What Are You Waiting For?.....The Answers and An Interview

Answers!  So exciting!  Perhaps the most wonderful thing in the world; knowing.

Some people were in a very contemplative time in their life and their responses show deep consideration for  the question. Some people were just waiting for the bus. A few were waiting for the stranger asking questions to quickly remove herself from their space.

Several people were asked the question "What are you waiting for?" quite bluntly and without any explanation.  Those answers were simple, clear, and focused on the near future.  Take a look...

• To go to work.
• My coffee to get here.
• To win the lottery.
• For the weekend.
• Money for a new laptop so that I can play mine craft. -10 year old boy (obviously)
• For my back to stop hurting. - Other 10 year old boy (not so obvious)

Others were asked the questions after a discussion about what they most deeply desire....

• "I'm waiting until I know for sure what I want to do.  I mean, why would someone like me get to do something that cool." -Young woman talking about taking a risk on starting a new career.
• I don't know what I'm waiting for. Money, time, love, maybe. Maybe I don't know how to start. -40 something woman.
• I'm not waiting any more.  I'm too old.  -Middle aged guy.
• I don't know. I really don't. -30 something woman.
• The right people to show up and make things happen. - Middle aged man.
• I have absolutely no idea. -Everyone else.

I expected more, but as it turns out, I asked one of the most difficult questions in the universe. I can't even answer it well.  There are plenty of things I'm waiting for.... No, I have plenty of excuses as to why I should wait to have what I want. 

Even more stunning....children had less difficulty answering this.  If you had asked me at 10, I would have answered "To become a singer, a teacher, a TV person, a writer, and artist."  Now at 40 I'm still waiting.  I'm guessing a few of you out there understand this.  So what happened to us?  Did we give up really early?  (Always more questions.)

With this in mind, I decided to make my first "in-depth" interview for "The Year In Question" my 11 year old son. It amazed me how quickly he had an answer for the very same questions that adults hesitated on. Don't let anyone break your spirit, boy!

Interview with Jack 11

 

Q: How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?

A: 12. Because I am 11 but really close to 12 and as tall as a 12 year old.

Q: What is one thing you have not done but would really like to do?

A: Travel outside the U.S.  Somewhere warm.  Australia.

Q: What's holding you back from this?

A: Money.  I don't have that much.  I will when I'm an adult.  Did you know they have ants that can kill you?

Q: What are you most grateful for?

A: Having a nice family and a big-sized house. I'm smart and that's a pretty good thing.

Q: Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?

A: No.  Well, maybe the famous part because you get a lot of money. But I don't really need that stuff.  Plus, I'm already attractive.

Q: What would you do differently if you knew no one would judge you?

A:  I'd do nothing.  Seriously.  I'd just do nothing.

Q: Like lounge around?

A: Yes. Everyone would just act like it's totally normal for me to doing nothing.

Q: What is the one thing you'd most like to change in the world?

A: Less war because war means death and I can't appreciate that. The world would be happier.

Q: What's a good way to relax?

A: Sleep. Nap. Read a book.

Q: Favorite book?

A: Anything from the Percy Jackson series.

Q: Best food?

A: Donuts of course. Plus that Bacon Cheeseburger I had when we were with Shanan and Phil.

Q: Favorite star?

A: Wil  Farrell

Q: Favorite historical person?

A: Nikola Tesla. He was basically Thomas Edison's enemy.  He made a more efficient source of electricity. He actually turned down the Noble Peace Prize because he had to share it with Edison. He is an unappreciated Scientist.  

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: At college studying science and math.

Q: What college?

A: I don't know.  I've only been to 1.

Q: In what kind of job do you see yourself?

A: (Without hesitation) A person that manages a company like Apple. OR an entertainer of some sort. OR an architect.

Q: How do you feel when you see adults not following their dreams?

A: Well, that's just disappointing. 

Q: Where will you be at 40?

A: I will own Apple.

AND the grand finale of questions.....

Q: What are you waiting for?

A: To go home. To get a computer.  I feel like that will change a lot. Things will be easier because I won't have to use yours. Plus I can actually download games.  

See you next week with a new (and easier to answer) question!