A mindfully mindless exercise in simultaneously grand and intimate connection via technologic fandangery...

My friend Rachael sent one of those getting-to-know-you email quiz things today, which I secretly love. I have always wanted to write one, because I sometimes wish the questions would go a bit deeper or touch on things that are more the fodder of good dinner conversation and late-night talks with friends on the porch in summer.

So... as an exercise, here is my stab. Feel free to answer, pass it along, add your own ideas, etc.

1. What was the last thought you remember having before you read this question?

2. What do you consider your three greatest strengths?

3. How do you know when you're happy?

4. How do you measure and define success?

5. When was the last time you did something that surprised you?

6. Fight, flight or freeze?

7. Who or what makes you feel safe?

8. How do you know when to quit? (How about when not to?)

9. What motivates you?

10. What do you want your epitaph to say?

11. How would you describe your experience in school?

12. What's the one toy you remember most fondly from your childhood?

13. What changed between yesterday and today?

14. If you could have any food or drink you wanted at this exact moment, what would it be?

15. What's your favorite thing about yourself?

16. How do you know when you're in love?

17. What is the greatest sacrifice you've ever made? (Was it worth it?)

18. How do you de-stress?

19. Who or what is the most important thing in your life right now?

20. Name one thing you intend to do tomorrow.

21 questions

So... how do you define joy? Do you feel you're living the life you wish to live? Are you happy? Do you feel fulfilled? Was your path based more on your heart or your head? Or both? What, if anything, do you regret? How did you prioritize? How did you end up here? What advice would you give to someone else? Are you doing what you love? Do you feel you compromised? What do you worry about?

Do you know what color your parachute is? Do you believe you can do what you love and still make money? Are you in touch with your creative juices, your artistic side, your inner voice, the child within?

How do you overcome fear and doubt? Do you believe in fate or destiny? What's the intersection of free will, the middle way, and logistical practicalities? What does your future look like?