Blog @ Work

Nervousness and text

Prompt: Does your mind wander to the scariest thoughts possible, about what could happen in any given situation, even if the chances of the scary stuff happening is minimal? If you could come up with a nervous character like that in your writing, what would he or she be scared of and in which situations?(BC)

Yes, I personally am a chicken when it comes to my health. My mind can wander off to the deathliest illnesses and diseases imaginable. When there is something on television, or in the papers, or on the Net I go, Oh, gee that’s also possible…and I am very nervous about it although there is nothing wrong with me. For ten minutes, then I will forget.

My character would be so nervous about living in general. Not only is s/he scared of getting a terrible illness, but everything can scare her. From having a fire in the house when she leaves for an errant, to getting hit by a car on the street, to growing older, to having to live without her dog although he is still very much alive and kicking. The rustle of leaves in the trees or the footsteps in the hallway can trigger fantasies of doom and disaster in her mind. She is a total wreck. She is an anti-hero. But of course, there must be a turning point in the story where she becomes bold and brave and act with courage and saves the day. Haven’t figured out that part yet.

Look around you and pick a random object. Write a short story on how that object came to be.(BCoFs)

Just behind my computer screen, there is a frame hanging with a text in Dutch. It says:

“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata”

It is a very powerful text I like to read frequently. Sometimes my eyes just wander and focus on one line. I can contemplate on it and it relaxes me. A friend gave me this text.