A Little Deeper Than the Surface
· What experiences have shaped who you are more than anything else?
I went through many abuses growing up. I had a very violent and hateful childhood, as well as many challenges. My life could have been a lot different, but the right people came into my life at the right times, and I was shown kindness, patience, and guidance. These things put together really saved me. Though the road was hard, I was able to find help, and for that I have been blessed.
· What is something about you that people often misunderstand?
Quite a lot, actually, but I think first impressions are the biggest thing because I don’t show too much with my face or with my voice. People don’t really know how to read me at first glance, and that can be difficult sometimes.
· What values are most important to you, and where did they come from?
Compassion, curiosity, work ethic, honesty, kindness, self-reflection, mindfulness, courage, self-improvement, exercise, and I gained them walking through life and growing into the man I am now.
· What is something you believe now that you used to strongly disagree with?
There are so many things, but a big one is that I used to think to be strong, I had to suffer, and now I know what real strength is.
· What kind of person do you naturally respect?
I really like someone who has passion, is honest, and is kind to others. Someone who will take the time to befriend and understand the person society didn’t want to get to know.
· What does loyalty mean to you?
Willing to listen to me and see my side of things, even if I am wrong. They don’t have to agree with me, but to take the time to listen to me and really try to understand how I feel.
· What makes you distance yourself from someone?
When they put expectations on me and ask for too much. When they don’t give me the freedom to be me. When they bring drama into my life with many constant microaggressions and arguments.
· What do you think people owe one another, if anything?
Grace, because we all make mistakes.
· What is something society considers normal that you have never really understood?
I understand society’s beauty standards, but I don’t conform to them at all.
· How do you usually respond when you realize you were wrong?
I haven’t always handled criticism well, but I do a lot of self-reflection, and I mull on things that bother me a lot, especially when I am the subject, but eventually I think I usually get to the point where I can see the perspective of others and see where I was wrong, then make the change.
· What lesson did you have to learn the hard way?
All of them. Nothing has been easy.
· What does success actually mean to you?
Living a life worth living. Seeing and doing as much as I can in life.
· What would someone have to understand about you before they could really say they know you?
That my opinion isn’t your insult. I never woke up with the expectation to hurt you or fight with you. I am just doing my best to live my life and do the best I can to stay true to myself.
· Where does your open-mindedness end?
Animal or child abuse.
· What makes you feel safe enough to be completely yourself around someone?
When they have told me for years that they are on my side and to be myself, and never made me feel bad for a single thought.
I went through many abuses growing up. I had a very violent and hateful childhood, as well as many challenges. My life could have been a lot different, but the right people came into my life at the right times, and I was shown kindness, patience, and guidance. These things put together really saved me. Though the road was hard, I was able to find help, and for that I have been blessed.
· What is something about you that people often misunderstand?
Quite a lot, actually, but I think first impressions are the biggest thing because I don’t show too much with my face or with my voice. People don’t really know how to read me at first glance, and that can be difficult sometimes.
· What values are most important to you, and where did they come from?
Compassion, curiosity, work ethic, honesty, kindness, self-reflection, mindfulness, courage, self-improvement, exercise, and I gained them walking through life and growing into the man I am now.
· What is something you believe now that you used to strongly disagree with?
There are so many things, but a big one is that I used to think to be strong, I had to suffer, and now I know what real strength is.
· What kind of person do you naturally respect?
I really like someone who has passion, is honest, and is kind to others. Someone who will take the time to befriend and understand the person society didn’t want to get to know.
· What does loyalty mean to you?
Willing to listen to me and see my side of things, even if I am wrong. They don’t have to agree with me, but to take the time to listen to me and really try to understand how I feel.
· What makes you distance yourself from someone?
When they put expectations on me and ask for too much. When they don’t give me the freedom to be me. When they bring drama into my life with many constant microaggressions and arguments.
· What do you think people owe one another, if anything?
Grace, because we all make mistakes.
· What is something society considers normal that you have never really understood?
I understand society’s beauty standards, but I don’t conform to them at all.
· How do you usually respond when you realize you were wrong?
I haven’t always handled criticism well, but I do a lot of self-reflection, and I mull on things that bother me a lot, especially when I am the subject, but eventually I think I usually get to the point where I can see the perspective of others and see where I was wrong, then make the change.
· What lesson did you have to learn the hard way?
All of them. Nothing has been easy.
· What does success actually mean to you?
Living a life worth living. Seeing and doing as much as I can in life.
· What would someone have to understand about you before they could really say they know you?
That my opinion isn’t your insult. I never woke up with the expectation to hurt you or fight with you. I am just doing my best to live my life and do the best I can to stay true to myself.
· Where does your open-mindedness end?
Animal or child abuse.
· What makes you feel safe enough to be completely yourself around someone?
When they have told me for years that they are on my side and to be myself, and never made me feel bad for a single thought.
