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 As the first blog entry got exhausted. My second book |
| Evolution of Love Part 2 |
| A story inspired by "Long Road to Ruin" by Foo Fighters would capture themes of transformation, defiance, and the endurance of the human spirit when faced with difficult crossroads and change. Maya always felt most at peace behind the wheel, the road stretching endlessly ahead of her as she left behind fragments of a life weighed down by choices, regrets, and untold stories. Her hometown, nestled in a valley, was both a comfort and a prison—a place where dreams once bloomed but ultimately faded as quickly as the color in autumn leaves. Years ago, she departed with a simple promise: return only once she could face the ghosts she’s left behind. A decade later, news reached her of changes back home: the old factory shuttered, her childhood park now a shell of its former self, friends scattered by time and necessity. She felt compelled to return, not as a victor but as someone seeking closure. The small suitcase in her trunk weighed heavier than it should—a symbol of nostalgia and unresolved hurts. On her journey, Maya met others on their own paths of ruin and renewal—a drifter who taught her the value of letting go, a single mother who embodied quiet resilience, a mechanic who saw beauty in broken things. Each encounter chipped away at her stubborn heart, teaching her that change doesn't mean erasure but transformation, that the road could lead to new beginnings if she dared to follow it. As she crossed familiar streets under cold streetlights, memories flooded back: laughter in forgotten alleyways, heartbreaks in empty parking lots, whispered secrets at midnight. The town had changed, but in surprising ways—murals where walls once stood, new faces among old friends, hope woven into the cracks of sidewalks. Maya realized her journey wasn’t about returning to what once was, but embracing what could be. She scaled the emotional walls she'd built, stood in fields unnamed, and gathered the fragments of her past not as burdens, but as the foundation for her next chapter. Leaving behind her old fears, she stepped into the horizon, knowing that every long road to ruin is also a long road to renewal. Inspiration & Themes - **Transformation**: The story centers on personal change and the courage to return and reconcile with the past. - **Resilience**: Maya's journey reflects perseverance—the willingness to confront pain, accept growth, and move forward despite setbacks. - **Hope**: Even on the long road through hardship, there are moments of beauty and connection, suggesting healing and new beginnings. This tale echoes the spirit of the Foo Fighters’ song, framing healing and change as journeys taken one step at a time, with no clear dead ends—only roads leading onward. |
| Summary of Jonathan Livingston Seagull Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach is a timeless fable about a young seagull's quest for perfection and freedom. Unlike the other gulls who are content with just scavenging for food, Jonathan is driven by a passion for flight itself. He dedicates his life to mastering advanced aerial maneuvers, pushing the limits of what a seagull is thought to be capable of. His obsession with flight makes him an outcast in his flock, which values conformity and survival above all else. Eventually, he's banished from the flock for his unconventional ways. In his exile, Jonathan discovers a new existence with a group of like-minded seagulls who share his love for flight and learning. These gulls, including his mentor Chiang, teach him about the deeper aspects of flying, which they see as a path to a higher state of being. Through their guidance, Jonathan learns to fly faster than ever before and even to teleport, or "flicker" through space and time. He realizes that the true essence of flight isn't just physical but also spiritual. After reaching this enlightenment, he decides to return to his old flock, not for revenge, but to share what he's learned and inspire others. He takes on a small group of students, teaching them that true freedom lies in breaking free from self-imposed limitations and societal norms. The story concludes with Jonathan's students continuing his legacy, sharing the message that every individual has the potential to achieve greatness by following their inner purpose and transcending the ordinary. (Word Count: 236) Characters That Inspired Me The character that inspired me the most is undoubtedly Jonathan Livingston Seagull himself. He embodies the spirit of an individual who refuses to be confined by the expectations of his society. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering dedication to his passion for flight is truly inspiring. Jonathan isn't just a seagull who wants to fly fast; he's a visionary who sees flying not as a means to an end, but as an art form and a path to self-discovery. His willingness to be an outcast in order to stay true to himself is a powerful lesson in integrity and courage. He shows that true freedom comes from within, by breaking free from the fear of judgment and the chains of conformity. The Elder Seagull, Chiang, is another character that deeply interested me. He serves as Jonathan's mentor and represents a higher level of wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. Chiang isn't just an instructor of advanced flight techniques; he teaches Jonathan that flying is about more than just physical movement. He introduces the idea that the body is just a thought and that true flight involves transcending physical limitations. Chiang's gentle yet profound guidance shows that true teachers don't just provide answers; they inspire their students to find the answers within themselves. His character represents the potential for wisdom and growth that comes with experience and a dedication to a higher purpose. Finally, the character of Fletcher Lynd Seagull is also quite inspiring. He's Jonathan's first and most devoted student, representing the potential for change and the ripple effect of a single person's inspiration. Fletcher starts out as a troubled seagull, but his encounter with Jonathan transforms his life. He learns to not only fly with skill but to also see the world with a new perspective. Fletcher's journey shows that one person's courage can inspire a whole new generation. He embodies the idea that a single student, if they truly grasp a lesson, can become a teacher themselves, spreading the message of freedom and possibility. (Word Count: 337) Theme/Lesson That Caught My Attention The most significant theme that caught my attention in Jonathan Livingston Seagull is the idea of transcending self-imposed limitations and societal expectations. The entire story revolves around Jonathan’s journey to break free from the traditional life of a seagull, which is centered on the mundane task of finding food. He understands that his purpose is far greater than mere survival. He pushes past the physical limits of flight, and in doing so, he also breaks free from the mental and spiritual limitations that his flock has accepted as normal. This lesson resonates deeply because it's a powerful metaphor for the human experience. We often let societal norms, family expectations, or our own fears dictate what we can and cannot do. We accept our "lot" in life without questioning if there might be something more. Jonathan teaches us that true freedom and happiness are found not in conforming, but in courageously following our own unique path. The book suggests that the limitations we perceive are often just a product of our own beliefs. By changing our mindset and dedicating ourselves to our passions, we can achieve things we once thought were impossible. This theme of self-actualization and striving for excellence beyond the ordinary is a profound and timeless message that continues to inspire. It encourages the reader to look inward and ask themselves, "What is my purpose, and what am I willing to do to achieve it?" (Word Count: 260) Review: My Own Observations and Opinions Jonathan Livingston Seagull is a fascinating and surprisingly profound book. What I liked most is its elegant simplicity. Richard Bach manages to convey complex spiritual and philosophical ideas through the simple metaphor of a seagull and his love for flying. The prose is clean and concise, which makes the book accessible to readers of all ages. The story is a quick read, but the message it carries lingers long after you've finished the last page. It’s an effective and powerful fable that doesn’t need complex characters or an intricate plot to get its point across. I also appreciate the book’s optimistic and empowering tone. It’s a story about hope, courage, and the potential for every individual to achieve greatness. It encourages readers to be their own person, to question the status quo, and to find their true calling. It's a great book for anyone feeling stuck or uninspired, as it serves as a powerful reminder that we are the masters of our own destiny. My main dislike is that the book, at times, can feel a bit too idealistic. The resolution to Jonathan's conflicts feels almost too easy. He faces resistance from his flock but then effortlessly finds a new one that immediately understands him. The characters, while effective as symbols, are not deeply developed, which is a trade-off for the book's allegorical nature. The book is more of a philosophical treatise than a character-driven story, which might not appeal to everyone. Despite this, the book’s core message is so strong that these minor shortcomings are easily overlooked. It’s a classic for a reason, and a book I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a dose of inspiration. (Word Count: 282) |
| Book Review: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho This is a review of Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, a modern classic that tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who embarks on a journey to find a hidden treasure. The book is a fable-like narrative that delves into the themes of destiny, personal legends, and the importance of following one's heart. Summary (289 words) The story follows Santiago, a young shepherd who has a recurring dream about a treasure buried at the foot of the Egyptian pyramids. He consults a gypsy woman and then an old king named Melchizedek, who encourages him to pursue his "Personal Legend." He sells his flock and travels to Tangier, where he is immediately robbed. This setback forces him to work for a crystal merchant to save money for his journey. He learns valuable life lessons from the merchant about fear and missed opportunities. Eventually, Santiago resumes his journey across the Sahara Desert. Along the way, he joins a caravan and meets an Englishman who is searching for an alchemist. The caravan's journey is fraught with danger due to tribal wars. Santiago finds love with a girl named Fatima at a desert oasis, but he must leave her to continue his quest. He finally meets the Alchemist, who guides him through the last leg of his journey, teaching him about the "Soul of the World" and the language of omens. The Alchemist tests Santiago's courage and faith, pushing him to trust his heart and the universe. When Santiago finally reaches the pyramids, he is again robbed, but in a surprising twist, he learns the true location of the treasure. It wasn't in Egypt but back in his homeland, under the very tree he had the initial dream. The book concludes with Santiago's return, fulfilling his Personal Legend and finding his treasure—both material and spiritual. Theme or Lesson You've Learned (293 words) One of the most profound lessons I learned from The Alchemist is the importance of following your "Personal Legend" and trusting the journey, not just the destination. Coelho defines a Personal Legend as what you have always wanted to accomplish. It's not just a goal but a life's purpose that the universe conspires to help you achieve if you have the courage to pursue it. The book taught me that fear of failure or the unknown is the biggest obstacle to our dreams. Santiago's journey is full of setbacks, from being robbed to facing the dangers of the desert, but each obstacle is a lesson in disguise. The theme of "the universe conspiring to help you" really resonated with me. It suggests that when you are truly committed to your path, the world around you provides signs, or "omens," to guide you. This isn't about magical thinking but about being attentive to opportunities and intuition. The book emphasizes that the journey itself is as valuable as the treasure at the end. The real treasure for Santiago wasn't the gold but the wisdom, courage, and love he gained along the way. This lesson encourages a mindset of resilience and faith, reminding us that every step, even a wrong one, can be part of a larger plan for our growth. It makes you realize that your true purpose is not a fixed point but a continuous process of becoming. Character That Inspired You (293 words) The character that inspired me the most was undoubtedly the Alchemist. While Santiago is the protagonist, the Alchemist is the mentor figure who truly shapes his understanding of the world. He's a mysterious and wise character who lives in the desert, possessing deep knowledge of alchemy and the "Soul of the World." What's so inspiring about him is his unwavering faith in Santiago and his ability to see beyond the surface. He doesn't give Santiago all the answers but instead guides him to discover them on his own. He pushes Santiago to confront his fears, to listen to his heart, and to speak the "language of the world." The Alchemist's teachings are not just about finding gold; they are about understanding your true self. He teaches Santiago that fear is a greater enemy than death and that you must lose the fear of losing what you have. His calm and powerful presence is a constant reminder that true wisdom comes from within. The Alchemist is not a magical character in the traditional sense; he is a representation of pure faith and guidance. He teaches that everything on earth is part of a single thing, and that when you truly want something, the universe conspires in helping you achieve it. His most profound lesson is that the journey itself is the reward. He shows Santiago that the treasure is not just material but is the self-discovery and spiritual growth gained on the path. My Own Observation (296 words) My own observation of The Alchemist is that it's more than just a story; it's a powerful parable for life. While some critics may find its message overly simplistic or cliché, I believe its simplicity is its greatest strength. The book strips away the complexities of modern life and presents a timeless truth: that our deepest desires are worth pursuing. I found the narrative to be incredibly accessible, almost like a children's story, but with profound lessons hidden in every chapter. The use of simple, symbolic language makes the concepts of "Personal Legend" and "the Soul of the World" easy to grasp. I also noticed that the book's power lies in its ability to inspire. It doesn't offer a step-by-step guide to success but rather a mindset shift. It encourages readers to look for meaning in their own lives and to trust their intuition. The cyclical nature of Santiago's journey, starting and ending in the same place but with a completely different perspective, is a brilliant literary device. It highlights that the true treasure is not external but internal, and that the "treasure" we seek is often found after a long and transformative journey. I believe this is a book that everyone should read at least once. It’s a book that can be interpreted differently at various stages of life, and its lessons grow with you. The book serves as a gentle but firm reminder that it's never too late to listen to your heart and embark on your own unique adventure. |
| During a Robbery in Hong Kong, the Bank Robber shouted to everyone in the bank: "Don't move. The Money belongs to the Government. Your Life belongs to You." Everyone in the Bank laid down quietly. This is called "Mind Changing Concept” Changing the Conventional Way of Thinking. When a Lady lay on the Table provocatively, the Robber shouted at her: "Please be Civilised! This is a Robbery . This is called "Being Professional” . Focus only on What You are Trained to do! When the Bank Robbers returned Home, the Younger Robber (MBA Trained) told the older Robber (who has only completed Year 6 in Primary School): "Big Brother, let's count how much we got." The older Robber rebutted and said: "You are very Stupid. There is so much Money it will take us a long time to count. Tonight, the TV News will tell us how much we Robbed from the Bank!" This is called "Experience” Nowadays, experience is more Important than Paper Qualifications! After the Robbers had left, the Bank Manager told the Bank supervisor to call the Police quickly. But the Supervisor said to him: "Wait! Let us take out $10 Million from the Bank for ourselves and add it to the $70 Million that we have previously Embezzled from the Bank”. This is called "Swim with the Tide” Converting an unfavorable situation to Your Advantage! The Supervisor says: "It will be Good if there is a Robbery every month." This is called "Changing Priority” Personal Happiness is more Important than Your Job”. The next day, the TV News reported that $100 Million was taken from the Bank. The Robbers Counted and Counted and Counted, but they could only Count $20 Million. The Robbers were very Angry and Complained: "We risked our Lives and only took $20 Million. The Bank Manager took $80 Million with a snap of his fingers. It looks like it is better to be Educated than to be a Thief!" This is called "Knowledge is worth as much as Gold!" 👆Must read ..Superb one👌 The above indeed gives Good Management Lessons. 🤔🤔🤔 |
Cole had been running his whole life. From a childhood town too small for his dreams, to a succession of jobs too big for his heart. Meetings, deadlines, suits—his whole world spun at a speed he couldn't step off. Every morning started with the hum of fluorescent light and every night ended with a tired sigh into the dark. Now, late in his thirties, he found himself on a rusted train chugging through nowhere, someplace between his latest contract and a city he couldn’t remember applying to. The train was old—its rhythm uneven, like an out-of-practice drummer, and the seats were torn in places. But it was quiet. Cole sat by the window, watching the countryside blur into shapes and colors he couldn't name. The fields rolled like an ocean, hills drifting lazily beneath the heavy dusk. No signal; no pressing emails; no urgent messages. Just the hiss of the slowing engine and the squeal of steel on steel. Then, a jolt. The train groaned, wheezed... and stopped. Passengers muttered, groaned, complained. A conductor passed through the car, muttering something about delay, an engine issue, a team on the way. Cole, for once, felt no urge to check the time or ask for an estimate. Instead, he grabbed his worn backpack, stepped down the clanging metal steps, and onto the dirt beside the tracks. A narrow path curved into the trees nearby. Without thinking, as though led by some quiet instinct, he followed it. The path led through an open grove of maples that shimmered with gold sunlight. Further in, he found a creaky wooden bench, sun-bleached and just rough enough to feel real under his fingers. He leaned back, taking a long breath—the kind that fills your ribs and empties your mind. For the first time in years, Cole wasn't late for anything. He realized: he didn’t want the train to be fixed, not yet. Little things started unfurling around him—things he'd forgotten how to notice. The song of a bird that seemed to echo right at the edge of memory. A child’s laughter in the distance, probably from a farm up the road. The breeze carried the scent of pines and cool earth, and underneath, a silence that wasn’t empty—but full of something... waiting. He had spent so much of his life looking forward, charting the next station, the next raise, the next version of himself. But here, with nowhere to be and a broken train behind him, he saw not ambition, not failure, but—space. And space, he realized, was something life rarely offered him anymore. Just after nightfall, the train let out a sputtering cough and stirred to life. Lights blinked back on. Passengers filed back with relief. Cole hesitated at the ragged edge of the forest, backpack slung over one shoulder. Then, with a smile too quiet to be noticed, he turned and walked the other way. Not toward the city. Not toward the next job. But toward anywhere else—with no need for rails, for maps, or even time. Just the freedom to walk. |
| Katharine Hepburn, in her own words: "Once, when I was a teenager, my father and I were standing in line to buy tickets for the circus. Finally, there was only one family between us and the ticket counter. That family made a lasting impression on me. There were eight children, all under the age of 12. From the way they were dressed, you could tell they didn’t have much money, but their clothes were clean, very clean. The children were well-behaved, standing in pairs behind their parents, holding hands. They were so excited about the clowns, the animals, and all the acts they would see that night. From their excitement, you could tell they had never been to a circus before. It was going to be a highlight of their lives. The father and mother stood proudly at the front of their little group. The mother was holding her husband’s hand, looking at him as if to say, 'You’re my knight in shining armor.' He was smiling, enjoying seeing his family happy. The ticket lady asked how many tickets he wanted, and he proudly responded, 'I want eight children’s tickets and two adult tickets.' Then she announced the price. The wife let go of her husband’s hand, her head dropped, and the man’s lip began to quiver. He leaned in closer and asked, 'How much did you say?' The ticket lady repeated the price. He didn’t have enough money. How was he supposed to turn around and tell his eight kids that he couldn’t afford to take them to the circus? Seeing what was happening, my dad reached into his pocket, pulled out a $20 bill, and dropped it on the ground. We weren’t rich by any means. My father bent down, picked up the $20 bill, tapped the man on the shoulder, and said, 'Excuse me, sir, this fell out of your pocket.' The man understood what was happening. He wasn’t being handed charity, but he gratefully accepted the help in his desperate, heartbreaking, and embarrassing situation. He looked straight into my father’s eyes, took my dad’s hand in both of his, squeezed the bill tightly, and with trembling lips and a tear streaming down his cheek, he replied, 'Thank you, sir. This really means so much to me and my family.' My father and I went back to our car and drove home. The $20 my dad gave away was what we had planned to use for our own tickets. Although we didn’t see the circus that night, we felt a joy inside us that was far greater than seeing the circus. That day, I learned the true value of giving. The Giver is greater than the Receiver. If you want to be great, greater than life itself, learn to give. Love has nothing to do with what you expect to get, only with what you expect to give—everything. The importance of giving and blessing others cannot be overstated because there is always joy in giving. Learn to make someone happy through acts of giving." ~Katharine Hepburn |
| Prompt: "We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams." Jeremy Irons In what ways and how do you think memories and dreams are related? Jeremy Irons' quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of memories and dreams as personal "time machines." To understand how they're related, we can explore several fascinating connections: 1. Shared Raw Material: Our Experiences and Emotions: * Memories as the Foundation: Dreams are largely constructed from the fragments of our daily lives, past experiences, and stored memories. The people we've met, places we've been, conversations we've had, and emotions we've felt all become the raw material for our dreams. Even seemingly random dream elements can often be traced back to recent or significant memories. * Emotions as a Bridge: Both memories and dreams are deeply intertwined with emotions. Strong emotional experiences in waking life often resurface in dreams, sometimes in symbolic or exaggerated forms. Conversely, dreams can evoke powerful emotions that linger after waking, influencing our mood and even our perception of past memories. 2. Processing and Consolidation: * Memory Consolidation: Sleep, particularly REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, is crucial for memory consolidation. During this phase, the brain actively processes, organizes, and stores information learned during the day. Dreams, which are most vivid during REM sleep, are thought to be a byproduct of this crucial memory-processing activity. They might be the brain's way of "replaying" experiences to strengthen neural connections and integrate new information into existing knowledge structures. * Emotional Regulation: Dreams can serve as a "safe space" for the brain to process difficult or traumatic memories and emotions. By re-experiencing these in a dream state, often with symbolic representations, the emotional intensity can be attenuated, helping us to cope and move forward. 3. Problem-Solving and Creativity: * Unpacking Memories for Solutions: Dreams can sometimes offer novel perspectives or solutions to problems we're grappling with in our waking lives. This might occur because, in dreams, the usual logical constraints are loosened, allowing for more associative thinking and the combination of seemingly unrelated memories in new ways. * Creative Inspiration: Many artists, writers, and scientists have reported gaining creative insights or solutions to complex problems through their dreams. This is because dreams can tap into unconscious memories and knowledge, fostering unexpected connections and original ideas. 4. Narratives and Self-Identity: * Constructing Personal Narratives: Both memories and dreams contribute to our personal narrative and sense of self. Our memories shape who we believe ourselves to be based on our past. Dreams, especially recurring ones or those with strong themes, can reflect our hopes, fears, anxieties, and aspirations, thus influencing our understanding of our present and future selves. * Rehearsing Future Scenarios: While memories look back, dreams can often simulate future scenarios, allowing us to "practice" responses to potential challenges or explore desired outcomes. This can be seen as a form of mental rehearsal based on past experiences and anticipated future events. 5. The Unconscious Mind: * Accessing Hidden Depths: Both memories and dreams provide windows into our unconscious mind. Repressed or forgotten memories can sometimes surface in dreams. Similarly, dreams can reveal desires, fears, and conflicts that we may not be consciously aware of. This connection highlights how dreams can be a pathway to deeper self-understanding, drawing on the vast reservoir of our lived experiences. In essence, memories and dreams are deeply interconnected facets of our mental landscape. Memories provide the historical data, while dreams act as a dynamic, often symbolic, laboratory where these memories are revisited, reprocessed, and integrated, helping us to understand our past, navigate our present, and envision our future. They are indeed our personal, internal time machines, constantly shaping our perception of time and self. |
| Prompt: "Life itself is the most beautiful fairytale" Write about this in your Blog entry today. Just Loved these lines written by Sophia Loren (Actress)... "When I got enough confidence, the stage was gone….. When I was sure of Losing, I won……. When I needed People the most, they Left me……. When I learnt to dry my Tears, I found a shoulder to Cry on…… When I mastered the Skill of Hating, Someone started Loving me from the core of the Heart…… And, while waiting for Light for Hours when I fell asleep, the Sun came out….. That’s LIFE!! No matter what you Plan, you never know what Life has Planned for you…… Success introduces you to the World But Failure introduces the World to you… Always be Happy!! Often when we lose Hope and think this is the end… God smiles from above and says- “Relax sweetheart; It’s just a Bend, not the End..!" |
Prompt: Strange Phenomenon What is a strange phenomenon to you? Is it strange because we humans still don't understand it or do you believe there is something mystical or magical behind it? To me, a truly strange phenomenon is something that defies our current understanding, pushing the boundaries of what we consider explainable by natural laws. It's strange precisely because we humans still don't fully understand it, and it challenges our established scientific frameworks. I don't believe there's anything inherently mystical or magical behind these phenomena in the sense of supernatural forces at play. Instead, I think they represent areas where our knowledge is incomplete, where there might be underlying principles or interactions we haven't yet discovered or fully grasped. Think of it like a puzzle missing a few crucial pieces – once we find them, the whole picture will make sense, but until then, it seems bewildering. For example, consciousness is a strange phenomenon. We can observe its effects, study brain activity, and even manipulate it to some extent, but the subjective experience of "being" and how it arises from physical matter is still largely a mystery. It's not magic, but it's certainly perplexing. Similarly, the vastness of the universe and phenomena like dark matter and dark energy are strange because they are observable in their effects, yet their fundamental nature remains elusive. The strangeness lies in the gap between what we perceive and what we can explain, a gap that constantly motivates scientific inquiry and pushes the frontiers of human knowledge. Here is a story to prove my point of view. Time is precious...!* Every morning at 7:30, old Martin would open his tiny watch shop in the heart of the city. At 78, his hands were still the steadiest around. People said he fixed watches the way a healer tends to wounds - with infinite patience. One rainy afternoon, Daniel, a 32-year-old executive with a face etched in stress, walked in. He dropped his luxury watch on the counter : _“I need this fixed urgently. It’s lost two minutes in a week and I have important meetings. Can you have it ready by tomorrow ?”_ Martin looked at Daniel first, then at the watch. “Watches are like people,” he said quietly. _“When you rush them too much, something inside starts to go wrong.”_ Daniel glanced impatiently at his phone. _“I just need it to work perfectly.”_ _“It’ll take three days,”_ Martin replied. _“Impossible ! I’ll pay double if you have it ready by tomorrow.”_ Martin shook his head and put the watch in a drawer. _“Come back in three days. In the meantime, take this.”_ He handed Daniel an old bronze pocket watch. Daniel took it reluctantly - he didn’t have a choice. Over the next few days, Daniel noticed something odd. That old watch kept time differently: some hours seemed to last forever, others passed in a flash. During boring meetings, the hands barely moved. But when he had lunch with his little daughter, time flew. On the third day, Daniel returned - intrigued and a bit unsettled. _“This watch is broken. Time moves irregularly !”_ Martin smiled. _“It’s not broken. It’s tuned to your soul, not to satellites. It measures time by how you live, not just by numbers.”_ He handed back Daniel’s repaired watch. _“This one will lose time again if you keep losing your life.”_ Daniel stared at both watches, confused… _“People check the time a hundred times a day, yet never seem to have any,”_ Martin went on. _“Perfect watches on empty wrists.”_ _“So what do you suggest ?”_ Daniel asked, genuinely interested now. _“Understand that there are two kinds of time : the time that passes, and the time you live. My father told me : a watch can count seconds, but only your heart can count moments.”_ _“How much do I owe you for the repair ?”_ _“For the watch, fifty euros. For the lesson about time… you pay by living differently.”_ Weeks later, Daniel came back and left the pocket watch on the counter. _“Is something wrong? Did it break?”_ Martin asked. _“No,”_ Daniel smiled. _“I want to buy it. I quit my job in the city. I’m opening my own business here, with hours that let me pick up my daughter from school.”_ Martin answered : _“The most valuable watches aren’t sold. They’re passed down. Keep it. One day you’ll realize the most important punctuality is being present when life needs you.”_ That winter, Martin passed away. In his will, he left the shop to Daniel with a note: _“To the one who learned that fixing watches matters less than fixing lives.”_ Now, if you visit that little shop, you’ll see a sign on the door: *“We don’t sell time. We remind you how to live it.”* Sometimes we need our watches to stop - so our hearts can start beating again. |
| Prompt: Father's Day Why should Father's Day be celebrated? And who is or was the most impactful father figure in your life? What has he taught you? Father's Day is a truly special occasion that deserves to be celebrated for a multitude of reasons, both personal and societal: * To Acknowledge Unsung Heroes: Often, fathers are the quiet strength in a family, working tirelessly behind the scenes, providing, protecting, and offering unwavering support. Father's Day is a dedicated time to shine a light on their efforts and show them that their contributions are seen and deeply appreciated. * To Honor Diverse Roles: Fathers are so much more than just providers. They can be mentors, coaches, storytellers, playmates, confidantes, and a steadying presence. Celebrating Father's Day allows us to acknowledge the multifaceted ways they enrich our lives and shape who we become. * To Strengthen Family Bonds: The act of celebrating – whether it's with a homemade card, a special meal, or simply spending quality time together – reinforces the loving connection between fathers and their children. It creates lasting memories and strengthens the very fabric of the family unit. * To Promote Positive Male Role Models: By celebrating fathers, we highlight and encourage positive masculinity. It shows younger generations the importance of responsibility, care, empathy, and being a supportive figure in the lives of others. * To Recognize All Forms of Fatherhood: It's not just about biological fathers. Father's Day extends its embrace to grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, older brothers, mentors, or any male figure who has stepped up and provided guidance, love, and support. It's a day to honor anyone who has played that crucial paternal role. * To Offer a Moment of Gratitude: In our busy lives, we sometimes forget to simply say "thank you." Father's Day provides a structured opportunity to express sincere gratitude for the sacrifices made, the lessons taught, and the love freely given. For me, the most impactful father figure in my life, without a doubt, was and still is, my own father. He's not just a parent; he's been my first teacher, my biggest cheerleader, and my constant source of wisdom and support. He taught me countless invaluable lessons, but if I had to pick the most profound, they would be: * The Value of Hard Work and Perseverance: My dad instilled in me a strong work ethic from a very young age. He always said, "If you're going to do something, do it right, and see it through." He never shied away from a challenge and always demonstrated that consistent effort, even in the face of setbacks, ultimately leads to success. He taught me that true growth comes from pushing past your comfort zone. * The Importance of Integrity and Honesty: He often repeated, "Your word is your bond." He taught me that trust is earned through consistent honesty and keeping your promises, even when it's difficult. He demonstrated that living with integrity, even when no one is watching, is the foundation of true character and respect. * Unconditional Love and Support: More than anything, he taught me what it means to be truly loved and supported, no matter what. He was always there to celebrate my triumphs and, more importantly, to pick me up during my failures, offering guidance without judgment. He showed me that true love is about acceptance, encouragement, and believing in someone's potential even when they doubt themselves. This has profoundly shaped my ability to give and receive love in my own relationships. My father’s quiet strength, unwavering principles, and immense heart have shaped me into the person I am today. Father's Day is just one small way to acknowledge the monumental impact he's had on my life. He is 85 years old and admitted in ICU with Covid like symptoms. So I am indeed praying for him to pull through. |
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