Missive: Meaning, Life, Happiness

I found this missive, tucked away in a remote cut n paste folder & deep within old archives from who knows when but it was a long time ago:

Our beloved (person name) was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential  questions.  An over-achiever perfectionist who travelled and worked hard at a pace that lead to extreme Stress.  When he stopped touring, he wanted to find balance in life to be happy and be able to do what he loved – music.

He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness.

He could not go any longer.

He wanted to find peace.

(persons name ) was not made for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the spotlight.

(persons name ), you will be forever loved and sadly missed.  The person you were and your music will keep your memory alive.

We love you,

Your Family

An Apple For Everyone

Not too much to say here but they did leave out my all time favorite: Gold Rush, It looks like the Jazz but is firm with an interesting sweet taste that changes flavor as you chew. It is not a really juicy apple and bakes very well.

Five Conversation Starters

It all starts with asking the right questions. Kill the small talk and ban questions like “What do you do?” and “Where are you from?” in favor of these great conversational starters.

1. What’s your story?

This open-ended question is bound to trigger something interesting.

2. What makes you smile when you get up in the morning?

This gets the action hopping on a positive note from the get-go.

3. What is that one book that has influenced you the most?

Behind this question is not the question itself, asking it deepens the conversation If they’re not avid readers, ask about movies or famous people or a trip they took.

4. What absolutely excites you right now?

Who doesn’t like to speak from their most passionate space?

5. What’s the most important thing I should know about you?

This question will elicit emotions to deepen the conversation and find connecting points.

Make the conversation about the other person. This selfless act of putting the spotlight on someone else could make you the most interesting person in the room.