Carly's Ramblings Blog - Style

Prompts and Happiness

Blogging Circle of Friends - Day 9120: June 2, 2021

Prompt: What do you think about writing prompts? What type of prompts do you like? What type of prompts do you dislike?

I like writing prompts. I find I often need a jumping off point. A place to get me going when I first sit down to write. Sometimes I stay on topic and post the blog, other times I get off topic or find my way back into a short story or other piece of writing I have been doing.

Either way I find I am able to get back into my writing.

I like prompts that make me think. Make me consider my view of things. I also like prompts that give me a selection of words and have me make up a story or poem that incorporates them. I am pretty open to anything. If it intrigues me, I write.

I don't like prompts that are too political or ones that are geared to American holidays. Being Canadian, I pass on those. Holidays in general, I'm up for those.

Blog City - Day 2193 June 2, 2021

Prompt: Is there a difference between joy and happiness?
I would make a distinction between contentment and happiness and joy...

Happiness is fleeting. According to James Clear, from his book Atomic Habits, "Happiness is not about the achievement of pleasure (which is joy or satisfaction) but about the lack of desire." Caed Budris says "Happiness is the space between one desire being fulfilled and a new desire forming." We are always chasing our desires whether they are physical or whether they are more abstract (like fame or financial freedom). We always want something.

Contentment is being okay with where you are and what you have. No desire to chase after more. Just an appreciation for what you have in that moment. It is more like a sense of peace.