A: My journey through quarantine and the pandemic, my story is incredibly compelling and has brought me through some major trials and tribulations. Let’s chat and we can discuss
A: This may not be originally unique, however, in this line of work it is certainly an odd place to have found myself. Believe it or not; I am a firm believer that monogamy is a real thing, and that two men are able to be in a closed relationship and still be happy. When you take a partner and truly love them, you take the good with the bad, their strengths alongside their weakness. As gay men, we have been conditioned to open up our relationships to others and this lust for sex has really stunted what could've been true intimacy between a couple. For some, it may work, for others it may not. But I disagreed that partners can't solely satisfy each other; that is where.we as a community have let greed and fear of commitment truly tarnish what It means to be in a monogamous relationship. I find it hard to preach this while doing what I do, but outside of this line of work, I do lead a monogamous life with my partner, and even he disagrees with me, but has vowed to be open to the possibility of things we don’t understand carving our journey the way it is meant to be.
A: That I have been through some very high highs to more recetly some really low lows. Navigating through the pandemic, moving during quarantine, and trying to find that homeostasis and sense of belonging in life during the past 2 years has been the hardest tthng I’ve ever done, However, I’ve grew into a more stable, level headed and thick skinned guy because of it all. Even though some would argue against this, it’s because they have not allowed themselves to truly know me and understand how I operate.
A: Born and raised in the middle of nowhere West Virginia. Drove 50 minutes to high school one way everyday. Primitive upbringing at its finest, which probably led to my love of nature and the outdoors, as well as, my "spiritual" connection to things. It is very cliche but I have lived, loved, lossed, learned so much in my life, and a lot of how I process things comes back to my "spirituality". It is something different, it is something that many people won't/don't understand, but it's who I am and isn't that why there are so many different types of people? Food for thought, maybe? Maybe we will meet and get a chance to chat about it.
A: Hobbies are pretty basic for me. I like to craft, draw and paint, I find peace in organizing and cleaning things. I like to read (in the middle of about 5 books right now).. suggestions anyone? I like to go on walks, have deep intellectual conversations that challenge me to think beyond my level of understanding.
A: Most of my life is Extra. I always go above and beyond the expected outcome, well. Sometimes it's rewarding and sometimes it's regretful, but it is almost always worth the experience gained and sometimes the humility earned.
A: Life on the road doesn’t allow for a lot of fun or pleasantries, but I am able to find solace in creating some art, specifically acrylic pouring, it’s very fun and incredibly satisfying but challenging as well.
A: Keeping things #Transparent. I always try to say exactly how I feel, even though some don't want to hear it. I always try to think before I speak and respond instead of react. ALthough that isn't possible all the time, practice makes perfect and I am very much a practicioner of perfection.
A: I think my greatest personal trait is still yet to be found. I don't think I have any right saying what my specialty trait is, those that are around me should be the ones to decide, because ultimately they are the ones to decide whether they like being around me or not.
A: Specialty. There are so many ways to digest that word and what it means. Aside from my answer in the first question, I believe my niche is in the area of nurturing and hospitality. I alwasy aim to please and make sure everyone is having a great time.
A: I used to travel a lot. Anywhere and almost everywhere, domestic and internationally. Recently I've began to travel again and I couldn't be happier. Even though the road is stressful, the company you keep can save you.
A: Ha. Sometimes I eat, and sometimes I don't. I haven't really ever stuck to a strict diet but if I do see myself gaining a few extra lbs, I take action and make sure that after every bite I eat, I put my fork down and take a drink of water. I eat very quickly and this technique allows myself to not hoover my food down, but instead allow me to eat adequate proportions.
A: I try to live life with no limits and no judgements. The latter I’m still working on, but all things worth having and understanding take work to obtain. What makes me who I am is my unwavering desire for understanding and knowledge, I question everything now because of a lesson someone very special has recently taught me. He said that if you're willing to look at things from a different point of view then, that is when you truly grow, and from there the possibilites are endless.
A: Well, everyone has a story and everyone deserves to tell it at some point. So I would tell them the story of how I became who I am today.
I would tell them:
How I came from nothing and made myself into something.
How I became the first college graduate from either side of my family.
How I suffered some pretty tremendous devastations throughout my life, but came out a stronger person having shouldered that level of pain.
How I still can’t go a day without thinking of the hardships that brought me to where I am.
How thinking about how far I’ve come and how much I’ve made it through has fueled a fire inside me to continue to grow, learn and develop myself in every way possible.
How I appreciate and care so much it sometimes pains me, but that being very well in touch with my emotions has given me the fortitude to carry many burdens and triumphs.
Finally, I would tell them that no matter what life brings your way, that they are strong enough the shelter the weather too and to not be afraid to ask for help and support.
Can't stop won't stop!
A: My compassion for all people. More often than not, I end up being worse off because of it, but if I can bring happiness to someone who really needs it, then it was all worth it.
A: Solo adventures of self discovery
Meditative weekends
My Mom
Random Acts of selfless kindness
My Guardians