Just a little something...

The list of my desires could stretch on infinitely, yet I’m not talking about the endless allure of material possessions. There are plenty of shiny objects and trendy gadgets out there, but I find little appeal in most of them. My true longing lies in the simplicity and peace that come with basic comforts, like a warm cup of tea on a chilly evening, a good book, or a heartfelt conversation with a friend—things that make daily life a bit sweeter.

So, what are the specific things I wish for but cannot attain due to time constraints or any other factor that is beyond my capacity? 

Let’s take a moment to explore the depths of our minds and uncover those elusive desires, shall we?

We all have that unique yearning for something special—the kind of dream that, if realized, could fill our lives with warmth, happiness, and vibrancy. For me, it’s the dream of a cozy home filled with laughter and peace of mind. To be able to read only positive news around me, and maybe the ability to spend more time with loved ones or a deep-seated passion that I can pursue without restraint. 

Yet, in the grand tapestry of life, I realize that I have been blessed with more than I could ever need. While I may yearn for certain things, I also recognize the abundance already surrounding me. 

Each day, I introspect and take a moment to reflect on the little joys and blessings that I am surrounded with, and that fills my heart with gratitude. 

 I invite you to do the same. To be in gratitude with what we have, and to find our niche in what is being offered to us by the universe.

Let’s be grateful for the blessings we have. 

While it’s natural for our minds and eyes to wander towards that little something that we believe would make our lives complete, let’s quiet those thoughts by reminding ourselves that we already have everything we deserve. 

Since desiring for just a little something will just tickle our senses and cause us to get irritated over small stuff making us forget for what we already have. 

Mantra for today: Seeing the cup half full, not half empty! 

From Acting to Letting Go!

 

"R, can you please show the right emotions here?" my drama teacher asked in elementary school. She would clutch her papers in frustration while I laughed during a scene that needed me to be serious.

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.

I ended up ruining the whole point of the play.

Even though I loved everything about Hollywood and Bollywood, I joined the drama club every year until I was a teenager. Because of my acting, I was always given small roles. Still, I didn't mind being on stage, even if I only had one word to say. Just being part of it made me happy.

As a teenager, I began to lose hope in acting because I struggled to convey my emotions effectively through my words when it mattered most.

It was hard to accept that my dream of becoming an actor was slipping away from me. Still, I kept practicing in front of the mirror for hours, hoping to get better, but nothing seemed to work.

While I spent all that time in front of the mirror, I noticed that trying to act out emotions brought up a lot of memories—happy, angry, worried, or anxious. Sometimes, just saying a word would bring back a flood of old feelings. Perhaps that's why, when I tried to study, my mind felt too full to absorb anything new.

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 clinging to past reflections would hinder my progress.

I realized that I needed to let go of my passion for acting, especially since, after many attempts, it had not yielded the desired results.

But it made me wonder: how many times should we keep trying before we decide to stop? I think if one goal starts getting in the way of others, it's okay to let it go.

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 forget about.

As I stand here today, my gray hair filled with wisdom and memories, I feel content with the times I aimed to hit the ball into the net while pursuing many hobbies.

Some attempts resulted in goals, while many did not.

Acceptance has always been the key factor for me, guiding me through every setback and moving me forward.

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!