From Acting to Letting Go!

 

"R, can you please exhibit the right emotions here?" pleaded my drama teacher in elementary school. She would curl up her papers to control her desperation while I giggled over a scene that needed composure and a serious face.

My acting was so bad that my confused look in the play gave the impression that I had a cold, and my nervous act made people laugh because they thought I was silly.

By Golly! Ruining the whole essence of the play.

Although I was fascinated by the Hollywood and Bollywood worlds that surrounded me, I entered the drama club each year until I became a teen. I was always given a sideline because of my acting skills. I honestly did not care for just being on the stage with all those props; thus, even if I had to say one word in the play, I would be exhilarated over having a part in it.

As a teen, my interest in acting was losing hope because my emotions and words would never be in synch, especially when the time demanded.

It was a tough pill to swallow, realizing that my dream of becoming an actor was slipping through my fingers. But I didn't give up. I spent countless hours in front of the mirror, trying to perfect my craft, but it was all in vain.

However, amidst the many hours I spent with me-myself-I in front of the mirror, I realized how numerous thoughts would come to me when I tried to enact a particular emotion. Incidents that make me happy, angry, worried, and anxious. All those episodes would rush in with the uttering of the word that had accumulated in some corner of my gray cells. No wonder when I would sit down to study the thick books of my academia, they would refuse to absorb since the brain cells would give off that signal indicating storage near to complete. (Pun Intended!)

It made me reflect on the amount of baggage I was carrying, especially at such a young age in my 20s. I was ambitious to pursue many goals, but it would hinder my progress if I clung to those past reflections.

I realized that I needed to let go of this passion for acting, especially since, after many attempts, the ball had not gone into the net.

However, the question remains: How many times should we try to hit the ball toward the goal before we decide to give up? I suppose if it starts affecting your other goals, then we ought to give up on the one that is a hindrance.

Embrace your failure and move on!

This became my mantra.

Although it took years to let go, I am glad that my failure to become an actor made me realize that acting was one of the many goals I had to release!

As I stand here today, my grey hair filled with wisdom and memories, I feel content with the times I aimed to hit the ball into the net for various hobbies. Some attempts resulted in goals, while many did not.

Acceptance was the key factor!

Mantra for today: Failure is a stepping stone to success as long as we are aware of the setback and choose to act on it.

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This is pure fiction!
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YOLO

 

"Your nails look nice," I complimented my friend as she tapped her long, red-polished nails on the table while we waited for our food to arrive.

"Thanks!" she said, blowing at them gently with an arched eyebrow. 

"So, how do you keep them clean while you're cooking and doing other stuff in the kitchen?" I asked, trying to learn some tips and tricks.

"Cooking and cleaning?" she repeated with a shriek. "Urgh! I have help doing all the work in the house." She shrugged her shoulders and glanced at mine with a playful smirk. "You only live once, babes!" 

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In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about someone (or something) strutting. What has caused the overconfidence? Is it arrogant? Foolish? Legit? How does strutting shape a story? Have fun and go where the prompt leads!

A Leak

 

"I need you to hurry up!" she yelled.

"Relax, it's just a small leak!" I yelped back as I walked towards the kitchen to get a pan to collect the drops falling from my roommate's rooftop.

"Just a small leak?" she countered, "This small leak will sink the whole house."

"Not unless we repair it and stop procrastinating about it," I replied as I put a pan under the drop and searched for a repair person online.

"Wait! What if we can't afford it?" she asked, concerned.

"We'll pay in installments," I reassured her, still looking at my phone.

March 12, 2024, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about leaving a leak. What (or who) is leaking? How can you use the leak to create tension? Expand the idea of leaks. Go where the prompt leads!

The Mask of Pretense

 

We often seek happiness in external factors such as material objects, situations, and occasions. 

However, life is unpredictable, and not everything is in our control. 

It's best to avoid having expectations from anyone. This way, we can teach ourselves to find happiness in whatever we encounter. 

The power of pretending to be happy is extreme and can help us keep our pain at bay. 

By training our minds to be present and aware, we can better cope with life's challenges.

Training your mind and being aware of the present situation will help you cope with everything thrown at you.

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about an intolerable mask. Who is wearing the mask and why? What is so intolerable about the mask? Is there empathy for the one behind the mask? Go where the prompt leads!

My Dignity

Menon saw his wife, Sarita, flipping the pillows on their bed and checking under the comforter, ruffled sheets, and behind the chest of drawers.

 He asked irritatingly, "What are you looking for? And why aren't you dressed?" 

Sarita whispered, "I'm looking for my dignity?" 

And she continued to search other rooms.

With crossed eyebrows, Menon followed her and asked, "Is that a new cosmetic? Just get dressed without it." he said, glancing at his watch. 

She squinted at him with crossed arms and said sternly, "I can't go to places where I am a mere puppet. Go without me!"

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something lost now found. Is it an object or person who is lost? How are they lost? What happens when what was lost is found? Go where the prompt leads!

Are You Coming Tonight?

Sarla asked, "Hey! Are you coming tonight?" 

There was a slight pause on the other end. 

Sarla urged, "Oh! Come on, the pandemic is over. We all have to meet in person. Everyone is coming!" 

Macy sighed heavily before responding, "What's the point of meeting? We talk on the phone every day. I have nothing new to add." 

There was a lack of enthusiasm in her tone. 

 "I understand where you're coming from, but we must bring the fish out of the water. Let's cherish the moments of physical touch and not let technology take that away from us," 

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a fish out of water. What is the source of the tension? The characters, the action, the setting? Or, is it literally a story about fish, real or metaphorical? Go where the prompt leads!

What's your Pace?

 

"Congratulations! Your vitals are good, and you'll be discharged from the hospital today," announced the doctor as he reviewed the patient's medical file. 

The caretaker was thrilled. 

However, the patient seemed less than thrilled. Upon noticing his solemn expression, the doctor inquired, "Is everything alright? You don't seem very happy." 

After taking a deep breath, the patient replied, "I'm relieved that I have recovered from my illness, but the thought of conforming to society's demands makes me anxious."

"Hmmm, you can choose the pace of your life. Your rhythm will determine the length of your recovery," said the doctor. 

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a recovery story. What instigated the recovery? What is being recovered? Data, athletes, illness — expand the idea of recovery and find your story. Go where the prompt leads!