leave on the world?

Simply to leave the people around me better people. I don't necessarily wanted to honored, hailed or be long remembered after I leave this world. If I can simply affect others, or in some way help them get to someone or another stage in their life where they can change their life for the better, it's the type of impact I'm looking for.

53. What is the most defining moment of your life thus far?

Giving my life to Jesus at the age of twelve. It hasn't been smooth sailing, but sure has giving me a foundation that couldn't have been gained or earned.

54. In the haste of your daily life, what are you not seeing?

My answer to this question is attached to #52. Whether I accept it or not, there are others that value my time. I often miss opportunities to relate and spend time with others to help them become better people. This life is all about relationships and compassion, and sometimes, we become so wrapped up in taking care of what "needs" to be taken care of, we forget to take care of what NEEDS to be taken care of. For me, this includes even the closest people to me such as my wife and my parents.

55. 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?

Because we have to sometimes do things in life that we don't want to do, which happens. It often makes us stronger and makes the things we like to do, that much more of a premium.

56. What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?


My wife's quirky smile, and the crazy things she says. And of course, pro wrestling. Especially, older events and matches. C'mon! Hearing an Ultimate Warrior promo about absolutely nothing and keeping a straight face is absolutely impossible.  Also on that list are kids. You just have to love the crazy things that kids do and say.

57. Have you ever regretted something you did not say or do?


Of course. You aren't human if you haven't. I understand you're not supposed to want to change things (and you shouldn't), as everything has shaped you, but we all wish we could have a do-over in a specific situation.

Despite forcing me to grow up fast and be mentally tougher, I regret not transferring to a different High School.

I wish I didn't give up playing the piano.

I regret not giving some of my teammates in college a piece what I was truly feeling at the time when they quit behind me in a game.

I regret not contributing to the DP while in college. I can only imagine some of the posts that would have come about

...those are just a few off the top of my head.

58. Has your greatest fear ever come true?


Yes. Some refer to it as the 2004 ALCS and World Series, and the greatest comeback in sports history. I refer to it as never happened and doesn't exist.

59. Why do we think of others the most when they’re gone?

It's pretty much one of those, :you don't know what you have until it's gone" type of scenarios. When we realize the option of relating with that person is no longer there, the memories are all we have to connect us.

60. What is your most beloved childhood memory?

There are so many. Too many. But my absolute favorite has to be coming home on a Friday afternoon from school to the smell of fresh fried bakes filling our apartment and calypso blaring in the living room. I'd enjoy a few bakes and maybe a hot dog, then go outside where I'd play either stick ball or softball with the neighborhood kids and the Tilden H.S. baseball team. Good times.

61. Is it more important to love or be loved?

To be loved. Anyone can love something or someone else. To be loved is the receipt of a person affecting another for the better.

62. If it all came back around to you, would it help you or hurt you?

I would say, it would help me...I hope it would...

63. If you had the chance to go back in time and change one thing would you do it?

No. Unlike #57 where I have regretted making certain decisions, I wouldn't go back and change anything. Every decision has lead me to the person I am writing an answer to this question right now.

64. If a doctor gave you five years to live, what would you try to accomplish?

I'd attempt to win the Royal Rumble to headline Wrestlemania. I'm kidding. Well sort of. But most likely I'd sit down and make a lifetime bucket list and try to involve as many loved ones as I can on my quest to complete them.

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