dailyprompt
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What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I ever received was simple but powerful: never advise someone you don’t know closely. Advice without understanding the person’s life, struggles, and context can sometimes do more harm than good. Real guidance comes only with empathy, trust, and genuine connection.
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What things give you energy?
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What’s your all-time favorite album? Among all the music I have heard, one album stands closest to my heart—A.R. Rahman’s Vande Mataram, released in 1997 to celebrate India’s 50th year of Independence. The song Maa Tujhe Salaam still moves me deeply every time I listen to it. It is not just music—it feels like the…
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What personal belongings do you hold most dear? The personal belongings I hold most dear are my favourite books. Each one is a doorway to another world—allowing me to travel without cost or delay, meet people I’ve never known, and experience nature, food, and cultures I may never touch in real life. These books are…
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What is the legacy you want to leave behind? “I want to leave behind words that stay. Simple stories, real feelings make people stop and think, smile, or remember. If my writing helps one person feel understood or less alone, that’s the legacy I wish for. That I lived, I felt, and I wrote it…
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What’s the oldest things you’re wearing today? The oldest thing I’m wearing today is my wedding ring. It has quietly witnessed years of change, growth, love, and life—always with me, always reminding me where I began.
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What’s one small improvement you can make in your life? Practice gratitude for at least one thing every day — a small moment, a kind word, or even the ability to begin again. It gently shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s already meaningful.
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What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite? My favourite holiday is not about exotic places or luxury resorts. It’s about something far more personal and heartwarming — visiting my hometown. A special kind of peace comes with walking through familiar streets, seeing the old houses, and meeting the people who knew me…
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Describe something you learned in high school. Back in high school, one of the more mysterious things I learned was sin, cos, and tan. Not how to sin (thankfully), but the trigonometric kind—those strange functions that dealt with triangles, angles, and numbers that always seemed to go in circles. Literally. At the time, I often…
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What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like? I work three nights a week—like an owl, wide awake when the world is fast asleep. But on the other days, I rise at 5:30 AM. Those early hours are my quiet treasure. After my morning hygiene routine, I drink…
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Which aspects do you think makes a person unique? In a world constantly racing ahead, attitude and kindness are two gentle forces that quietly shape lives. Attitude is the lens through which we see the world. Even the most ordinary day begins to shine when it’s positive, hopeful, and open. But attitude alone is not…
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If you could have something named after you, what would it be? If something could be named after me, I wouldn’t choose a building, a street, or a statue. I’d want it to be an idea—a simple yet powerful way of living peacefully. A quiet philosophy. One that reminds us to slow down, show kindness,…
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What makes you laugh? Humour, for me, is life’s release valve. But it depends on the moment, the people around me, and sometimes even my mood. I genuinely enjoy humour—I love to laugh and try to keep a light heart and a good mood, no matter what’s going on. Sometimes, it’s a small thing—a funny…
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What’s something most people don’t understand? Not just in years but in moments. Sunsets, smiles, conversations—they all pass quickly. We keep waiting for the right time, the perfect day, the big opportunity. And while we wait, life quietly moves on. Most people don’t understand that this is it. Life isn’t a practice run. Every moment…
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What is your favorite type of weather? I enjoy cool, cloudy days with a light breeze. The sky looks soft and quiet, and the air feels fresh. It’s the kind of weather that makes me want to relax with a warm drink or take a slow walk outside. Everything feels peaceful as if the world…
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Who was your most influential teacher? Why? When people talk about their most excellent teacher, they often mention a person—a parent, a professor, a mentor. But for me, my most influential teacher has always been Nature. From birds chirping before dawn to the still silence of the night sky, Nature has whispered life’s most profound…
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What do you wish you could do more every day? Time is the one thing we can never get back. Every day, I wish to use it more efficiently—to get more done and focus on what truly matters. Being busy isn’t the same as being productive. I want to prioritise wisely, cut distractions, and make…
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What tattoo do you want and where would you put it? I respect the art and meaning of tattoos, but they are not for me. I prefer to express myself verbally, through action, and through the relationships I engage with others. Nonetheless, if I had to make a decision, I’d prefer to wear my stories…
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What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings? Negative feelings are an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s stress, frustration, or just a general sense of unease, we all experience emotional lows occasionally. Over the years, I’ve found a few simple yet effective ways to lift my mood and regain balance. These activities…
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What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain. There’s a question that I’ve silently come to dislike: “Are you free?” At first, it might seem so harmless—just a casual call-in. But as time went on, I realised how laden this question is. It’s never actually about whether I’m free or not. Often, it’s…
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What advice would you give to your teenage self? Life moves fast, and I wish I had spent more time appreciating the moment instead of always looking ahead. The future will come, but the present is where life happens. Learning doesn’t stop in school—every experience, challenge, and person we meet teaches us something. Staying curious…
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What is your favorite drink? My favourite drink is fresh coconut water, straight from the tree—not packaged! There’s something truly special about enjoying tender coconut water in Kerala, especially from the seaside areas. The coastal soil gives the coconuts a naturally sweet, crisp, and refreshing, unmatched flavour. After finishing the drink, the soft coconut flesh…
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Write about your approach to budgeting. Managing expenses today can be challenging with rising costs, but minor adjustments help. 1. Managing Fixed Costs: Since building rates and utilities are non-negotiable, I reduce usage to save a little extra. 2. Cooking Instead of Dining Out: Dining out occasionally is nice, but with two chefs at home…
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What were your parents doing at your age? At my age, my father was the field officer at a tea estate. Unfortunately, the company was eventually locked out due to mismanagement, and he lost his job. My mother had no job, so they struggled for years. The company never paid the funds it owed and…
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Do you need a break? From what? At the moment, I have a good balance between work and personal time. I don’t need a break from my routine, but maybe a short trip would be refreshing. A change of scenery, even for a few days, might bring new energy and perspectives.
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Describe your most ideal day from beginning to end. What makes a day perfect? I’ve realised that my idea of an ideal day isn’t fixed—it changes with time, age, and circumstance. What felt perfect yesterday might not be today; tomorrow, it could be entirely different. As a child, an ideal day meant running around with…
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What’s your favorite thing to cook? Cooking has never been just about preparing food for myself—it’s about creating something special for my family, especially my children. There’s a unique joy in watching them enjoy a meal I’ve prepared, knowing that every ingredient and every step was done with love and care. One dish that stands…
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Write about your first computer. Before 2006, my internet access was limited to internet cafés. Whenever I needed to check emails or browse the web, I had to go to a café, wait for an available computer, and pay for the time I spent online. It was inconvenient, but it was the only option back…
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If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be? Animals have an incredible ability to sense natural phenomena far better than humans. Whether it’s changes in weather, impending disasters, or subtle emotional shifts, their instincts are often sharper than ours. If I could make my pet understand one thing, it would…
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What makes a good leader? Leadership is not about titles, positions, or designations but about a person’s life, experiences, and choices. A great leader leads a life and lives the life that he wants people around him to live. His life was his message; his actions speak louder than words. What One Does Defines a…
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If you could un-invent something, what would it be? One thing I could not invent is credit cards. Even though credit cards bring ease and financial flexibility to our lives, they have also introduced a culture of living on credit, overspending, and financial stress for many people. Credit cards make them feel secure spending money…
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Think back on your most memorable road trip. There’s something magical about this journey back home. It’s not just a drive; it’s returning to the familiar, warmth, and sense of belonging. With every turn along the serpentine road, memories set in time came closer. The trees appeared to sway in welcome, the roadside stalls held…
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Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it? My spectacles were my youthful attachment. They had been my constant companion, helping me see the world clearly and thus part of my identity. As years passed, my prescription changed, and so did the frames and style, but they’ve always…
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What could you do differently? I allow myself to enjoy this small victory in the quietness. I take this time to reflect and feel proud, but not necessarily for others to notice. Maybe I just order a cup of coffee, take a short walk, or write it in my journal somewhere to look back. These…
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If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say? Life is but a Passing LaneIf I had a freeway billboard, it would carry this little yet profound message: “This Too Shall Pass.” This age-old phrase comforts us in our despair and gives perspective to our joy. Life comprises moments in time, some heavy with…
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Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why? I value my present time, where I can make the most difference. It’s the space where life happens, and I try to focus my energy on what’s in front of me. However, like many others, I occasionally worry about the future or…
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What is the greatest gift someone could give you? The best gift that anyone could give me is a genuine smile. A smile relieves barriers, lightens loads, and brings warmth that words cannot describe into the heart. A good smile speaks volumes of kindness, acceptance, and positivity; it radiates warmth most beautifully. It doesn’t cost a…
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Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you? Crammed by all the hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities, it could be a luxury to play. Simple as it may sound, to me, playing is music and all the happiness it can give. I listen to songs that move me, touch my…
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What relationships have a positive impact on you? Relationships are mirror reflections of different sides of our journey, and there have been bonds that have touched my being-ness, shaping me into the person I am today or could ever hope to become. This takes the following forms in my life. 1.Family BondsThe Power of Positive…
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You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like? Peace of mind is the utmost priority for me. The location doesn’t matter to me as long as the space is tranquil. It could be a noiseless room in a corner of a busy city, a simple nook of my home,…
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Who are the biggest influences in your life? My wife is the most significant influence in my life; she has profoundly influenced my personal growth. One of the qualities I admire most about her is how she balances support with giving me personal space. She understands the importance of allowing me to grow independently while…
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Share what you know about the year you were born. Growing up in 1972, the radio was more than an entertainer; it was a window to another world. Drama and songs without visuals would sound so magical. Every sound was raw emotion, and my imagination would run with the rest. Incomplete information made it all…
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When are you most happy? Happiness comes in many forms, but some moments stand out more than others. I often feel happiest when surrounded by creativity, whether listening to a beautiful poem that stirs my emotions or playing my guitar and letting its melodies bring me peace. My family is also a source of happiness…
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What was the last thing you did for play or fun? The last time I enjoyed myself was when I sang a song using karaoke and recorded my voice. It wasn’t just about singing; it was about getting out of my comfort zone and enjoying the moment. Once I had the recording, I shared it…
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Describe a man who has positively impacted your life. When I think of a person who has influenced my life, my father stands out. His life was never about extravagance, but the simplicity and patience he carried with him taught me lessons which words could not have conveyed fully. He had always been a quiet,…
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Is your life today what you pictured a year ago? A year ago, I envisioned a life filled with growth, stability, and perhaps a clearer sense of direction. Some of those aspirations have come to fruition—small victories that I am genuinely proud of. Yet, as life often does, it also brought unexpected challenges that I…
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What cities do you want to visit? Travelling is the best method of coming across faraway lands’ beauty, history, and culture. Among many places that I dream of exploring, here are the cities that stand out due to their unique charm and stories: From the royal appeal of Jaipur to the exotically vibrant Marrakech, the…
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Tell us one thing you hope people say about you. Trust is among the most significant life values. It leads to meaningful relationships, is an adhesive for connections, and is a silent reassurance that someone will always be there for you. If there’s one thing I hope people say about me, it’s that I am…
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What is something others do that sparks your admiration? What impresses me, however, is how some people make even the most serious situations fun, light, and straightforward. That is a rare gift-to bring humour, positivity, or a sense of calm to moments that might otherwise feel overwhelming. They possess a unique ability to read the…
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What could you do less of? Life is entirely about habits, both helpful and unhelpful. Reflecting on this prompt has made me realise that even the most minor changes can create enormous opportunities for growth. By identifying areas where I could step back, I can create more space for productivity, peace, and purpose. 1. Overthinking:…
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What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year? As 2024 draws to a close, it becomes essential to step back and reflect on what I’ve done meaningfully this year and how I can continue growing in the future. One of my significant personal achievements this year has been the time…
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Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it? The Taj Mahal remains one of the most unforgettable places I’ve visited. As a child, I was mesmerised by a small table piece of the Taj Mahal in our home—an oval-shaped replica on a sleek black base. That little keepsake sparked a lifelong…
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Share five things you’re good at. 1. Patient Care As a healthcare assistant, I excel at providing compassionate and attentive care to patients, particularly those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Building trust and maintaining dignity in their care are my strengths. 2. Writing with Passion Writing is more than a skill for me—it’s my passion. From…
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What is one thing you would change about yourself? If I could change one thing about myself, it would be to simplify my goals and sharpen my focus. With too many aspirations and commitments, life often feels overwhelming. By reducing the number of items on my bucket list, I could make it more achievable and…
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Are you more of a night or morning person? As a morning person, I cherish the fresh moments of the day, waking up at 5:30 AM to enjoy the beauty of nature—the crisp air, the gentle light, and the cheerful songs of the bird singers. This quiet time is sacred to me; it is a…
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What are your two favorite things to wear? Speaking of my favourite things to wear, two stand out: my running shoes and my sunglasses. My running shoes are more than shoes; they’re my companion every step of the way. They offer just the right mix of support and style for running errands, going for a…
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What’s the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make? Why? The most challenging decision I ever made was to end a long friendship that once seemed unbreakable. Over time, I realised it was no longer healthy- what began as mutual support turned into an expectation to silence my values to maintain the bond. It came…
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If you didn’t need sleep, what would you do with all the extra time? What would you do if sleep were no longer? Would you explore, create, or simply savor the quiet? For me, the night would become a world of endless possibility. Were I not to sleep, the night would be transformed into a…
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What are your favorite animals? My favourite animals are the cat and parrot; each has a specific something that makes them unique. Cats, with their graceful and independent nature, have a soothing presence that always reassures me. They are curious yet affectionate, and their quiet companionship feels like a soothing balm after a long day.…
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Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why? If I had to choose between the beach and the mountains, my heart would always turn to the mountains. Although poets find symbols of freedom and change in the endless waves of the sea, mountains carry more profound spiritual weight. Mountains are tall, unchanging, and stoic giants…
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What are your family’s top 3 favorite meals? Meals at our family table mix tradition, indulgence, and creativity. Though each has its own favourite, the following three dishes have won a unanimous vote, especially from the kids. 1． Kerala Vegetarian Meal:There is nothing like the comfort of a traditional Kerala vegetarian spread! Served on a…
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If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why? If I could have dinner with any historical figure, I would choose Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi’s nonviolence and adherence to truth have engraved marks on my mind. His life proved that simplicity and moral strength could work wonders, and his ability to inspire…
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Do you trust your instincts? Instincts are a potent inner guide-raw, natural and often right. They connect us through universal responses like survival, fear, and connection, even as our personalities and appearances differ. Instincts, for me, have been a gift and a lesson. They led me to great decisions but also taught me to stop…
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What’s your favorite month of the year? Why? If I had to choose, my favourite time of year would be from October onwards. This season feels genuinely magical, especially here in New Zealand. The days grow longer, with daylight stretching until around eight o’clock, encouraging more time outdoors. One of the most noticeable transformations is…
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What is your favorite place to go in your city? The Wellington Botanic Garden is my favourite place in the city. This 25-hectare oasis in the heart of Wellington is a great escape, especially during spring when it bursts into colour and beauty. Some of the spring highlights are the tulip displays. The garden has…
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What’s the first impression you want to give people? The first time anyone gets to know me, I try to come across as someone who understands and values them. Empathy is the bedrock upon which I try to make my first impression, for through empathy, one can relate on deeper levels with people while allowing…
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What book are you reading right now? Irrespective, currently I’m reading again How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It is the second time that I will have finished the book, and it seems that every page has something new. The timeless advice of Carnegie with respect to how to handle people…
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What part of your routine do you always try to skip if you can? It is during travel time, especially peak hour time. The constant waiting in traffic, crowded roads, and unpredictability of the delays make it feel like precious time is slipping away. The peak-hour congestion brings painful legs from holding the brake for…
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How do you manage screen time for yourself? As technology is becoming a permanent part of our daily life, it is amusing to imagine how Darwin’s theory on evolution might affect our future selves. If Darwin were alive today, he probably would have wondered, ‘How would humans evolve to adapt to our screen-filled world? Maybe…
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Do you need time? Time heals our wounds by putting space between us and our hurt and by providing perspective. Time does not erase terrible experiences; it just slowly makes them much easier to live with. As the days and months go by, strong feelings become less strong, and we learn to adjust and move…
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What will your life be like in three years? In three years, I envision myself leading a purpose-driven life and fueled by a passion for learning. I would have mastered at least five new skills that add depth and value to personal and professional pursuits. Moreover, I am committed to expertise in my skills, developing…
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What are your favorite websites? Living in this digital world, a few websites have become very important to me on my journey of growth and creativity. Let me share my top three: Medium, Coursera, and WordPress. Medium is my one-stop shop for intellectual reading. From writing tips to cultural debates, it’s a library that never…
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Is there an age or year of your life you would re-live? If I were to wax philosophical about rebirth or reliving a particular age or year, I would say that the idea of revisiting can be pretty bitter or hurtful for most. Some moments in our youth may feel permanently altered, ruined by an…
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What’s something you believe everyone should know. I believe that there should never be any vacuum in our minds. The more creative, open, and active we are, the easier it will be to surmount hurdles and have a brighter perspective in life. This reminds me of an incident: a teacher gave each of his disciples…
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What does it mean to be a kid at heart? There’s something almost magical about how children take pleasure in the simple things in life. Their laughter, curiosity, and ability to live right here and now can teach us all something very valuable. To be “happy like a child,” one enters into that frame of…
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You have three magic genie wishes, what are you asking for? If I had three magic genie wishes, here’s what I would want: Those are my three magic wishes. What would yours be?
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What is your favorite form of physical exercise? For me, the definition of being active has everything to do with simplicity and meaning. Walking has been my favorite exercise ever since my childhood, when I had to walk to school daily for 10 km. It is, of course, much more than just a routine; it…
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How much would you pay to go to the moon? With the end-of-the-year sales everywhere, I am not only checking out the usual vacation offers. This time, I am holding out for something bigger: a discounted ticket to the moon. Just imagine a 50% off moon trip! There are no tropical beaches, but craters and…
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What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in? I’m working on something that I believe is truly meaningful: starting an NGO in my hometown to support the mental health of senior citizens. Too often, older adults face isolation, loneliness, and mental health challenges that go unnoticed. I aim to create a space…
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What food would you say is your specialty? I always liked the richness of traditionally prepared food, but ultimately settled for healthier options. Specialty? Flavorful fish curry that combines the richness of spices with the freshness of fish. I can never resist baking fish in the oven when I want to cook something quicker and…
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What major historical events do you remember? The Internet and Globalization: How They’ve Changed Our Lives Was it ever in your mind how much the internet and globalization have changed everything? These two forces have shaped everything about our lives, work, and even think. Starting from the moment we get up to the moment we…
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What’s the biggest risk you’d like to take — but haven’t been able to? Something about the idea of a world tour has always fascinated me. Visiting new countries, diving into diversified cultures, tasting foods I have only heard about, and meeting people from all walks of life- the thrill of discovering the unknown is…
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