I got an email out of the blue recently, with a rather intriguing question – the person wanted to remain anonymous (which is fair enough!), but said they were more than happy with me answering publicly on a blog post! 

The question was a lot longer, but in essence boiled down to – “what are five things that you feel defines you as a person?” Now, I’ll admit it took me a while…but after some soul-searching, and head scratching, I think I have a roughly formed answer…so, here goes…

1. Sense of Humour:

Funny GIF

This may be an obvious one to most, but I feel that my sense of humour best defines who I am…it’s in lots of ways my coping mechanism in awkward situations (that old stereotype), but in others I feel it serves to simply make my outlook brighter – as by making others laugh, as well as myself – it boosts my overall state of mind…and makes me feel healthier, and happier in the process. Naturally this site has taken that to the next level, and has worked wonders.

Wasn’t going to say this – but whatever – as someone who has secretly felt deeply depressed, and on  the brink of bi-polar disorder the past couple of years…my sense of humour has provided that light at the end of the tunnel.

Think of all of my stories, without any of the humour…they would just be inane ramblings about how fucked up, and horrible the world is, right? They would be just post after post, of how miserable I find my existence.Well, that was me, I’m embarrassed to say…so I guess I am starting things by saying thank you. 

Anyway, back to the jokes, here’s the next one:

2. Fashion Sense:

Style GIF

I’m not saying I am a diva, or anything of the sort! I don’t even follow trends for the most part, I just know what I like, and I like what I wear! It wasn’t always that way…Linkin Park hoody here…shaven head there…but after a few years of copying styles, and trying to fit in…I am finally at a point where I just don’t give a shit about all that.

Still wish I had more money so I could splash out a lot more, but for now I just have to Gok Wan it, by switching around stuff to make “fabulous” outfits. And yeah…I do like shopping…if that’s weird, then so be it, man!

3. Love of Food:

SpongeBob Food GIF

Listen – I tried the whole healthy eating thing, I kinda still go to the gym (ish), but I just can’t deny the bond I have with food. I’ve tried, and I’ve failed. What can I say? I can’t live without it! 

It must be love…as my old Grandmother used to say every time she was feeding me, “It’s like stuffing a bloody couch with you!”  But then again, if I ever declined food she said I was, “turning into one of those anorexics!” 

So hmm…couldn’t ever win. Whatever the reason, food is my soul-mate…my BFF.

4. Hip-Hop:

Hip Hop Hmmm GIF

Yeah, I get that look a lot. But music is a big part of my life, and although I love a whole host of stuff from other genres (your favorite artists included, perhaps!) Nothing has touched my soul like hip-hop has…and no, not so much the, bling-bling, yo-yo-yo, etc, etc, type (that’s my parent’s perception of it largely!) But instead I am talking about the early Outkast stuff, Talib Kweli, The Roots…Big KRIT…and so many more, clever wordsmiths, who touch on so many issues, and subjects the world can resonate with…if they just listen...all with a sense of humour and wit, without making the song “jokey”, or cheesey…they speak of a desire for something greater, about the work-ethic required to get there – and how true happiness has to be the goal to feel accomplished. There isn’t anything else like it, for me.

Oh, and yeah I did once think I would be a rapper (in my head only), but I then had a re-think, once I considered the fact you’d have to go up on stage…and in front of people…and…all that…MC RedCheekz…DJ Purrz-Piration…

Don’t really have a ring to it…oh well. 

5. My Mind:

Mind Funny GIF

So much of the human condition in itself is lived through our minds…that in itself, is fascinating to me. I just love the thought of everyone having this rare, and intricately unique tale to tell…and everyone having their own personal view-finder for the life they live. I live in my head, as I am sure lots of people do – thinking through just about everything, and every variation of every subject that pops up in there…my head is basically like a computer with a virus…except I am not sending in Norton any time soon…I am just doing my best to make sense of the pop-ups. 

The novel I am writing at the moment, explores this to the extreme…through the view of a deeply disturbed character. His actions, and his life itself blurs into each other – which has me intrigued…as when I consider this…so does my own. 

~

What about you then? Which 5 things define you? Have a little think – and let me know! Thanks again for the question…really made me think!

www.facebook.com/storytimewithjohn

69 responses

  1. Human Interest Avatar
    Human Interest

    Reblogged this on Human Interest.

    Like

  2. Thaíse Alves Avatar

    Excellent!

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  3. DeeScribes Avatar

    Interesting question. I’ll have to give it some thought. Music and family for sure….but I’ll have to let you know on the others.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      I was thinking it over all day! In the broader question the person mentioned for friends/family to be a given…so that was my first couple gone! Pfft! Didn’t think it would be so hard to really “look at myself”!

      Like

      1. DeeScribes Avatar

        See – I think for some, family may not play as much of a role. So I don’t know if I would include that as a given for everyone. I’m almost done with my 30 Days of Thanks challenge and will add this to the list of things to tackle after this month.

        Like

  4. Christa Avatar

    I love Talib Kweli!

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Then Christa, you have great taste 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  5. liisur Avatar

    Ha! I like Grandmothers, specially Grandmothers who have an arsenal of great sayings 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      hahaha, I agree! She was the best 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. angelaweight Avatar

    Love your sense of humor. I probably wouldn’t stick with stories too long without the dry, observant wit.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Thank you so much, that means a lot to me 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Blue290 Avatar
    Blue290

    Damn….I was just debating that I HAVE to write something positive…for a change. Thanks for the inspiration as always.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      haha! I believe in you! I revisited some of my writing from a couple of years ago…oh lord, was that a miserable mess. (Wasn’t even well written which annoyed me more,haha!)

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Blue290 Avatar
        Blue290

        It was liberating to focus on this theme. You saved me today.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Storytime with John Avatar

        That’s a lovely thought, truly – thank you.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Interesting John!!!! Humor, artistic ability and concentration, love of clothes, compassion. And love of being physically fit.

    Actually similar to yours!!!! 🙂 Stubbornness plays a part but let’s not get into that!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Honestly very similar! I thought you were listing mine for a quick second!

      I wouldn’t ever admit to being stubborn…because…I’m too stubborn I suppose 😉

      Like

      1. 🙂

        Like

  9. I 53:5 Project Avatar
    I 53:5 Project

    Great post, I think some of those same things define me as well.

    Anyway, since it’s a slow blogging week, I might think about this more and do my own, not nearly as funny of course, version.

    God bless,

    James

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Hey James! That would be wonderful! Send me a link or drop by here again when you do, would love to have a read 🙂

      Take care!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I 53:5 Project Avatar
        I 53:5 Project

        Will do!

        Like

  10. isherriwilson Avatar

    OMG I think we might be the same person! The five things that define me are the same things that define you. Loved this post, much like all the others 😉

    Like

  11. Anna Avatar

    Love of whimsy and true magic, cheap light beer, being an obsessive power-hungry workaholic, believing that there’s no nature like the Russian Nature, and being absolutely the least judgmental person I know.

    Like

  12. edwinasepisodes Avatar

    Hi John, great post as always. I would also list humour at the top of my list of what defines me, as I too see it as a way to try and combat, or at least try and make sense of depression,by trying to see the funny side of life, also I would choose hard-working, I’ve nicked another one off you as well, as I love my food, I’m going to have to put clumsy as well, as it is, unfortunately a huge part of who I am. and lastly I am quite a caring person That sounds really naff, but I enjoy looking after people, or helping in some way,

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  13. equinoxio21 Avatar
    equinoxio21

    Nice self-definition John. I think I’ll pass. 🙂

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Okay, no worries! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. gluestickmum Avatar

    Love the pop-ups analogy! Brilliant as ever.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Thank you, glad you enjoyed it 🙂

      Like

  15. athenarcarson9 Avatar

    Oh this is great – the potential for some real soul-searching here. I don’t know that I can answer right away; I see why it took you a while. I will get back to this and in the meantime will read everyone’s replies so that I can steal their ideas … err … I mean … allow other perspectives to enlighten me.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      hahahaha! Let me know when you do, intrigued to read other people’s thoughts…on…their own thoughts!

      Like

  16. onceuponourstory Avatar

    I was wondering (a total random question coming your way. Prepare yourself) do you like Taylor Swift?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      haha! That is random, but that’s okay! Hope it doesn’t disappoint too much, but no I’m not a fan. (Of her music)

      Liked by 1 person

  17. RobinLK Avatar
    RobinLK

    Thanks for sharing with us, John. Hmmmm…. I’d think a bit before sharing my own, though I have a weird feeling the list is unfolding through my recent posts. A friend recently said, “Your voice has changed a LOT recently in your blog.” I find I’m digging deeper and wider…. and finding more of ‘me’ along the way. Defining?? Possibly.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      That’s a great thing! I wonder whether I will stay in one “voice” or more so will it just adapt, as we grow…that is probably likely, after all if we could talk to ourselves ten years ago we would barely recognise ourselves!

      Defining…I like it.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Tessa Avatar

    Very cool question. I enjoyed the honesty with which you’ve answered it. It’s surely thought provoking. I also like that you’ve chosen humor as your lens through which to see all sorts of things about the world. That’s a gift to be able to do that, even if it’s hard.

    Liked by 3 people

  19. Chloe Avatar

    Love this idea of writing five things. I might try this 🙂 thanks for following my blog btw ! 🙂 following back :):) xxx

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Hey Chloe! Try it out, took me a while – maybe I am not that interesting 😉 but it was worth it! Let me know if you do, send me a link or something, and I’ll have a read!

      Oh, and no problem – my pleasure 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  20. whatsinanamerose Avatar

    Can we be internet best friends, because food and laughter.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Well, of course! 😀

      Like

      1. whatsinanamerose Avatar

        Awesome, and as for fashion —I’m all ears and garments 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  21. writerinsoul Avatar

    Thanks for letting us in. Your take on things, including yourself, is always interesting.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Thank you 🙂 I decided to share more than I had originally planned, I thought it was better that way.

      Liked by 2 people

  22. […] read a post this morning about five things that define a blogger I […]

    Liked by 1 person

  23. From The Pews Avatar

    Thank you for sharing!!

    Liked by 1 person

  24. balletandboxing Avatar

    Zoolander is one of my favourite movies of all time! For the clothes, obviously.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. One Gentleman Avatar

    Humor is one of those things, which can you get you out of any sticky situations. My wife says it is one of the things she admires about our relationship. I am right there with you, in regard to shopping. I know a number of tailors around the globe, so if you are someplace and you need some assistance, I am right here to send them your way (if they are in that country of course).

    I love tailored and bespoke attire. It is one of the other things my wife loves about me. I know the sizes of all immediate family members, so I go shopping quite often for then, especially my wife. As for suits–boy, they are an addiction of mine.

    One of the best parts about my eating/training routine, includes the number of times I can eat during the day. I may eat a healthy mixture per meal of lean protein, starchy carbs and fibrous carbs, but I love food. Good Hip-Hop is beautiful. A majority of artists today are elementary school rappers, and I just cannot listen to their nonsense. But good Hip-Hop will never die. However, elementary school rhymes are why I branched into other genres, to balance out myself. The mind; a compact supercomputer at our disposal. I find that idea to be an awesome one

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Man, you and your wife seem to have a good thing going! You understand each other, and don’t flinch to say what you admire in each other (and in doing so what you don’t too I bet!) I think if you have a good sense of humor between yourself, and your other half – then that is really half the battle won…as every problem, obstacle, and situation can be met with a more positive angle. I don’t know, that’s what I’d like to think anyway.

      On a serious note (ish!) I’ll be in touch about the suits 😀

      Like

  26. zotzotzotblogger Avatar

    This was great, thanks for sharing! Was shocked to read about your depression/bipolar. Proud of you though for being brave enough to put it out there. Somehow it gives the feeling of being “human” or vulnerable to others, that they also share these experiences. Whenever I hear strangers in public places talking about their Anxiety or panic attacks, it gives me a sense of camaraderie or relief. There are other people out there like me! I also liked your viewfinder analogy 🙂 keep writing, keep sharing, and keep your head up!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Thank you, I don’t know – I felt comfortable enough now to share that…it’s funny really, I emailed my own Mother almost like a confession, earlier this year – it’s odd, highs and lows. It’s great for writing I find, as it can channel that energy.

      You’re very encouraging, always – and it is honestly appreciated (always say that, but that doesn’t make it any less true!)

      Like

  27. Aimer Boyz Avatar
    Aimer Boyz

    That’s a tough question. I’m impressed with what you came up with. I agree with you about humour. It gets you through the bad spells and makes the good times even better.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. oxygen4thejourney Avatar

    Reading your answers I have come to a realisation…I think we are twins and we were separated at birth 😳
    I was reading your post and it’s as though they were my thoughts pre written.
    Thanks for the post and for keeping it real as always.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Xiottei Legends Blog Avatar

    Well, for one thing I am not a SUPREME SUPERMODEL SELLING DESIGNER CLOTHES, and that YES, YES, I AM SERIOUSLY CRAZY, and have like, THREE OPINIONS going on in my head at the same time!
    Um… that’s not all of me…

    Liked by 1 person

  30. kimboxin Avatar

    Great post, and I love how you cleverly and deliberately skimmed over the depression thing. It’s widely known that creative/artistic/funny people struggle with this. I am not immune myself. It’s not a weakness but rather, it’s a side effect of a gift. That’s what I think anyway :).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Thanks Kim 🙂 I didn’t expect anyone to pick up on that really! I suppose I didn’t want to frame it as a huge announcement, rather just a facet of personality…anyway your words are very comforting, thank you 🙂

      Like

  31. MaryKatherine Avatar

    Agreed with @zotzotzotblogger… really brave to show a human side and it’s always hard to talk about depression or real feelings and all that. Good for you. You seem to have left out Eminem in your most favorite rappers? 🙂

    Like

  32. tjparis Avatar

    I so enjoy what you have to say here. I would love to be defined as a stylish, cosmopolitan man of the world but I suspect to most I look exactly like Patrick Star in the clip you inserted regarding food,

    Growing up with a grandma who ensured that we had breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper (with huge quantities of butter, cream and lard) every day made the love of food a survival instinct.

    Many thanks for your inspiration. 🙂

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      hahaha! You, and I both sir!

      It’s good to know I wasn’t the only one with a butter loving Grandma! Can’t say I complained much – you can get away with that kinda eating then…now I eat some ice cream, and I can feel my thighs chafe, haha!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. tjparis Avatar

        Oh for my 18yr old metabolism again! You could polish off a platter of scones, jam and cream (double of course) and burn it off in 2 hours.

        Looking forward to your next posts and thanks again.:)

        Like

  33. godtisx Avatar

    Wow great way to get to know you. Thanks for sharing. I also love how you attacked this, kinda feel like I know you now. 🙂 Actually deeper than before, and you already share pretty good.

    But this one was a cut deeper… 🙂 The Britney GIF made me laugh too.

    Like

  34. aaronrs2002 Avatar

    What Defines me?
    – My Aspirations
    – My Ability
    – My Knowledge
    – My Experience

    These are all things I can be gauged at.
    – My Actions, I feel are what define me.

    Great Question.

    Aaron

    Like

  35. 4everQuixotic Avatar

    I was a little concerned with “hip hop” but I fully appreciate your references. Had you said Iggy Azalea, Maclamore, or even Nicki Minaj, I may have wall slid. Recently “pop” has been misconstrued as “hip hop” and the term is tossed around like dirty panties in a laundromat. Even as time marches forward and “hip hop” becomes less prevalent, hearing the term being misused doesn’t get any easier. Nonetheless, I can relate to the 5 things that define you as I have never given much thought to what defines me. I think I will piggy back on this! Thx for the inspiration. 🙂

    Like

  36. Jodi Avatar

    thanks for sharing – will be doing some soul searching myself…….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      Oh Jodi! I’ll look out for it! 🙂

      Like

  37. Shery Alexander Heinis Avatar
    Shery Alexander Heinis

    If you love food, you don’t show it. Lucky you! And you like hip hop – if you like the “conscious” type, I wonder if you’ve heard of Prince EA?

    Like

  38. titisule Avatar

    Cool list. For the love of food and healthy eating, I’m with you – I failed but that was only because I was trying to eat the healthy foods that I didn’t like. There are healthy foods you like and you can eat a ton of those and then once in a while indulge in the unhealthy stuff. I should blog about this because. I also enjoy hip hop but old school. I have not been feeling the new hip hop songs. Looking forward to your book. The mind is a powerful tool.

    Like

  39. […] (I’m taking this idea/suggestion from a post on Story Time With John) […]

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  40. theofficialoat Avatar

    I can relate to you a lot, except my humour is more physical and acting rather stupid and I’d rather rock ‘n’ roll/country to hip hop. Still just listen to the roots and they’re not bad. 😉

    Like

    1. Storytime with John Avatar

      haha, you sound cool in my eyes! 🙂

      Like

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