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 |   Second blog -- answers to an ocean of prompts |
 "Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself." CHARLIE CHAPLIN  Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet confinement of your aloneness to learn anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you. David Whyte        This is my supplementary blog in which I will post entries written for prompts. |
| Blog City prompt: “If you're horrible to me, I'm going to write a song about it, and you won't like it. That's how I operate.”― Taylor Swift Most of can't write songs like Swift but we can write. This is your opportunity to vent about things that didn't go as you hoped. Have fun! ----------- Well, I'm no Taylor Swift and if I ever complained about anything in my writing, a reader will never know if what I write about is real or made-up. This is probably because I believe that thinking and even venting on the negative, makes that negative feel even stronger. The only place I may really vent is probably my blog or an essay or two. Then, since the prompt asks, here is something that got me upset about a month ago. I received in the snail mail from our town that my house had a code violence and in a harsh tone. Now, since the 2004 hurricanes messed up the attached pool area extension, no new addition or anything was added to the area. Anyhow, whatever we did, we got the town's okay. Even the people who I hire for repairs, I ask them to get a permit. A phone call cleared the confusion, however. Someone said it was because of the black rot on the outside back wall of the house. I hired a pressure cleaning company who found the black rot, which was hidden from the eyes and was only about 10 inch square. That company got rid of the small rot and cleaned and painted the entire back wall of the extension. What the town really thought was black rot probably was the black foam the builders in 2004 put under the roof over the extension to glue the roof better. That foam wasn't on the roof of the main house either. I e-mailed the person who was heading this, with the copy of the pressure-cleaning-company's receipt and the explanation of the black foam thing on the inside of the roof. He wrote back immediately and said he'd send someone to inspect it again. Now, I appreciate the town's minute attention to how we keep our houses here, but for something so little, couldn't someone just ring the front door and tell me or send a letter explaining the problem in the first place about that 10 inch square thing? Why send an official violation-code letter that gave no details and unnerved me? Now that I've said my piece (or peace?  ), I want to write a bit about the real writers writing to vent. Yes, they do and the most famous ones that come to mind at the moment are:Virginia Woolf: In "A Room of One's Own," she complained about the limitations and lack of opportunities for women in the literary world. Sylvia Plath: Her autobiographical novel "The Bell Jar" explores the challenges faced by women in the 1950s and their struggles with mental health. Plath herself battled depression and wrote about her experiences to highlight the pressure and expectations on women in her time. Charles Dickens: In his "Oliver Twist" and "Hard Times," and other works, he portrayed the harsh conditions of the working class during the Victorian era and criticized the injustices and inequalities of his time. George Orwell: In "1984," he expressed his concerns about the dangers of government surveillance and propaganda versus the individual freedoms and privacy. Those I mentioned above and many other writers have used their craft to express their frustrations, sorrows, and grievances, often in the form of personal essays, memoirs, or in their creative works. Their unique perspectives could be a therapeutic outlet like that of Taylor Swift's or it may be a social commentary or a seeking for empathy and connection. Then there is that artistic inspiration from one's own pain and suffering which may also lead to some existential exploration of the human condition. Yet, not all writers resort to complaining about their misfortunes. And in my case, did writing about what happened with the town help me? I don't think so. I had just about forgotten it and it popped up in my mind again.  . |
| Let this quote inspire your entry today: “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ― Albert Camus This classic autumn quote is so true! Although you may have a few flowers still blooming in your garden, it’s difficult to compare to the brilliance of the red and orange gardens we see on the trees during October. What's it like in your area... vibrant colors or mostly green. Squirrels gathering nuts? Leaves strewn everywhere from the rain and wind. Take us into your world. ---------------- Yes, the quote is absolutely beautiful and it points to what the scenery looked like up north when we used to live there. Where we are now, in way south, everything is green and stays green except for a maudlin Northern tree or bush some displaced northerners tried to put in because in their hearts they couldn't let go of the northern fall seasons. What they fail to see is that the climate here is warm and humid throughout the year with an exceptional day or two, occasionally. While the foliage turns so colorful in the North, down here evergreen and tropical trees such as the different species of palms, mangroves, and bougainvillea remain lush and verdant throughout the year. I, on the other hand, as another displaced northerner, with my love for roses, had some success with keeping the rose bushes alive. In addition to putting them in semi-shade, I learned the hard way not to neglect to water them three times a day in summer, which doesn't guarantee 100% success either. Also, the hurricane season, which at this time, is about to leave us alone (I hope) does a number on all plants and trees, should such a storm should hit the area. With wildlife, however, we are lucky because one can witness unique animals here. In addition to the local wildlife, with the southern autumn, we also get some migrating birds and other animals from elsewhere. This is because the late October and November is the beginning of the tourist season here and wildlife is no exception. As to "squirrels gathering nuts", yes, we have them here, too, but they are a scarce sight and they are no bigger than rats, probably because hawks and eagles get them before they can grow. For that very fear of the predator wildlife, I don't let my cat out of the house. For fresh air she is allowed to go in the enclosed porch and that's that. I was especially frightened for her when a neighbor's huge St. Bernard wandered off to a creek a few streets away and a gator got him. As entertainment in autumn, fun events and music and art festivals reflecting the region's culture mostly take place outdoors for those who like such things. Still, they are not the colorful "leaves strewn everywhere" that a Northern autumn stages. . |
| Prompt: How do you shake off a bad mood? --------- Aren't bad moods a natural part of life? Well, yes, but who says they have to linger, and worse yet, why should they move in with us, permanently! To ward off one, my main remedy is to keep busy. The harder the mood, the more complicated I make the chores that I pick to involve my mind. Any kind of activity could do. It could be physical or mental. In my case, distracting and involving my attention works the best, like losing myself in a good book. Some people suggest to breathe deeply. Any type of breathing exercises do not work for me. When I interfere with my own breathing, I end up coughing or worse yet, I get an asthma attack. Connecting with someone else may help also, but only sometimes, for I have to be careful not to inject my bad mood in a friend. I guess, listening to music, counting our blessings, meditation, and going outdoors might help, too. Yet, if the mood persists, accepting those icky feelings as natural, stepping away from the source of the bad mood if one knows what that source is, journaling, and seeking professional help could also be considered. As I said in the second paragraph, however, for me, keeping my mind occupied until the mood passes helps me the best. - |
| Prompt: Lara Parker, Angelique, The Witch From The Original Dark Shadows has died. I am saddened by this news. Write about Dark Shadows for your Blog Entry today. ---------- This prompt caught me unawares and I smiled. I really don't know who Lara Parker, Angelique is, but I'm sorry she has passed away. As to Dark Shadows, that show and I go far back to its initial showing on Channel 7 ABC on the NY TVs during the late 1960s or was it the early 1970s, I can't exactly tell. I started watching it every day and I liked it quite a bit, then. In the beginning it was like every other TV Soap, and those who watched it, me included, thought it was about regular people. But after about six months or so, it turned dark, and somewhat suddenly. And Barnabas became the talk of the town and I felt for him because he was unlucky in the beginning and had turned so horrific later. The show was a true horror and melodrama intertwined. When, for me, it lost its footing for not having a good-enough plot, I stopped watching it and the show was taken off the air, soon after that. Many years later, I heard it was back on and had been made into a film, too. Those who watch it say that besides the gothic horror and the supernatural, the show's serialized storytelling also includes time travel. I don't watch TV regularly anymore and I haven't for years now. But I do remember the first year of the introduction of "Dark Shadows," which has probably become a landmark in TV history. . |
| Prompt: Hiding the True Self What do you think of people who knowingly hide a something of their true self? Have you known or read about someone who had to hide their true self or an aspect of their identity? How would this internal conflict affect them as time goes by? -------- To begin with, everyone hides something mostly from themselves and that's why the therapists are in business, but when it comes to doing this knowingly, the question could be "why?" Why? This may have a few reasons, depending on the person. The internal conflict that arises from hiding one's true self, or a part of it, is often rooted in the tension between authenticity and conformity. As a negative, when people suppress their genuine thoughts, emotions, and identities, they may experience anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of emptiness. As to the question of why, the most obvious answer would have to do with being found out by the authorities or the police. Anyone who has read a few books on World War II in Germany will understand this very well. If not the authorities, then the primary reason could be the fear of rejection. People may worry that if they reveal certain aspects of their personality, beliefs, or lifestyles, others may not accept them. This fear can stem from their past experiences of rejection or societal pressures to conform to certain norms. Then, society often imposes expectations on individuals, such as how they should behave, what they should value, or what they should pursue in life. People may hide aspects of themselves to fit into a specific societal mold. Concealing one's true self can be a way to avoid conflicts or arguments, too. People may believe that by not sharing their true opinions or feelings, they can maintain harmony in their relationships or social circles. Sometimes, a culture's or a family's expectations can exert strong pressure on individuals to conform to certain values and behaviors. Hiding one's true self might be a way to maintain a sense of belonging or to avoid disappointing loved ones. This, however, can lead to inner turmoil as they suppress their true thoughts and emotions. Also, sometimes, people hide their true selves as a form of self-protection. They might have vulnerabilities, insecurities, or traumatic experiences that they want to shield from others. Sharing these aspects can make them feel exposed and vulnerable, so they choose to keep them hidden. In addition, there is that professional image and desire for approval that can create havoc within a person. This pursuit of external validation can create internal turmoil as people become disconnected from their genuine selves. Is there a cure for this? Possibly, yes. Self acceptance and self-discovery could be the way to go, but this is difficult to do because it often involves facing fears, confronting past traumas, and gradually revealing true selves to others. Even a step in this direction, can show people a more genuine and fulfilling path in living. After all, not having to hide anything is a big relief, isn't it! . |
| Prompt: Sudden Sounds and Noises What is the loudest sound you’ve heard? When and how was it? What do you think about sudden sounds and noises? Did you ever think of using them in your poetry or fiction? ----------- Who hasn't startled suddenly from a shrill or something-exploding sound! When such a sound occurs unexpectedly my body goes into a state of high alert. I bet my heart rate increases, adrenaline surges, and my muscles tense up. Those who know say that this response is an evolutionary adaptation designed to help us react to a potential threat, quickly. Usually, I can take the sound of thunder, as loud as it may be, if the storm emerges slowly, but when out of the blue a huge sound of thunder pops up, I jump up, and even my cat seeks refuge under the bed. This I call a sudden stress. The same happens with jet engines when an airplane flies suddenly too low. Worse is, when prolonged exposure happens to loud and sudden noises, people experience health problems. Such repeating instances of noise pollution, even when we know the origin of the sounds, create elevated stress hormone levels, sleep disturbances, increased risk of cardiovascular problems, and possibly many other health issues, among them hearing damage and cognitive impairment such as memory problems and difficulty in focusing. The same could hold true about the health problems that loud concerts and the sounds of firearms may cause. This must be why every Fourth of July all the dogs on my street are scared. It is not just the fireworks though. Any sudden, loud noise hurts every pet and human. That's why I applaud all public health efforts to reduce noise pollution for to create quieter environments for communities. . |
| Prompt: Use these words in your entry today: circumvent, gullible, voracity, timeless, upstyle and writing. Have fun! ------------- Words are the backbone of communication, a powerful tool to inform, persuade, and express. Thus, writing is an art that uses words as its medium. The voracity of our present information age, however, poses challenges, requiring writers to circumvent pitfalls and engage a potentially gullible readers. In the same vein, writing has been used as a timeless skill from the earliest cave paintings to the modern blog posts, and in order to survive today's new challenges, the writers need to upstyle their approaches to cater to a changing audience. The way I see it, truth is always the way to go. Misleading, false information, unresearched or badly researched facts, and no fact-checking may have dire consequences, be it for a professional journalist or a casual blogger. Then, do we even consider who reads what we write? If we don't, we should, for this is why today's readers have shorter attention spans. Yet, who can blame them when they are bombarded with a constant stream of iffy content! The remedy can be found in telling the truth, even when writing fiction, and using engaging and accessible language, breaking down complex ideas into digestible portions, and keeping the work concise. Also, it is important to keep in mind the basic principles of writing, such as clarity, coherence, and the ability to evoke emotions and spark critical thinking. Since the world is becoming more and more interconnected, we writers must adapt to the new but still stay within the limits of the principles of age-old good writing practices. . |
| Prompt: Friday, the 13th and a Solar Eclipse on Saturday. Are you superstitious? If you think Friday the 13th is scary, try hanging out with me when I've been without coffee. Did you know Friday the 13th combines two taboos that come from the bible, accord to Stevens. Based on the story of the Last Supper of Jesus, 13 people were seated at the table and it happened on a Thursday. He was arrested that evening, and crucified the next day, on a Friday. "So 13 is associated with that terrible event. How do you feel about the number 13? Or is it just another day to you? ============== Nope, I don't believe in the "unlucky" anything. After all, I now have an old finicky black cat I love so much. The idea of the "unlucky" happens because if anything seems to be unlucky, it is because our minds have made it so. What we think we make happen because, as the creatures of this universe, we do have certain powers, some unbeknownst to ourselves, and I think quantum physics is on the way to discovering this very fact. Many bad things may take place on any other day in life, regardless of the number attached to the day. Come to think of it, numbering the days and the months is a human thing and it isn't there in nature, even if nature may work on a set schedule. As to the fear of Friday the 13th, this fear is not based on any scientific evidence. In reality, the chances of experiencing misfortune on this particular day are no greater than on any other day of the year. It's a superstition, perpetuated by badly interpreted religious traditions and cultural beliefs. I certainly believe that, while it's essential to respect people's beliefs, it's equally crucial to remember that such superstitions are not rooted in concrete evidence and should not govern our decisions or actions. After all, luck, or the lack of it, often depends on one's perspective and attitude rather than specific dates on the calendar. By the way, Lyn's a sly fox  , your "If you think Friday the 13th is scary, try hanging out with me when I've been without coffee," made me spurt out my own coffee. . |
| Prompt: Do you believe in good luck charms? ----- No, not really, although I think they're a lot of fun. In essence, nothing increases one's own luck like one's own thinking, attitude, and work. The thing with good luck charms is that they bring a bit of hope and sunshine to the chaotic and unpredictable world we live in. Plus, they may have some sentimental or cultural meaning to some of us. My mother, so unlike me, did believe in such things going as far as to pinning amulets on her bra straps. I don't think they did her any good, but maybe they made her feel better and well-protected, and she might have felt she was at least doing something about the oft-wrongly-perceived ills of the world and the darker side of living. She might have a point in that new studies conducted by therapists and scientists have come up with the idea that having special items that people associate with good fortune may actually increase their chances of succeeding at whatever it is that they wish to succeed at. This isn't really science but a tactic to make one's mind believe in the positive so it steers a person toward some success. In its essence, a lucky charm usually may work to improve people's luck and bring happiness and positivity into their life, if only it can bring to the surface the locked part of them deep inside their subconscious. Then, as I mentioned earlier, such things as charms, amulets, etc. are not for me, but I can see how they can boost someone else's confidence and improve their performance in several areas of living. Still, even this little success of any lucky charm must depend on one's own abilities and inner potential. . |
| Prompt: I am always having dreams that I lose my purse, my car gets stolen and my cat who is an indoor cat, is outside with me and runs off. I would like to hear about your dreams like this. Write about this in your Blog entry today. ------------- This prompt by Megan made me smile. Yes, I think, at one time or another, we all have recurring dreams. Recurring dreams are fascinating, enigmatic, and sometimes problematic to the degree that even the seasoned therapists can't solve them. Here is a page that addresses the issue of recurring dreams as far as Americans are concerned: https://amerisleep.com/blog/americas-common-recurring-dreams/ In my case, I've had recurring dreams at certain points in my life. For example during my early 20s and 30s I used to lose my shoes or my clothes in public. Lol! I don't know what brought those dreams on! The thing was, they repeated only in certain stages of my life, and eventually, they faded away. Then, later on, when my sons were young, I kept dreaming I was chasing some wild animals in our backyard. If this wasn't symbolism, I don't know what is! I've also had very strong flying dreams for a very long time. In them, I went everywhere, and once, even to the end regions of the universe, which was very dangerous and someone warned me to get away from there. Now, what was that about? Interpreting the meaning of recurring dreams can be complex as they are highly individualized. They could be about unresolved issues, facing tough decisions, conflicts, or exams, or just plain stress and anxiety. Whatever they are in their essence, I bet for us dreamers, they are symbols of something or other. Luckily, nowadays, I don't dream as much and the only dream that recurred a few times during this last year, to the best of my memory, is the one in which I keep cleaning after somebody else's mess. One of them was a huge hill of unneeded stuff. Does that stuff belong to me or to the others around me is up for speculation, but I am known among my friends and family to clean up after others' emotional messes. Probably, in that dream, some of that messy stuff belonged to me, too. . |
| Prompt: People and happiness “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Marcel Proust Which kinds of people make you happy? And/or does your happiness depend on other people? ------- Happiness is a difficult subject to write about because to be constantly, deliriously happy seems to be an over-the-top idea to me, especially in this world of ours where there is always something disturbing and someone who is miserable. On the other hand, external influences should not determine anyone's overall well-being, as real contentment can live inside a person and does not/should not come from the outside. Yet, it is also true that some people have the knack to make others happier, be it for a short while. Such people are usually empathetic and have the ability to connect with others on an emotional level. Having the presence of such a person may bring comfort to any distressed human being. Also, optimists and positive thinkers tend to see the bright side of things even in challenging situations, making their positive outlook infectious. In addition, kinder people who are generous with their time and resources can create positivity in others. Some people are also good listeners, especially when they listen to others' troubles without judgment or unwanted advice. Most of the time, supportive friends and family can be reliable sources of emotional assistance when one really needs someone else to hold his or her hand. In my case, when it involves my own happier feelings, having a sense of control over my own emotions and my own well-being should be my own business. Expecting others to hold my hand when I am down is unrealistic, and it can put undue pressure on my loved ones. If only for that reason, self-reliance is the way to go. Personal growth, positive thoughts, and true awareness of the status quo can always help anyone toward internal happiness. In short, the way I see it, true and sustainable happiness always comes from within. . |
| Prompt: Wasting Time “Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” Marthe Troly-Curtin, Phrynette Married What is "wasted time" in your opinion? ----------- Although this quote, in its essence, is attributed to Bertrand Russell, the writer in the prompt, Marthe Troly-Curtin, has used it in her story. Whoever the idea belongs in reality, it is about how we see and value our time. As such, "wasted time" is a subjective idea. Even if it seems straightforward at first glance, it has to do with productivity and enjoyment. Without any enjoyment, how can we be productive and well-adjusted at the same time? Some might argue that time spent on hobbies, interests, or self-care activities that do not directly contribute to professional or personal development is wasted. On the other hand, personal growth is not limited to achieving goals and gaining new skills all the time. What about, I ask, self-discovery or self-awareness or emotional development? Rest and mental and spiritual renewal can come as the result of leisure time. As such, these seemingly idle moments are investments in future creativity and productivity, as enjoyment itself has great value and becomes a balancing act during our busy lives. Maybe we should evaluate what "wasted time" really is, and then, reevaluate it in the context of personal satisfaction, happiness, and a balanced life. After all, here in WdC, we writers know this and use this "wasted time" a.k.a "rejuvenation" so very well. . |
| Prompt: Anger: Make a list from 1-10 of things that make you angry. When you are finished look through your list and use it as fuel for writing your entry today! Can you also use the energy of anger for character development in your writing? ----------- As far as anger goes, most of us may have different triggers, as one situation does not affect one person in the same way as it affects another. As to my coping mechanisms, it depends on the situations; however, it is very difficult to overlook something unjust that has made me angry. For example, it makes me very angry all the scam e-mails and phone calls I'm getting. Not because of the scammers, but because our useless congress does nothing about protecting the elderly from the scammers. Several of my friends have fallen for such scams. So far, I've been on the alert but you'll never know. Most old people are very vulnerable. As to the list of ten, here it is: 1. Unnecessary conflicts: This could be within a family or a work situation. 2. Betrayal: When a trust is broken, especially in a big way. 3. Unnecessary personal attacks on one person, such as criticism, insults, and derogatory comments due to the attacker's internal conflict. 4. Injustice: unfairness, discrimination, or inequality. 5. The answering robots that refuse to connect me to a live agent when I'm calling a company for a very legitimate reason. 6. Frustration: when I can't achieve a goal for some dumb thing I did in the process. 7. People who are cruel to animals. 8. People who harm their neighbors or friends just because of their own ends. 9. Extreme pain or illness 10. People who are really bad and totally incompetent in their professions: bad doctors, politicians, lawyers, sales people, policemen etc. As anger is a complex emotion with many faces, it can be used very effectively to explore character depths and complexity, in writing. Anger in writing can be used as a motivator to seek revenge or achieve a particular goal, for example. Moreover, it can create interpersonal conflict in between two characters, leading to strained relationships. Thus, it can encourage change and growth in a character. While some characters can learn from their traumas, usually depicted in their backstories, others may become more vulnerable and end up with character flaws. . |
| Prompt: “In October, a maple tree before your window lights up your room like a great lamp. Even on cloudy days, its presence helps to dispel the gloom.” ~ What's your favorite tree? Is it because of the leaf colors? Is it because of the smell? Is it connected to a childhood memory? ------ I love the oaks, but not because they are connected to my childhood but to my sons' childhood memories, and to the memory of my young married life when we had oaks in the yard and I put a hammock in between two oaks and read and rested there, which in the long run, caused me to develop allergies and asthma every autumn against ragweed.  Here is something for OAK trees. The mighty oaks with branches so high, In a garden deep, where nostalgia sighs Do they still stand as sentinels of time With roots embedded in memories sublime? Beneath their boughs a haven grand Where chipmunks played on shaded land And squirrels nibbled acorns to boot In a garden so vibrant and life so good Oak leaves in autumn turned ablaze A fiery sight, a vivid maze My sons jumped in piles, laughed with glee Unaware of time which soon would flee. Oaks taught us of resilience strong In their presence, we all belonged For an oak's a tree as a symbol bright Promising rebirth resolute with light Those mighty oaks, branches so high, In a garden deep, where nostalgia sighs Do they still stand as sentinels of time Their roots embedded in memories sublime? . |
| Prompt:" We didn't realize we were making memories, we were just having fun." Winnie The Pooh. Write about this in your Blog entries today. ------ Sometimes life happens on its own without us realizing it and each moment has the capacity to become a cherished memory when we look back. Some of those moments are ordinary, some extraordinary. Yet, often, it's the simplest, unscripted moments that leave the deepest impact on our hearts. I sometimes see my long-ago self immersed in laughter with friends, basking in the warmth of family gatherings, or exploring new places. Would you believe that the other day, I suddenly recalled changing my over-active son's diaper when my mother-in-law, who was visiting us at the time, was scolding him and feeling sorry for me for I had to deal with such unruly children? Now, isn't this nostalgia? My son now is 54 years old and my beloved mother-in-law is long gone. Still, this sudden pop-up of a memory reminded me of the beauty of the generations and of life itself in its totality. It's all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, constantly striving for the next goal or milestone. However, in our pursuit of the future, we sometimes forget to savor the present and those precious moments of the past. Truth is there is joy and much happiness when we cherish the memories that arise naturally from the simple act of enjoying life. It reminds us that some of the most meaningful experiences cannot be planned or orchestrated. . |
| Prompt: "Rivers know this. There is no hurry. We will get there someday." Winnie The Pooh Write about this in your Blog entry today. ---------- If I were to put it in a nutshell, I would say, the quote means "embrace patience." Yet, it is not so simple. Patience is hard to come by, especially for people like me. My patience erodes in no time, and leisurely pace doesn't work with my personality. Yet, I love the hopeful note at the ending of the quote that says, "We will get there, someday." This means, even if progress is slow and the destination seems to be distant, we can eventually reach our goals. It gives hope and confidence in doing our deeds to reach our goals. Then, "Rivers know this" implies the wisdom of nature, which understands the value of perseverance. Rivers take their time to erode their beds and banks by flowing constantly through them. This is because rushing can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities. Perseverance, on the other hand, just like what rivers do, is the most profound message in reaching any goal. This is because it is a call to appreciate the journey itself and find contentment in the process rather than constantly striving for a quick result. . |
| Prompt: Fear “Fear is the lengthened shadow of ignorance.” Arnold Glasow In what ways do you think fear and ignorance are related and how can we overcome our fears especially when a fear is only imagined? -------- Fear and ignorance may be related but there is that strong and sudden impulsive emotion "fear" that embraces us abruptly whether we are ignorant or not. This is probably because, at its core, fear is a primal, innate reaction that has evolved over millennia to protect us from danger. The basic nature of fear, however, does have the implication of ignorance and lack of knowledge and understanding. When we do not have enough information about or a grasp of a situation, person, or thing, we are left with a void or a darkness in our minds. That darkness becomes the hotbed of our sudden fears. Fear's relationship with ignorance, however, extends beyond the totally unknown. As examples, there may be other cultures, religions, beliefs or life styles that we do not know much about and because of our mistrust and prejudices, we may be fearful of them. By learning about things we don't know about and not becoming so afraid of every new situation, we can diminish the power of fear and ultimately conquer it. This allows us to embrace the unknown and face the challenges of life with courage and resilience. Having said all that, would I be afraid if I suddenly noticed a dinosaur in my backyard? Yes, I surely would. For one thing, I don't know how to distinguish between plant-eating and carnivorous dinosaurs if I ever saw any one of them. Even if I did know a lot about dinosaurs, running away and saving myself would be the sane thing to do, wouldn't it! . |
| “The trees are in their autumn beauty, The woodland paths are dry, Under the October twilight the water Mirrors a still sky.” William Butler Yeats What do you think of October in general and what do you expect from October 2023? ------------ To me, October means relief from the scorching heat of summer and the beauty of nature at its most colorful best. It is the month that means transitional beauty. October is when the beauty of autumn with a rich array of colors and textures, cooler temperatures, and the sense of anticipation for what is to come takes hold. October is also a month of harvest, of festivals, apple picking and pumpkin patches. Then, of course, the most iconic symbol for October is Halloween, here in the USA. With Halloween comes trick or treating, a lot of candy, parties, and horror movie marathons. In the sports world various competitions take place such as the Major League Baseball's World Series. In Canada, I believe, Thanksgiving is celebrated in October. I don't know what we can expect from a month, any month that is. Life does what life wants, no matter what we expect from it. . |
| Prompt: Most of the happy people I know do one thing really well. Think about the people in your life do you agree or disagree? What do you think inspires their happiness? What do you do to inspire your own? ------------ Happiness is elusive; there one day, gone the next. For example, I had an uncle who was joyful, fun-loving, and usually saw the best in everyone, and he was a clown who made us laugh with his jokes. Then, one day, he lost a teenage son to an accident, and all that happiness was erased in one day. It took him more than a decade to find his footing again. Mostly though, the seemingly happy people I have met are multifaceted, even though every one of them are unique individuals. If I were to think of some common traits among them probably their positive thinking would become the top item in such a list. Seeing the good in challenging situations or at least seeing the positive outcome out of them can significantly influence one's overall sense of well-being. Because of their positivity and adaptability to life's ups and downs, such people also have healthy relationships in their lives. They communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and offer support to others if or when it is needed. Still, no matter how one tries, some human beings may not react nicely to such positivity. Then, happier people are better off staying away from negative people and negative situations. Thus, staying away from the negatives is an essential part of one's happiness. Happier people also live in the present moment more, rather than dwelling in the wrongs of the past while they take good care of their physical and mental health. This makes them become emotionally intelligent, which means seeing themselves as is and understanding and forgiving past mistakes. This helps them grow as individuals, and lets them align their values and beliefs in an authentic way. Then, helping others when they can and practicing gratitude in some way for all that they have, no matter how small what they have may be, helps them to bounce back from adversity and become resilient. In addition, continuous learning, new languages, being curious of all aspects of life, knowledge, and hobbies can enrich their lives. As for me, I believe in keeping busy and in continuous learning and in practicing some of the habits I mentioned above. Not that I expect to be happy all the time, but at least I can stop myself from falling into desperation and panic in any one negative situation. While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for happiness--and I doubt that any one person can be happy all the time--, some good habits can be helpful for enhancing one's overall satisfaction with life. . |
September 29 is Confucius Day one his sayings is "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest." - Confucius Prompt: Write a story, poem, or something about either this saying or Confucius. Have fun. ----- In ancient days when foresight did gleam, Confucius shared an astute, ageless dream Three methods, he used, to seek the wise, Through reflection, imitation, and worldly ties. First, reflection, like a calm, still pond, Where wisdom's seeds find rich soil to bond In solitude, we ponder, deep and wide, And our past lessons, in discretion, hide. With contemplation, we unveil the truth, Discerning right from wrong in intellect's booth In stillness, life and virtue intertwine, And through reflection, logic in stars align. Yet, not only in isolation do we grow, For imitation, too, has seeds to sow, We learn from others, we echo the best, In kindly acts, we find us blessed. As saplings mimic giants of the wood, We act like the wise, and that is good We mirror their acts, thoughts, and grace, We find in others' paths a well-worn place. Yet, wisdom's depth also forms in life, In battles, trials, joys, and strife We experience, and our selves grow strong, In learning's caldron, we all belong. This school of life, with lessons harsh or kind, Bestows upon us humility and mind In sorrows, we learn empathy's decree In joys, we taste fruit from virtue's tree. So, here we walk on ancient roads, Where wisdom's treasure as bounty glows In reflection, imitation, life's embrace, We find our way to that merciful grace. . |
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