The Answer Book

I am going to ask this book I have called “The Answers” – By Neil Somerville. I am going to ask a mixture of questions about my life and future. I am going to flick through the pages until my body and mind tells me to stop and that will be my answer.

Am I living true to myself?

Answer from the book: “Draw back awhile. Reflecting on what is best for you.”

Who am I, really?

Answer: “we are what we repeatedly do.” Aristotle, “make sure current actions are in line with your aims.”

Am I holding on to something I need to let go of?

Answer: “Let go of unhelpful influences.”

If not now, then when?

Answer: “avoid change for the sake of change.”

Why do I matter?

Answer: “never desert your own line of talent” – Sydney Smith, “put your strengths to good use.”

Is it more important to love or be loved?

Answer: “imagine the desired outcome and let this encourage you on.”

What do I want most in life?

Answer: “the secret of getting ahead is getting started.”- Mark Twain, “make a positive start.”

What is life asking of me?

Answer: “The will is everything.”- Italian Proverb, “Be determined.”

Which is worse: failing or never trying?

Answer: “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan but also believe.”- Anatole France, “with greater purpose more can result.”

Does it really matter what others think about me?

Answer: “ ‘no’ is a good answer to give when given time.” – Danish Proverb, “if you have reservations, let these be known.”

To what degree have I actually controlled the course of my life?

Answer: “life is largely a matter of expectation.” – Horace, “believe in yourself for you are truly capable of much.”

What does the future hold for me?

Answer: “Use talents well. Aim for the best”

Am I living a meaningful life?

Answer: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt, “act well upon present chances.”

How will my life be different in a year?

Answer: “After a bad harvest sow again.” – Latin Proverb, “do not let disappointments prevent other attempts.”

Where does my self-worth come from?

Answer: “I never had a policy. I have just tried to do my very best each and every day.” – Abraham Lincoln, “much will now come from doing your best.”

What am I capable of achieving?

Answer: “Build well on present situations.”

Am I a better person today than I was yesterday?

Answer: “Change is inevitable but with it comes new possibility.”

Are my actions guided by love, or by fear?

Answer: “Act for the good of others and, in some way, you too will benefit”

Am I a good example for those around me?

Answer: “Use talents well. Aim for the best.”

Why am I so uncomfortable with talking to people I don’t know?

Answer: “Keep developing and more will open up to you.”

Am I a happy person?

Answer: “Self done, well done.” – German Proverb, “it rests with you to do. And do well.”

Does my presence add value to those around me?

Answer: “The person who says it cannot interrupt the person doing it.” – Chinese Proverb, “Do not underestimate what is possible.”

Am I on the right path?

Answer: “Put ideas to the test.”

If I were to die tomorrow, would any of this matter?

Answer: “Act before chances are lost.”

These answers have given me a lot to think about, they have all be somewhat insightful. Though I may not understand every answer fully I feel it speaks to me, telling me what I need to know and do. I think in a way this book has given me some hope for my future.