1) Can you share with us what you have learned from your life experience so far, and what you consider very important for a peaceful, happy and successful life?
I’m definitely always learning and I can’t pretend that I’ve got it all figured out! I don’t think anyone ever really does. I think one thing I have learned though is that it’s not all down to me, I don’t have the fate of the world in my hands (thankfully!) and what I can control is simply how I respond to what’s going on around me. I personally believe that God has his plans for me and it is reassuring for me to know that there is something bigger than me. Apart from that, I think that for me relationship and community is one of the most important things. Of course, I have my dream jobs, places I want to travel to, and all sorts of things I would love to accomplish, but whatever happens, for me to be loved and secure with my friends and family can make the disappointments bearable. I also love my dog and he helps a lot! When it comes to things I like to put my effort into, I always love to spend money on experiences rather than things. I love the memories I have from different places, and the friends I have made in different countries will stay with me forever. Plus, being able to enjoy the parts of my identity such as music and languages makes me happy.
As I said in one of my last interviews, therapy has been really helpful for me, as having that support network through all the ups and downs of work and life and everything is a good way to learn how to better respond to the situations in life that we all face. I think gratitude also can make us happier in general. Remember that we are lucky to have a lot of things that we do have definitely takes our minds off the frustration or disappointment of things we want to have but don’t. Just being thankful in little ways and appreciating the little things makes a huge difference.
2) What is your inspirational message for all of us?
If you have something you enjoy, do it as much as possible! Losing motivation is really easy and sometimes the depressive feeling of the world around us doesn’t help. But there are few things as pure as doing something we really truly love, not for attention or power, but simply because of the joy that it gives us. Personally, I believe that God created things to be enjoyed, and not everything has to be work or duty. Also knowing your identity helps a lot, because sometimes we can be strongly affected by small criticisms, but if you know what you enjoy and what you are good at, you can feel more confident and at peace with yourself to pursue the things you love and not be discouraged.
3) The Bellspiration Club is ending the third month of its work. What do you think of this club after a month of promotion? What do you think about Bellspiration in general and its goal of promoting the work of young people?
I’ve really enjoyed being part of this! I think it’s so great to be able to share information about myself with others, but also as a reader to see the stories of other people and feel connected to them even if I’ve never spoken to them! People really are the most fascinating things, and there’s so much we can learn from one another, if we don’t see life as a competition but a team game. I think it’s wonderful to have a platform like this promoting the voices of young people, because speaking out about the things that matter to us is really worth it.
4) Follow Michael:
Fb: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelOfRivia26/photos
IG: https://www.instagram.com/michaelofrivia26/
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_1XeuI5iUSsN3z3WRimviQ
