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 |  Gratitude breaks the spell of Writers Block |
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Staring at a blank page is like staring into a snowfield. The snow, untouched by civilization and unmarked by living creatures, blinds you for a few minutes, it glistens reflecting subtle shades of pure white and rainbows at odd angles. If you stare at the snow too long, you get lost in the interplay of light and shadow. As the day wears on, you become awestruck at the beauty of the snow's perfection. You marvel at the way an oak tree cast its ebony shadow across the pure white snow. You watch the tree's shadow change, grow and shrink, as Earth turns and the sun moves from morning to evening. If you stand out in the snow too long without moving, you risk snow bite or freezing. If you are fortunate, a red fox will walk across your line of sight. The fox will leave his footprints written in the snowfield. As you watch the fox move, the spell holding you in one spot staring at the snow is broken. You are free to go inside out of the cold and out of danger. I must say, writing 500 words a day isn't difficult, unless I'm attempting to write on a single subject. On Monday, October 28, 2013, I began posting my weekly goals at "Weekly Goals"  . On Tuesday, October 29, 2013 I began keeping track of may accomplished goals in this journal."O SON OF BEING! Bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning; for death, unheralded, shall come upon thee and thou shalt be called to give account for thy deeds." Bah'u'll'h The Hidden Words of Bah'u'll'h, Part I.'From the Arabic, #31, page 11 'Heinlein's Rules for Writers Rule One: You Must Write Rule Two: Finish What Your Start Rule Three: You Must Refrain From Rewriting, Except to Editorial Order Rule Four: You Must Put Your Story on the Market Rule Five: You Must Keep it on the Market until it has Sold' Robert A. Heinlein It is enjoined upon every one of you to engage in some form of occupation, such as crafts, trades and the like. We have graciously exalted your engagement in such work to the rank of worship unto God, the True One. Ponder ye in your hearts the grace and the blessings of God and render thanks unto Him at eventide and at dawn. Waste not your time in idleness and sloth. Occupy yourselves with that which profiteth yourselves and others. Thus hath it been decreed in this Tablet from whose horizon the day-star of wisdom and utterance shineth resplendent. Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed After the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Pages 21-29: gr 32 I changed the way I did entries in this book several times. Beginning on March 21, 2018 the entries will cover the topics of spiritual, inspirational, and religions. However, the genres it will be under are Women's, Inspirational, and Spiritual with a tag of Religious. |
Istijlal (Majesty) 6 Baha (Splendor) 178 B.E. - Thursday, March 25, 2021   On the last Thankful Thursday in March 2021, I am thankful ...  ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this chilly spring morning. ...that I was able to attend the Naw-Ruz celebration on Saturday, March 20. ...for the awardcon I received for "Celebrating Spring" . ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the awardcon I received for "On Alexander Pope's The Universal Prayer" . ...that I have all the reading picked out for the Feast of Jalal (Glory) on the evening of April 7. ...for the chocolate pound cake I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I had peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches for supper. |
Jamal (Beauty) 2 Baha (Splendor) 178 B.E. - Sunday, March 21, 2021 Day 1 - Emotions: Look for what’s good We considered things to be grateful for. You wrote: "Today I am grateful for the Revelation of Baha'u'llah because He revealed prayers that calm me when I am under stress." Day 2 – Awareness: Live Life Mindfully We looked at ways to be more present. You wrote: "I will be more present as I say each prayer today . I will focus on the words and let them flow through my mind." Day 3 – Relating: Connect with people We asked you to strengthen a relationship. You wrote: "I will strengthen the relationship with my sister by saying a prayer for her and calling her this afternoon." Day 4 – Exercising: Take care of your body We asked you to plan some activity in your day. You wrote: "I will get up, walk through the house, and go to the door to see what's going on in the neighborhood every time I stop writing to say a prayer." Day 5 – Acceptance: Be comfortable with who you are We asked what you would say to a friend who was being hard on themselves, and if you could offer yourself the same advice. You wrote: "Look at what you could have done better or should have done. Resolve to take that action in the future. I you think you owe someone an apology, apologize." Day 6 – Giving: Do things for others. We asked you to plan an act of kindness. You wrote: "Do the dishes for my roommate, who usually washes them." Day 7 – Trying out: Keep learning new things We considered doing something different. You wrote: "I'm going to listen to songs on YouTube." Day 8 – Resilience: Find ways to bounce back We looked at ways to respond constructively to adversity. You wrote: "Let go of any problem or issues that comes up by pausing and saying a prayer to place the situation in God's hands." Day 9 – Direction: Have goals to look forward to We encouraged you to identify a goal and your next step towards it. You wrote: "I am excited about Naw-Ruz. My next step is to finish the 100 poem I'm dedicating to 'Abdu'-Baha by November 28, 2021." Day 10 – Meaning: Be part of something bigger We asked what you’ll do to feel part of something bigger. You wrote: "I will join my friends in celebrating Holy Days." |
Jalal (Glory) 1 Baha (Splendor) 178 B.E. - Saturday, March 20, 2021 Naw-Ruz and Feast of Baha Feeling like you're part of something bigger than yourself brings a sense of meaning to life. We can all make a difference to something or someone else. It can also help us get our daily worries and problems into perspective. Here are a few simple ways to help you feel more connected and purposeful. Try one of these or come up with your own... Collect together photos of people and things that are meaningful to you. This is a good idea, if one has photo; however, most of my photos were given to my siblings when I downsized. As for collecting anything else, at my age the only things I collect are my own poems that I transpose to books I have on writing.com. Do something to contribute to a cause you care about. I do this every month. Volunteer your time (there are ways to do this virtually too). At 74, volunteering virtually is my only option. Last night I volunteered to pick out the reading for the Feast of Jamal (Glory). I will pick them and the videos out and e-mail everything to the person in charge of posting them for the next feast. Spend time in nature or a place that inspires you. I can look out my front door to be inspired by nature in my neighborhood. Create something, like a piece of art or music. I'm writing 100 poem for the centenary commemoration the the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Help someone. Anyone. My housemate is the person that I help the most. What will you do to feel part of something bigger? I will join my friends in celebrating Holy Days. *** This was an interesting and educational ten day exercise. Some of it I thought pertained to me and some of it didn't. I enjoyed most of it, and I responded to all of the prompts. |
Istqjlal (Independence) 19 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Friday, March 19, 2021 Ten Days of Happiness: Day 9 Having a goal that you’re excited about can help you feel more motivated and purposeful. And guess what? It doesn’t have to be complicated. It could just be a simple plan for something you're looking forward to, like catching up with an old friend. Whether your goal is big, like completing a project, or small, like taking 5 minutes to relax, it can bring a sense of purpose and help you feel more satisfied. What goal are you excited about and what’s your next step towards it? I am excited about Naw-Ruz. My next step is to finish the 100 poem I'm dedicating to 'Abdu'-Baha by November 28, 2021. |
Istijlal (Majesty) 18 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Thursday, March 18, 2021 Ten Days of Happiness: Day 8 It’s OK not to be OK. Everyone faces adversity in their lives and it's completely normal. When faced with a difficult situation, you have a choice about how you respond. You can let it bring you down, or you can do something to help you overcome it. This is called resilience. Think of something that’s causing you stress at the moment. Here are some ideas to help you bounce back. Plan to do one of these today or come up with your own: A problem shared is a problem halved. Call a friend or family member and talk about what’s going on. A problem shared my be halved only if you can share it with your family without being given unasked for advice. Sharing with friends is sometimes easier than sharing with family. I find that it's better to take my problems to Baha'u'llah, meditate on the solutions, and act on the solution I come to. Reframe the situation. Look for a way to see this as an opportunity and respond constructively to it. Any situation, problem, or issue is either an opportunity and/or a tests. If at first I don't dealt with it, I will have to face it again. Shift your perspective by doing something that brings you joy, like exercising, reading or listening to music. I listened to the music accompanying a prayer Lakota Suit prayer. The music and prayer helped change my perspective by making me smile. What will you do to be more resilient today? Let go of any problem or issues that comes up by pausing and saying a prayer to place the situation in God's hands. |
Istijlal (Majesty) 18 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Thursday, March 18, 2021 On the third Thankful Thursday in March 2021, I am grateful ... ...that Deb Haaland was confirmed as Secretary of the Interior. ...for the Sunday School or Vacation Bible School teacher who couldn't answer my question, because it encouraged my search for a spiritual path that could answer my question. ...that my poems "Waiting for the Vernal Equinox" and "Vernal Equinox" were featured in "Mystery Newsletter (March 17, 2021)" . ...for the merit badge I received this week.![Merit Badge in Lighthouse Celebration
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*^*Trophyg*^* CONGRATULATIONS *^*Trophyg*^* to all the participates in the challenge to complete all 4 years of [Link To Item #2109126] wants to celebrate your accomplishments with a trilogy package from [Link To Item #1742964] and [Link To Item #2229244] This is #2 of 3 MB's. You are an AMAZING group of people and writers. Here's to you, with a big thank you from [Link To User schnujo] ! *^*Heart*^*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Lighthouse_Celebration-1723081_15.gif) ![Merit Badge in Celtic Spirit
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Happy St.Pattrick's Day to ya! May good luck and fortune smile upon you all day long!](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Celtic_Spirit-2040601.gif) ![Merit Badge in Sleepy Monkey
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Congratulations on completing every month of [Link To Item #2109126] since it started! This exclusive merit badge is a gift from [Link To User schnujo] and is the third of five that she so generously purchased in celebration of your achievement! Well done!](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Sleepy_Monkey-2165721_12.gif) ...that I had corned beef and cabbage for dinner on St. Patrick's Day. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on this chilly and cloudy late winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn today. ...for the chocolate swirl cake I had with my coffee this morning. ...that I've been able to find a response to all the prompts for "30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS" , so far this month. |
Idal (Justice) 17 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Wednesday, March 17, 2021 Ten Days of Happiness: Day 7 Trying new things can boost our confidence and bring a sense of achievement. But if lots of things are changing around us, it can feel overwhelming too. So if you haven't tried anything new recently, make a plan to do something different today. Or if your daily routines have recently changed, try to make the most of your new situation. Here are some ideas to help you do something different or appreciate what's new: Listen to different music or a new podcast. I started out the day with prayer. When I prepared a response for the 30-Day Blogging Challenge, I listened to "I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover", a song I haven't listened to since childhood. It made me smile because I remember Grandpa Frank playing it on his Victrola. Try out a new game, exercise or food. Today I ate corned beef and cabbage, something I haven't eaten in decades. It was made by a neighbor, whose recipe was slightly different from my Grandmothers. It was good, I'd forgotten how much I like corned beef. Look for the positive aspects in recent changes to your routine. Since the time sprung forward, I've been sleeping later. I don't think this is true because of the time change; however, I feel more rested. Perhaps instead of sleeping later, I'm sleeping all through the night, which would explain why I feel rested. Make time to do something you love but haven't done recently. I listened to a song on YouTube I haven't listened to in a long time. The title is "Let Us Proclaim the Greatest Name", I had forgotten how inspiring that song is. When I listen to it I always want to sing along and it makes me happy. What will you enjoy doing differently today? I'm going to listen to songs on YouTube. |
Fidal (Grace) 16 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Ten Days of Happiness: Day 6 Our journey continues with another action that's simple and meaningful. Helping others is closely linked to happiness, so today we’re exploring ways to include more acts of kindness in our day. This is particularly important when those around us are facing difficult times. When you do something kind for someone else, you make a difference for them and this also enhances your own wellbeing too. Here are three ideas for small acts that you can do today. Try one of these or come up with your own: Treat people with a little extra kindness today, including yourself. I contemplate my actions, and I know that to treat people with extra kindness I must think before I speak or act. Ask a loved one how they're feeling and really listen to them. I listen to the voice on the phone. Distance prevents face to face conversations, so I can't be sure without seeing the person's face how they really feel. Offer to help someone who might be lonely or in need of support. Can a telephone conversation alleviate loneliness? I hope so, because I have no other means of conversing with any of my siblings. What act of kindness will you do today? Do the dishes for my roommate, who usually washes them. |
Kamal (Perfection) 15 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Monday, March 15, 2021 Ten Days of Happiness: Day 5 Bring to mind something you’re hard on yourself about. Perhaps it’s something you feel “should” have done (or not done) or that you’re not “good enough” at? Now imagine someone you love is being hard on themselves in that same way. What would you say to reassure your loved one? I would encourage them to stop shoulding on themselves, and determine to do better or differently the next time. What sort of words would you say to support them? I would tell them they are a unique creation, with their own talents and abilities to express. I would say that "good enough" is many times the best and only results of a problem or an issue. How would you want them to feel? I would want them to feel the did their best at the time and under the circumstances. Here’s the clever part... now turn those same warm feelings inwards towards yourself. Say the same kind things to yourself in the same caring way. What would you say to a friend being hard on themselves? (and now say it to yourself) Look at what you could have done better or should have done. Resolve to take that action in the future. I you think you owe someone an apology, apologize. |
Jamal (Beauty) 14 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Sunday, March 14, 2021 Ten Days of Happiness: Day 4 Get outside and do something active. Going outside to do something active probably won't happen today. I'll get up and stretch either before or after I each prayer session. Put on a song you love and have a daytime dance party. I'm not comfortable dancing, either by myself or in a crowd. The songs that make me happiest are spiritual in nature, next are some of the songs I heard as a teenager (those are dance songs). I enjoy playing the music and singing along with the songs. I don't enjoy dancing to the songs. Set a timer to remind you to move every hour. I don't have a timer beside my computer. We may have a kitchen timer, but I don't know where it is. We could have lost the kitchen timer in a move, it really doesn't matter to me because I prefer to look at the clock on my computer and decide when to get up and stretch. What will you do today to be active? I will get up, walk through the house, and go to the door to see what's going on in the neighborhood every time I stop writing to say a prayer. "O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being. O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord." 'Abdu'l-Baha1 It's four days into this ten day happiness project. The project is somewhat enjoyable. The questions and exercises are nice. The focus is on me, as an individual, and how I can make myself happy. It's good that some of the exercises are contacting other people and telling them thank you for being family and friends. (This is my interpretation of some of the exercises.) I will write more about my feelings concerning these exercises in three or four days. Footnotes |
Jalal (Glory) 13 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Saturday, March 13, 2021 Ten Days of Happiness: Day 3 Contact someone you care about to say "Hi" and let them know you're thinking of them. Called my sister and left her a message. Call a family member or a friend and take a real interest in what’s happening in their life by really listening and asking questions. Called my sister and left her a message. Think about a quality you admire in someone and let them know how much you appreciate it. I admire the way Alice care for her family. Which relationship will you strengthen today and how? I will strengthen the relationship with my sister by saying a prayer for her and calling her this afternoon. |
Istiqlal (Independence) 12 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Friday, March 12, 2021 Ten Days of Happiness: Day 2 Take five deep breaths. Notice how your body moves as you breathe in and out. When I take deep breaths I can feel my lungs expanding and my chest rising. Close your eyes. Name five sounds that you hear. Television in another room. Airplane flying over neighborhood. Car driving past apartment. Refrigerator running. Child crying out side.Notice how you're feeling right now, with awareness but without judgement. I feel relaxed. My mind is calm and unworried. How will you be more present today? I will be more present as I say each prayer today . I will focus on the words and let them flow through my mind. |
Istijlal (Majesty) 11 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Thursday, March 11, 2021 On the second Thankful Thursday in March 2021, I am grateful... ...that I received the following merit badges between 3/5/21 and 3/11/21.![Merit Badge in WDC Media Prompt
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Thank you for your participation in the 48-HOUR CHALLENGE: " Jumpsuit by Twenty One Pilots " Media Prompt hosted by [Link To User support] March 2021! We appreciate that you tackled this challenge... *^*Smile*^* *^*Thumbsupl*^*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/WDC-WDC_Media_Prompt.gif) ![Merit Badge in The Contest Challenge 1
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Congratulations on finishing a whole year of [Link To Item #2109126] ! It's not easy, but you did it! Well done! *^*Heart*^*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-The_Contest_Challenge_1-2169637_14.gif) ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had on this late winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the banana I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I began the 10 Days of Happiness exercises today. ...for the Revelation of Baha'u'llah because He revealed prayers that calm me when I am under stress. ...that I was able to transfer $5.02 from Survey Junkie to my PayPal account. ...for the Arizona Watermelon Fruit Cocktail I had with my lunch. |
Istijlal (Majesty) 4 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Thursday, March 4, 2021 On the first Thankful Thursday in March 2021, I am thankful ... ...that I received several merit badges between 2/26/21 and 3/4/21.![Merit Badge in Reviewing
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Ranked # 3 Public Reviewer for the month of January 2021 . For more details, please see [Link To Item #614925] .](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Reviewing-2180.gif) ![Merit Badge in Job Well Done
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I wanted to do a little something more, so here's a "Job Well Done" merit badge for your assistance in helping me move past that awful number.](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/Kudos-Job_Well_Done-1150.gif) ![Merit Badge in BCOF
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Congratulations](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-BCOF-1901868_10.gif) ![Merit Badge in Lighthouse Poetry
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*^*Trophyg*^* CONGRATULATIONS *^*Trophyg*^* to all the participates in the challenge to complete all 4 years of [Link To Item #2109126] [Link To User schnujo] wants to celebrate your accomplishments with a trilogy package from [Link To Item #1742964] and [Link To Item #2229244] This is #1 of 3 MB's. You are an AMAZING group of people and writers. Here's to you! *^*Heart*^*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Lighthouse_Poetry-1723081_1.gif) ![Merit Badge in Sweet Dreams
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Congratulations on completing every month of [Link To Item #2109126] since it started! This exclusive merit badge is a gift from [Link To User schnujo] and is the second of five that she so generously purchased in celebration of your achievement! Well done!](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Sweet_Dreams-2165721_12.gif) ...for fresh brewed coffee on this chilly late winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the Oreo cookies I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the spaghetti I had for my brunch today. |
Kamal (Perfection) 1 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Monday, March 1, 2021 Feast of Ala Facebook Status Update Chilly March morning 19-Day Fast has begun with beautiful prayers Jalal (Glory) 6 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Saturday, March 6, 2021 Facebook status Update Happy Saturday Sunshine penetrates gray clouds Wind whispers through palms Jamal (Beauty) 7 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Sunday, March 7, 2021 Facebook Status Update Las Vegas in March Gray clouds dim the sun's bright light Neighbor walks her dog Istijlal (Majesty) 11 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Thursday, March 11, 2021 Facebook Status Update Happy Thankful Thursday! Today I'm thankful for the prayer that Baha'u'llah revealed for for the Fast. Thankful Thursday Gratitude Happy Thankful Thursday! Today I am grateful for Baha'u'llah, and the prayers He revealed. Istiqlal (Independence) 12 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Friday, March 12, 2021 Facebook Status Update I pause, take a deep breath and intone the prayer for America. Fidal (Grace) 16 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Facebook Status Update I sip from the chalice of God's Word, Prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah. Istqlal (Independence) 19 Ala (Loftiness) 177 B.E. - Friday, March 19, 2021 Facebook Status Update Today, March 19, 2021, is the 100th anniversary of my Mother's birth. Jamal (Glory) 1Baha (Splendor) 178 B.E. - Saturday, March 20, 2021 Naw-Ruz and Feast of Baha Facebook Status Update Joyful Naw-Ruz! Inhale the tranquility and raise your voices in praise. Not Sure of the Date Facebook Status Update Beautiful morning Birds singing in the pine trees Windy afternoon Jamal (Beauty) 9 Baha (Splendor) 178 B.E. - Sunday, March 28, 2021 Facebook Status Update On the last Sunday in March 2021, I inhale the morning chill and wonder if spring is really here Kamal (Perfection) 10 Baha (Splendor) 178 B.E. - Monday, March 29, 2021 Facebook Status Update Black cats are good luck When the rub against your leg They are giving you their good luck |
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