Was there a book or article that inspired you to make a change in your life this year? What was the source and what did you change?

The book Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Yes, it’s a middle-grade novel about a 5th grade boy, but the suggested age label is meaningless: this is a book that everyone should read. The idea of choosing kindness is a message that would make so much of our world a better place. When I finished it, my immediate reaction was that it made me want to be a better person. I’m not sure if I’ve lived that, or not, though. Thinking about this, though, and some conversations I’ve had recently about sportsmanship and leadership in our school is reminding me that choosing kind is a worthy goal, and that one I need to work on some more.

Do you actively listen to your inner voice/conscience? Describe a time this year you heard and responded to it.

I’m having trouble coming up with a specific situation that might fit. In general, I try to be the same person on the outside as I am on the inside: although the voices in my head are a little snarkier and use more expletives at times.

Gah! Some of these questions are so hard, they are making me THINK.