The Big Questions: Answered

It will be retold on Tumblr:

Funny you should ask…especially since the questions are starting all over again. This one was asked on April 4. Looks like they ran out of questions to ask.

Time to kill this blog?

This question really interests me, because I don’t know how to ride a bike.

Yes, it’s true. I’m 26-years-old and can’t ride a bike.

I want to learn how to ride a bike, but the barriers seem to be a bit high once you’ve hit this age. You need to not only buy a bike that’s probably going to get stolen in a few weeks in downtown Toronto, but also a helmet, lock, and all the accessories. On top of that, you need to learn how to ride a bike in a city where cars aren’t very friendly and there isn’t much empty space to try things other than the roads.

Oh, and nobody really seems to know how to teach an old guy how to ride a bike.

I want to overcome all those obstacles, and I know I can. But I just need that kick-in-the-ass to really motivate me. Can you provide that?

I think the rising gas prices are going to do a lot to help inspire people to start riding bikes. And hopefully, inspire the public transit system to start making progressive changes as well.

I must say I agree with vasta entirely on this subject.

Though, if I must, to me the kind of story one can tell that would make the most impact would be one of kindness.

As much as I’m happy to get a question about stories, I’m a bit upset by this question because it assumes that there are certain stories that can be told that will make a difference.

The truth?

Every story you tell will make a difference to someone. And everytime to you communicate to anyone at all, you’re telling a story.

So what this question should have asked, instead, is what difference are you making with the stories you tell?

Because in the end, every good storyteller wants to make an impact.

Just add water:

I would be, but I think they’re already strained, if not sprained. Heck, there are some days when I’m sure I’ve pulled my empathy muscles.

It’s a fault of mine many people have pointed out: sometimes I get too involved in the trials and tribulations of others. Sometimes I try too hard to fix all their problems, sometimes I try too hard to make them happy, sometimes I internalize their pain and make it my own.

Empathy is good, but you need to know when to draw the line. I’m still learning to do that.

a little too often and too hard.. they’re actually pretty sore. ouch.. sorta feels good though - you know, like you’ve just had a good work out at the gym? but ouch still. maybe a break is needed. but maybe it’s just a matter of working them out more and get in better shape. gets easier, i’m sure. 

I used to - until I came to the [extremely jaded] conclusion that people are so set in their ways that no amount of influence or empathy can get them to break out of their comfort zones, even when it’s in their best interest.

I keep my empathy to myself these days.