TRUTH or DARE -- The Blog by Brian Vaszily

Intense, transformative, sometimes funny and sometimes very serious Truth and Dare questions and dares by IntenseExperiences.com founder and change advocate Brian Vaszily designed to help you live and love deeper, experience more, explore more, enjoy life and achieve your goals.

The 25 Best Motivational Quotes of All Time

The 25 Best Motivational Quotes of All Time

How Being Right Stops You From Being Happier

How Being Right Stops You From Being Happier

A Fun Way to Recognize and End Negative Emotions

A Fun Way to Recognize and End Negative Emotions

University of Chicago Shooter Effect Psychological Test Game

University of Chicago Shooter Effect Psychological Test Game

34 Top Motivational Quotes

34 Top Motivational Quotes

Creating Passwords: An Annoying but Interesting Experience

Creating Passwords: An Annoying but Interesting Experience

The Intense Experience of Conscious Listening

The Intense Experience of Conscious Listening

Fear of Failure

On the Fear of Failure, by Brian Vaszily

Conviction of Character

Conviction of Character

Success in Love

On Being Successful in Love, by Brian Vaszily

Precious Energy

On Your Precious Energy, by Brian Vaszily

Unhappiest Age According to Global Research

Unhappiest Age According to Global Research

How to Appreciate People You Don't Like and Make Your Life More Peaceful

How to Appreciate People You Don't Like and Make Your Life More Peaceful

On romantic love versus modern love.

On romantic love versus modern love.

The Five Essential Speed Reading Tips

The Five Essential Speed Reading Tips

Believing wine is expensive wine makes it taste better

Believing wine is expensive wine makes it taste better

Cell phone dings and bleeps have made us Pavlov's dog -- an amusing experience

Cell phone dings and bleeps have made us Pavlov's dog -- an amusing experience

How to Discover the Truth Including the Hardest Truths Inside You

How to Discover the Truth Including the Hardest Truths Inside You

How to Whitelist the IntenseExperiences.com Live Deeper Newsletter

How to Whitelist the IntenseExperiences.com Live Deeper Newsletter

Truth or Dare? I Dare You To Get Up Right Now and Dance...

I dare you to get up out of your chair right now and do a little dance. At least for thirty seconds.

If you put music on to do your little dance to, great! If you just turn to your favorite song there inside your head to dance to, great! If you hum or whistle or sing while dancing, even better.

But get up -- right now, off that chair -- and dance.

STOP CARING, for at least thirty seconds, about what others around you might think about you.

If you're at work, maybe your peers around you will see you do your little dance. Don't worry about it. It will break up the monotony of their day. Give them something to smile and think about. Maybe they'll get up and dance as well.

Same deal if you are at home and family is near, or you think neighbors may see you from outside. SO WHAT.

Point is, let go. Let go of the "I am being watched and must conform to others expectations" notion.

No one else controls you.

You can make your own choices.

You are your own person and because you feel like dancing -- c'mon, you know you do, whether it is a "hot" dance or "silly" dance, you know you wanna -- go ahead and dance.

Shimmy. Shake. Twist. Moonwalk. Rhumba. Do the hustle. Whatever you wanna do. Get up and do it now.

Life is too short to worry about what other people will think of you enjoying yourself. Get up and dance.

Tell the Truth: What Happens When Others are Silent With You?

Truth or dare? To start 2008, tell the truth on this one:

When someone is with you -- say at the dinner table or in the car -- and they are quiet, do you often, sometimes or never worry about it?

That is, do you a) often, b) sometimes or c) never worry that their silence means they are bored with you, or upset with you, or simply dislike you?

Does silence with another make you uncomfortable?

If so, why?

It could be -- in fact I'll go out on a limb and say it probably nearly always is -- just that they don't feel like talking. You get that way too sometimes, don't you?

So if you find yourself uncomfortable when there is silence in the presence of another, what could that be telling you instead about you? Perhaps that you have a bit (or more than a bit) of insecurity worth exploring and overcoming?

The next time you find yourself with someone and there is silence, instead of letting the worry and insecurity well up inside you, have a conversation with yourself. Remind yourself it is very likely that all is actually okay, and accept that sometimes silence really is golden.

Intense Snippets 1: Interleukens, Captain Kidd, Jasmine, Biggest Bug, Bossaball

Interleukens & Cancer Prevention, Captain Kidd's Ship, Jasmine & Sleep, Biggest Bug, Bossaball Video

Tell the Truth: If You Could Send One Thing Back in Time 200 Years...

Back in July of 2007, 4-year old English schoolgirl Alice Maines attached a letter to a balloon and let it go as part of a school project.

In September, the girl received a reply to the letter from Xie Yufei, a man who found the balloon in late August ... in southern China. The balloon had traveled nearly 6,000 miles!

While that is amazing, give your imagination a stretch and tell the truth about this question:

If you could attach any single object to a balloon and send the balloon back in time 200 years, what would the object be and why?

In mulling this question over, my initial thoughts went to attaching an object that would just blow the minds of folks 200 years back and have them staring out at the stars in wonder (and concern?)

For example, the Frightened Grasshopper Solar Powered Bug would be perfect. It's a simple robotic-looking toy grasshopper that comes to life via solar energy.

As I launched my balloon with the solar grasshopper tied to the string, I'd already be chuckling, picturing the range of reactions of whoever first found it. I'd laugh aloud as it floated away, envisioning how the strange "living" plastic grasshopper would then be studied by the greatest scientific minds of the times, with countless theories tied to its origins and meaning.

I'd even feel a bit noble, as perhaps they'd figure out the use of solar power far sooner in history and take society in a different direction with it.

But after thinking it over in more depth, I decided what I'd really want to send them is a guidebook of what the future holds. This in the hope that the book would be taken seriously so they may be able to alter the future before it occurs.

Toward that end, I first thought a history of World War II, including the holocaust, would be appropriate. And indeed it would be.

But then global warming and the other environmental issues we face hold even greater risk for the destruction of humankind, and so I decided I'd send the folks 200 years back a single volume detailing those issues.

Perhaps Vital Signs 2007-2008: The Trends that Are Shaping Our Future, an engaging, important annual book that tracks the major environmental and social and economic issues facing the world.

Yes, somewhat more boring than the Frightened Solar Powered Grasshopper, but -- hoping they'd read it and take it half as seriously as millions have taken, say, the predictions of Nostradamus -- potentially far more useful.

So how about you? What object would you attach?

Send your friends an email with the link to this blog and ask them to answer the question. It can make for some worthwhile discussion and understanding, as the objects people choose says something about they are and what they value.

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Truth or Dare? If You Want to Feel Good, I Dare You to...

I dare you, if you want to brighten your day instantly, to go to the American Institute of Philanthropy's non-profit website, choose one of the charities there who received a grade of "A" or "B" and whose cause appeals to your heart, and donate $10 or $25 or whatever you can afford to it right now.

Yes, many charities also need people to donate their time and skills -- and if you can do so, excellent -- but as you know the non-profit organizations of the world dearly need your donations to make the big difference they make in the world. Remember, it is NOT the occasional mega-donation from the mega-wealthy that keep them afloat but all the smaller donations from people like you and me.

The American Institute of Philanthropy (AIM) is an important non-profit organization whose mission is to "maximize the effectiveness of every dollar contributed to charity by providing donors with the information they need to make more informed giving decisions." And you can in fact choose to donate to the American Institute of Philanthropy itself.

Based on a variety of criteria -- especially how much of your donation actually goes to the charity's CAUSE versus superfluous expenses -- AIM provides grades of "A" to "F" to charities across the spectrum of causes such as:

* Environment * Literacy * Veterans * Senior Citizens * AIDS, Cancer & Other Disease Research * Peace & International Relations * Homelessness * Women's Rights * Drug & Alcohol Abuse * Child Protection

... and much more. I urge you to check out the American Institute of Philanthropy's list of the top-rated charities now ... and I dare you to give what you can to whichever non-profit is closest to your heart.

They'll appreciate it, those ultimately benefiting from the charity will greatly appreciate it, and your own day will be much brighter for it. --

If You Lived in Japan and This Happened to You, Tell the Truth...

An anonymous donor (or more than one?) has been leaving parcels holding 10,000 yen, which is about $85, in public washrooms throughout Japan throughout the past several months.

To date, the total amount discovered has been about 2 million yen, or $16,400, and have been found in fifteen different Japanese states.

The parcels, consisting of bills wrapped in traditional Japanese washi paper, each also contain a letter telling whoever finds the parcel to "Please make use of this money for your self-enrichment," and "One per person."

Some nervous recipients are choosing to turn their find into officials, while others are keeping the cash.

So tell the truth...

What would you do if you encountered an envelope containing the money and those instructions on using it?

If you kept the funds, would you do something for your "self-enrichment"?

How do you think the anonymous donor intended "self-enrichment" in the first place? Is what you'd choose to do truly in-line with that?

I Dare You to Tell Your Boss...

I dare you to tell your boss that you are taking a day off next week. Or perhaps just call in "sick" if that's your style.

Truth is, you deserve it, so here's what to do:

Right now, think about what the PERFECT day off would be like... keep it within reason, meaning given the resources available to you.

How would you spend the day?

Where would you go, if anywhere?

With whom would you want to spend it, if anyone?

What would your meals consist of?

If everything can't actually be perfect according to your plan A -- for example, someone you really want to go can't go -- what is your plan B?

Make your Perfect Day Off plan, and then make it happen. Commit to not giving up the day, or part of the day, to any form of work you "need" to do, because your to-do's will always be there.

Instead take an entire day off to do what you want. Life is short. I dare you to live it.

What Would YOU Do with the Jewelry and Gems?

Tell the truth: what would YOU do with the $266,000 worth of gems and jewelry if you found it?

Cargo worker Robert Lewis opened a misplaced bag at Kansas City International Airport ... and found $266,000 worth of gold and silver rings, gems and other new jewelry inside.

The 36-year-old Lewis finally traced the treasure back to Helzberg Diamonds, and returned it to them. They gave him an unexpected $10,000 reward, which he intends to use to help pay for his upcoming wedding.

BUT he had a choice... he didn't have to give it back. In fact, Lewis admits he did briefly think about keeping it before deciding to contact Helzberg and hand it over.

Helzberg Diamonds says the bag was being transported by a Brinks armored car; it may have dropped out or been stolen, and an investigation is now under way.

So ... what would you have done if you found this bag and no one knew it? Why would you have done it?

If you would have turned the bag in, too, once you discovered who it belonged to -- tell the truth -- who do you know who would have likely kept it?

I Dare You to Declare Your Independence from...

Today, right now, I dare you to declare your independence from whatever the fears are that control you.

I am writing this on July 4, 2007, Independence Day here in the U.S.A., and so in honor of YOUR freedom I hope you'll consider the following:

What fears are controling you? Making you live life their way instead of enjoying life and living it YOUR way?

Today is the perfect day to firmly and finally commit to overcoming those fears.

When you've taken that first step, the next step is to resolve to really live your life ... to do things YOU enjoy, to delve into intense experiences that will allow you -- instead of wallowing in the muck of things you can't control -- to enjoy the beauty of the world around you and within you, and to grow.

I dare you to declare your independence from your fears and really be what you are meant to be.

Happy Independence Day!

I Dare You, With the One Person You Like the Least...

Who is that one person you encounter routinely in your life that, truth be told, you really don't care for all that much? Or that, even more truth be told, you frankly cannot stand?

The next time you see them, I dare you to pay them a compliment. A GENUINE from-the-heart you-really-mean-it compliment.

This will, first of all, prompt you to consider what is actually GOOD about this person that you may normally only think negatively of (and negative thinking of any sort ultimately only harms you.)

In a larger sense it will also remind you of what we often all need reminding of... we're all human. We all have flaws. Perhaps some more so, maybe far more so, than others. But we also all have some good about us, too. Everyone has something admirable about them, some quality worth admiring and perhaps emulating.

So try it. Make a point to tell that person you normally shun -- or wish you could shun -- something good about him or herself.

It can be something as simple as complimenting a watch, a necklace, or a pair of shoes. It can be a compliment of their performance, such as on a presentation. Noting your appreciation for someone's taste in or performance at something is an inherent compliment of an aspect of their character.

You can, of course, also choose to directly compliment some aspect of their character. You can simply say something direct like, "I really admire your drive," or if that feels awkward go for the subtler approach such as, "I could use more of the drive you have."

There are an infinite number of ways to pay a compliment, and they all work. So I dare you to pay one to a person you don't like much at all... in addition to the benefits cited above you may find it helps you like them a little more.

At the least, you may get a kick out of the stunned reaction on their face if they're not used to you paying them a compliment.

Tell the Truth: When and Why Do You Lie?

It may come to you quickly, or it may take a few minutes to consider, but...

What was the last lie you told?

Do you think it was the right thing to do in the situation? Why did you do it?

Do you think telling a lie is ever the right thing to do?

And do you recall the last lie that was told to you? Why did the liar do it?

Do you think anyone was ever justified in lying to you?

Is there any reason you wish someone had lied to you ... or would lie to you?

Tell the Truth: Have You Ever REALLY Wished Someone Dead?

A teen frustrated with a parent. An employee frustrated with a boss. An ex-spouse frustrated with another. Among an infinite number of other possibilities.

There is perhaps not a person alive who hasn't, at least in passing, wished someone else was dead. There is perhaps not a person alive who hasn't later felt guilt for that passing wish.

BUT tell the truth to yourself: have you ever REALLY wished someone dead? Not just in passing, not just for the minutes or hours it took for your anger to subside, but over an extended period of time?

Do you still?

Who was it that you wished dead, or who is it? Why?

Do you think this wish is "right"? Do you think there are better responses you can have to the situation, different wishes that might resolve whatever you are feeling? Or do you truly believe that person being dead is the only way?

Go there... what if, per your wish, that person really died?

How would you feel? What would ALL of the repurcussions really be? How would others feel who cared for that person? Do others depend on that person, such as children or spouses or parents, and would you then be doing harm to these innocents?

And do you think others have ever REALLY wished you dead ... and why?

I Dare You, the Next Time You're In a Crowded Elevator...

Ever notice how everyone tends to face forward silently toward the door in elevators where people don't know one another?

The next time you enter such an elevator, I dare you to remain facing all of them after the doors close behind you. I dare you to try to look into each of their eyes, just smiling and gently nodding your head as you look at them.

What are their reactions? Why do you think they'll do anything to avoid retaining your eye contact? Why do you think they're so uncomfortable? What do you think they're thinking about you?

If you're up for a DOUBLE DARE, I double dare you to ask them a question while you're facing them and smiling, such as, "Elevators sure are strange places, huh?"

Or REALLY go for the gusto and ask them the big question as your facing them and smiling: "Why is it that people on a boat will wave to complete strangers on another boat, but when we're all here on a crowded elevator we don't even want to acknowledge one another?"