An essay without a title - practicing writing Some people like changes, whereas others preffer to remain in stable, long-term commitments. What are precursors of living in a certain way? Do particular features of our character catalyze prosperity or misfortune? It is claimed that it's scientifically proved that there is a correlation between someone's personality and lifestyle. Extroverts, who are energetic people always looking out for more various experiences and for contact with others, are more likely to pursue short-term relationships and responsibilities. They tend to take up diffeent activities more willingly and their actions are often precursors to opening new avenues in numerous aspects of life. Introverts, on the other hand, preffer long-term engagements, both professional and personal. They seem to have habits they practice every day and sometimes even a slight change can put them off their stroke. But it is not said that we are condemned to living in a certain way only beacause we represent some 'described in a Dictionary of Psychology' features. We, as sensible beings, can and should decide about the way we live. For some people who had been choosing a slow pace of life for the first 30 or so years of their lives, something can suddenly change so they'll start living in a way that seemed strange to them before: they may start driving fast, eating more/less healthy, take up carate classes or start their own bussiness. Others may decide to slow down, take their time to consider what needs to be improved in their lives, which gaps need filling. So all in all I belive that it's an individual decision of our own that makes our lives what they are. If we blame labels for lack of success it is high time to disillusion ourselves and take full responsibility for our own well-being.

Poland's first female astronaut I have always liked to dream. And I have dreamed about impossible things which with time have turned into more achievable ambitions and become future plans. I wanted to be a spacewoman - Poland's first female astronaut. My space adventure, as I like to call it, begun when I was in high school. There was a phisics teacher I admired, who was fascinated with the possibility of life in other galaxies and often talked aboute different conspiracy theories he knew about. I picked up this obsession and after high school I studied science at the university and after a few interns I finally got my dream job in ESA - European Space Agency. The new job was very challenging. I spent hours with other people who also had the same ambitions like I did: we all wanted to go into space. I was one of two women there and at the beginning, after overhearing a few jokes about astro-women, I was a little afraid we'll be treated differently because of our gender, like less capable or weaker persons. But nothing like that happened. We made a very good team; despite the fact that we were competitors in getting that one job that had been on offer from NASA, we could cooperate and help each other willingly. Working there taught me a lot not only about my field, but also about myself and gave me the confidence that I am the right person to go into space and serve the humanity with the knowledge and skills I had. When I found out I got the job I jumped into the air screaming in an insane euphoria and I already felt as if I was beeing high. I was sent to The American Space Station where I trained to become a liaison officer. During my 15 years of joining the NASA team i have looked at our planet Earth from the distance of 300 000 kilometres many times. I have achieved what I wanted because I've always focused on positives and believed that this or another way I would be what I wanted to be. Being the first Poland's spacewoman is an honour and a priviledge. I was happy in every moment I spent up in the infinite blackness brightened by stars, but I also appreciate every step I take on Earth. I hope that by working as an astronaut I not only made* my own dreams come true, but also served my duty to our whole civilisation and inspired others to discover new lands and spaces. ________________________________________________________________ * I not only made... OR I didn't only make..... ? Which one is correct? Maybe both?

In pursuit of happiness I've read an article about materialism and our culture's tendency to choose 'to have' over 'to be'. Why do we decide to focus on material things and put our happiness and self-evaluation in them? The author of the article suggests that we very often want to show off to other people because we lack self-esteem or we try to compensate the lack of time we spend with our family by buying them expensive things. We also lay other peoples' opinions before ours. There are a few things we can do to change that. We should explore what we really need to be happy instead of just gathering newer, greater, popular stuff. Give carefull thought to our audience; think if we really do or get something because we want it or because we try to catch up with others or be in the centre of their attention. Who are the people from whom we seek acceptance and admiration? Are we putting our motivation outside of ourselves? Are we trying to be like someone else? On my journey through life I've discovered that it is wise to search for motivation inside us and not to follow the crowd. It's not about being a rebel or that original freak, it's about being honest with ourselves.

Afternoon nap I love sleeping. Whoever invented afternoon naps was a genius! But sleep disruption can be a nightmare. Both insomnia nad fatigue can be dangerous for our health. Sometimes we want to sleep and feel tired but we are not able to fall asleep or we don't get rejuvenated after resting. I start work at 8 am so I get up at 6.30 to get ready and travel to work. After work I'm very tired and usually I just eat something and dive under my duvet. I sleep for one to two hours and when I wake up I feel horrible. But after taking a shower I feel like a newborn. The problem is that if I rest in the afternoon, I can't sleep before midnight. So I feel great but have to go to sleep late, otherwise I just lie in bed with energy level up and my mind going on and on. But if I don't snooze in the afternoon my energy is low. It sometimes feels like there are two days in one. I don't know what's better/worse: being tired for half of the day and sleeping well at night, or sleeping during the day and missing that long, deep sleep during night.