Melissa – With best wishes for your screenwriting journey!!
Heather – Thanks for sharing your story and your learnings 🙂
Julie – All the best for your travel adventures! Sounds exciting!
Benito – Wow, I so enjoyed reading your story. What you wrote here… “a world in which the vast majority of people have all the internal capabilities and external opportunities they need to pursue the fulfillment of their lives, rather than survival, conformity or security” – this completely resonates with me. The more people sharing messages like this, the more people around the world will own and create their lives.
Otis – Thank you for sharing your story!
Rae – I love your passion to be who you truly are and to embrace your individuality
Lisa – Wonderful reading your message. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Shaz – It would be fascinating to know what you might find in Egypt if you visit one day! I love that you carry the energy of strength and courage, awesome.
Maga – Who you are makes me smile… I love it, particularly the stubborn optimist, rebel at heart and fierce advocate for kindness. Awesome. And, breaking social expectations to be who you really are… GO YOU! There is nothing more authentic than being and doing from the core of your true self. To be celebrated 🙂
Tawfiq – Thank you for sharing your story, particularly for sharing your lesson about training mental strength.
Carlee – So true what you say about learning that trying to be someone else is a complete waste of the amazing people that we are. We have a gift, the gift is being the unique people we were born as, and our job is to share our gift!! Blessings. B
Nikki – Wow, your message gives me shivers. Your courage, self-belief and confidence shines through in the words you’ve shared 🙂
Hey guys my name is Ankush I am 25 years old, I was born in Nagpur, India which used to be a pretty small community but over the past few year has become quiet big. I am still living in the same neighborhood I grew up in. Although I always wanted to move out to a big city but have lately realized that I can’t take the big city life for extended periods. I have finished my High School for MN, USA.
What really makes me smile is the chirping of the birds, Sunrises smell of the wet earth, sound of raindrops, and feel of the sun on cold days mostly watching the people I care about smile. Today I had a different reason i.e. this post. It just made me realize that are quiet a few people out there who agree to the fact that everything is not to be taken at the face value. It is the soul of the person that should be valued over the superficial layers that we pile over it.
The most important lesson I have learnt is that where ever you end up it is the journey and the memories that you acquire along the way are the more important than the destination itself. And what you really need is not too many friends/ companions but a select few that you know will always be there when you need them.
My deepest fear is losing someone close to me.
My greatest dream would be a world wherein we all can co exist with each other and with nature.
Wow this is a difficult one as I am still on my way of figuring out who I really am, but I’ll say this I am a traveler, a photographer, a nature lover, a lawyer and a true friend. A
It has taken my three days to read all of the posts here. My friend, jag, commented here, which promted me to think about the questions. I had no intention of commenting, and yet here I am….Thank you, everyone, for sharing! <3
• Where were you born? and Where do you live now? I was born in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada, where I lived for the first 19 years of my life. I moved to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 23 years ago and this is where my heart is. I left Ottawa briefly (349 days) to move back to NS (Halifax) to further my education (at the tender age of 40yo). I thought I would settle there after I graduated, but my heart, life, and friends were in Ottawa.
• What makes you smile? This may sound kooky but it’s true: going through my profile pictures on Facebook makes me smile, because every photo that I have chosen to display has meant something special to me at that time. They fill me with love, and joy, and happiness. Also, hearing a male cardinal call out to his female makes me smile – Every. Single. Time. The smell of the sea makes me smile. Music that evokes a memory makes me smile. Dancing makes me smile constantly from ear to ear.
• What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far? I’ve learned a few: 1) that I can do anything for a year, 2) how I handle a situation defines who I am, not the situation itself, 3) that unconditional love does exist, 4) I’ve learned to never trust my first impression, and 5) do not judge others – we all have our own stories.
• What is your deepest fear? Never finding my passion. Not living to my full potential. Not living with a full heart (this is in reference to an earlier post here). I also fear living with a full heart because I do not know what that looks like. To be forgotten.
• What is your greatest dream for your life? To be remembered.
• Who are you? I am a grateful, sexy, loyal, fun(ny) 43-yo woman, friend, sisterfriend, Step-sister, and smartass. I am a sister, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin. I am a work in progress.
Where were you born?
In Spellman Hospital in Smithville, MO, where I subsequently candy striped, badly, some 13 yrs later
Where do you live now?
In a Shangri-la of small apartments nestled into the wooded hills of suburban Nashville, TN
What makes you smile?
Watching my daughter get so tickled by something that she can barely breathe enough to laugh, especially if I’m the cause of her laughter; feeling my kitties resting on or against me; just about any activity involving my favorite person, Josh
What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far?
To trust my gut
What is your deepest fear?
My daughter going missing. And insignificance.
What is your greatest dream for your life?
To befriend a unicorn and be handsomely paid to ride it through edible forests of artisan cheeses; also, to live a comfortable, fulfilling life where I’ve made a positive impact on the people I care about
Who are you?
An adoring mom, a doting girlfriend, a loving daughter, an anxious introvert, a creative spirit, a reformed cynic, a seeker of peace
I was born in a small town in North Carolina. I now live in a larger city in N.C. and it feels like home.
Makes me smile: Time with my friends, my nieces and nephews, the first sight of the ocean, a co-worker who does dance moves every time I walk by her cubicle. It’s the little things that make my day.
The most important life lesson I’ve learned so far is that “experiences” trump “things” every time.
My deepest fear has been realized: being trapped in a really great career that gives me absolutely no satisfaction.
The greatest dream for my life is to fall in love. I’m 32 so it seems I’m overdue.
I’m an old soul. I make others smile. I care. I memorize poems and recite them to my dog on late night walks. I daydream constantly and write out thoughts and dreams in too many notebooks. I’m bold when I need to be. I’m a swimmer. Not even close to perfect, I’m the best kind of friend, daughter and sister I know how to be.
Love this article Bernadette! I heard the poem by Oriah Mtn Dreamer ten years ago and its wisdom continues to inspire me.
I was born in Spokane, WA but raised 30 miles east in Coeurd’Alene, Idaho. My mom was a nurse in Spokane at the time of my birth.
I’m now living in the village of Novaci in the Republic of Macedonia as a community development volunteer with the Peace Corps. I’ve been here 2 years and have just extended for a 3rd year 🙂
Being here in Macedonia makes me smile – speaking Macedonian, drinking homemade whiskey with my “baba” (grandma) who has adopted me here, and learning to BE moreso than DO here.
There is a story in each of our souls. The purpose of living is to live out our story – to explore the widths, heights and depths of it.
Death is my deepest fear. I lost a young, dear friend in a tragic plane crash in 2004. His death brought the reality of death to the forefront of my consciousness, but also spurred me into living more fully in the moment, taking chances, overcoming fears that otherwise prevented me from becoming my unique self.
My greatest dream is to be a creative non-fiction writer and author. I’ve discovered this while in Peace Corps.
I am a creative non-fiction writer building a repertoire of life experience.
Where were you born? Born in Kent County Hospital, Warwick, Rhode Island!
Where do you live now? I still live in RI, by the water now with one of my best friends and her two young boys.
What makes you smile? Love makes me smile. My friends laughter makes me smile, hugs, and most of all, knowing that those I love are happy and healthy, that brings the most joy in my life.
What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far? That I have NO control over others and all I can do is my very best to love and understand that everyone is on their journey and to have patience if they seem mean or uncertain.
What is your deepest fear? That I will be alone (single) the rest of my life.
What is your greatest dream for your life? To travel in Europe, for months and months.
Who are you? Still figuring that one out but best I can figure I am a kind, funny and generous woman who has a lot of love to give and lucky for me, a large group of wonderful friends to give it to!
Pleasure to be reading all of your stories! This is my own.
Born/Live – I was born in Birkenhead, England and live in the area with my partner and his family.
Smile – The small things make me smile, special moments which are noticed just by me. An example, sitting in work daydreaming when a thought crosses my mind ‘I’m here to learn a lesson’, I suddenly remember my purpose for being, look down to the paper in front of me to see the name “wang”. In that instant I realize I need the toilet, start laughing to myself, an head off with a stupidly big smile on my face.
Lesson – Be kind to those I meet and to myself. Forgive, learn, move forward. I’m where I’m meant to be, when I’m meant to be there. I will always forget, but will always remember.
Fear – To be locked up/chained/imprisoned.
Dream – To learn all I need to learn, about everything I need to learn about. To comprehend as much as I can. To find words to express how I feel.
Who I am – I’m a 23 year old intelligent, funny, considerate loving, kind, thoughtful brother, son, grandson, lover, cousin, nephew, fairy godson. I’m a lover of the little things, I’m a watcher of people, I’m a student of life and of myself.
My name is Amit and was born in a small town of India named Allahabad. I currently live in Noida, India.
Two things which make me smile are – One, seeing my 1.5 yr old son sleeping soundly, unaware of any fear, untouched yet by any deceit of the world, satisfied, and totally in peace. Two, childish smile on my wife’s face when she has done something stupid.
Important lesson which i have learnt in my life is small things do matter the most. Another important lesson is never try to clarify on things or debate on personal issues when you are drunk:)
My deepest fear is not able to provide all the things required to my family
My dream is to overcome my fear. Die with my wife hand in hand, after seeing my son nicely settled in his life. Having a life full of luxury would be an added bonus though
Who am I? Sometimes feels like i am one of God’s most loved childs who has been thrown in this world to live just once more….
Hello, my name is Katrina.
A few days ago I read this and then I read the comments. I decided I wouldn’t put a comment in because I am only 16 and usually people my age don’t know who they are… But then today, I realized I do know who I am.
I was born in Welsville NY, and have grown up in the same house ever since. I have a loving family who works to hard for what they get in return. I am happy, and my life is beautiful. I am a child of the ONE TRUE KING.
Hello, my name is Isabelle.
I was born in Germany, but I have grown up and lived all over Europe, Canada and South Africa.
Right now I live in the UK studying for my Masters.
The most important lesson that I have learn is that you should dream big and go after your dreams and not let anyone tell you that you are not good enough, because you can always find a way.
The things that make me smile are little things like meeting my friends from all over again after not seeing them in a while or spending an afternoon on the beach with my family. My deepest fear is losing someone from my family and not being there when they need me.
My biggest dream is to go on discovering the world and its different cultures.
I am an explorer, a nomad trying to learn as much about this curious planet we live on. That is who I am.
Thinking of my Granddaughter makes me smile, and smelling blossoms on orange trees makes me smile. (brings back great memories)
My most important life lesson is to not care what people think of me and that I cannot please everyone no matter how hard I try. I am who I am, and if people can’t accept me for who I am, they can keep walking.
My deepest fear is that I will die before my oldest daughter and I make amends.
My greatest dream is to retire in 10 years and enjoy life with my husband.
I am a Christian, Daughter, sister, Mother, Wife, Auntie, friend.
Thank you all for sharing your stories! I just popped back to the page today and feel blessed to read through these messages, to “meet” you and hear who you are.
My Name is Shey and I was born in Hanford California.
I currently live in San Francisco, California.
Random acts of kindness, and collective celebration (streets, festivals, rallies) of people chanting and clapping brings tears of joy to my eyes.
My weirdness is what my most favorite people love most about me, and they are a huge active part in my day to day happiness.
My greatest fear is that my beloved will look at me one day and say, ‘not enough’.
I have two great dreams. One is ending marine captivity/slaughter.
The other is to be truly loved, and love another, freely.
I am truly a unique human being with the best intentions.
There are many things that make me smile, however, in most cases, my girlfriend, my brothers in all but blood, my parents and grandma would be the reason. Also, I tend to smile whenever I see something happen that restores my faith in humanity.
The most important life lesson would be that you have to stand up for yourself and walk your own way for it’s your life, but not only that, you should help others on their way as well if you yourself can handle it. However, along the way you also should try not to hurt anybody else or their views.
My deepest fear is losing the ones I love and forgetting too much, because memories are really precious to me.
My greatest dream is being able to help as much as I can and see many of the wonders this world has.
I am a friend, a boyfriend and girlfriend at the same time, a brother and a sister as well, daughter and son. But what actually matters: I am me and I am here and if anyone needs my help I will be right here to catch them, no matter what.
I was born in Regina, Canada to 16-year-old hard-working parents. I spent half my childhood growing up with banjo-picking humble farmers and I spent the other half amongst a fruit picking, tattooed, punk rock culture in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Our family moved a lot and I was the new girl in school every year. My parents divorced when I was 16, I moved out and hitchhiked throughout Western Canada, ending up in California. This journey has shaped my focus, I’ve taken so much from my experiences. I started my own business when I was 19 and used the profits to pay for my education; I’m proud of how far I’ve come to steer my life in the direction I desired.
I now live in Calgary, Alberta with my husband and our 4-year old daughter. I love my life; I pinch myself sometimes just to make sure it’s real.
What makes me smile…my daughters sparkly dancing eyes, random acts of kindness, people who smile, my husband who loves me whole-heartedly, cuddling my Yorkshire Terrier, holiday baking, family vacations, words of encouragement, people in love, having time to reflect, the feeling of ‘being free’ while in a full cantor horseback riding.
My most important life lesson I’ve learned so far is that I can always change my circumstances – I’m the master of my own happiness. When I was 23 years old, 2 life-changing things happened in a span of a year that was pivotal in shifting consciousness for me:
1) A vehicle speeding at 120 km/h struck me while I was stopped waiting for a train to pass on my way to work, and the impact broke my neck. This opened my eyes to not let life pass me by. I want the best life can offer and make no apologies for it.
2) I was involved in an unhealthy abusive relationship surrounded with addictions in multiple forms. I think something good must come from opportunities like this. I still believe there’s good in every person and continue to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. The right person at the right time will always come into our lives consequently to fill this void. We can only learn from these experiences and do things differently the next time.
My deepest fear is realizing I don’t possess enough passion about anything to realize my ‘dream’ and not utilizing my fullest potential. When moving towards goals, I’m positive and productive but still learning to find greater value in my self-worth.
Being ambitious, I have many dreams. But they have to be MY dreams…I don’t want to ride on anyone else’s coat tails. My biggest one is to travel, experience new cultures and meet new people. I want to leave a stamp on this world and desire to connect with other soul-seekers on truly authentic levels. I live for chance encounters and write those feelings of exploration in scrapbooks and journals. I want to love and be loved. I hope to be a role model to my daughter and teach her empathy and compassion in whatever ways I can. I want to grow old and say I lived the life I wanted to live sharing sunny days with those I wanted to live it with.
Who am I? I’m a good person, full of life and vitality. I’m the best kind of friend, daughter, auntie, sister, mother and wife I know how to be. I’m a Scorpio soul, a volunteer, an odds-beater, a hopeless romantic, and an ever-evolving liberal at heart with a youthful spark that permeates in the craziest situations. I have walked in the shoes of many. I’m the person you call in the middle of the night because you are so far deep you don’t know how you will ever get out. I have been a part of moments and stories that no one could ever believe. I have run with criminals and mentored with Presidents. I’m a fun loving, sprightly girl respecting anyone who exudes passion in what they do, being the best they can be.
If life were to end tomorrow, have no regrets because at one point it’s exactly where you wanted to be.
– I was born in a place called Ras Al Khaimah, UAE in the Middle East.
– Still living at the place mentioned above but of course hoping to be living in different corners of the world soon.
– Acts of humanity never fails to make me smile. But sometimes I don’t need something or someone to make me smile. I just smile to feel the happiness of smiling. 🙂
– There are not many big lessons I learnt because I still have a long way to go in growing up. But I guess being yourself and living your life will be a few valuable lessons I learnt.
– My deepest fear? That is something to think about, now. Maybe I am scared of darkness as I don’t know what it consists of.
– The greatest dream of my life is to become an astronaut. To go above the sky and take in that wonderful world above. See the stars closer. View the small picture of our big world.
– I am a friend, a sister, a daughter and a person who would love to see humanity in every single person alive. I would love to see the world become a better place to live. I guess there are more people with humanity and a heart than we can see with our eyes.
– I was born in Birmingham, in the UK, and I’ve lived here pretty much all of my life. This wasn’t meant to be where I grew up. I was meant to live in a small village in a third world country, but my father (who lived and worked there, and who we were going to join) passed away, so we ended up staying here as it’s where my mum is from. I feel very lucky. Sometimes I feel bad for feeling that way.
– I still live here, although I have lived in other places in the past. I have a lot of roots here and it’s probably where i’ll stay for a long time.
– Traveling, good books, music, the realization that I’m not alone in whatever I’m feeling. Spending time with children and watching their delight discovering the world. People making an effort to show they care for me.
– This too shall pass. Things that seemed so important at one point and consumed my life are nowhere near as important anymore. So yeah, pretty much that time and perspective are great healers. Speaking of perspective; ‘There are roughly 200-400 billion (with a “B”) stars in our galaxy – The Milky Way. But, the more amazing stat is that there are 100-200 billion galaxies in the universe’…my problems are nothing. I need to work on letting go.
– That I will never find love or become a mother
– To be happy, to have children and to become the person I’m meant to be; this means contributing something positive and tangible to the world.
– I am not perfect, but I’m liking the person I’m becoming.
?Lived in Istanbul with my family for 19 years then moved to Paris for my university studies and this September I’m moving to London. I can say that I don’t have a fixed residence for right now. And I love being everywhere.
?Watching the waves early in the morning, standing in the sand.
?The best lesson I’ve learned so far is that the essential purpose of life is being happy as much as you can, no matter what you do in your life.
?My deepest fear is losing my loved ones.
?My greatest dream for my life is becoming an “happiness professor” in order to have enough power to change the world for a better place and traveling the world.
?I’m a jurist who has recently noticed that being happy is more important in life than being a successful but a depressed lawyer. And as I said before, I’m a future happiness professor.
Where were you born? – In the West Indies in the beautiful island of St.Lucia
Where do you live now? – Toronto Canada.
What makes you smile? – My fiance Jason
What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far? – That no matter what happens in life, we women are resilient and that we can create a life we love.
What is your deepest fear? – That I will go back and live my life in fear & that I will allow shame to define my goals.
What is your greatest dream for your life? – Teaching thousands of women to be free, to love, be happy & to create a life they love & deserve.
Who are you? _ I am a Beautiful Warrior who will raise awareness and break the silence & stigma surrounding Child Sexual Abuse in the Caribbean & Canada and who will make a difference in the lives of women & girls all over the world.
I am Everly. Born on the Canadian prairies. What makes me smile is some of the important values I’ve instilled into my sons who are becoming fine young men.
The greatest lesson I’ve learned thus far is that we are exactly where we are supposed to be and that happiness comes when we realize and accept that.
My deepest fear would be to lose one of my children.
My greatest dream is to live in a positive environment with little negativity and pessimism.
Who am I? I am a survivor of abuse, the mother of a special child, an advocate for those who must always struggle in life and a lover of animals. I believe we all have a purpose and must work to discover our true gifts for this short time that we’re here.
*Where were you born?
Wollongong, new south wales , australia
*Where do you live now?
brisbane , qld australia
*What makes you smile?
many things, a good joke, great company,
my childrens laughter. when my children are proud of me
*What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far?
just because a bad decision is made , doesnt make that person a bad person. People can really mean “sorry” when they say it.
*What is your deepest fear?
That I will never get the courage to be happy and make life the way i want it to be.
What is your greatest dream for your life?
To be the person Ive always dreamed to be, to stop being so lazy and negative. to love life and to love myself.
*Who are you?
I am a dreamer- a “gonna”- “gonna do this”, “gonna do that” . Im someone who forever wants more but am too unmotivated to actually do something to get what i want. I am a mother who says she “tries her best”, when really i can just go with the flow sometimes and fly off the handle for no reason, just because i can.
Im someone who craves loyalty, honesty and love expect it from those around me , even though i know Im not always perfect at giving it myself.
I wear my heart on my sleeve, get hurt easily . Im very opinionated and will give my honest opinion most the time even if it hurts others. Im sarcastic, annouying, loud, and enjoy just getting out of my head alot of the time. I love to act happy and make others laugh and smile
First of all, I’m sorry for putting Anonymous as my name. It’s not that I don’t trust people here. Rather, I have my own reason.
1) I was born in Seria, Brunei. (Not Syria)
2) I’m currently in Leeds, England.
3) Seeing someone giving their best at anything. Seeing them stand up even after all the beating they receive in life. I respect those kind of people very much.
4) The most important life lesson I’ve learnt is to not go back on your words. If you said you’re going to do something, then you have a personal obligation to see that you do it. If you make a promise, then you make sure you fulfill that promise, no matter what.
5) My greatest fear is going back on my words. I also fear that the people I’ve cherished the most turns out to be the people who stabs me in the back.
6) My greatest dream is to become a theoretical physicist at CERN and win a Nobel prize. I’m doing Theoretical Physics in my Uni as a freshman. I promised to myself that I will become a theoretical physicist no matter what, no matter how long it takes me and like I said in question 4, I have a personal obligation to fulfill that promise.
7) Who am I? I’m a theoretical physicist in the making. Other than that, I don’t know anything for sure. I’m a bit weird compared to people around me. I try my best to keep my words and to not go back on them. I play basketball and badminton but I’m not too good at them. I’m also very competitive. If I find someone better than me in things I like, I try my best to be the better one. Don’t get the wrong impression of me though. I do that with my friends and they are fine with it. For example, if someone is better than me in badminton, I’ll make them my rival in badminton until I beat them but they’re my friend as soon as we step off the court and all the anger and competitiveness I had in the court, stays in the court until we step in the court next time. I’m also an atheist however I don’t mind religious people. I tend to keep my belief to myself and expect others to do the same.
I guess that’s it. I’m not very good with these kind of things so if I’ve bored anyone then I’m sorry.
I was born in a small town called Leskovac, in Serbia, and I’ve been living here for 17 years of my 18 years long life.
Every new day makes me smile. Walking home from school and feeling the buzz of the town. The way my little cousin always hugs me so tight. How my puppy run towards me as soon as it sees me, and how she survived her illness. A good quote. Fantastic read. Deep conversations with friends, and a polite stranger. Seeing old people talking together, like old (pun not intended) friends. Every day makes me smile.
The most important lesson I have learned is always to be myself, never to compromise my beliefs in order to please another. If people love me for who I am pretending to be – they do not love the real me. And true friends will not be bothered when I talk a lot (which I do. A lot)
My deepest fear is death, whether it is mine or someone I like. Losing them in that way is irreversible.
My dream is to be a published author, with many, many books in my career. Helping people through my works. My biggest dream is for a person to stop me on the street and thank me for something that I wrote, because it helped them a lot.
I am Petar. I am a dreamer, fighter, survivor. A writer, blogger, actor, magician, philosopher, traveler, all-around geek, rhombus, self-proclaimed shrink. I am a work in progress, and I love it.
My name is Lindsey.
I was born in Chicago but have lived in Dallas for 20 years. I have been married for 19 years and am almost 50, and I am afraid that my marriage is a sham. I am staying with my husband because I have multiple sclerosis and a teenage son, and I don’t have the strength or energy to work full time. And I am afraid of being sick, poor and alone.
I was born in a town in the south-east of England, UK, and I now live in a village 15miles away from there.
What makes me smile? When people start talking about things that are actually important in life rather than just the average day-to-day chit chat. My favourite conversations are ‘the meaning of life’, ‘how the world/universe began’, ‘the future of the world’, ‘ways to bring about a different world’, ‘philosophical concepts’, ‘metaphysical concepts’ and ‘life after physical death’. I also love hearing my 7 year old daughter come up with her own views on the above mentioned conversations and tell me that she wants to become a scientist to figure it all out (she’s had this plan since she was 5 now, and I’ve never once told her what to be when she’s older, as long as she’s happy, she could be a road-sweeper for all I care about her career choice, although I must admit, if she was a scientist, that would be pretty cool!).
Most important life lesson? Never judge someone by their exterior appearance or even the words they say. Everyone has been through something that made them that way, and it’s not our place to judge how the deal with those things. If they’re being bitchy, maybe it’s because being too nice got them raped and they can’t allow themselves to risk it again. If they’re always crying, they may have lost their family, home, job. If they always seem happy, don’t take that for granted…they may go home and cry at night because they can’t show how they feel anymore because someone once took advantage of them. So the lesson I learned was to always be kind, compassionate, and considerate, even if I’m having a crap day because you never know what internal war the person you inflict your own negativity on is fighting, and who am I to make their day crap just because I may be suffering?!
My deepest fear? My daughter dying before me.
Greatest dream for my life? To change the world! I want to find a way to unite everyone. I want to prove that precognition is real and that we can tap into it if we’re open to it. I want us to advance our minds and emotions, so we can all understand each others pain, and then maybe we won’t continue to constantly hurt each other the way we currently do with war, money, power. I want one global government that ACTUALLY takes care of the world rather than using it for their own petty human egotistical goals. …I want to create a world worth saving!
Who am I? I am me. I am you. I am the sun and the moon. I am the earth and the ocean. I am everything. I am a mass of atoms in the universe, hoping to spark creation for the future and rewrite the past. Alternatively, I am nothing more than the perception that I am human, and my life is really just someone else’s dream. Who knows? All I know is that I can only do so much, but who’s to say how much that is other than myself? One day, I WILL change the world.
Hello my name is Taylor, although i prefer to be addressed as my last, but i wont be sharing that.
I was born in a small town that has grown quite rapidly over the few years in Australia. I still live there today and look forward to the day i turn 18 and will be able to discover the wirld in which i live in – don’t we all?
The things in life so far that make me smile the most are my friends and the locals that love to chat at the place. I absolutely love hearing stories about people and when they open up and bring you on an adventure with what they have experienced. Growing up extremely timid i love slowing down and stopping to smell a flower and look around to take in the little things. Other peoples happiness also impacts me amd music; the one true thing that i believe brings people together.
Most important life lesson. In all honestly i had to sit down and really think about this one. There’s just so many! But the one i can really truly relate to is, crying isnt a sign of weakness in fact it is a sign of someone who can no longer be strong.
My deepest fear, although i hate thunderstorms; i crawl under blankets and hide in cupboards whenever one is brewing outside, would have to be being alone. Loneliness- although one might want to be left alone no one can stand the solitude.
My dream ever since i was young was to be happy. Rough childhood, i wont bore you with the details though. Career wise i would have to conclude that i wish to become a journalist, i love writing.
I am a young treeling that wishes to grow and prosper, grow strong and stand tall with the rest. I wish to make my own journey an adventureous one and enjoy every little detail about it. I am a droplet reading to fall from my leave and make a ripple in the ocean below. I wish to tell my future generations about my story and become an inspiration to others. This is who i am, daughter, granddaughter, friend. Ever so willing to meet new people.
Hi my name is Rosa, or Nunez, which is what I’m mostly referred to as on a daily basis.
I was born in Maturin, Venezuela. I moved to Florida about 11 years ago, but now I live in Anchorage, Alaska due to the military.
I can honestly say a lot of things make me smile, but to see acts of love and kindness are probably my favorite.
The most important life lesson I’ve learned in my 20 years of life is to tell the people that you care about how much they mean to you and how much you love them. Now that I’ve moved out and live on my own, I regret not telling my mom & dad every second of the day how much I love them. Growing up I wasn’t the most affectionate person, and now that I am millions of miles away I regret it.
My deepest fear is to die alone and have no one go to my funeral.
My biggest dream is to travel the world as much as I can and then settle down and have a family.
I am an Airman in the US Air Force. I am a loving daughter, sister, cousin, grandaughter and gilfriend.
Where do you live now?
In a small city in Ontario, Canada
What makes you smile?
When family gets together; lots of laughter, the little kids having fun, playing and living life. Love.
What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far?
That you can’t change people. You need to love them for who they already are and what they aspire to be, not for the person you require them to be. If you can’t do that, then you don’t love them the way they deserve to be loved.
What is your deepest fear?
That I won’t live long enough to truly enjoy the time I get to spend with the ones I love and watch them grow.
What is your greatest dream for your life?
To fall deeper in love every day, and grow together, marry and have children, and watch them grow. To always be happy and see the best in every situation and let go of the bad/negative.
Who are you?
I am a child of God, given the wonderful fruits of the Spirit, to spread love across this world the way Jesus does. I am a sister to three brothers, a daughter to loving parents (who misses her mother everyday), an aunt to the most wonderful nieces and nephews. A loving girlfriend to my best friend I could never have imagined and have been blessed by God with. I am an optimistic, loving soul who enjoys the beauty in nature more than anything on this earth. I am blessed.
I was born In Lincoln, Nebraska. I was the sixth child born to a woman, who as a young child had been diagnosed with a mental illness. I grew up in a foster care system and group homes.
I currently live in Botswana, Africa. I have lived here for the last five years as a missionary, faithful doing what I feel I was created for.
My Children and my grandchildren make me smile, when my two year old granddaughter says “hi gaama” it makes me smile and my heart melt. Another thing that makes me smile is being here in Botswana and touching the lives of so many as they touch my life as well. May I paint a picture of an event to see if it can make you smile?
The sun is setting; the air is thick with the smell of what I like to call campfires. I am walking along a sandy path moving in the direction of a large tree approx 2ks away. We were going there because the handful of children I was with shared they like to have church there. As we are walking the children are full of laughter, it was beautiful. Shortly after starting the journey to the tree, the number of children grew, it wasn’t long and I was with 30-40 children in a variety of ages. One child started singing and quickly they all joined in. I am not sure if you have ever heard African children sing, but they are not shy, they bolt out words with confidence and harmony. It was Beautiful and not only was I smiling but every child that walked that road that day was smiling from ear to ear. I have to believe the Lord smiled down on us as well.
Now the question is… are you Smiling?
My most important life lesson I have learned this far; as that people matter no matter what state you find them in. We often are drawn to the ones with smiles, but the one who is hurting matters just as much.
My deepest fear; That when I return to the states in May of 2014 full time, the passion I have to see the world and the people in it, will no long look to be a reality but instead be just a dream I place on the back burner.
My greatest dream for life; too see the world, to lend a hand, to be the voice for one who can’t speak. To be the soft touch someone who feels unlovable longs for. I want to join in with others to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.
I am Brenda, an Overcomer, a Mother, a Grandmother, a Sister, a Loyal Friend, a Missionary, a Survivor, a World Changer.
Good Cheer today,
My name is Claire, legally changed from Lynn. I was born in Upstate New York and moved all over Upstate NY as my father was in construction and we had to move where his job took him. It was difficult to grow up and be in over 14 different schools.
I currently live in Maryland and plan to move somewhere near the ocean – I need the water for my own healing.
What makes me smile and just outright laugh out loud is watching my dog play in the snow. I love seeing people in love, and anyone who is experiencing joy brings a big smile to my face and I can actually feel a warmth in my heart. So peaceful.
A lesson I have learned is that life is not fair and I have to make my way the best I can. I have learned that I am stronger than I ever thought I was. I have learned to scatter joy…and not live in my own pity party.
My greatest fear is that I will not find unconditional love….I have been married twice and my spouses wanted to immediately change me.
My greatest dream is to share my gift of kindness through my healing words and actions. I also want to live near the ocean.
Who am I? I am an ever evolving, changing, mishmash of a human being. I am here to have the Universe use me up for the good of all.
I was born in St Louis, Mo and still live here in a condo that backs to trees. I love the new green color of “my” woods.
My family…my love, kids, grands, sisters. Full body hugs, great sex, the Cardinal’s (winning gets a bigger smile), fishing, reading, popcorn, my dogs, being a nonsmoker, singing, horse back riding, the sigh after meditating.
That you can’t save people from themselves.
Another child of mine dieing.
To live by running water… Ocean would be great, I’ll enjoy a creek just as much.
Fluid, compassionate, a learner… I’ve always identified with Meredith Ann Brooks and sing along.
“I’m a b*tch, I’m a lover, I’m a child, I’m a mother
I’m a sinner, I’m a saint, I do not feel ashamed.”
My name is Lesley. I was born in England to an American father and English mother. My dad was military so we traveled a lot during my childhood years. I went to three different schools in 6th grade. I believe that moving a lot as my family did made my younger brothers and I close. So it is with gratitude that I remember my childhood.
I currently live in Florida, but yearn to be closer to the mountains. Not a beach girl.
My son makes me smile. So happy to see him as a intelligent, caring and handsome young man.
The most important lesson I have learned so far is that taking care of oneself is essential to happiness. You must put yourself first.
My greatest fear is not being able to travel the world. There are so many places I want to see, people I want to meet. I fear not having the means to make that happen.
My greatest dream is to travel the world.
Who am I …I am a loving, creative, intelligent and crazy (In a good way) 55 year young women. I am constantly searching for meaning and trying to be present in my own life.
Where were you born? California 1950
Where do you live now? California 2014
What makes you smile? First smile each day is knowing I am on this side of the dirt. All the rest of the smiles come easy and with pleasure after that, especially for my family and grandsons.
What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far? It really does not matter who your parents were/are. What you choose to do with your life and how you choose to influence others is the core.
What is your deepest fear? flying..ha!
What is your greatest dream for your life? To see my grandsons grow and become men with integrity an strength to always choose the right thing, not like the leaders in all countries around the world now
Who are you? Wife, mother,grandmother is what I am called, but I am truly just me and I like me.
*where were you born? Germany
*where do you live now? USA
*what makes you smile? many things…waking up in the morning…children…nature…people…little things in life & myself.
*what is the most important life lesson you have learned? I have learned that life is the biggest & a constant classroom, you never stop learning…I am a student in every aspect of my life.
*what is your deepest fear? never ever do I want experience the pains I encounter from my past.
*what is your greatest dream for your life? to live near a beach – writing a book.
*who are you? I am a woman, I am a mother who creates her own path in life.
*I was born in Denver, Colorado where my parents were born and raised. I only lived there for three years before my family moved to the eastern US. After ten years of moving from state to state with the company my father worked for, we returned to Denver and to family.
*I now live in south Texas because my husband (California native) was transferred here by his employer. We met at a university halfway between the two states of our birth. Best move EVER!
*I smile when I see my husband (always!) and my three grandchildren (most often on a video chat). I smile when my children get together and when I see the sun rising (or setting) on mountain peaks. I smile when I hear vocal jazz. I smile when I eat really good Mexican food, especially pork green chile.
*The most important life lesson learned is that each person has infinite worth and that my purpose is to increase in faith and in development of moral attributes, to strengthen home and family, and to love and serve God and others. It is so important that I keep getting lots of opportunities to learn this lesson again and again and again.
*My deepest fear in every “my will vs. Thy will” encounter is giving in to self-concern. This is the anti-thesis of faith. Being self-absorbed really stinks [slang]. I know.
*My greatest dream for my life is to perceive more positive and potential and less negative and disappointment. If I really must wake up in the wee hours of the night, I would rather it be with happy thoughts rather than worrisome ones.
*I am a daughter of God and a disciple of Jesus Christ. And it really helps that my husband adores me! So, I’ll add that I am adorable.
I was born into a great family in Seattle, WA. After a couple of years we all moved to Bellevue where my parents still reside. In 2007 I decided to get out of the rut I was in and sell my other car, condo and quit a high paying job to start a new life in Portland Oregon. Best decision I have ever made
There are a couple of things that make me smile:
1. Seeing my dog curled up in a ball in my bed sleeping. He is 13 now and I know I don’t have many more years with him. So it always puts a smile on my face seeing him sleep so peacefully.
2. Photographing people doing what they love to do (Adrenaline Sports). If they are having fun and I am capturing it on my camera then I am happy. It has become my many subject matter. Then I get the surprise of seeing what I captured later in the day.
Life Lesson:
1. I always seem to go back to go back to a lesson I learned in the FD. Fix the problem at the station level. Don’t fix the global issues fix the ones closest to home and then move out from there. You can’t solve bigger issues if you aren’t square with yourself.
2. Be honest with yourself. If you cannot be honest with yourself then how can you grow? I always try to Dr. Phil myself and make sure what I am saying or feeling is being honest! Seems to make things better.
Greatest Fear:
I fear being alone and not having someone special in my life to fall in love with. I view my life as 3/4 full; not just half! I want to share my life with someone, but dating has always been a weak spot for me. Some opportunities I can blame on myself and others it seems there is a higher power working against me.
Greatest Dream:
I have a life that is full. I think I read a quote on this blog that said when I see God that I want to say I used every bit of talent you gave me! On a smaller scale I would love to be an adventure photographer.
Who am I?
I am a pretty easy going guy that has a passionate side. I love my family, dog, photography, fire fighting and the people I get to meet along the way. I enjoy pushing people to go after their dreams and having success. I am a better teacher than doer. I love to help people overall. Overall I am a great person to know and be around.
I was born in Derby UK
I now live in a Mansfield near Nottingham UK
Coming home to be greeted by my old dog with his waggy tail makes me smile
The most important lesson I’ve learnt is that nothing or no-one lasts for ever, so make the most of things whilst they are there.
My deepest fear is that I will be completely forgotten after I die
My greatest dream is that myself and my family will have happy lives doing the things that we really want to do.
Who am I? A simple unassuming 52yr old woman who is content to live a live enjoying the world around her.
I was born in Essex in the UK and I still live here.
So many things make me smile. Nature, discovering new things, good food, laughter and seeing people in love to name but a few.
I have learnt many lessons throughout my life, but I would have to say that the most important one to me is to live each day like it is your last, because one day it will be.
My deepest fear is that I will die having never experienced real love.
My greatest dream? Well, I would love to earn enough money so that I do not have to work anymore and could spend my time doing things I love to do, but that’s me as a single person. If I were to find love, I think my dream would change to being with said person for the rest of my days.
Who am I? I am a guy who has been through a heck of a lot in my short life, but has always, and hopefully always will, come out fighting. I laugh freely, love fearfully and live one day at a time.
I was born in Africa despite being Chinese citizen.
I live in Malaysia.
Cats make me smile.
I’ve learnt that effective communication is very important.
My deepest fear… Troubling other people.
My greatest dream is to be a travelling monk. I want to travel from places to places.
I am a blob. Like the black colored blob in the glass container in Full Metal Alchemist. I am the Self. I can transform into anything I want to be, as long as God wills it.
I am Mark. I am a 42 year old born in St. Louis, Missouri. My story is a journey I have taken.
I was raised middle-class Norman Rockwell style suburban life. Living in California most of my life has been great. It has led me to very dark places that have become a huge part of who I am.
I have been down roads of alcohol and chemically based addictions as well as worked in emergency services and as a standard office worker.
Because of my many spoked path in life I consider myself a truly blessed individual. I was given 3 seperate leases on a new life and now that I have accepted it I live for my children and to be of maximum service to my fellow human.
I have no real fears to speak of except to lose my spiritual self as I have walked through my own hell already so nothing but beauty is left in the world (you just have to look a little harder sometimes). My biggest dream is to see my children happy and to help as many living beings as I can every day. One day at a time!
My name is Trisha. I am born in Manila. I live now in Quezon City, Philippines.
Knowing that I am greatly and unconditionally loved puts a BIG smile on my face.
Life is a consequence of our choices. In everything that we do, we are making a decision, and in every decision that we make, there will always be a consequence. We have to make decisions wisely.
My deepest fear is to give up something for a dream and to realize that it was a wrong decision.
My Greatest Dream in Life is to be a blessing to everyone that I meet and know – most especially to my family and loved ones.
I am Trisha – a sinner saved by Grace. Learning is my passion. My Family is my treasure. My faith is my strength.
I’ve spent the better part of 2 hours studying, reading, and enjoying your beautiful stories. You’ve enlightened me! You’ve taught me. You’ve brought tears to my eyes, and you’ve made me smile. Thank you ALL for a wonderful afternoon. Cheers, friends!
*I was born in Asheville, NC, USA. I currently live in a small town close to Asheville, and have been a resident here my entire life with the exception of my college career. Even then, I was but a short drive away.
*I smile when I see my 20 year old daughter. I still see the same little girl, with the same sheepish grin, big brown eyes, complete with convincing long eyelashes, but with far more accomplishments and talents than I ever imagined. The pride is astronomical. It fills my heart…I know you can relate if you have child(ren).
*Life lessons happen daily. If I must choose the one that sticks out most, it would be: It’s ok to be ok with/by yourself. Don’t “not-do-something” because you have to go alone. Go anyway. Enjoy life now, because it won’t last forever. Your happiness is ultimately your responsibility. It’s only as fun and exciting as you make it!
*My deepest fear is growing old without someone with whom to share those happy times. I have a wonderful man in my life, and sincerely hope he is my forever love. Relationships are important. I’ve gained a few friendships, yet had my heart broken more than once. We heal. Lifetime loves come about once. My grandparents taught me that at a very young age. They never gave up on each other. Instead, they figured out a way to work through their problems and make the most of what they had.
*The greatest dream for my life…I’ve done it. I’ve raised a beautiful, hard-working, talented, accomplished young lady. An upstanding member of society. “Statistically,” she shouldn’t be where she is – in college (The Honors College Division, with a 4.4 GPA, no less) – simply because she comes from a broken home. We broke the barriers! I encouraged her, and she is succeeding every single day of her life.
Random thought: Maybe it’s time for me to create another dream? One to work on for the future?
*Who am I? I am a 42 year old, single, strong, simple, accepting, loving, non-judgmental, independent woman. I’m a mother. I’m an employee. I’m a daughter. I’m a friend. I love everyone, with no reservations. I base no friendship on race, religion, political preference, or sexual orientation. I am who I am. You are who you are. I am “me,” and that’s ok. And I love you. For you. *Because* … You’re you.
I’m 36. Have married, divorced, bankrupted, succeeded, failed, loved, hated, been immoral, been righteous and have thought I knew everything when I was crazy. The less crazy I get, the less I learn that I know. I am a walking encyclopedia and, with the exception of this post, a commander of the English language. I can talk your ear off until tomorrow if you let me.
I love my ex wife. I love every girl I have ever known. I love my best friends and I love my business partner.
The more in love with life I get, the less fear I have. I’m not afraid of much these days.
If there is a God, I would love that entity. If there is not a God, I will still love. Nobody has told me to love, it just happens.
I was born on a tiny island lost in the indian Ocean in 1965 at 3 in the morning.
I still live on that same island, Mauritius, though some twenty years ago I tried to immigrate to the United Kingdom. But as I was, and still is, a girl of the sun, the cold weather of London did not suit me at all, I was so miserable. So I ran back home after only six months there.
What makes me smile? Oh I am always smiling. Life is beautiful if we take time to see its beauty in its simplest form. So there are many occasions to smile.
The most important lesson that I have learned so far is to take nothing for granted. Life is so precious, love is so important. So, I try my best to live each and every moment fully.
My deepest fear? I came from a large family and then got married and had a son. So I was almost never alone (on top of that I didn’t like being alone) and that was my deepest fear: one day to see myself on my own. But as it is said you attract what you fear, so suddenly I found myself all alone, seperated from my husband some two years ago and my son went overseas to the university and I found myself all alone. I had to learn to live with myself. I can tell you it was like an adventure. Now I can say I do not fear loneliness anymore.
And my greatest dream is to be able, now that I have time, to travel the world, not just like a tourist but really like someone going towards others, sharing and discovering new ways of living on this planet. I am thinking of WOOFING.
I love life, even if sometimes it is really hard and all that come with it: people, nature, etc. I try my best to live my life the most that I can.
This is wonderful 🙂 I have loved reading many of the stories posted here. I wholeheartedly concur – we are all precious and unique!
I was born in Western Sydney, Australia in 1990.
I now live between Australia and Vanuatu. My friends and I are working on establishing early childhood education in Vanuatu.
There are so many things that make me smile! One that never fails is seeing one of the children that I teach making progress! It makes my heart sing to have the privilege to work with children. They are so amazing and precious 🙂
The most important lesson that I have learned thus far (or one of – at least it is the most recent lesson I have learned) is that boundaries are key to loving others. Have your boundaries and do not let them be violated. Similarly, respect the boundaries of every person you come into contact with. Boundaries are not the same as walls – that is vital to remember! However, without boundaries you will have no respect for yourself or others.
My deepest fear is that I will waste my life. For myself, not wasting my life means giving my life to God; abandoning myself to his will and living out the plan that he has for me.
My greatest dream is simply to do the best good for everyone that I possibly can. To faithfully serve God and people. I have many hopes and plans, but all of them fall under the banner of loving God and others.
I am a child of God. Infinitely loved. A sinner saved by grace alone. I am someone who makes mistakes, but knows they do not define me.
Hi my name is Eric Marez and I was born in San Diego, California in 1998. I now live in Vancouver, Washington. What makes me smile is when I look at my dads old pictures that he used to draw(also makes me pretty sad). The most important life lesson that I’ve learned thus far (I’m a 16 year old boy) Is that you should never lose hope in anything, no matter how bad it may seem or how bad it really is. My deepest fear is dying and there being nothing after. So I fear oblivion(I’m not really an atheist, I just have those feelings sometimes like “what if none of its true and when you die you die”). My dream is to really fall in love with someone and to travel the world meeting new people and to start a beautiful family and visit places that would be breathtaking. I’m a young boy who has been through a lot of life changing experiences and often has issues with being depressed, but still tries to be nice to others and relish the life that I’ve been given.
Bernadette says
Melissa – With best wishes for your screenwriting journey!!
Heather – Thanks for sharing your story and your learnings 🙂
Julie – All the best for your travel adventures! Sounds exciting!
Benito – Wow, I so enjoyed reading your story. What you wrote here… “a world in which the vast majority of people have all the internal capabilities and external opportunities they need to pursue the fulfillment of their lives, rather than survival, conformity or security” – this completely resonates with me. The more people sharing messages like this, the more people around the world will own and create their lives.
Otis – Thank you for sharing your story!
Rae – I love your passion to be who you truly are and to embrace your individuality
Lisa – Wonderful reading your message. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Shaz – It would be fascinating to know what you might find in Egypt if you visit one day! I love that you carry the energy of strength and courage, awesome.
Maga – Who you are makes me smile… I love it, particularly the stubborn optimist, rebel at heart and fierce advocate for kindness. Awesome. And, breaking social expectations to be who you really are… GO YOU! There is nothing more authentic than being and doing from the core of your true self. To be celebrated 🙂
Tawfiq – Thank you for sharing your story, particularly for sharing your lesson about training mental strength.
Carlee – So true what you say about learning that trying to be someone else is a complete waste of the amazing people that we are. We have a gift, the gift is being the unique people we were born as, and our job is to share our gift!! Blessings. B
Nikki – Wow, your message gives me shivers. Your courage, self-belief and confidence shines through in the words you’ve shared 🙂
Ankush says
Hey guys my name is Ankush I am 25 years old, I was born in Nagpur, India which used to be a pretty small community but over the past few year has become quiet big. I am still living in the same neighborhood I grew up in. Although I always wanted to move out to a big city but have lately realized that I can’t take the big city life for extended periods. I have finished my High School for MN, USA.
What really makes me smile is the chirping of the birds, Sunrises smell of the wet earth, sound of raindrops, and feel of the sun on cold days mostly watching the people I care about smile. Today I had a different reason i.e. this post. It just made me realize that are quiet a few people out there who agree to the fact that everything is not to be taken at the face value. It is the soul of the person that should be valued over the superficial layers that we pile over it.
The most important lesson I have learnt is that where ever you end up it is the journey and the memories that you acquire along the way are the more important than the destination itself. And what you really need is not too many friends/ companions but a select few that you know will always be there when you need them.
My deepest fear is losing someone close to me.
My greatest dream would be a world wherein we all can co exist with each other and with nature.
Wow this is a difficult one as I am still on my way of figuring out who I really am, but I’ll say this I am a traveler, a photographer, a nature lover, a lawyer and a true friend. A
Chrisann says
It has taken my three days to read all of the posts here. My friend, jag, commented here, which promted me to think about the questions. I had no intention of commenting, and yet here I am….Thank you, everyone, for sharing! <3
• Where were you born? and Where do you live now? I was born in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada, where I lived for the first 19 years of my life. I moved to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 23 years ago and this is where my heart is. I left Ottawa briefly (349 days) to move back to NS (Halifax) to further my education (at the tender age of 40yo). I thought I would settle there after I graduated, but my heart, life, and friends were in Ottawa.
• What makes you smile? This may sound kooky but it’s true: going through my profile pictures on Facebook makes me smile, because every photo that I have chosen to display has meant something special to me at that time. They fill me with love, and joy, and happiness. Also, hearing a male cardinal call out to his female makes me smile – Every. Single. Time. The smell of the sea makes me smile. Music that evokes a memory makes me smile. Dancing makes me smile constantly from ear to ear.
• What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far? I’ve learned a few: 1) that I can do anything for a year, 2) how I handle a situation defines who I am, not the situation itself, 3) that unconditional love does exist, 4) I’ve learned to never trust my first impression, and 5) do not judge others – we all have our own stories.
• What is your deepest fear? Never finding my passion. Not living to my full potential. Not living with a full heart (this is in reference to an earlier post here). I also fear living with a full heart because I do not know what that looks like. To be forgotten.
• What is your greatest dream for your life? To be remembered.
• Who are you? I am a grateful, sexy, loyal, fun(ny) 43-yo woman, friend, sisterfriend, Step-sister, and smartass. I am a sister, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin. I am a work in progress.
Amber says
Thank you so much for this! Here is my story:
Where were you born?
In Spellman Hospital in Smithville, MO, where I subsequently candy striped, badly, some 13 yrs later
Where do you live now?
In a Shangri-la of small apartments nestled into the wooded hills of suburban Nashville, TN
What makes you smile?
Watching my daughter get so tickled by something that she can barely breathe enough to laugh, especially if I’m the cause of her laughter; feeling my kitties resting on or against me; just about any activity involving my favorite person, Josh
What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far?
To trust my gut
What is your deepest fear?
My daughter going missing. And insignificance.
What is your greatest dream for your life?
To befriend a unicorn and be handsomely paid to ride it through edible forests of artisan cheeses; also, to live a comfortable, fulfilling life where I’ve made a positive impact on the people I care about
Who are you?
An adoring mom, a doting girlfriend, a loving daughter, an anxious introvert, a creative spirit, a reformed cynic, a seeker of peace
Maria says
I was born in a small town in North Carolina. I now live in a larger city in N.C. and it feels like home.
Makes me smile: Time with my friends, my nieces and nephews, the first sight of the ocean, a co-worker who does dance moves every time I walk by her cubicle. It’s the little things that make my day.
The most important life lesson I’ve learned so far is that “experiences” trump “things” every time.
My deepest fear has been realized: being trapped in a really great career that gives me absolutely no satisfaction.
The greatest dream for my life is to fall in love. I’m 32 so it seems I’m overdue.
I’m an old soul. I make others smile. I care. I memorize poems and recite them to my dog on late night walks. I daydream constantly and write out thoughts and dreams in too many notebooks. I’m bold when I need to be. I’m a swimmer. Not even close to perfect, I’m the best kind of friend, daughter and sister I know how to be.
Hana T says
Love this article Bernadette! I heard the poem by Oriah Mtn Dreamer ten years ago and its wisdom continues to inspire me.
I was born in Spokane, WA but raised 30 miles east in Coeurd’Alene, Idaho. My mom was a nurse in Spokane at the time of my birth.
I’m now living in the village of Novaci in the Republic of Macedonia as a community development volunteer with the Peace Corps. I’ve been here 2 years and have just extended for a 3rd year 🙂
Being here in Macedonia makes me smile – speaking Macedonian, drinking homemade whiskey with my “baba” (grandma) who has adopted me here, and learning to BE moreso than DO here.
There is a story in each of our souls. The purpose of living is to live out our story – to explore the widths, heights and depths of it.
Death is my deepest fear. I lost a young, dear friend in a tragic plane crash in 2004. His death brought the reality of death to the forefront of my consciousness, but also spurred me into living more fully in the moment, taking chances, overcoming fears that otherwise prevented me from becoming my unique self.
My greatest dream is to be a creative non-fiction writer and author. I’ve discovered this while in Peace Corps.
I am a creative non-fiction writer building a repertoire of life experience.
Pozdrav (kind regards),
Hana T.
Jessica says
What a wonderful idea!
Where were you born? Born in Kent County Hospital, Warwick, Rhode Island!
Where do you live now? I still live in RI, by the water now with one of my best friends and her two young boys.
What makes you smile? Love makes me smile. My friends laughter makes me smile, hugs, and most of all, knowing that those I love are happy and healthy, that brings the most joy in my life.
What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far? That I have NO control over others and all I can do is my very best to love and understand that everyone is on their journey and to have patience if they seem mean or uncertain.
What is your deepest fear? That I will be alone (single) the rest of my life.
What is your greatest dream for your life? To travel in Europe, for months and months.
Who are you? Still figuring that one out but best I can figure I am a kind, funny and generous woman who has a lot of love to give and lucky for me, a large group of wonderful friends to give it to!
Thomas says
Pleasure to be reading all of your stories! This is my own.
Born/Live – I was born in Birkenhead, England and live in the area with my partner and his family.
Smile – The small things make me smile, special moments which are noticed just by me. An example, sitting in work daydreaming when a thought crosses my mind ‘I’m here to learn a lesson’, I suddenly remember my purpose for being, look down to the paper in front of me to see the name “wang”. In that instant I realize I need the toilet, start laughing to myself, an head off with a stupidly big smile on my face.
Lesson – Be kind to those I meet and to myself. Forgive, learn, move forward. I’m where I’m meant to be, when I’m meant to be there. I will always forget, but will always remember.
Fear – To be locked up/chained/imprisoned.
Dream – To learn all I need to learn, about everything I need to learn about. To comprehend as much as I can. To find words to express how I feel.
Who I am – I’m a 23 year old intelligent, funny, considerate loving, kind, thoughtful brother, son, grandson, lover, cousin, nephew, fairy godson. I’m a lover of the little things, I’m a watcher of people, I’m a student of life and of myself.
Amit says
Hi All,
My name is Amit and was born in a small town of India named Allahabad. I currently live in Noida, India.
Two things which make me smile are – One, seeing my 1.5 yr old son sleeping soundly, unaware of any fear, untouched yet by any deceit of the world, satisfied, and totally in peace. Two, childish smile on my wife’s face when she has done something stupid.
Important lesson which i have learnt in my life is small things do matter the most. Another important lesson is never try to clarify on things or debate on personal issues when you are drunk:)
My deepest fear is not able to provide all the things required to my family
My dream is to overcome my fear. Die with my wife hand in hand, after seeing my son nicely settled in his life. Having a life full of luxury would be an added bonus though
Who am I? Sometimes feels like i am one of God’s most loved childs who has been thrown in this world to live just once more….
Katrina says
Hello, my name is Katrina.
A few days ago I read this and then I read the comments. I decided I wouldn’t put a comment in because I am only 16 and usually people my age don’t know who they are… But then today, I realized I do know who I am.
I was born in Welsville NY, and have grown up in the same house ever since. I have a loving family who works to hard for what they get in return. I am happy, and my life is beautiful. I am a child of the ONE TRUE KING.
That is who I am.
Isabelle says
Hello, my name is Isabelle.
I was born in Germany, but I have grown up and lived all over Europe, Canada and South Africa.
Right now I live in the UK studying for my Masters.
The most important lesson that I have learn is that you should dream big and go after your dreams and not let anyone tell you that you are not good enough, because you can always find a way.
The things that make me smile are little things like meeting my friends from all over again after not seeing them in a while or spending an afternoon on the beach with my family. My deepest fear is losing someone from my family and not being there when they need me.
My biggest dream is to go on discovering the world and its different cultures.
I am an explorer, a nomad trying to learn as much about this curious planet we live on. That is who I am.
Lori L. says
I was born in Downey, CA
I currently reside in Mission Viejo, CA
Thinking of my Granddaughter makes me smile, and smelling blossoms on orange trees makes me smile. (brings back great memories)
My most important life lesson is to not care what people think of me and that I cannot please everyone no matter how hard I try. I am who I am, and if people can’t accept me for who I am, they can keep walking.
My deepest fear is that I will die before my oldest daughter and I make amends.
My greatest dream is to retire in 10 years and enjoy life with my husband.
I am a Christian, Daughter, sister, Mother, Wife, Auntie, friend.
Bernadette says
Lori, Isabelle, Katrina, Amit, Thomas, Jessica, Hana, Maria, Amber, Chrisann and Ankush…
Thank you all for sharing your stories! I just popped back to the page today and feel blessed to read through these messages, to “meet” you and hear who you are.
Love,
Bernadette
Shey says
My Name is Shey and I was born in Hanford California.
I currently live in San Francisco, California.
Random acts of kindness, and collective celebration (streets, festivals, rallies) of people chanting and clapping brings tears of joy to my eyes.
My weirdness is what my most favorite people love most about me, and they are a huge active part in my day to day happiness.
My greatest fear is that my beloved will look at me one day and say, ‘not enough’.
I have two great dreams. One is ending marine captivity/slaughter.
The other is to be truly loved, and love another, freely.
I am truly a unique human being with the best intentions.
Crowley says
Hello, I’m Crowley.
I was born in Germany.
Up till now, I still live there.
There are many things that make me smile, however, in most cases, my girlfriend, my brothers in all but blood, my parents and grandma would be the reason. Also, I tend to smile whenever I see something happen that restores my faith in humanity.
The most important life lesson would be that you have to stand up for yourself and walk your own way for it’s your life, but not only that, you should help others on their way as well if you yourself can handle it. However, along the way you also should try not to hurt anybody else or their views.
My deepest fear is losing the ones I love and forgetting too much, because memories are really precious to me.
My greatest dream is being able to help as much as I can and see many of the wonders this world has.
I am a friend, a boyfriend and girlfriend at the same time, a brother and a sister as well, daughter and son. But what actually matters: I am me and I am here and if anyone needs my help I will be right here to catch them, no matter what.
Myla says
MY STORY
I was born in Regina, Canada to 16-year-old hard-working parents. I spent half my childhood growing up with banjo-picking humble farmers and I spent the other half amongst a fruit picking, tattooed, punk rock culture in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Our family moved a lot and I was the new girl in school every year. My parents divorced when I was 16, I moved out and hitchhiked throughout Western Canada, ending up in California. This journey has shaped my focus, I’ve taken so much from my experiences. I started my own business when I was 19 and used the profits to pay for my education; I’m proud of how far I’ve come to steer my life in the direction I desired.
I now live in Calgary, Alberta with my husband and our 4-year old daughter. I love my life; I pinch myself sometimes just to make sure it’s real.
What makes me smile…my daughters sparkly dancing eyes, random acts of kindness, people who smile, my husband who loves me whole-heartedly, cuddling my Yorkshire Terrier, holiday baking, family vacations, words of encouragement, people in love, having time to reflect, the feeling of ‘being free’ while in a full cantor horseback riding.
My most important life lesson I’ve learned so far is that I can always change my circumstances – I’m the master of my own happiness. When I was 23 years old, 2 life-changing things happened in a span of a year that was pivotal in shifting consciousness for me:
1) A vehicle speeding at 120 km/h struck me while I was stopped waiting for a train to pass on my way to work, and the impact broke my neck. This opened my eyes to not let life pass me by. I want the best life can offer and make no apologies for it.
2) I was involved in an unhealthy abusive relationship surrounded with addictions in multiple forms. I think something good must come from opportunities like this. I still believe there’s good in every person and continue to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. The right person at the right time will always come into our lives consequently to fill this void. We can only learn from these experiences and do things differently the next time.
My deepest fear is realizing I don’t possess enough passion about anything to realize my ‘dream’ and not utilizing my fullest potential. When moving towards goals, I’m positive and productive but still learning to find greater value in my self-worth.
Being ambitious, I have many dreams. But they have to be MY dreams…I don’t want to ride on anyone else’s coat tails. My biggest one is to travel, experience new cultures and meet new people. I want to leave a stamp on this world and desire to connect with other soul-seekers on truly authentic levels. I live for chance encounters and write those feelings of exploration in scrapbooks and journals. I want to love and be loved. I hope to be a role model to my daughter and teach her empathy and compassion in whatever ways I can. I want to grow old and say I lived the life I wanted to live sharing sunny days with those I wanted to live it with.
Who am I? I’m a good person, full of life and vitality. I’m the best kind of friend, daughter, auntie, sister, mother and wife I know how to be. I’m a Scorpio soul, a volunteer, an odds-beater, a hopeless romantic, and an ever-evolving liberal at heart with a youthful spark that permeates in the craziest situations. I have walked in the shoes of many. I’m the person you call in the middle of the night because you are so far deep you don’t know how you will ever get out. I have been a part of moments and stories that no one could ever believe. I have run with criminals and mentored with Presidents. I’m a fun loving, sprightly girl respecting anyone who exudes passion in what they do, being the best they can be.
If life were to end tomorrow, have no regrets because at one point it’s exactly where you wanted to be.
Ann says
So, here I present to you – The Unique Me 🙂
– I was born in a place called Ras Al Khaimah, UAE in the Middle East.
– Still living at the place mentioned above but of course hoping to be living in different corners of the world soon.
– Acts of humanity never fails to make me smile. But sometimes I don’t need something or someone to make me smile. I just smile to feel the happiness of smiling. 🙂
– There are not many big lessons I learnt because I still have a long way to go in growing up. But I guess being yourself and living your life will be a few valuable lessons I learnt.
– My deepest fear? That is something to think about, now. Maybe I am scared of darkness as I don’t know what it consists of.
– The greatest dream of my life is to become an astronaut. To go above the sky and take in that wonderful world above. See the stars closer. View the small picture of our big world.
– I am a friend, a sister, a daughter and a person who would love to see humanity in every single person alive. I would love to see the world become a better place to live. I guess there are more people with humanity and a heart than we can see with our eyes.
Sari says
– I was born in Birmingham, in the UK, and I’ve lived here pretty much all of my life. This wasn’t meant to be where I grew up. I was meant to live in a small village in a third world country, but my father (who lived and worked there, and who we were going to join) passed away, so we ended up staying here as it’s where my mum is from. I feel very lucky. Sometimes I feel bad for feeling that way.
– I still live here, although I have lived in other places in the past. I have a lot of roots here and it’s probably where i’ll stay for a long time.
– Traveling, good books, music, the realization that I’m not alone in whatever I’m feeling. Spending time with children and watching their delight discovering the world. People making an effort to show they care for me.
– This too shall pass. Things that seemed so important at one point and consumed my life are nowhere near as important anymore. So yeah, pretty much that time and perspective are great healers. Speaking of perspective; ‘There are roughly 200-400 billion (with a “B”) stars in our galaxy – The Milky Way. But, the more amazing stat is that there are 100-200 billion galaxies in the universe’…my problems are nothing. I need to work on letting go.
– That I will never find love or become a mother
– To be happy, to have children and to become the person I’m meant to be; this means contributing something positive and tangible to the world.
– I am not perfect, but I’m liking the person I’m becoming.
Yagmur says
Hey everyone! Here’s my story! 🙂
?I was born in Istanbul, Turkey.
?Lived in Istanbul with my family for 19 years then moved to Paris for my university studies and this September I’m moving to London. I can say that I don’t have a fixed residence for right now. And I love being everywhere.
?Watching the waves early in the morning, standing in the sand.
?The best lesson I’ve learned so far is that the essential purpose of life is being happy as much as you can, no matter what you do in your life.
?My deepest fear is losing my loved ones.
?My greatest dream for my life is becoming an “happiness professor” in order to have enough power to change the world for a better place and traveling the world.
?I’m a jurist who has recently noticed that being happy is more important in life than being a successful but a depressed lawyer. And as I said before, I’m a future happiness professor.
Karlyn says
Where were you born? – In the West Indies in the beautiful island of St.Lucia
Where do you live now? – Toronto Canada.
What makes you smile? – My fiance Jason
What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far? – That no matter what happens in life, we women are resilient and that we can create a life we love.
What is your deepest fear? – That I will go back and live my life in fear & that I will allow shame to define my goals.
What is your greatest dream for your life? – Teaching thousands of women to be free, to love, be happy & to create a life they love & deserve.
Who are you? _ I am a Beautiful Warrior who will raise awareness and break the silence & stigma surrounding Child Sexual Abuse in the Caribbean & Canada and who will make a difference in the lives of women & girls all over the world.
Everly says
I am Everly. Born on the Canadian prairies. What makes me smile is some of the important values I’ve instilled into my sons who are becoming fine young men.
The greatest lesson I’ve learned thus far is that we are exactly where we are supposed to be and that happiness comes when we realize and accept that.
My deepest fear would be to lose one of my children.
My greatest dream is to live in a positive environment with little negativity and pessimism.
Who am I? I am a survivor of abuse, the mother of a special child, an advocate for those who must always struggle in life and a lover of animals. I believe we all have a purpose and must work to discover our true gifts for this short time that we’re here.
Eleisha says
*Where were you born?
Wollongong, new south wales , australia
*Where do you live now?
brisbane , qld australia
*What makes you smile?
many things, a good joke, great company,
my childrens laughter. when my children are proud of me
*What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far?
just because a bad decision is made , doesnt make that person a bad person. People can really mean “sorry” when they say it.
*What is your deepest fear?
That I will never get the courage to be happy and make life the way i want it to be.
What is your greatest dream for your life?
To be the person Ive always dreamed to be, to stop being so lazy and negative. to love life and to love myself.
*Who are you?
I am a dreamer- a “gonna”- “gonna do this”, “gonna do that” . Im someone who forever wants more but am too unmotivated to actually do something to get what i want. I am a mother who says she “tries her best”, when really i can just go with the flow sometimes and fly off the handle for no reason, just because i can.
Im someone who craves loyalty, honesty and love expect it from those around me , even though i know Im not always perfect at giving it myself.
I wear my heart on my sleeve, get hurt easily . Im very opinionated and will give my honest opinion most the time even if it hurts others. Im sarcastic, annouying, loud, and enjoy just getting out of my head alot of the time. I love to act happy and make others laugh and smile
Anonymous says
First of all, I’m sorry for putting Anonymous as my name. It’s not that I don’t trust people here. Rather, I have my own reason.
1) I was born in Seria, Brunei. (Not Syria)
2) I’m currently in Leeds, England.
3) Seeing someone giving their best at anything. Seeing them stand up even after all the beating they receive in life. I respect those kind of people very much.
4) The most important life lesson I’ve learnt is to not go back on your words. If you said you’re going to do something, then you have a personal obligation to see that you do it. If you make a promise, then you make sure you fulfill that promise, no matter what.
5) My greatest fear is going back on my words. I also fear that the people I’ve cherished the most turns out to be the people who stabs me in the back.
6) My greatest dream is to become a theoretical physicist at CERN and win a Nobel prize. I’m doing Theoretical Physics in my Uni as a freshman. I promised to myself that I will become a theoretical physicist no matter what, no matter how long it takes me and like I said in question 4, I have a personal obligation to fulfill that promise.
7) Who am I? I’m a theoretical physicist in the making. Other than that, I don’t know anything for sure. I’m a bit weird compared to people around me. I try my best to keep my words and to not go back on them. I play basketball and badminton but I’m not too good at them. I’m also very competitive. If I find someone better than me in things I like, I try my best to be the better one. Don’t get the wrong impression of me though. I do that with my friends and they are fine with it. For example, if someone is better than me in badminton, I’ll make them my rival in badminton until I beat them but they’re my friend as soon as we step off the court and all the anger and competitiveness I had in the court, stays in the court until we step in the court next time. I’m also an atheist however I don’t mind religious people. I tend to keep my belief to myself and expect others to do the same.
I guess that’s it. I’m not very good with these kind of things so if I’ve bored anyone then I’m sorry.
Petar says
I was born in a small town called Leskovac, in Serbia, and I’ve been living here for 17 years of my 18 years long life.
Every new day makes me smile. Walking home from school and feeling the buzz of the town. The way my little cousin always hugs me so tight. How my puppy run towards me as soon as it sees me, and how she survived her illness. A good quote. Fantastic read. Deep conversations with friends, and a polite stranger. Seeing old people talking together, like old (pun not intended) friends. Every day makes me smile.
The most important lesson I have learned is always to be myself, never to compromise my beliefs in order to please another. If people love me for who I am pretending to be – they do not love the real me. And true friends will not be bothered when I talk a lot (which I do. A lot)
My deepest fear is death, whether it is mine or someone I like. Losing them in that way is irreversible.
My dream is to be a published author, with many, many books in my career. Helping people through my works. My biggest dream is for a person to stop me on the street and thank me for something that I wrote, because it helped them a lot.
I am Petar. I am a dreamer, fighter, survivor. A writer, blogger, actor, magician, philosopher, traveler, all-around geek, rhombus, self-proclaimed shrink. I am a work in progress, and I love it.
Marian says
I was born in Birmingham, Alabama. I moved away for a few years after high school but somehow found my way back here.
What makes me smile is my sweet husband and daughter. I am so blessed to have them in my life.
The most important life lesson I have learned is that you should enjoy every moment because tomorrow is not promised.
Fear is a choice. I choose not to be afraid.
The greatest dream for my life is to one day retire debt-free, surrounded by the people I love, and lots of books.
Who I am is ever changing because the light hits me from a different angle everyday. Showing me a different facet that I didn’t see the day before.
Lindsey says
My name is Lindsey.
I was born in Chicago but have lived in Dallas for 20 years. I have been married for 19 years and am almost 50, and I am afraid that my marriage is a sham. I am staying with my husband because I have multiple sclerosis and a teenage son, and I don’t have the strength or energy to work full time. And I am afraid of being sick, poor and alone.
Barb says
I was born in Denville, New Jersey, USA.
I now live in Central Texas near the Austin area where I own a home and live with my son.
What makes me smile is the joy and laughter of my one and only child, my son.
The most important life lesson I have learned is to trust myself, to honor my feelings, to listen to my gut, to heed my intuition.
My deepest fear is that my son dies before me.
My greatest dream is to live a peaceful, happy fulfilling life surrounded by loved ones.
I am a child of God, a Divine Expression of life, a survivor who never gives up hope.
Just Me says
I was born in a town in the south-east of England, UK, and I now live in a village 15miles away from there.
What makes me smile? When people start talking about things that are actually important in life rather than just the average day-to-day chit chat. My favourite conversations are ‘the meaning of life’, ‘how the world/universe began’, ‘the future of the world’, ‘ways to bring about a different world’, ‘philosophical concepts’, ‘metaphysical concepts’ and ‘life after physical death’. I also love hearing my 7 year old daughter come up with her own views on the above mentioned conversations and tell me that she wants to become a scientist to figure it all out (she’s had this plan since she was 5 now, and I’ve never once told her what to be when she’s older, as long as she’s happy, she could be a road-sweeper for all I care about her career choice, although I must admit, if she was a scientist, that would be pretty cool!).
Most important life lesson? Never judge someone by their exterior appearance or even the words they say. Everyone has been through something that made them that way, and it’s not our place to judge how the deal with those things. If they’re being bitchy, maybe it’s because being too nice got them raped and they can’t allow themselves to risk it again. If they’re always crying, they may have lost their family, home, job. If they always seem happy, don’t take that for granted…they may go home and cry at night because they can’t show how they feel anymore because someone once took advantage of them. So the lesson I learned was to always be kind, compassionate, and considerate, even if I’m having a crap day because you never know what internal war the person you inflict your own negativity on is fighting, and who am I to make their day crap just because I may be suffering?!
My deepest fear? My daughter dying before me.
Greatest dream for my life? To change the world! I want to find a way to unite everyone. I want to prove that precognition is real and that we can tap into it if we’re open to it. I want us to advance our minds and emotions, so we can all understand each others pain, and then maybe we won’t continue to constantly hurt each other the way we currently do with war, money, power. I want one global government that ACTUALLY takes care of the world rather than using it for their own petty human egotistical goals. …I want to create a world worth saving!
Who am I? I am me. I am you. I am the sun and the moon. I am the earth and the ocean. I am everything. I am a mass of atoms in the universe, hoping to spark creation for the future and rewrite the past. Alternatively, I am nothing more than the perception that I am human, and my life is really just someone else’s dream. Who knows? All I know is that I can only do so much, but who’s to say how much that is other than myself? One day, I WILL change the world.
Taylor says
Hello my name is Taylor, although i prefer to be addressed as my last, but i wont be sharing that.
I was born in a small town that has grown quite rapidly over the few years in Australia. I still live there today and look forward to the day i turn 18 and will be able to discover the wirld in which i live in – don’t we all?
The things in life so far that make me smile the most are my friends and the locals that love to chat at the place. I absolutely love hearing stories about people and when they open up and bring you on an adventure with what they have experienced. Growing up extremely timid i love slowing down and stopping to smell a flower and look around to take in the little things. Other peoples happiness also impacts me amd music; the one true thing that i believe brings people together.
Most important life lesson. In all honestly i had to sit down and really think about this one. There’s just so many! But the one i can really truly relate to is, crying isnt a sign of weakness in fact it is a sign of someone who can no longer be strong.
My deepest fear, although i hate thunderstorms; i crawl under blankets and hide in cupboards whenever one is brewing outside, would have to be being alone. Loneliness- although one might want to be left alone no one can stand the solitude.
My dream ever since i was young was to be happy. Rough childhood, i wont bore you with the details though. Career wise i would have to conclude that i wish to become a journalist, i love writing.
I am a young treeling that wishes to grow and prosper, grow strong and stand tall with the rest. I wish to make my own journey an adventureous one and enjoy every little detail about it. I am a droplet reading to fall from my leave and make a ripple in the ocean below. I wish to tell my future generations about my story and become an inspiration to others. This is who i am, daughter, granddaughter, friend. Ever so willing to meet new people.
Rosa says
Hi my name is Rosa, or Nunez, which is what I’m mostly referred to as on a daily basis.
I was born in Maturin, Venezuela. I moved to Florida about 11 years ago, but now I live in Anchorage, Alaska due to the military.
I can honestly say a lot of things make me smile, but to see acts of love and kindness are probably my favorite.
The most important life lesson I’ve learned in my 20 years of life is to tell the people that you care about how much they mean to you and how much you love them. Now that I’ve moved out and live on my own, I regret not telling my mom & dad every second of the day how much I love them. Growing up I wasn’t the most affectionate person, and now that I am millions of miles away I regret it.
My deepest fear is to die alone and have no one go to my funeral.
My biggest dream is to travel the world as much as I can and then settle down and have a family.
I am an Airman in the US Air Force. I am a loving daughter, sister, cousin, grandaughter and gilfriend.
Lien says
Where were you born?
In Overijssel, Netherlands.
Where do you live now?
In a small city in Ontario, Canada
What makes you smile?
When family gets together; lots of laughter, the little kids having fun, playing and living life. Love.
What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far?
That you can’t change people. You need to love them for who they already are and what they aspire to be, not for the person you require them to be. If you can’t do that, then you don’t love them the way they deserve to be loved.
What is your deepest fear?
That I won’t live long enough to truly enjoy the time I get to spend with the ones I love and watch them grow.
What is your greatest dream for your life?
To fall deeper in love every day, and grow together, marry and have children, and watch them grow. To always be happy and see the best in every situation and let go of the bad/negative.
Who are you?
I am a child of God, given the wonderful fruits of the Spirit, to spread love across this world the way Jesus does. I am a sister to three brothers, a daughter to loving parents (who misses her mother everyday), an aunt to the most wonderful nieces and nephews. A loving girlfriend to my best friend I could never have imagined and have been blessed by God with. I am an optimistic, loving soul who enjoys the beauty in nature more than anything on this earth. I am blessed.
Brenda says
Brenda’s story
I was born In Lincoln, Nebraska. I was the sixth child born to a woman, who as a young child had been diagnosed with a mental illness. I grew up in a foster care system and group homes.
I currently live in Botswana, Africa. I have lived here for the last five years as a missionary, faithful doing what I feel I was created for.
My Children and my grandchildren make me smile, when my two year old granddaughter says “hi gaama” it makes me smile and my heart melt. Another thing that makes me smile is being here in Botswana and touching the lives of so many as they touch my life as well. May I paint a picture of an event to see if it can make you smile?
The sun is setting; the air is thick with the smell of what I like to call campfires. I am walking along a sandy path moving in the direction of a large tree approx 2ks away. We were going there because the handful of children I was with shared they like to have church there. As we are walking the children are full of laughter, it was beautiful. Shortly after starting the journey to the tree, the number of children grew, it wasn’t long and I was with 30-40 children in a variety of ages. One child started singing and quickly they all joined in. I am not sure if you have ever heard African children sing, but they are not shy, they bolt out words with confidence and harmony. It was Beautiful and not only was I smiling but every child that walked that road that day was smiling from ear to ear. I have to believe the Lord smiled down on us as well.
Now the question is… are you Smiling?
My most important life lesson I have learned this far; as that people matter no matter what state you find them in. We often are drawn to the ones with smiles, but the one who is hurting matters just as much.
My deepest fear; That when I return to the states in May of 2014 full time, the passion I have to see the world and the people in it, will no long look to be a reality but instead be just a dream I place on the back burner.
My greatest dream for life; too see the world, to lend a hand, to be the voice for one who can’t speak. To be the soft touch someone who feels unlovable longs for. I want to join in with others to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.
I am Brenda, an Overcomer, a Mother, a Grandmother, a Sister, a Loyal Friend, a Missionary, a Survivor, a World Changer.
Thank you for letting me share.
claire says
Good Cheer today,
My name is Claire, legally changed from Lynn. I was born in Upstate New York and moved all over Upstate NY as my father was in construction and we had to move where his job took him. It was difficult to grow up and be in over 14 different schools.
I currently live in Maryland and plan to move somewhere near the ocean – I need the water for my own healing.
What makes me smile and just outright laugh out loud is watching my dog play in the snow. I love seeing people in love, and anyone who is experiencing joy brings a big smile to my face and I can actually feel a warmth in my heart. So peaceful.
A lesson I have learned is that life is not fair and I have to make my way the best I can. I have learned that I am stronger than I ever thought I was. I have learned to scatter joy…and not live in my own pity party.
My greatest fear is that I will not find unconditional love….I have been married twice and my spouses wanted to immediately change me.
My greatest dream is to share my gift of kindness through my healing words and actions. I also want to live near the ocean.
Who am I? I am an ever evolving, changing, mishmash of a human being. I am here to have the Universe use me up for the good of all.
Connie says
I was born in St Louis, Mo and still live here in a condo that backs to trees. I love the new green color of “my” woods.
My family…my love, kids, grands, sisters. Full body hugs, great sex, the Cardinal’s (winning gets a bigger smile), fishing, reading, popcorn, my dogs, being a nonsmoker, singing, horse back riding, the sigh after meditating.
That you can’t save people from themselves.
Another child of mine dieing.
To live by running water… Ocean would be great, I’ll enjoy a creek just as much.
Fluid, compassionate, a learner… I’ve always identified with Meredith Ann Brooks and sing along.
“I’m a b*tch, I’m a lover, I’m a child, I’m a mother
I’m a sinner, I’m a saint, I do not feel ashamed.”
Lesley says
Hello,
My name is Lesley. I was born in England to an American father and English mother. My dad was military so we traveled a lot during my childhood years. I went to three different schools in 6th grade. I believe that moving a lot as my family did made my younger brothers and I close. So it is with gratitude that I remember my childhood.
I currently live in Florida, but yearn to be closer to the mountains. Not a beach girl.
My son makes me smile. So happy to see him as a intelligent, caring and handsome young man.
The most important lesson I have learned so far is that taking care of oneself is essential to happiness. You must put yourself first.
My greatest fear is not being able to travel the world. There are so many places I want to see, people I want to meet. I fear not having the means to make that happen.
My greatest dream is to travel the world.
Who am I …I am a loving, creative, intelligent and crazy (In a good way) 55 year young women. I am constantly searching for meaning and trying to be present in my own life.
lynne says
Where were you born? California 1950
Where do you live now? California 2014
What makes you smile? First smile each day is knowing I am on this side of the dirt. All the rest of the smiles come easy and with pleasure after that, especially for my family and grandsons.
What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far? It really does not matter who your parents were/are. What you choose to do with your life and how you choose to influence others is the core.
What is your deepest fear? flying..ha!
What is your greatest dream for your life? To see my grandsons grow and become men with integrity an strength to always choose the right thing, not like the leaders in all countries around the world now
Who are you? Wife, mother,grandmother is what I am called, but I am truly just me and I like me.
Regina says
*where were you born? Germany
*where do you live now? USA
*what makes you smile? many things…waking up in the morning…children…nature…people…little things in life & myself.
*what is the most important life lesson you have learned? I have learned that life is the biggest & a constant classroom, you never stop learning…I am a student in every aspect of my life.
*what is your deepest fear? never ever do I want experience the pains I encounter from my past.
*what is your greatest dream for your life? to live near a beach – writing a book.
*who are you? I am a woman, I am a mother who creates her own path in life.
Mandy says
*I was born in Denver, Colorado where my parents were born and raised. I only lived there for three years before my family moved to the eastern US. After ten years of moving from state to state with the company my father worked for, we returned to Denver and to family.
*I now live in south Texas because my husband (California native) was transferred here by his employer. We met at a university halfway between the two states of our birth. Best move EVER!
*I smile when I see my husband (always!) and my three grandchildren (most often on a video chat). I smile when my children get together and when I see the sun rising (or setting) on mountain peaks. I smile when I hear vocal jazz. I smile when I eat really good Mexican food, especially pork green chile.
*The most important life lesson learned is that each person has infinite worth and that my purpose is to increase in faith and in development of moral attributes, to strengthen home and family, and to love and serve God and others. It is so important that I keep getting lots of opportunities to learn this lesson again and again and again.
*My deepest fear in every “my will vs. Thy will” encounter is giving in to self-concern. This is the anti-thesis of faith. Being self-absorbed really stinks [slang]. I know.
*My greatest dream for my life is to perceive more positive and potential and less negative and disappointment. If I really must wake up in the wee hours of the night, I would rather it be with happy thoughts rather than worrisome ones.
*I am a daughter of God and a disciple of Jesus Christ. And it really helps that my husband adores me! So, I’ll add that I am adorable.
Rick says
I was born into a great family in Seattle, WA. After a couple of years we all moved to Bellevue where my parents still reside. In 2007 I decided to get out of the rut I was in and sell my other car, condo and quit a high paying job to start a new life in Portland Oregon. Best decision I have ever made
There are a couple of things that make me smile:
1. Seeing my dog curled up in a ball in my bed sleeping. He is 13 now and I know I don’t have many more years with him. So it always puts a smile on my face seeing him sleep so peacefully.
2. Photographing people doing what they love to do (Adrenaline Sports). If they are having fun and I am capturing it on my camera then I am happy. It has become my many subject matter. Then I get the surprise of seeing what I captured later in the day.
Life Lesson:
1. I always seem to go back to go back to a lesson I learned in the FD. Fix the problem at the station level. Don’t fix the global issues fix the ones closest to home and then move out from there. You can’t solve bigger issues if you aren’t square with yourself.
2. Be honest with yourself. If you cannot be honest with yourself then how can you grow? I always try to Dr. Phil myself and make sure what I am saying or feeling is being honest! Seems to make things better.
Greatest Fear:
I fear being alone and not having someone special in my life to fall in love with. I view my life as 3/4 full; not just half! I want to share my life with someone, but dating has always been a weak spot for me. Some opportunities I can blame on myself and others it seems there is a higher power working against me.
Greatest Dream:
I have a life that is full. I think I read a quote on this blog that said when I see God that I want to say I used every bit of talent you gave me! On a smaller scale I would love to be an adventure photographer.
Who am I?
I am a pretty easy going guy that has a passionate side. I love my family, dog, photography, fire fighting and the people I get to meet along the way. I enjoy pushing people to go after their dreams and having success. I am a better teacher than doer. I love to help people overall. Overall I am a great person to know and be around.
Val says
I was born in Derby UK
I now live in a Mansfield near Nottingham UK
Coming home to be greeted by my old dog with his waggy tail makes me smile
The most important lesson I’ve learnt is that nothing or no-one lasts for ever, so make the most of things whilst they are there.
My deepest fear is that I will be completely forgotten after I die
My greatest dream is that myself and my family will have happy lives doing the things that we really want to do.
Who am I? A simple unassuming 52yr old woman who is content to live a live enjoying the world around her.
Jay says
I was born in Essex in the UK and I still live here.
So many things make me smile. Nature, discovering new things, good food, laughter and seeing people in love to name but a few.
I have learnt many lessons throughout my life, but I would have to say that the most important one to me is to live each day like it is your last, because one day it will be.
My deepest fear is that I will die having never experienced real love.
My greatest dream? Well, I would love to earn enough money so that I do not have to work anymore and could spend my time doing things I love to do, but that’s me as a single person. If I were to find love, I think my dream would change to being with said person for the rest of my days.
Who am I? I am a guy who has been through a heck of a lot in my short life, but has always, and hopefully always will, come out fighting. I laugh freely, love fearfully and live one day at a time.
Jiji says
I was born in Africa despite being Chinese citizen.
I live in Malaysia.
Cats make me smile.
I’ve learnt that effective communication is very important.
My deepest fear… Troubling other people.
My greatest dream is to be a travelling monk. I want to travel from places to places.
I am a blob. Like the black colored blob in the glass container in Full Metal Alchemist. I am the Self. I can transform into anything I want to be, as long as God wills it.
Mark says
I am Mark. I am a 42 year old born in St. Louis, Missouri. My story is a journey I have taken.
I was raised middle-class Norman Rockwell style suburban life. Living in California most of my life has been great. It has led me to very dark places that have become a huge part of who I am.
I have been down roads of alcohol and chemically based addictions as well as worked in emergency services and as a standard office worker.
Because of my many spoked path in life I consider myself a truly blessed individual. I was given 3 seperate leases on a new life and now that I have accepted it I live for my children and to be of maximum service to my fellow human.
I have no real fears to speak of except to lose my spiritual self as I have walked through my own hell already so nothing but beauty is left in the world (you just have to look a little harder sometimes). My biggest dream is to see my children happy and to help as many living beings as I can every day. One day at a time!
Trisha Sebastian says
My name is Trisha. I am born in Manila. I live now in Quezon City, Philippines.
Knowing that I am greatly and unconditionally loved puts a BIG smile on my face.
Life is a consequence of our choices. In everything that we do, we are making a decision, and in every decision that we make, there will always be a consequence. We have to make decisions wisely.
My deepest fear is to give up something for a dream and to realize that it was a wrong decision.
My Greatest Dream in Life is to be a blessing to everyone that I meet and know – most especially to my family and loved ones.
I am Trisha – a sinner saved by Grace. Learning is my passion. My Family is my treasure. My faith is my strength.
Tina says
I’ve spent the better part of 2 hours studying, reading, and enjoying your beautiful stories. You’ve enlightened me! You’ve taught me. You’ve brought tears to my eyes, and you’ve made me smile. Thank you ALL for a wonderful afternoon. Cheers, friends!
*I was born in Asheville, NC, USA. I currently live in a small town close to Asheville, and have been a resident here my entire life with the exception of my college career. Even then, I was but a short drive away.
*I smile when I see my 20 year old daughter. I still see the same little girl, with the same sheepish grin, big brown eyes, complete with convincing long eyelashes, but with far more accomplishments and talents than I ever imagined. The pride is astronomical. It fills my heart…I know you can relate if you have child(ren).
*Life lessons happen daily. If I must choose the one that sticks out most, it would be: It’s ok to be ok with/by yourself. Don’t “not-do-something” because you have to go alone. Go anyway. Enjoy life now, because it won’t last forever. Your happiness is ultimately your responsibility. It’s only as fun and exciting as you make it!
*My deepest fear is growing old without someone with whom to share those happy times. I have a wonderful man in my life, and sincerely hope he is my forever love. Relationships are important. I’ve gained a few friendships, yet had my heart broken more than once. We heal. Lifetime loves come about once. My grandparents taught me that at a very young age. They never gave up on each other. Instead, they figured out a way to work through their problems and make the most of what they had.
*The greatest dream for my life…I’ve done it. I’ve raised a beautiful, hard-working, talented, accomplished young lady. An upstanding member of society. “Statistically,” she shouldn’t be where she is – in college (The Honors College Division, with a 4.4 GPA, no less) – simply because she comes from a broken home. We broke the barriers! I encouraged her, and she is succeeding every single day of her life.
Random thought: Maybe it’s time for me to create another dream? One to work on for the future?
*Who am I? I am a 42 year old, single, strong, simple, accepting, loving, non-judgmental, independent woman. I’m a mother. I’m an employee. I’m a daughter. I’m a friend. I love everyone, with no reservations. I base no friendship on race, religion, political preference, or sexual orientation. I am who I am. You are who you are. I am “me,” and that’s ok. And I love you. For you. *Because* … You’re you.
Cal says
I love you all.
I’m from Palo Alto California.
I’m building an app.
I’m 36. Have married, divorced, bankrupted, succeeded, failed, loved, hated, been immoral, been righteous and have thought I knew everything when I was crazy. The less crazy I get, the less I learn that I know. I am a walking encyclopedia and, with the exception of this post, a commander of the English language. I can talk your ear off until tomorrow if you let me.
I love my ex wife. I love every girl I have ever known. I love my best friends and I love my business partner.
The more in love with life I get, the less fear I have. I’m not afraid of much these days.
If there is a God, I would love that entity. If there is not a God, I will still love. Nobody has told me to love, it just happens.
Denise says
Hi everybody around the world, I am Denise.
I was born on a tiny island lost in the indian Ocean in 1965 at 3 in the morning.
I still live on that same island, Mauritius, though some twenty years ago I tried to immigrate to the United Kingdom. But as I was, and still is, a girl of the sun, the cold weather of London did not suit me at all, I was so miserable. So I ran back home after only six months there.
What makes me smile? Oh I am always smiling. Life is beautiful if we take time to see its beauty in its simplest form. So there are many occasions to smile.
The most important lesson that I have learned so far is to take nothing for granted. Life is so precious, love is so important. So, I try my best to live each and every moment fully.
My deepest fear? I came from a large family and then got married and had a son. So I was almost never alone (on top of that I didn’t like being alone) and that was my deepest fear: one day to see myself on my own. But as it is said you attract what you fear, so suddenly I found myself all alone, seperated from my husband some two years ago and my son went overseas to the university and I found myself all alone. I had to learn to live with myself. I can tell you it was like an adventure. Now I can say I do not fear loneliness anymore.
And my greatest dream is to be able, now that I have time, to travel the world, not just like a tourist but really like someone going towards others, sharing and discovering new ways of living on this planet. I am thinking of WOOFING.
I love life, even if sometimes it is really hard and all that come with it: people, nature, etc. I try my best to live my life the most that I can.
Alison says
This is wonderful 🙂 I have loved reading many of the stories posted here. I wholeheartedly concur – we are all precious and unique!
I was born in Western Sydney, Australia in 1990.
I now live between Australia and Vanuatu. My friends and I are working on establishing early childhood education in Vanuatu.
There are so many things that make me smile! One that never fails is seeing one of the children that I teach making progress! It makes my heart sing to have the privilege to work with children. They are so amazing and precious 🙂
The most important lesson that I have learned thus far (or one of – at least it is the most recent lesson I have learned) is that boundaries are key to loving others. Have your boundaries and do not let them be violated. Similarly, respect the boundaries of every person you come into contact with. Boundaries are not the same as walls – that is vital to remember! However, without boundaries you will have no respect for yourself or others.
My deepest fear is that I will waste my life. For myself, not wasting my life means giving my life to God; abandoning myself to his will and living out the plan that he has for me.
My greatest dream is simply to do the best good for everyone that I possibly can. To faithfully serve God and people. I have many hopes and plans, but all of them fall under the banner of loving God and others.
I am a child of God. Infinitely loved. A sinner saved by grace alone. I am someone who makes mistakes, but knows they do not define me.
Eric Marez says
Hi my name is Eric Marez and I was born in San Diego, California in 1998. I now live in Vancouver, Washington. What makes me smile is when I look at my dads old pictures that he used to draw(also makes me pretty sad). The most important life lesson that I’ve learned thus far (I’m a 16 year old boy) Is that you should never lose hope in anything, no matter how bad it may seem or how bad it really is. My deepest fear is dying and there being nothing after. So I fear oblivion(I’m not really an atheist, I just have those feelings sometimes like “what if none of its true and when you die you die”). My dream is to really fall in love with someone and to travel the world meeting new people and to start a beautiful family and visit places that would be breathtaking. I’m a young boy who has been through a lot of life changing experiences and often has issues with being depressed, but still tries to be nice to others and relish the life that I’ve been given.
Jane says
Where were you born?
I was born in SeongNam, South Korea
Where do you live now?
I live in Nelson, BC in an apartment on my own
What makes you smile?
Hearing music that touches my heart
What is the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far?
That I need to love myself first in order to love others
What is your deepest fear?
Not becoming a great singer like the one I’m working to become
What is your greatest dream for your life?
To be able to sing.
Who are you?
I’m a child of God, I’m a star in the night sky