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 |   Second blog -- answers to an ocean of prompts |
 "Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself." CHARLIE CHAPLIN  Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet confinement of your aloneness to learn anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you. David Whyte        This is my supplementary blog in which I will post entries written for prompts. |
| Prompt: WDC is 23. Write about 23, Birthdays and celebrations for your Blog entry today. ------------- This year will be my favorite, as I have a love affair with the number 23. First, I got married at 23 years of age, a marriage which lasted a lifetime, at least as long as my late husband was around. Then, also, this year is Writing.com's 23rd birthday. As to number 23, it is an odd number and a prime number, which means it can only be divided by 1. This must be because Writing.com is the one and only. As to the mystical significance of 23, the number is said to have hidden meanings and synchronicities. I only know this little, as mysticism is not exactly my cup of tea. In fact, what 23 is to me, is that it is a number for personal full growth and celebration and new experiences while focusing on the strengths of the old ones. In short, it means potential for further personal development. Going back to year 2000, it was a period where the dot-com era experienced a major boom, going from experimentation to the real text-based interaction. It was exactly at this time that Writing.com emerged, however with a different name. So to us, Writing.com's full married name could be:  Writing.com--Nee, Stories.com. At the time, the concept of an online community centered around creative writing was revolutionary, although in those years, many such sites popped up and fizzled out. But for Writing.com, there would be no fizzling out and still, there isn't, only because writing and self-expression arts is the aim of the site in addition to the members' friendships and relationships in a vibrant ecosystem. Then, the site has always had owners with excellent hands-on approach to its workings, upholding the idea of family, even though that family now is in hundreds of thousands. As I reflect on the time when this site came into being, I laudly applaud the pioneering spirit of The StoryMaster  and The StoryMistress  . They made Writing.com a home for creativity and camaraderie for many of us over the years. As such, I am one of the lucky members who have been here for almost all of the years that this community has been around. For me, Writing.com's brilliance is a testament to the dedication of its owners and members, and the success and potential of the internet in connecting people with shared passions and interest. So, Happy 23rd Writing.com! . |
| Prompt: Summer 2023 Now that 2023 Summer is ending, please, think back on it. What was your favorite part? What is your favorite memory? And for whatever reason, this summer, what did you miss doing that you had planned or wanted to do? --------------- This summer is ending with a mixture of relief and resignation for me. I am looking forward, truthfully, to cooler temperatures, which are almost never cool where I live, but only livable. Summers are a challenge for the heat and the scorching sun, but then come September and fall, we are faced with the threat of hurricanes. My favorite part of this summer was staying inside the house and reading more, and also, staying in touch with family and friends. The highlight of that, during early August, the daughter of a very old friend (RIP) got in touch with me and, although I had never met the daughter, we connected through my memories of her mother. I almost never plan ahead for anything, except for daily to-do lists, and this goes for my summers or any part of the year. Yet, this year, the summer's end has brought some relief and some nostalgia, such as the memories of icy roads and the falling snow that left behind a mosaic of sensations about the time when I lived in New York. ************************* Prompt: "Memories of our lives, of our works and deeds will continue with others." Rosa Parks. Write about this quote in your Blog entry today. ------------- This quote suggests that our lives are not isolated blips in time, but rather threads in a tapestry that continues to be woven long after we're gone. Do I believe it? I doubt it. To me, this world is fleeting and ephemeral and no one imprint any one person can leave behind will last an eon with that person's name etched on it. On the other hand, our works and deeds, however grand or modest, have the power to add to the collective memory of humankind. It is for our own benefit and for the benefit of the time and place we live in that we need to live a life of purpose, to lead meaningful lives authentically, to contribute positively, and hopefully, act in a way that enriches the lives of others, at least in our present time. Our acts need not be only our professional achievements but also the small kindnesses, the words of encouragement, and the moments of selflessness. These may be a kind word spoken in a difficult moment, a mentorship that can be a guide for someone's path, or a piece of art that can inspire positive emotions. It is this thread of actions that will transcend the limits of our mortality and will add to the greater whole. . |
| Prompt: Flash Fiction Other than being short, what do you think is at the heart of flash fiction, and how would you go about writing a flash fiction story with a surprise ending? --------- Flash Fiction or Fan Fiction? First, let's look at these two definitions. Since most writers are confused about the terms of flash fiction and fan fiction, let's see which is which. Fan fiction is fiction written by a fan of, and featuring characters from, a particular TV series, movie, etc. Fan fiction doesn't have the length rule. Flash fiction, on the other hand is a highly compacted short-story. It is usually very short in length, from a few words to a thousand or so. It is unfortunate that even some publications today mix these two styles of writing. The differences between the two do not only involve context but also the length of a story. Since the prompt is about flash fiction, I'd say, flash fiction is like a painting. It has to hit our senses at first sight or in a very short time. Where in a painting, line, texture, color, density, placement, and message are important, in flash fiction, too, language, imagery, and surprise are the most important. As to the language of the flash fiction, the sentences need to be excellent giving an internal rhythm to the story. Among other things that are necessary is the imagery, which doesn't mean that the writer has to describe a scene at length but give the idea of it, possibly in one or two words. The next important element is the surprise, more or less, that may come at the last couple of sentences. On the other hand, not all flash fiction has a surprise at the end, some end with a deep emotion or a moral. Then, an internal rhythm is also necessary, which can be partly handled by the skillful use of the language. To top it off, a brilliant title and ending do enhance the effect of flash fiction. Elements such as tone and point-of-view, sometimes can and do fill in for the plot, although I personally like a good plot in any kind of fiction. Here in Writing.com, we have two long-time surviving contests on what can be called flash fiction. Here are their links:
Since I'm mostly long-winded, I have entered both of these wonderful contests at one time or another in the past and learned a lot about fiction writing from them. This is because compressed space does put more emphasis on the language choices we make. Still, as exercises, they are both priceless, although "The Writer's Cramp"  offers more word-count allowance and "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge" is more compact. . |
| Do you remember your favorite children's book? What was it about that book that captivated your young mind? Was it the setting? The Characters? Or the person who was reading the book to you? ----------- This made me laugh. At myself. Not the prompt or all the other dreamboat stories told or read to other young girls who may be about four, five or six... stories with castles and princes and happily ever after stuff. Then, although my mother was a fabulous storyteller and she told me of stories of giants, kings, princesses and the like, she never mentioned or knew about my favorite story. That is...my favorite children's story was Peter Pan written by J. M. Barrie. The first version, which I was given at six years of age, was a picture book and I couldn't read enough of it. I carried it with me, went to bed with it, even took it to shopping and other places we went. Later, several other versions of the book was gifted to me. I don't know what I liked about the book then, or about Peter Pan. Was it the fact that he never grew up or was it all the action and entertainment in the story? The only feeling I recall is that I wanted to be in the Neverland myself, where one could escape that thing they called growing up. The other characters were captivating, too. As to Captain Hook, each time I read the book, he turned even more sinister. I wasn't quite sure of Tinker Bell, too sweet and unbelievable, maybe, but I liked the lost boys who chose to stay young forever. Wendy on the other hand, probably personified the adulthood and I thought of her as sort of being self-important and stuck up. After all, she grew up, didn't she! This whole Peter Pan thing now reminds me of my younger son, when he was a child. Unlike his older brother who couldn't wait to grow up, each birthday, my younger one didn't want to be a year older. "I don't want to be six, Mom! I want to stay five!" This serves me right for loving Peter Pan, who also didn't want to grow up. But then, did I really grow up? Now, that is the big question, isn't it! . |
| Prompt: Let's talk about inspiration. What place gets your creative juices flowing? Like for example: a garden. Why does special place make you feel more inspired than others? ------------ More than inspiration, it is always the mood that gets me to write, although I can also write on demand, I guess; however, on-demand writing is never the same as inspired writing. As to inspiration, it depends on the circumstances and the mood I am in. Many places can be inspirational as they have different ideas to offer. A case in point, I have been, in the past, inspired by a mountainous landfill.  On the other hand, I neither want to see such a sight nor write about it again.As a place that could inspire me the most, I can think of watching the ocean from a lonely spot. The ocean because it is limitless, has depth and mystery and from where I stand I can only see the surface of it, just like people who we see and understand only on the surface. Yet, the ocean changes, just like people, with its cycle of tides, suggesting impermanence, while on the horizon it looks expansive and limitless. The ocean also is conducive to introspection and reflection into my own thoughts and complexities. Then, mostly, in the past, which was also my inspiration, was our backyard in Long Island, NY. We had two acres of oaks and other tall trees in it. Trees always offer ideas, symbolism, and mystery to me. So I can easily say in addition to a lonely spot by the ocean, a stretch of land with trees can be an inspiration for me. A treed stretch of land--not the land itself so much but its trees--can mirror the development, transformation, and resilience in life. Even the barren branches symbolizing hardship in winter hint at hope for the new buds in spring. They provide an excellent metaphor for our human condition through their changing colors, shedding leaves, and root systems. Their longevity is very much close to that of the ocean's. . |
| Prompt: A beautiful baby giraffe was born at a zoo in Tennessee. What's the big deal? She has no spots! She is all brown. Write about this in your Blog entry today. --------------- She's a cute marvel, isn't she! Together with the rest of us, she left the zookeepers and the vets astounded, I bet. This giraffe's coat pattern came about probably because of the multiple genes interacting in new and complex ways. Then, this might be caused by environmental factors and the interactions of her mama with an animal from another species as it does take place quite often in the animal kingdom. Yes, go blame the mama, again! This sort of thing probably doesn't happen as often; yet, the workings of the DNA sometimes throws us a curveball with a genetic surprise. In general, nature has designed giraffes' and other animals' coat patterns as camouflage in their natural habitats. It just may be that, if you change the habitat, you change the camouflage. This could be because, given a certain unchanging habitat, DNA has expertise in replication, but change something a bit different and DNA adapts to it and changes with it, sometimes with unfortunate consequences. Why, we don't know, yet. Although we've come a long way in understanding DNA's tricks, there is still much to learn. Luckily for the baby giraffe, this change may have affected only her coat pattern. . |
| Prompt: What book are you reading this month? -------------------- All my life I have been into books. I started reading at age four and haven't stopped since. They have been integral to my personal growth and entertainment. At the moment, I am reading several books on different devices. I usually start another new book when I am finished with a book on that device. It seems, at this time, I have accidentally and unknowingly chosen books that are more or less about the same period in history. This is, except for the short print hard-cover non-fiction book by Ursula Le Guin Conversations on Writing, which I am about to finish. On my Kindle app on the computer, I'm reading The Color of Air by Gail Tsukiyama. I'm in the beginning yet, so I don't know what will happen, but so far, it seems to be about a young native doctor who is returning to Hawaii during the pre World War II years. According to Amazon, there will be a volcano eruption, but I'm not there yet. On my Kindle White E-Reader, I have The Parisian Dancer, by Doron Darmon, which is a WWII Historical Novel based on a true story. This one got a whole lot of raving reviews, but I'm only in the beginning pages with this book, too. I am now reading her childhood-teen years and the friends she had, one of whom is missing possibly due to some Nazi atrocity. On my pad, I'm reading Surviving My Mother by Debbie Matzkin, a memoir of a poor little rich girl, it seems. I just started it last night, so I don't know what she is going to say. There was a movie by the same name and the same image that is on the book cover, but I'm not into movies anymore, thankfully. I'll be glad to be reading this book; although at this point, Color of Air is getting more of my attention, but I can't sit at the computer for very long. So it, too, will have to bide its time. I so like books because in addition to preserving our general culture, they allow me to see things at a deeper level plus adding an emotional enrichment to my life and spirit. Then, books that capture the thoughts, beliefs, actions, and stories of individuals and different eras, and also, our own time are especially the preferred ones for me. There was an excellent book club in the local library that I belonged to, but with Covid, the group took a year and a half long break and then, it dissolved totally, due to some members dying and others moving away. After what happened to that group, I am not too keen about being a member of any other reading group. Still, I'm never doing away with my actual book reading whether there is a group or not. . |
| Prompt: Life on Stage and/or Midwives "Most of my life I’ve felt I was dreaming. Now and then I wake up, sometimes for months, sometimes for minutes. I’m a character in a play, and I can’t tell if I’m making it up or if a great puppeteer is making me dance." From the private diary of Patience Murphy, Midwife, Wild Rose Road, Liberty, West Virginia, U.S.A. Do do you sometimes feel like Patience that you are only an actor in this life? And/or what do you think of midwives? Are they still relevant in our day in the 21st century? ------------ I was brought to life by a midwife while my grandfather, who was the doctor, waited in the next room, but that was decades ago. (I am not mentioning how many! ) As I grew up, I came to love her and even called her Aunt B., for she had become a very good friend of my mother and grandmother. As such, midwives are still relevant today because some families believe in a holistic approach and personalized care throughout the childbirth journey. Plus, midwives--even though it is usually believed to be skilled in low-risk pregnancies and births--are mostly well-informed and they can empower women to actively participate in their care, and they also know when a patient should be in a hospital or a birth center. Plus, they can also aid with postpartum care, the newborn's health, and breastfeeding support. As to feeling like one is merely an actor in the grand theater of life, it is not only for midwives or people in tight situations. I believe most humans might have experienced the being-an-actor-in-life sentiment at one point or another. This sentiment might be felt because of a sense of detachment and/or disconnection from one's own actions and feelings. It is usually safer to jump outside and watch than stay inside and feel. As an auto-pilot reaction, this is a coping mechanism and it can surface when we feel we might be in danger in some way. It can also happen from our rejection of the societal expectations, which we are unable to resist, from our own personal insecurities, and from a feeling of being trapped and forced to perform according to a predetermined narrative. This is because emotional distancing and creating a protective barrier between ourselves and the outside world as a detachment provides a sense of control and emotional insulation. Unfortunately, it can also hinder real connections and authentic experiences. Unless one is a philosopher and is out to explore the ideas of reality and consciousness... Then, this feeling of being an actor can ignite a search for deeper meaning and authenticity, pushing people to question their motivations, desires, and the nature of their interactions with the world. Yet, this is a rare idea. No one would want to do that just to help the study of philosophy (or even psychology). In fact, we all need to get over and fight the tight grip of scripted expectations and lead lives that are rich with purpose, authenticity, and genuine connections. . |
| Prompt: Our Sun and the Summer Solstice What do you feel and think about our sun and its life-giving properties and the summer solstice (on June 21), which has been important culturally since the Neolithic era? ---------- As everything, our sun too has a good side and a bad side. On the good side, it is a source of and energy and it sustains life on our planet and maybe on other planets in its system, too. On the bad side, we get sunburns if we stay too long under the scorching rays of it in summer. And if we were to lose the atmosphere that protects the earth from the sun's hot wrath, the entire earth would turn into a desert. The real summer solstice is on June 21, but Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 10:27 P.M. EST will be the winter solstice, that will be the beginning of the winter season. The summer solstice serves as a reminder of the Earth's dynamic relationship with the Sun and the intricate interplay between celestial mechanics and the conditions that make life possible. In many cultures, the summer solstice is a time of jubilation and merriment. The abundance of daylight and the arrival of warm weather have historically been associated with growth, fertility, and vitality. Fire festivals, bonfires, and outdoor feasts are common traditions during this time, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. As for today, August 21, the sun is in LEO, a fire sign according to astrologers with the gemstone ruby. Although most religions don't like astrology or divinations, St. Augustine did consult astrologers in his life. He wrote that in his memoirs. So, I guess even the most pious of us can't help but take a look at the events of the sun, as a fun hobby. . |
| “August was smoking hot, then September walked in as cool as a cucumber, and made her presence felt.” ― Charmaine J Forde What are your plans for September, how do you intend to make your presence felt? ------- This question made me chuckle. At my age, I live life as it comes. I just don't make any plans or try to make my presence felt. As to this coming September, on a personal level, it may be a time of heightened vigilance and unease due to September being maybe the most active hurricane month in Florida, although October tags behind it rather closely. As the threat of hurricanes loom large, I try to think of ways to get ready for their devastation, should one hit my area. My first concern is finding someone to put up my shutters and then take them down when the storm goes away. I can't do it myself anymore, since I got too old. The rest, I can probably live through. Something else that is also very important is the birthday week of Writing.com. I can only do stuff for celebration in connection with other friends, provided that they understand I may not be available if a hurricane strikes my area. "That hurricane fear again!" you might think. Yes, it is a reality, believe me! Luckily, Sr, mods are doing the Mod-o-Poly thing once more and I'll have backups, should bad enough comes to worst. As to September itself, the gemstone for September is blue sapphire, and my ring with the blue sapphire, which has a deep meaning for me, I never take off. I wrote this tiny info here to say another something positive about September, in addition to WdC's b'day.  . |
| Blog City Prompt: Have you ever tried to break a habit and failed? What made it so difficult to break? -------------- Yes, of course, and I am still on it. One is negative self-talk, but I have been getting much better at catching myself when I begin, "Here I go again..." or "I hate that I did..." Ever since I noticed what I was doing to myself, I've been working at it by finding something positive I did or thought about the subject or the incident. This habit has gotten much better, although not completely erased. The other is, when something unsavory or tough to deal with happens, I get all panicky and jump at it wanting to solve that problem immediately. With that one, I have questionable success. I keep reminding myself to keep calm and let time deal at least with a part of with it, but then, it keeps bugging my mind and ruining the other areas in my life. I just can't help my jumpiness and wanting to solve the problem right there and then. Still, I am trying. When I really think about it, I find out at least a part of the habits I can't break have their basis in learned behavior, either from parents or life experiences. This may be because habits are powerful routines we get into for one reason or another and they are psychologically challenging to overcome. Yes, there are also physical habits that are difficult to overcome such as overeating or smoking, but they, too, have a psychological basis. Luckily, I don't smoke or overeat. With some people procrastination may also become a habit, but that never applied to me if you look at my first paragraph in this entry. Those who know say, in order to break a habit, we need to identify the triggers and replace that habit with a positive habit. Easy to say! I think, however, gradual reduction and rewarding oneself with positive reinforcement would help. Some people ask for the help of their family and friends, that is getting their assistance in warning them when the habit may surface and giving encouragement along the way. Some people also seek professional help or mindfulness and meditation. Possibly, persistence and patience with a healthy dose of self-analysis would help most of us to break any habit. This is because, in most cases, underlying factors drive our unwanted habits and thus, in accordance with any certain habit, a specific strategy that works is needed. . |
| Prompt: Elvis Presley died August 16, 1977. Were you an Elvis Die Hard Fan or are there other singers you love and admire more? ------- I have never in my life acted like a crazed fan of any singer, artist, or famous person, Having said that, yes, I did like Elvis. At the time of his rise, that is during the 50's, Pat Boone was also on the minds and hearts of us young music lovers. During those early beginnings, I first favored Pat Boone because he wasn't hip swinging like Elvis. This may just be because I am not such a fan of people who stir a bees' nest or any status quo that is working. Later on, however, when Elvis came up with "Love me Tender" "Can't Help Falling in Love" and other milder kinder songs, I appreciated him very much. Who I really liked as a singer was Luciano Pavarotti, even if this is like comparing apples and oranges. He had the best range and the sweetest voice and sang what I liked to hear and listen. His ability to hit those high notes with clarity and strength was almost superhuman. He was iconic as he could convey deep emotions through the intricate melodies of operatic arias, such as "Nessun Dorma" and Puccini's "Turandot". As many as good operatic performers have surfaced after Pavarotti, in my opinion, none has attained the finesse of his work. In essence, both Elvis and Pavarotti are reminders of the diversity of artistic expression. For they touched the hearts of millions in our world where music is a force that unites us humans, regardless of our backgrounds and preferences. . |
| Prompt: Living the dream. Write about this in your Blog entry today. ---------- Ahha! But is that ever possible? "Living the dream" is a colloquial expression, which may mean doing what you want and having a sense of contentment and satisfaction. It is, in fact, highly subjective and can vary among people as to what that dream is. If it means achieving a high level of career success and financial stability, then, this can be done and it is done by many. Yet, ask those people how happy they are and their answers will surprise you. Most of them are not satisfied with their lives at all. Maybe those who are working in their personally chosen field that they are emotionally attached to are a bit more happier, as this can bring about a sense of purpose, personal growth and self-improvement. What would make a person to be happier, in my opinion, may have something to do with having the opportunity to make a positive impact in their family, work, community, and therefore in the world. Also, having a close-knit and loving family as a support system would help with one's emotional well-being. Then life is complex and dynamic, and things can change at the drop of a hat. As a result, we all struggle with uncertainties. Maybe a lucky few can find the balance between the personal and the world-at-large, while feeling happiness and well-being, fully. I only wish someone did! So far as I can see, no one is "living the dream." Maybe this life just wasn't meant for it. . |
| Prompt: Ghosts and Memories Do you believe ghosts may exist? Can memories be ghost-like? How did they become a ghost or a memory? How do you think ghosts feel about this world? Have you ever seen a ghost? ------------ Honestly speaking with what I know and remember, I have never seen a ghost, but I believe unexplained stuff can and do happen. For example, I've had numerous dreams that came true. Some were about family members who were far away in other countries and about whose exact situations I had no inkling of. Others were about personal matters that also came true. Yes, memories can be ghost-like as they pop up at unexpected times to haunt us. Especially, now that I am old, I am always haunted or maybe visited by a sweet or sour memory. As to the question about how the ghosts feel about our world, I can only say, if I were a ghost, I'd stay away from this mixed-up world and from its wars and famine and disasters and people fighting over nothing and hurting the planet and one another. Getting back to the question of the ghosts' actual existence, it remains a debatable subject, and I am not the one to deny other people's personal experiences. Whether these experiences arise from cultural and historical beliefs, environmental factors, or personal experiences, who am I to say they are real or not! While scientific skepticism exists on the subject, in the long run, science cannot explain everything and sometimes does it wrongly, too. Then, some potential explanations involve stuff like sleep paralysis, hallucinations, or emotional attachment to things and places that lead one to perceive paranormal activity. Yet, there is also parapsychology as a field and parapsychological research. Still, the findings in this field, at present, are far from conclusive, but they do not strictly negate the existence of ghosts and other paranormal activity, also. In short, I believe there are some unexplained things out there and they may as well be ghosts and other things, or even plain speculation. Maybe someday, we'll find out what that phenomena is, which is fascinating and perplexing us, and if ghosts really do exist. . |
| Prompt: During your school years, what were your experiences like on the opening days of school? Is there a specific incident or a school year you remember that had a major impact on the rest of your life? ------------- I was sort of lucky only because we never moved at all and I graduated from all my schools knowing most of the students from earlier years and the teachers, too. Still, the first day of school was always a whirlwind of excitement, curiousity, nervous energy, and, inevitably, a few mix-ups that would leave everyone laughing for some time to come. Strangely enough, at my old age, I can still recall some ot those first days, however in a general fashion. With an air of anticipation or rather being unsure of what to do, some of us wore the newest clothes bought for that school year and others especially wore their oldest ones, saying those who used the newest bags and clothes were so crude and coarse. To this day, I haven't solved the puzzle behind those both ways of thought. What difference would it make in the long run! It was exciting to unite with friends, though, especially those I didn't see during the summer, talking to them and watching their faces light up as we exchanged stories of our summer adventures. The teachers--in the home-room, class-room, or whatever--would usually walk in greeting us with their warm smiles and well-wishes for the coming year. Not all teachers had the same cheerful demeanor though. Some would get serious and warn us of this or that behavior and the importance of following the rules. After that, we'd figure out who goofed with unintentional mixups once the roll call got under way. Then, there was always the locker fiasco, with the combination locks refusing to open or some students getting the wrong locker. Lunchtime was exciting, too. Some of us got in the cafeteria line while others brought their lunches. Being young, we did enjoy the cacophony of confusion all around. Usually, there would be at least one or two new students who moved from somewhere else and they would usually be shy while some of them got in the middle of everything. The shy ones I had made my business to talk to during the recess or invite them into my group of friends. Yet, those first days I mentioned above were for the grade school and high school years. College and uni. years were a lot different. But, I got lucky there, too. During the very first day, I made two good friends who became the core of our very large group later on. I have to say, I had a much better time during my higher education years. Still, I can't recall if I ever mixed up a schedule or class or anything on the first day of school, in any of my school years. Maybe it was so long ago that my memory fails me. Then, for sure, all my air-headedness, confusion, or uncertainty came rushing upon me way after my schooling.  . |
| Prompt: "Sometimes, when things are falling apart, they may actually be falling into place." — Unknown ---------------- This paradoxical quote sounds like a Hindu saying or something close to it. There's also that psychological phenomenon called Cognitive Dissonance for why we sometimes think that things are good when they are, in reality, very bad. Yet, I get it; in a way, it is better to have Cognitive Dissonance than succumb to despair and frustration. Also, sometimes, when life throws a curve ball at us and the whole world unravels, it may be signaling to us that the time for change is here. Say, a traffic accident took place on a busy road. Immediately, a crew comes and clears the road to open it up to the traffic again. If we are the people who were in that accident, we would, maybe, try to avoid that route for a while, but possibly there are other routes to find out about, some even more scenic, quieter, or even shorter. Thus, how we use the opportunity for change and carry on without falling apart under the rubble shows our true mettle. Things that happen beyond our control, say death and other major life events, usually cause chaos. At that moment, we need to let go of our hold on the old and our need for rigid control and perfection. Ultimately, life has an uncanny way of surprising us with its twists and turns. If we take a negative event as a chance to rebuild, reimagine, and rediscover the beauty and the art of living, we can surely construct from the ruins or embrace the uncertainty with faith and patience and tread the path to personal evolution. Who knows, the future may end up being even better than the past and the present! . |
| Prompt: Use these words in your entry today: reticent, preen, wiggle, jiggle, giggle and dance floor. --- Hahaha! The clock chimes for one of my silly stories! On the bustling Broadway Avenue, beneath the neon lights and pulsating beats, there was a hidden gem of a dance club known as "Rhythm Haven." Every night, the dance floor would come alive with many people, each with their own story to tell. One evening, a reticent young woman named Lynne arrived at Rhythm Haven. She was always drawn to the magic of dance, but her shyness kept her from fully embracing it. Tonight, though, she had decided it was time for a change. As Lynne stepped onto the dance floor, the music pulsed in her ears as its rhythm coursed through her and she began to sway and wiggle, even if at first, her movements were hesitant, like a delicate bird testing its wings. On the dance floor was also Niko who knew Lynne from work. He couldn't resist the opportunity to encourage Lynne. So with a dramatic flourish, he executed jiggles and elaborate dance moves to catch Lynne's eye and Lynne giggled when she saw Niko's antics, and she began dancing with him. Their joy was contagious as it drew others onto the dance floor, too, making it turn into a stage where people preened and pirouetted and were lost in the music of the moment. The magic of that night at Rhythm Haven lingered in Lynne's heart long after the last notes had faded. She had discovered and encouraged a side of herself she never knew to have existed. Even better than that, she had discovered a lifelong friend, Niko, who had encouraged her to step into a world where she could be who she was meant to be; herself. . |
| Prompt: I am my own biggest critic. Before anyone else has criticized me, I have already criticized myself. Do you criticize yourself? What's the best way to overcome our self-critic? ------ What's so wrong with self-criticism? I think we all do it at one time or another. And yes, I do it a lot, but I have learned over the years, to tell myself, if I'm still under the influence of a questionable situation, "Not now, do this when you are calmer." Then, when I'm calmer, I try to assess the situation to see where I went wrong and where I did well. This is because self-criticism has both positive and negative sides to it. On the plus side, it can foster personal growth and improvement and lead the way to enhance our abilities and skills, while encouraging accountability, so we can make amends for our mistakes. When done with constructive intentions, self-criticism makes us adapt to others and difficult situations much better while showing us the way of engaging in more effective communication with others. On the negative side, self-criticism--when it is too much--can result in continuous self-blame and negative self-talk, inhibited action, and relationship strains. This is because it can erode self-esteem, prevent us from taking risks, and even may lead us to be suspicious of ourselves as well as the other people, most of the time. A healthy self-awareness is a very valuable tool for personal growth and it can be exercised in a much more realistic fashion than putting ourselves down. Thus, after any iffy incident, to prevent the self-loathing and cruel self-criticism--after calming down and giving ourselves some cooling-down time--some of the questions to ask and answer can be: Why did I do/say that? What is a better way to act and talk if a similar situation would arise? In what ways can I make amends? How can I prevent myself from acting this way, again? In essence, I think the act of analyzing and evaluating one's own thoughts, actions, and behaviors is a positive thing, but I also believe it is a good idea to try to tone down excessive self-criticism because of its negative effect on our mental health. Luckily, this can be done by exercising at least some self-compassion and understanding. . |
| Prompt: Peaceful Place What place makes you feel most peaceful? Describe that place. -------------- I can find moments of serenity in several places, not just one. These places hold a unique power to bring me peace and solace from the difficulties of everyday living. My most go-to place is sitting on my bed with the cat next to me and reading a book. Such a simple pleasure! Yet, it transports me from where I am to distant worlds and other people and places that I can only imagine. Maybe it is the soft comfort of the bed or it is the purring of my cat, but I feel, then, I am in a cocoon of relaxation. This is when the outside world recedes and any worries and my I-have-to-do-this-or-that stressing fades away. A second place--strangely enough that I find solace--is in the mental image of my great grandfather's grave. This kind of tranquility connects me to my roots and the lives that came before me, a testament to a quiet reflection and the memories he left behind to remind me and my family of the oneness of creation and the cycles of life and death. Another place I find solace in is on my porch. Sitting on a porch chair and watching the pool waters ripple and change colors offers me a visual symphony of nature. As I sit there, the cares of the world dissolve and I find myself locked in the reality of some man-made beauty. Related to this is me sitting on the sands of the beach and watching the waves lap the shore, which brings me in touch with the vastness of the ocean and the ebb and flow of the tide. It is at this moment that the rhythms of the ocean, the salty breeze, and the endless horizon evoke in me a sense of infiniteness, and I feel I have become a part of the eternal cycle of nature. Then, I also feel peaceful watching the rain, too. Rain has a remarkable ability to cleanse the earth and the soul. As I watch the raindrops cascade down the window pane, each soft patter soothes me, offering a reprieve close to something magical. At this time in my life, these are my sanctuaries where I can find peace in the present moment as they speak to my soul inviting me to their shelters of calmness so I can find an equilibrium in the middle of any sadness or disturbance. . |
| Prompt: Your loved ones Which traits do you value most in your loved ones and in what ways can you draw strength from their actions and their traits? --------- My loved ones in my extended family live all over the world and I appreciate all their traits and positive qualities, but most of all, their soft hearts and helping hands stretched to whoever needs them. Having loved ones who are exceptionally compassionate inspires me to practice empathy and kindness in my own interactions with others. In fact, I couldn't have designed a better family, now with only cousins left, if that job would have been asked of me before I set foot on this earth. As to my closer family, now two sons to be exact, they have played a significant role is shaping me while I helped with and witnessed their facing challenges and overcoming difficulties. My older son has taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. Then, the younger one taught me a valuable lesson about resilience, patience, and the power of a positive attitude, while he built up a whole new life after a painful divorce. Both my sons, with their own perspectives, quirks, and preferences have broadened my horizons. Their ways of thinking so different from each other and sometimes from me, too, have helped me to view the world from many new angles. In short, I think, our dynamic interplay has created a beautiful tapestry of interconnected lives where we learn, support, and uplift one another, where vulnerabilities taught us about resilience and empathy and where our differences have broadened our perspectives, while still connecting us deeply. . |
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