Who am I?
And what makes me tick
In my 3 years of writing, I have always tried to include my personal experiences in the hopes that people can relate to it or gain a better understanding of me. Therefore, I feel like if you have read my articles, you will have some inkling of what makes me, me. However, I thought I would do a more on-the-nose account of myself, for you to see my mind for all it is.
Simple pleasures:
Small acts of kindness
I am a person of simple tastes. I do not need some grand gesture or a huge statement when somebody is doing me a service. Easy things, like complimenting me unprovoked or gifting me something small, are just some of the ways to bring me unmatched joy. For example, recently I have got some kind words about one of my t-shirts in work, and that provides me with the biggest smile for the rest of my shift. It is only something that takes a second, but it can really make my day.
The first sunny day of summer
I experienced this this week. The first day of summer, which feels like summer, cannot be compared to anything else. The bright sunshine, the heat, the positive energy from the people all around, and being able to wear nice summer colours — truly it is a magical time. Every summer, I look forward to this day, especially in England where the weather tends to be dull and boring. You do not even need to be doing anything in particular, just being out and about can really lift your mood.
A catch up with a close friend
Since I have returned from working in America over the summer, it feels like I have been doing a lot of catching up with friends. But, it truly is one of those great experiences. Getting an update on a person’s life, whether it is romantical, occupational, or just developments in how they are physically or mentally is always the best. You know you are truly great mates if seeing somebody for the first time in 6 months doesn’t feel awkward, like no time has been lost. I think this one may be my personal favourite.
When things run smoothly
As a person who gets spouts of anxiety sometimes, I love having routines and making sure things work correctly. When I set something up and it doesn’t work out, it can really affect my mood. My mind is rather analogue, and likes stuff to pan out in certain ways. Therefore, in the opposite notion, if something I plan out works perfect first time around, or if something goes off without a hitch, it brings me immense pleasure, knowing that it was because of my hard work or my ideas.
Interests:
Music
Arguably my biggest love is music. I listen to all kinds of genres, starting off as a teenager at rock and now spreading into rap, RnB and indie music. Music really does dictate my whole being, as I stated in one of my earliest articles, Artists for Every Mood. I try to listen to at least a couple of hours of music a day, and try new artists/albums once a week to keep expanding my musical palette. I am always happy to recommend artists to people who are willing to try something new.
Football
Another big interest of mine is football. Even as an Everton Fan, I have never lost my love for the sport that has brought me so much happiness throughout the years. Playing video games, watching, even playing the game itself is always the best parts of my week. The memories I have attached to kicking a ball around are some of the best I’ve had. I don’t think I will ever not love the sport, and I think it will always be a huge part of my life.
Film/TV
Although I have not been able to watch as much television since I started my new job, it is still something I care about. COVID was especially a peak time for this, being able to binge watch TV shows on my watchlist was something I did not expect to happen, but I was happy about it nonetheless. Even with cinema, I have started trying to watch the classics and foreign favourites as much as possible, in order to gain a bigger cinematic understanding. I hope in future I will be able to watch more and more, and to have more appreciation for the medium.
Travel
One interest which is actually relatively new is travel. I have been on plenty of holidays in my lifetime, and visited many places. It was only when I went to America that I got the travel bug (as in wanting to travel, not a parasite). Now I’ve been to Mexico and Munich, I want to keep going to different cities and countries and experiencing culture there. I am even trying to practice my Spanish for more trips to Spanish-speaking countries.
Pet peeves:
Idleness
I am rather patient in most aspects of life, but sometimes I can blow my fuse. One such way is idle people, either mentally or physically being lazy. I have no time for people who are too lazy to get up and out, and I also lose my rag quickly with people who are complacent or idiotic. It just slows me down and that irks me a lot.
Selfishness
Being selfish is another annoyance of mine. As a somewhat selfless person myself, people who do things for their own self interests and do not think about the consequences of others anger me. Whether it is taking something of somebody else’s, or not helping somebody who needs it, it really does grind my gears.
Lack of Manners
Tying into selfishness is lacking proper etiquette. If a person does a genuine gesture, somebody you know or don’t know, you should always be thankful. A person shouldn’t expect thanks for things, but then it should be common knowledge to thank somebody who has helped you even just a little.
Arrogance
Finally, a person with an inflated ego and nasty persona is a recipe for disaster. I understand a person should try to be confident, but being so confident you are insufferable is the opposite. I would rather a person be shy or not confident than the total inverse of this. Arrogance can seriously cause you and the people around you nothing but problems.
Bucket List
Publish a book
I’d say my biggest goal in life is to be a published author, even just one book. It wouldn’t be anything like the articles I write on here. Since I was a kid, I have always loved to write fantasy stories, and whilst I am not the best writer, I think I do have some genuine original ideas. I have even compiled them into a collection, and some day I want to write these stories and have it published. Failing that, selling one of my ideas and seeing it written/produced would also be a close second.
Skydive
This one may not be as out there, but I would love to skydive in future. I have been able to have so many cool experiences in the last few years, but I would love to be able to skydive and have photos to prove it. Doing it with friends would be an even bigger bonus for me.
Visit every continent
As previously mentioned, I love to travel and experience new cultures. Therefore, this one isn’t a complete shock. However, I would love to be able to visit every continent at least once. I have already managed North America and Europe, I think next would either be South America or Asia, as I have friends in South America I would love to meet up with. Antarctica may be tricky tho…
Write a song
Finally, now that I can play guitar to a somewhat average level, and I love writing and I used to enjoy poetry in school, I would hope one day I could write a song which I can sing/play guitar to. Now, this doesn’t have to be seen by other people, like my book, but it would be a pretty sweet thing if I could create a song of my own.
