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A new blog to contain answers to prompts |
Since my old blog "Everyday Canvas "  became overfilled, here's a new one. This new blog item will continue answering prompts, the same as the old one. Cool water cascading to low ground
To spread good will and hope all around.  |
| Prompt: Holiday shopping: Are you an early shopper or a last-minute kind of shopper? ------- Normally, I like doing things ahead of time, but not too far ahead of time. I mean, I'm not one of those people who do Christmas shopping in June, but late fall is a good time in my book. Still, there have been occasions when I needed to do a last minute shopping, possibly for a new friend or someone whose name slipped my mind earlier. Most of the time, my gifts are pretty straightforward. They are usually something I know they want, possibly something they may need, or something to read. Unless I know the person real well, I don't get something to wear for them because buying clothes for people can get extra tricky. Also, another kind of a gift is something they can really have fun with like a board game or a year's subscription to an online game that I know they like playing. Then, when I am in a bind or don't know the person well enough, my gift could be something they didn't know they wanted.  Shopping for gifts can get trickier when one lives in a very crowded city. Then, when buying stuff in the stores, one has to be careful about their personal and financial safety. Of course, there's always Amazon and online shopping, too, to come to the rescue. |
| Prompt: Words Hope your Thanksgiving was everything you needed it to be. Please use these words in your entry today: bargain, disaster, bookstore, groceries, walk, chocolate, and peanuts. ---------- Books those simple joys in life, they keep me warm no simple storm ever can steal their charm like today, I *walked with my spirit high just to pass rows of stores where goods could lie with treasures and *bargains, as if a game but an ancient *bookstore did call my name so I now picked books in spines of gold edges worn with many-a-tale untold as if tasting *chocolate, rich and deep and scent of *peanuts roasting, just to sweep me off my feet; yet, when I left the store it was squalls, rain, and life tested me more a *disaster, no less, my patience was worn "no *groceries now, for my wallet's torn!" I clutched my books since my heart would be fed still I could laugh and then, press ahead books with joys of fancy keep me warm and no storm today can steal their charm |
| Prompt: Write about your favorite Thanksgiving memories for your entry today. If you don't celebrate, your favorite meal memory. ------- Here's my happy meals memories, since I already wrote about my Thanksgiving memories, yesterday. When I was a child, in summers usually, my grandmother's younger brother used to come visit us and stay with us for a month or more. He was a one of the elders of the family and was a judge in a faraway place. During the time he stayed with us, just about our whole family came to visit to see him. Most family members lived nearby, then; although a few others who lived farther away would stay the night, also. Luckily, our house was large enough. Still, some nights, the house would be so full that they made us kids share beds, with several beds in the same room, some on the floor made from mattresses, pillows, and sheets. I would be in seventh heaven, then, because I was an only child to my mother, and I loved all my cousins as I still do. Probably, this is because people who share little mischiefs usually stay close for life. During most of those nights, we ended up whispering to one another, until the wee hours. We had invented signals to let everyone know that an adult was on the way up the stairs, to check up on us. Then, the whole room would be quiet except for a few of us who couldn't contain our giggles. In those days, my grandmother would cook and bake from our family's traditional, favorite recipes. Some of those were ground beef and onion filled pastries as a side for soup or salad. Others were sweets with dripping honey or gooey syrup. Adults in the house also put us together around a kids' table for meals, and after one of those gooey deserts, some adult would come with a washcloth and a tiny tub of soapy water and say, "Don't anyone move!" We were only let go after she would be done with us. We were still expected to wash up ourselves afterwards, but that washcloth and soapy water was for the syrupy stuff as a preliminary clean up. Fast forward about seven decades from then, no more are the adults and a good number of my cousins from those days, and today, my remaining cousins are scattered all over the world, although we still keep in touch through technology, thank God. I guess, life always goes on, although people are made to be expendable, except for the memories. |
| Prompt: Write about your favorite Thanksgiving memories for your entry today. --------- Thanksgiving memories serve as a reminder of the positive aspects of family life and the importance of appreciating what you have. It is a time for fostering a sense of connection and belonging that can be deeply meaningful and comforting. My favorite Thanksgiving memories come back to me from decades ago, with my whole family at the dinner table in our Long Island home, plus some friends from upstate NY. In those years, I made sure that I didn’t have lumps in the gravy and had plenty of moisture in the dressing and it worked to everyone's taste-advantage. I remember very vividly one Thanksgiving when our older son, then 10 or 11, declared, "I love this food. There's nothing 'good-for-you' in it." Race time forward to this year, now the same son, who just turned 56 a few days ago, is a vegetarian, well, almost vegan, and is a health-nut. Go figure! I loved those years that almost feel like as if they were from another lifetime. And they were, for it was when, as the nuclear family, we were all together at the Thanksgiving table. That will never happen again, but the joy of those years still linger. Then, other later Thanksgiving memories have to do with my friend (RIP) who was my beloved ex-daughter-in-law's mother. She had us every year in her home and prepared a lavish dinner with her brother, daughter, and husband and we got to meet whoever else she invited. She was a lovely, chirpy woman and I miss her terribly. Then, when she got sick, there is that memory of our last Thanksgiving dinner together, at my son and then-daughter-in-law's house. That one was a very successful dinner, also, but somewhat bittersweet for me because it was the first Thanksgiving after my husband had passed away. Then, just a few months later, our kids separated to be divorced later, adding more bitter into the bittersweet. Still, I realize what a lucky woman I have been to spend decades of Thanksgivings with all the lovely people in my life. I am deeply and truly thankful for those very special human beings, some of whom now gracing the beyond, and for every wonderful person God placed in my life, ever. Happy Thanksgiving, WdC! |
| Prompt: "If you are buying a larger turkey than usual, make sure it will fit in the oven." Mary Berry What do you think is the lesson in this quote? Is Mary Berry talking about baking a turkey, only? ------- I can't exactly tell what Mary Berry says and in which context, but at face value, this is a basic and practical advice about baking a turkey. It can be a reminder to avoid the potential trouble of realizing, after the fact, that the turkey is too large for the oven. In which case, I would suggest that she cut up the turkey and cook it in pieces, possibly using both the top and the bottom racks of the oven.  On the other hand, in a metaphorical sense, that turkey may symbolize\ too large and too ambitious an undertaking, especially when the person attempting it doesn't have the capacity or the resources to handle it. Such problems can overstretch one's patience and will, as it may mean losing money and time. Add to this some lack of expertise, the quality of the project could be compromised in a big way. These, however, are only the beginning. Then, "What about the other challenges?" if I might ask. To answer my own question, those challenges start with stress and burnout, not only for the people who attempt too big an ideal but also they take a mental toll on colleagues and the people working under them. This means loss of morale, creativity, and even productivity. Then, when the promised result may not happen there looms a risk of losing personal, professional, and business credibility. Still worse yet, most of the too big projects run the risk of abandonment with loss. I'll have to say, here, "Politicians out there, take heed!" What is the cure, then? It is just like cutting up the too-big turkey for Mary Berry's small oven. Although it would have been better to set achievable goals from the beginning, it is better to break the project into smaller parts when a goal is too huge and complicated, so things can be more manageable. Also, it would help to either scale down the project or to seek expert help. In short, ambition needs to be balanced with practicality, as many oversized projects can become overwhelming in no time. |
| “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” Willie Nelson In what ways can we count our blessings and feel thankful? ------------ I tend to agree with Willie Nelson. Several years ago, I started writing about the good in my day, every night, in a journal. Then it became a habit. To this day, I keep such journals. Although my counting blessings, or rather thanking-God journal, is nothing more than a small lined 3x5 notebook. Over the years, I used quite a few of such notebooks, all filled up. It isn't that every single day I'm on cloud nine, but I have come to live with things well enough and handle life's difficulties much better than earlier in my life. Journaling, however, is only one way. I've read and heard that there are other ways also; such as reflecting on the present moment by noticing a sunny day or the beauty of the rain, a kind gesture of a person, or even something that tasted good. This is because when we find things to appreciate in the present moment, that appreciation calms down, at least to a degree, bigger upsets and trials we are facing. If I run out of ideas or I am too dumb to notice the good in the world, then gratitude prompts do help. For example one of them says, "Who made me smile today?" These prompts are abundant on the web. Just a simple browser search opens up new possibilities. Also, as cliche as it sounds, there is a silver lining in each cloud, i.e. difficulties. This is because challenges, sometimes help us grow by opening up unexpected avenues and new possibilities. Another important thing to keep in mind is finding out what's important for me at the moment. This is best done if I avoid comparing me to others. This way I can avoid feelings of envy or disappointment in myself. Some people I know create gratitude jars and others like me keep journals. It doesn't matter the means we use. What matters and really works is, when we actively practice gratitude for just about everything, this makes us notice and enjoy the blessings in our lives. |
| Prompt: E.E. Cummings said, “Peering from some high window, at the gold of a November sunset and feeling that if day has to become night, this is a beautiful way.” When you look out your window, what do you see when the day ends? -------- Florida sunsets, when it is not raining or storming, are very picturesque with all the red, orange, and yellow hues. Unfortunately and unlike the northern sunsets, they don't "linger." Actually, I feel lucky if they last 15-20 minutes. One thing I noticed though; the more stormy and rainy the day has been, the more the colors turn reddish once the dark clouds clear, as if the sky is embarrassed for putting us through the bad weather. When I look out from the window at the front of the house, I see the street and the colors in the sky from over the rooftops but only to the right side me. This is because facing the street, the west is to my right. My real treat is watching the sunset from the back. There are no windows on the back of the house, only four sets of sliding doors, each set for each room. The back of the house faces the golf course where the view is serene and beautiful, showing all the vibrant hues of the setting sun. There, the green I face is sometimes bathed in a golden yellow with the shadows of the trees elongating on it. The flagstick on the seventh hole stands silhouetted against the fading light, while the dew-laden grass begins to glisten, since the caretakers sometimes turn on the sprinklers late in the day. The mood is tranquil, and the distant houses surrounding the green appear as gentle silhouettes. Sometimes, if I slide open a door, I can hear the soft rustle of the leaves in the breeze. That is, if there's a breeze. At this time, gone are the golfers since this is when nature overtakes the sport and paints it into a breathtaking canvas. |
| Prompt: Do you like Hallmark Romance movies? Do you like the Christmas ones? Write about these in your Blog entry today. --------- I might be committing, with this entry, a writer's sin, and in this case, possibly provoke a movie goer's ire, when I say that I don't like anything strictly romance. Especially when it is unrealistic (in my opinion) and silly. I just checked the audience of Hallmark romance movies and found out that their main viewers are women aged 25-54. It just goes to show that my age might also be the culprit, here. After blaming my age and the influence of my late husband's dislike for silly romances, "Not humanly possible" (his words, not mine), I still think Hallmark deserves an applause for dragging so many viewers along to watch religiously its so-called princes, though they might be waiters at a hotel restaurant--or some such thing--who save damsels in distress. Also, it just takes courage to force the viewers' imaginations by coming up with many and different plots of trophy wives, common women (by common I mean those who do not belong to high society) being saved by a prince, or a (commoner) prince being picked up by the princess, or women fighting over a man, or men fighting over a woman, or love at first sight, etc. All plots can be recycled, too. So kudos to Hallmark for honoring the "Green" movement! Before anyone who is an afficionado of such plots comes for my throat, let me just say that I have no problem with romance as long as it makes sense and it is, for my liking, a part of a much larger theme, but when it is the only theme in a plot and not written well, it makes my hair stand on end. Sorry, Hallmark lovers, let's leave this as, 'each to her own taste!' But it is not just the plots, I guess when the script is too cheesy, the acting also goes down the drain. This may be because goofy romance movies does something ugly and slimy to even the best actors. Since I haven't watched such movies much, I dare say that there has to be exceptions as there are exceptions to a general rule, always. I have, however, watched more of the Christmas movies, especially when my children were little. After all, I have allowed myself during Christmas to be excited about family time, school break, Christmas magic, fancy cookies and food, and also movies. I'm not sure if the Christmas movies we watched were done by Hallmark, but they just might have been. I can only recall the title of "Home Alone," just because both my kids were high school to college age then, and I sat to watch it with them, for old times' sake. A friend of mine said she laughed at "Elf" but I haven't seen that movie and neither do I plan to. Still, during that time of the year, I mean Christmas, most of us allow ourselves to be excited about even the silliest things. So, from that point of view, Hallmark could be a good possible choice, after all. |
| Prompt: "Every day brings new choices." Write about this quote in your Blog entry today. ------- Right now, I'm in the beginning of a day and I'm very happy with the weather report, since the scorching heat seems to have taken a short leave. I woke up to nice 76 degrees and the weather people say it will go up to 78 with rain. I don't mind the rain at all. The whole world needs it; that is, not to be overdone but enough of it. It is true! Each day brings new choices. Some small like the weather I just wrote about or what to wear, what to eat, and when to begin cleaning the house, if ever! Then, there are weightier choices such as: Do I take a risk, start or mend a new or old friendship, change my routine, manage my money better? To top it with an even better mood, even my mistakes have a clout. Sometimes they teach me; other times, they let me use them to my benefit. Anyone who writes will know this: Even a misspelled word will evoke new ideas. As I have found out during my long years on earth, growth sometimes stems from imperfections. Since I did a lot yesterday, I'm planning to take things easier today, but then, who knows, any day is a blank page. We build it with the choices we make, as if a mosaic. Any routine could turn into an adventure and any hour can turn the ordinary into extraordinary. Then, in the beginning of a new day, one might say or think, "Here we go, again!" or might just be happy to be alive and say, "Good Morning, World!" May we all have great days and may we approach them with optimism and intention, always! |
| Prompt: Trust What kinds of actions or signs make you believe someone is trustworthy? And if trust is broken, how can it be rebuilt? ------ Honestly speaking, I don't really know of the kinds of actions or signs that could make me believe someone is trustworthy. Possibly, someone who never lies, one would think would be trustworthy, wouldn't one? In my experience that, too, is a false positive. This is because someone who never tells a lie, once made public something I told her not to tell anyone. It wasn't anything earth-shattering but it was the possible concept of a thesis that I was about to prepare. Once the word got around, I picked a different topic and that was that! Trust, when it is strong, involves confidence in another person’s integrity, abilities, and intentions. Trust is earned over time and once it is broken, it takes much more time to rebuild it; that's if one can, after a trust or (let's say) a heart was broken. Even if the one who has broken the trust may take full responsibility of it later, to rebuild the trust is a tough job. This is because when a trust is broken, it creates a rift. In fact, I don't think trust, once broken can be rebuilt fully, at least as far as I am concerned. I am guessing if one wants to rebuild it, their first step could be to acknowledge it. Then an apology, a sincere one, is in order, accompanied by a sincere remorse. The exception to this could be between two parties who are deeply involved with each other, as in a marriage. Even then, the party whose trust was broken, would need to set boundaries and expectations. It is like, "Look, you broke my trust, once. Who says I have to keep on being your friend, lover, spouse, etc.!" Only, when there are extenuating circumstances, the two parties can work on rebuilding a better trustworthy relationship. This doesn't only go for individuals but also for governments and people. Trust is built on the belief that governments will act in the best interests of all their citizens, not any one group or any one ideal. Lack of trust in one's government ends up pulling the rug from under economic progress, democratic governing, and social unity. When we trust our governments, we are more likely to obey the laws, pay taxes, and take part in civic life. The opposite, usually and unfortunately, leads to apathy, unrest, and rebellion. Rebuilding trust between governments and citizens is often undercut by several issues, such as corruption, political polarization, or economic instability. Also, misinformation and media bias can add to people's distrust. This is so unfortunate for any one country! On the plus side, when a government earns the trust of its citizens, cooperation is seamless and economic prosperity increases while social tensions ease. Still, I believe quick fixes cannot rebuild trust. Continuous effort and positive principle of good governing as well as transparency and dialogue are necessary. Another point I think is important is that good will toward building or re-building a trust is necessary, be it the trust or the broken trust is between individuals, groups, or governments and people. I certainly hope, we can all live in a world, someday, in which we can trust one another and our governing bodies. |
| Prompt: Gratitude Is gratitude is important for our well-being and do you think gratitude could relate to love? If so, in what ways? ----------- Surely, gratitude is important for our emotional health. It deepens our relationships and enriches our general well-being. And that's only the start. If this weren't true, why several of my friends and I would be keeping gratitude journals! We write in our journals every night because, this way, what we are given or rather what we were generously granted during the day takes its proper place in the forefront of our minds. As the result, we are more appreciative of our days here on earth and we can face the storms and difficulties with much better acceptance and understanding. Also, through acceptance and appreciation, we value others' actions, words, and existence. This means we can easily build emotional bridges with others and understand and appreciate their problems and joys. Especially when people support us in difficult times, their understanding ties us together even more. Then, the comfort of feeling of being understood, at least sometimes, gives rise to love. I mean not only romantic love but all kinds of love. This is because love opens our hearts a lot more to noticing gestures, actions, and friendly approaches that, otherwise, we might have taken for granted. Even those small sweet incidents like our children's laughter, a partner's understanding and small thoughtful acts, and a friend's note on the Messenger or their voice over the phone sends more joy and happiness to us. Alternately, those feelings of love make expressions of gratitude more heartfelt and genuine, creating a cycle of giving and receiving that strengthens emotional ties. Referring back to gratitude journaling, here, taking the time to write all those much valued, small prizes from others reinforces our belief in ourselves and in our part in humanity. It ties us strongly to others, even if the journal is for our own eyes, only. To cultivate love and gratitude together, in addition to mindful appreciation, such as a gratitude journal, we can choose to express our thankfulness by telling others what we appreciate about them, and also, we can focus on positivity in all our relationships by celebrating strengths and overlooking minor flaws. Gratitude and love, when embraced together, are not in words only. While words also show our gratitude, even the smallest acts of love may speak louder than words . |
| Prompt: Phrases Have fun with these famous movie phrases : Sugar and Spice, Houston we have a problem, I'm the king of the world, and show me the money. ------------- Sweet Stuff Mia and Carter, two friends all the way from childhood were thinking of an ambitious project: a food-truck that would sell gourmet desserts. They were now here, in "Sugar and Spice," a quirky café known for its exotic desserts and unpredictable events. This visit could give them some good ideas for their project. The café was buzzing with energy, today. Many divine scents, especially that of cinnamon and chocolate, filled its inside. Mia and Carter were shown to a corner booth. As soon as they sat down, Carter opened his laptop to a spreadsheet of possible costs. "Such delicious food and coffee," Mia muttered, nibbling on a sugar-dusted croissant. "So, what do you think?" Carter frowned. "Houston, we have a problem!" He leaned back in his chair and pointed to the menu on the wall and around the place. "It's the startup costs. Much higher than we expected." "Relax," Mia grinned. "We can pitch the idea around. If we win, another business may cover half of our starting costs." Before Carter could answer her, a man at a table close by suddenly sprang up from his chair. "I'm the king of the world!" he shouted, holding his fork as if a scepter. The café erupted in laughter, and everyone applauded. Mia laughed, too. "See?" she said to Carter, "Confidence is key. I bet we've got this." Carter smirked. "Okay, then," he said. "So, show me the money!" "Deal!" Mia held out her hand and Carter shook it. "Let's try! Let's just start on it, at least," Carter said, feeling a bit more hopeful. "Let's try a bank loan, too. We'll make it work somehow." “After all, every king—or queen—needs a sweet empire to rule,” Mia chuckled. "Savor flavors, ignite senses!" Carter said, now smiling widely. "Hey, that's a good motto for our food truck!" Mia exclaimed. As they left the café a while later, Mia and Carter were happy, in good spirits, and full of hope. At least, they had come up with what to write on the two sides of their food truck: "Savor flavors, ignite senses!" Isn't it so true that sweet treats make our outlook on life much more sweeter! |
| Prompt: Christmas Tree Christmas trees are like a blank page, tell us how you're going to decorate yours. Do you do a theme? Do you put up just family mementoes, maybe a mixture of store bought and homemade? Lights or no lights.. ------ My son is coming from NY next month, and I won't have a Christmas tree. This is because, for a very long time, we didn't have Christmas trees. Both my sons and my late husband, as much as they respected tradition, felt that live trees were abused during Christmas time. For us, fake trees were out, also. Fake just wouldn't do it! So we didn't have them, but when the kids were little, we picked up any fallen tree limb and decorated that, so the boys wouldn't feel shortchanged. So here is a Christmas Tree story instead. The Little Fir Tree The tiny fir tree in the forest dreamt of becoming a Christmas tree. "Why am I so small and scrubby? I can't be what I want to be,"he sighed. The owl that had perched on a branch on a nearby tree said, "Your size is not what matters. You can still be what you want to be in your heart and spirit." The little fir tree knew the owl was a wise one and took the owl's words to heart, and stood up straight and proud, realizing even though he was small, he still could be a very special Christmas tree. Sure enough, a kind-looking man pushing a large cart came into the forest, searching for a small tree. When he saw this little one, a warm smile spread over his face. "This tiny tree," he muttered, "will be the perfect Christmas tree for me for years to come." So he carefully dug up the little tree, keeping all his roots intact, and placed him in his large cart. When this man and the little fir tree got home, the man planted the little fir in his backyard, and then, decorated him with popcorn, apples, tinsel, and a shiny star at his top. The little fir tree swung gently left and right, feeling so proud and happy. That night, the man's granddaughter came to visit. When she saw the little decorated tree in the yard, her eyes widened with delight. "Oh, what a beautiful Christmas Tree!" she exclaimed. The little tree sparkled and twinkled. Not only his dreams had come true, but also he had brought so much joy to a little girl and he knew he would continue to bring happiness to people as long as he lived. After all, isn't it true that this is what Christmas is all about? |
| Prompt: "There is always a but in an imperfect world." Anne Bronte Write about this in your Blog entry today. ----------- Hahaha! This quote or rather that cynical "but" made me laugh. Anne Bronte or the character she made to say this must have been a perfectionist. I can just picture it. Whoever said it must have added a sigh at the end of her utterance, too. Of course, there's always a flaw, a nick, a misstep, or a stumbling over something in life. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here, would we? Just think, so many people on this earth and if we were all perfect, we'd look, feel, act, and be the same all around. Boring? Yes, but even more than that. We'd learn nothing! Perfection trips us all the time. None of us want to make a mistake, and even when we make mistakes, we have either extenuating circumstances or we are unaware of what we are doing or saying. We always want to make sure we’ve got everything right. We need to look our best, don't we! This, however, is not reality, is it? Truth is, we're all completely and perfectly imperfect. Luckily! In that vein, imagine the possibilities if we really embraced our imperfections. To begin with, our inner critics would end up with a sore throat and they wouldn't and couldn't make their voices heard. Yay! We'd also hesitate to go after what we want and what we need. As an example, there would never be a Writing.com in existence. Come to think of it, I'd have a rather dull time without WdC. Then, any seemingly perfect situation, say a perfect job, can have a flaw, too, like a demanding boss, long hours, or low pay. Even in relationships, "but" could refer to small or big differences between partners that need work and understanding. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to deal with another replica of myself.  There are. therefore, always tradeoffs and nuances in life to complicate our time here; however, without them, everything would be so dull! In short, any positive is never so simple and most any "but" adds color to an otherwise black and white world. |
| Prompt: "You'll have true happiness when you live to give, not to get" Noa Shaw Write about this in your Blog entry today. -------- This quote may mean that selflessness and generosity is better for achieving happiness, better than going after personal gain. Although, the part, "you live to give, not to get" bothered me some. Now that I looked at the quote or rather thought about the meaning of it, my way, who am I to think that people will find true happiness when they "give" all the time, instead of "get" at least some of the time! Isn't there a happy medium? Focusing on only "getting," however, one ends up becoming an extremely selfish person, and this is not good for anyone's self image or adaptation to life, and this type of getting could only be the beginning of his woes. Also, let's consider the other side of the coin. What if someone only gives and gives, to the detriment of himself, his health, his well-being, and even his relationships and his children? The result could make a very poor and very unhappy human being, couldn't it! Yet, altruism and service can be uplifting for one's own image, true. Still, even that is some kind of getting, isn't it! Contribution to others' well being and the feelings of compassion does bring joy and an true happiness, but I believe this non-stop giving shouldn't overtake everything to the abandonment of all else in one's life and relationships. The right action, therefore, has to fall somewhere in the middle. By taking care of our own needs as well as focusing on giving has to be the way to an authentic happiness. |
| Prompt: Understanding One's Own Self Which kinds of people can help others to understand themselves the most? And is or was there such a person in your life who has helped you understand yourself better? ---------- One of my uncles comes to mind. As a child growing up and later a teenager, I found a haven in one of my uncles. He always listened to me without judgment and if anything, he encouraged me to tell him even the most rotten things I did and even those I thought of doing even if I never did them. This uncle was also a writer, and we had literature in common, which we both enjoyed talking about. I learned a lot from him. Whereas my mother was enforcing the rules, "do this, don't do that," sort of thing, my uncle was listening to my insides and encouraging me to face my shadowed side. It helped me, I think, much better than what those throwing directives at me. Come to think of it, it is possible that having both my mother and my uncle might have worked well on me during my formative years. Maybe we need all kinds of input from those around us as we grow up. One-sided anything does become lop-sided, doesn't it! Still, when I think of people who effectively help others understand themselves better, I think of those with listening skills, patience, empathy, and communication abilities. To top it all, the know-how or ability to put complex concepts in simple terms, a wish to help others, and a genuine interest in others' perspectives would make a really helpful person, be it he or she. This person maybe a therapist, a family member, or a friend. After all this thinking about people helping others to understand themselves, I recall a Carl Jung quote that says: “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” It is shocking to think how blind we are to our unconscious, of if you wish, call it subconscious. They may be the same or two different things, but it doesn't matter. I think they are related; however, I'm not all that familiar with today's vocabulary of the recent study of psychology. Much of the psychologists of the early twentieth century , like Sigmund Freud, suggested that much of the self could be hidden in the unconscious mind. As I was very much interested in psychology, while I was studying other things in higher ed., I took some psychology courses earning myself what one might call a minor degree in such studies. At the time, Jung had just passed away and wasn't so well-known, at least not as well as Freud. Then, only recently, I came across Jung's shadow work, which became of great interest to me, in my old age. This is because I think--with our traumas, joys, and all--self-understanding is a dynamic process that is or should be ongoing. What is shadow work? I think of it as the underdog of our psyches. On the other hand, it is a very powerful underdog that only makes itself knows only on occasion, especially when we surprise ourselves with sudden unexplainable, unrelated or even unbecoming actions and feelings. Knowing about our shadows or at least trying to understand them is like finding a goldmine. It gives one an immense power in oneself, and it also makes one stop blaming and scapegoating others. Also, if we are after being authentic, how is it possible that we keep hiding parts of ourselves, or even, not loving those parts! Shadow work can be done with a therapist, true, but it has to be a therapist who is really good at what he or she is doing. Hard to find, and for people like me, hard to trust. Still, in my opinion, the best shadow work is done on one's own. For this, a notebook and pen are the only tools, plus the promise to oneself to be 100% truthful. One begins that notebook-journal by answering shadow-work questions as truthfully as one can, making sure that notebook is only for the eyes of its writer. Here are some shadow work questions from the web, in no certain order, but one can always pick and choose or come up with one's own questions. https://seekingserotonin.com/shadow-work-journal-prompts/ https://selfhealjourney.com/2023/02/24/shadow-work-prompts/ https://www.rosebud.app/blog/shadow-work-journal-prompts https://psychedelic.support/resources/50-shadow-work-journal-prompts/ https://www.reddit.com/r/ShadowWork/comments/16bdqa8/shadow_work_journal_prompts... https://www.betterup.com/blog/shadow-work-prompts https://www.scienceofpeople.com/shadow-work-prompts/ |
| Prompt: Taking risks What is better, staying safe or taking a risk? Did you ever have to make such a choice and would you do it again? -------- The way I see it, any risk is tied to uncertainty. While uncertainty may have its own hidden benefits, I am not any admirer of uncertainties. When you come down to it though, every step we take has a hidden risk although the possibility of it could be near zero. And another thing, this whole thinking of it signals to me that there is no such thing as staying safe. Did I ever have to make such a choice and would I do it again? Certainly, I did. Even eating a cookie is taking a risk. How could I make sure that some part of the cookie would not escape into my throat and choke me, for example. Then, I did also took huge risks when I chose a line of study, married, had kids, moved to here and there, traveled as much as I did, and moved to Florida where we are threatened by hurricanes every year. Am I sorry for all that? Definitely, not. Plus, taking all these risks that I took in my life were well worth it. Dangerous or not, at each step we take, we are taking risks, although we may not be aware of it at the moment. Yet, if the question is about taking risks with well-knowing the potential dangers, that is another thing. In which case, we need to take into consideration if taking a certain risk is advisable. This has to do with assessing a risk's potential benefits against its losses. Also, our level of preparedness is important; that is, keeping in mind if we have the skills and know-how to tackle any negative outcome. Then, comes my favorite part: personal tolerance for uncertainty. Although some people can thrive in unpredictable situations, I feel anxious; however, those who know me may think I am soooo calm. I have a confession here: I'm not as calm or collected as anyone may think. Quite the contrary! On the other hand, there is a very positive side to taking risks. It gives us growth and learning opportunities. Some risks, even those with negative outcomes, lead to personal and emotional development that lets us make future decisions with better effective thinking and more information. Still, in my opinion, when the motivation for taking any risk is mostly impulsive rather than thought-through, it is wise to take a step back and hold the decision while we reassess. So, right now, I'm crossing my fingers and saying, "May all our risk-taking produce very positive results!" |
| Prompt: Make a list of common objects that you might like to write about because of their appearance or personal association. Write comparisons to these objects anything--everything you can think of about the objects. Now take all this information you've gathered and write a story or a poem about what you've discovered with your list. Have fun. Another Mathew Sweeney and John Hartley Williams exercise in case you're wondering. --------- List: photo in a frame, eyeglasses Himalayan salt lamp bowl of candy dictionary calendar --------- While You Watch Watching me, your photo in a frame sits still on my desk as if a nest for memories entombed but not cast aside, and beside it, my eyeglasses rest folded, with their lenses catching light on the side, quietly like the Himalayan salt lamp, glowing soft and warm, casting hues in a gentle form. A bowl of candy nearby the frame with your photo waits, sweet like you, as a small treat for when tears come. At the edge, my dictionary leans to words bound for reference or wisdom profound, and as I turn each page, the calendar on the wall, marks my time's pace; its comfort, a slow, quiet grace letting me know how we'll meet again soon, or maybe in many-a-moon, while you watch me in this room of little things, still and blue, but bathed in your warm hue, my world embraces its silence. |
| Prompt: Use these phrases in your entry today: cry over spilt milk, short end of the stick, a home bird, and quality of time. --------- I have always feared negativity because it is a powerful force. Then, I don't know anyone who wouldn't be uncomfortable in the presence of a negative person. Also, I believe negativity may be a learned behavior, but it sure can be tamed. While it is normal for most of us to face difficult situations, allowing negativity dominate our thinking can hinder our personal growth and make others feel uneasy. Now, how is being negative a good choice? A most common negative behavior has to do with dwelling on past mistakes or "crying over spilt milk." Yes, you might have gotten "the short end of the stick" all right, but why insist on creating a lasting resentment? Isn't it a better idea to focus on what we can control, while taking note of the injustices and trying to make things better? I can certainly understand those who are "home birds" by nature. To them, dealing with the unknown can be unsettling. Although their perceived stability or their desire for it can sound normal, that very stability can prevent people from new and useful experiences. When a "home bird" breaks out of his comfort zone, he (or she) often finds that he has not only gotten over his fears but also he has enriched his very own life. Then, negativity also prevents people from appreciating others and spending meaningful experiences with them. Where family and friends are concerned, "quality of time" also pops up into view. Such time spent is essential for building strong bonds, instead of being wasted on resentment, fights, pessimism or complaints by any kind. Overcoming any negative behavior requires a conscious shift in perspective that contains acceptance, resilience, and openness to change. It is a job. all right, and it isn't very easy, at least not always. Still, isn't it worth our wellness and goodness of character to tackle it? And why not turn any negativity, if and when we detect it, into a more positive behavior, for it to allow into our lives growth, serenity, and with one another, a lasting sincerity? |
| Prompt: "Patience is learned through waiting." Eyen A. Gardner Write about this in your Blog entry today -------- Yes, but the waiting is so difficult! I wasn't born to be a patient person, even and especially with myself. Yet, I got better at it over the years...I think. So let's look at this learned patience. Learned patience is not simply a passive endurance but a kind of emotional quickness. It happens when we learn to focus out attention and energies on what we can control while letting go off what we cannot. The problem with waiting is that constant slap of uncertainty and sometimes frustration. Yet, waiting encourages mindfulness. In mindful moments, we might find ourselves more aware of our surroundings, options, feelings, and thoughts. In short, waiting invites us to live in the present moment. This means we learn to endure and feel gratitude for those things positive in life. This means learning humility. While I am at it, I am going to mention something that got on my nerves a bit during the last two days. It is the reactions of some to US elections. I believe it doesn't matter for whom I cast my vote and for whom you cast yours. This country's ways are based upon the majority rule. We all have to learn to accept that rule. Otherwise, there are other places on earth where a person from the USA will be accepted with open arms. If that option is out for you also, you have to learn patience and stop carping about this outcome. For your own good, to start with. Your complaints, fears, and cries all over the internet is not doing any good to you or to the USA. What I'm saying is that, just wait and see. Maybe there will be instances where you can help avoid something negative or help with something positive. Rather than rushing to a possible or impossible terrible end with your thoughts and feelings, wait and do your best. As you'll find out, your patience will provide its own reward. A reward to you, to us, and to everyone else around us, but mostly to the USA and the world. |
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