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a statue of abraham lincoln in a dimly lit room

List the people you admire and look to for advice…

The people I admire and those I turn to for advice form two distinct, short lists, each shaped by different qualities and connections. My admiration list includes historical figures and a few family elders. The historical icons earned their place through actions that reshaped the world or sparked new ways of thinkingthinkers and doers whose impact endures. My family elders, on the other hand, won my respect through their unwavering consistency. Over years of knowing them, their opinions of me never wavered, a steadfastness I deeply value. But do I seek their advice? Not really. The historical figures are long gone, and while I respect my elders, admiration doesn’t always translate to seeking their counsel. When it comes to advice, my circle is even smallerjust three names: my wife, my son, and myself. I have strong opinions on nearly everything, but as a tight-knit family, our decisions need to work… List the people you admire and look to for advice…

two roads between trees

Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?

Reflecting on my past, there are moments when my in action led to lingering regret. These instances, though small, taught me valuable lessons about taking responsibility and standing by my values. As a child, I once found what I thought was a shiny piece of string on the road. I pocketed it, only to discover at home that it was a gold chain. Instead of trying to find its rightful owner, my family and I stored it away. Years later, as an adult, I realized the emotional and financial loss this must have caused someone. The regret of not making an effort to return it still lingers. This experience taught me the importance of considering others’ feelings and acting with integrity, even when it’s tempting to keep something valuable. Another moment that stays with me happened at a movie theater. When the national anthem played, no one in the audience… Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?

an open book sitting on top of a table

You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence?

I don’t think I’ll ever write an autobiography. Frankly, I’ve got better, more pressing things to do. But if someone held a gun to my head and forced me to pen one, I’d probably start with this: “This is the story of someone who’s survived decades on this wild planet. Any resemblance to your own life? That’s entirely intentional.” Life, you see, has a twisted sense of humor. It delights in tossing curveballs your way, often at the worst possible moments. Just when you think everything’s cruising along smoothly, bamhere comes a sneaky health hiccup lurking around the corner. Ignore that nagging ache in some corner of your body, and a week later, it’s back with reinforcements, staging a full-scale takeover that makes your days miserable. My solution? Stay busy. Not with grand delusions of saving the world, but with the quieter, more selfish task of saving myselfmy life, my… You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence?