January 2026 – Page 4

Trust the Journey (Archives)

Mental Note:

Trust your journey.

“No matter how many detours we take or delays we encounter, we will always be led back to where we’re meant to be.” Nicole Spindler

Beautifully said but trusting the journey you’re on is hard and accepting that everything will turn out for the best is harder still. Humans want control of the situation or at least I do. I don’t like the idea of some unseen force manipulating the outcome and that is a frightening concept for me. However, if truth be told, perhaps there is no other way. You’ve heard the saying, if it is meant to be, it will be and what if we just let go and let it unfold as it was meant to be. A doable thing? Speaking from my standpoint, that is next to impossible for me.

“Don’t let what happens or what doesn’t happen bother you. Life has a way of rearranging perfectly so that what you truly need can come together.” Unknown

If I step aside that is. My problem is that I want to know what is coming up or what life has in store for me before it comes up. I spend a lot of time overthinking the negatives even before it has happened but that is human nature I suppose. Much of my time is wasted on projections that never take place and if and when it happens I am fully capable of handling the outcome.

Trusting the journey I am on demands that I accept what comes my way. “Be quiet” whispers the all-knowing power of the unknown, the universe or God in his wisdom or whatever you believe in. It says, “Let me work this out for you, I’ve got this and you need to trust in the journey. You’ll be fine.” The untrusting part within screams, “I’m afraid! What if I fail or I fall flat on my face or there is no getting up from this?” That too is human nature.

“Sometimes the strength within you is not a big fiery flame for all to see, it is just a tiny spark that whispers softly, “You got this, keep going.” Unknown

Perhaps, trusting the journey is not about rushing, not pushing and shoving and not about stomping your feet and demanding but that it is more about accepting that everything is being worked out behind the scenes and you just need to sit back and accept and know that the outcome will be exactly as it was meant to be. It doesn’t mean you have to stop working on yourself, putting effort out on what needs to be done and making your way through life, it means knowing that there is a higher force who is on your side. Not so simple? I know, it isn’t for me either. What if there is a higher power working on your behalf and it has got your back? Wonderful don’t you think? Now, I just need to trust in that concept. Good luck you say? I know but it’s worth a try.

“Trust the process, trust your journey. You are going TO BE OKAY.” Unknown

Have an amazing day.

I’ve Felt Loved….

I’ve felt loved and feel love in Chachi’s presence. I feel love oozing out of his pores when he looks at me. There is this certain look he has when his gaze turns on me. It is soft, it is loving and there is no doubt in my mind that I am loved.

The little guy in the fur coat watches me like a hawk. He follows me around and if he finds something else to amuse himself for a few minutes, he always comes back to me. When he does, he lets it be known that he missed me, often with light purrs or a rambunctious MEOW! There is no mistaking the fact that his world revolves around me and it is the same for me.

Love is unconditional where he is concerned. Some may say that’s because he has no one else and is dependent on me. However, I tend to disagree. Yes, he is dependent on me but he has learned to show love in small ways. A slight rub against my leg when I least expect it, a kiss on my cheek when he thinks I’m sleeping or the way he rubs his face on mine all adds to “feelings of love” shown in unexpected ways. The one I really like is when he rushes into the room and joins in when I am working out. He doesn’t care what I’m doing, be it yoga, aerobics, weight-training or whatever, the Little Macho is front and center! Yes, it is a hindrance but I LOVE it!

I feel love in his presence and I feel like I’m loved. The little macho has me wrapped around his paws, all four of them! I love cuddling with the little guy and I love spending time with him. Yes, the guy who walks into my life has big shoes to fill! He has to gain Chachi’s approval and he has to put up with our LOVE FEST!

Daily writing prompt

Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?

View all responses

Lots of Ways

I can reduce clutter in many ways. Clutter seems to be a way of life for some people and sometimes “clutter” gives you a sense of comfort, if that makes sense.

My office space is cluttered. I have books, papers, files, things that don’t belong in the office area and other stuff that takes clutter to higher level! However, there is comfort in the clutter. I don’t like it organized because it points to my mind which is quite often “cluttered” as well! So, they work hand in hand. I try to keep a semblance of order but that is about as far as it gets!

I think I can reduce clutter when it comes to my personal space. My wardrobes are still full of clothes and I just keep some stuff because I had spent too much on the item and parting with one or the other brings anxiety. I did get rid of a lot of things that I no longer wear but bringing it down to clutter-free level is another thing altogether!

Reducing the clutter in my mind is very hard to do. It seems like I have compartments where I store things, things that no longer matter, things that caused heartache, things that caused pain, and so on. I think most of us do. I would like to reduce the emotional clutter that I carry around as well. I want to free up some space for the good things and to say goodbye to things that are better left alone.

Still working on it. It is a long and slow process but I’m hoping that in time, I will get there. Fingers crossed! Add my toes to that as well for good measure.

Daily writing prompt

Where can you reduce clutter in your life?

View all responses

Terms of Endearment (Archives)

“That’s a gesture of endearment in some cultures. Some hug, some kiss, some set each other on fire in small patches of woodland.” Jonathan Stroud

I guess that last part comes in when the relationship goes down south! Closer to home and of the less insane variety, we dish them out like there’s no tomorrow when it comes to endearing terms. It’s meant to show the newly significant other that they are dear to us and laying it on thick and heavy with such words is the way to go about doing it. Be it “Angel” “Sweetheart” “Babe” “Lovebug” “Sweetie Pie” “Cupcake” “Sweetie” or as Daenerys (Khaleesi) referred to her husband, Khal Drogo, as “my sun and stars” and he referred to her as, “moon of my life.” Swoonworthy right? However, Daenerys smothers him with a pillow to save him from misery in the end. It was love but celestial bodies do take a dive now and then.

“Because I’ve got a lot more terms of endearment to use. Honeypie. Sugarplum. Bread pudding. “Why are they all high-calorie foods?” Richelle Mead

That’s what I would like to know but you forgot cheesecake! Some of them border on the ridiculous and yet it is part and parcel of the dating world and into the relationship existence. My friend, the one who passed away, used to call me “Lovely,” and at times “Babe.” It was an automatic response and I don’t think he gave it much thought.

Terms of endearment is defined as, “a word or phrase used to address or describe a person, animal or inanimate object which the speaker feels love or affection for.” Another explanation is that it is used “to put people at ease and is a form of approval, empathy, and to show interest.” All fine and good but what happens when the relationship goes south? You guessed it. There are terms for that too but needless to say I’m not going to get into them. Let’s just say that they are not of the nice variety and oftentimes it negates all the “sweet” stuff that we pour on in a fast and furious manner as in the beginning of the relationship. Ones that take you to places you don’t want to go.

Here’s a tip:

“Cheesecake” is my favorite so if you want to get anywhere with me and see my eyes light up, you know what to say!

Update: I’m on Day 4 of no cheesecake and I’m doing okay so far. I still hear it calling but nope, it’s a done deal! Read my article, “The Cheesecake Dilemma” to know what I’m talking about.

Finally, terms of endearment are flitting at best. Permanency doesn’t define its lifespan but spur of the moment does. With that in mind, I’m signing off to go see what “Buttercup,” is doing. That’s my TOE for my cat, Chachi. I’ve got a ton of other names for him and the repertoire is growing everyday! Good that the love shine hasn’t worn off yet.

Have an amazing day.

My Favorite Animal? (Archives)

This one is right down my alley and I can wax lyrical on this topic! It was and still is, Chachi, the cat! I love this little guy to bits.

I have a love affair with cats. Not all of them but the ones I have had and the one I have right one. I have learned and am learning that there is more to them than meets the eye. They are not dumb for one thing and their love is unconditional. Once you gain their trust, they are there for you fur coat and all!

Chachi, the cat, is an indoor cat and he is low-maintenance. Once he has his food and fresh water, he finds things to keep himself occupied. Keeping himself clean is of the highest priority and observing like a hawk is his other specialty. Hence his fascination with opening cupboards and doors! That aside, he is a confidante of sorts and just a hug and a kiss from my little buddy is enough to bring the sunshine back and for my heart to sing with joy.

Dogs are another thing altogether!

Daily writing prompt

What is your favorite animal?

View all responses

Online Communications

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

I don’t spend a lot of time online because I feel I can put my time to better use than to sit glued to a monitor. However, when I do spend time online, I am usually writing, putting finishing touches to something I have finished or just sitting there staring out to space and hoping the ideas come rushing in! Sometimes they do and sometimes nothing new pops up and I walk away a little disappointed and frustrated as well.

When I’m not writing, I look at emails and answer them if necessary. There is communication with the publisher but these days, I complain and she turns a deaf ear! There is also communication with the new publisher but I’m not sure if I’m going to get another book published this year. It was stressful last year and I want peace of mind this year. Still thinking about it but the more I think, the more I like having my free time to do what I want.

Other than that, I don’t do much online. Let me take that back. I had a problem with the computer yesterday and it screamed, “Virus attack!” Not sure if it was because I do have proper protective measures in place, so, I fiddled with it for a couple of hours, got in touch with a computer tech because I am a tech klutz and got some answers. However, the problem is still there. The next step is to get an expert in here and to have a look. I’m putting it off because I’m not in the mood and anything to do with technology rubs me up the wrong way!

That’s it as far as my communications online goes. Nothing much to speak of and I’d rather be out in nature and communicating with it!

Daily writing prompt

In what ways do you communicate online?

View all responses

Most Memorable Road Trip

It was taken a long time ago when I was still at university and the boyfriend was new. A nice guy but he had a mind of his own. One weekend he invited me on this road trip that would take us from Tennessee to Alabama. I had never been to Alabama before so decided to go along. We would be spending the weekend with his sister and his brother-in-law.

It started out as a nice trip. Lots of rest stops, good food along the way and the scenery was nice and serene. Total driving time was supposed to be around 4 hours but as evening rolled around, we were still driving! Dusk brought on a new spooky feeling as the trees on both sides of the road had moss hanging from them and it looked downright scary! I later learned that they were called Spanish Moss but that didn’t help to calm my mind.

ME: “Are we going the wrong way?”

HIM: “Nope, we are headed in the right direction.”

Hmm….anyway, I watched as the road got narrower and the ride got spookier. About an hour in, there was a sign that read, “Welcome to Louisiana.”

I looked at him and he looked away.

HIM: “I guess you are right.”

ME: “I don’t want to spend the night in Louisiana.”

HIM: “We are going to turn around,” sounding more than a little irritated.

To make a long story short, we turned around and headed back to Alabama. I’m not sure how long that took but we finally made it to our destination somewhere around midnight! I was thankful that we made it to where we needed to go and kept my mouth shut!

“Most men are reasonably useful in a crisis. The difficulty lies in convincing them that the situation has reached a critical point.” Elizabeth Peters

It was a memorable road trip because I learned that men are often averse to asking for directions when they are lost. Why? Lord only knows!

Daily writing prompt

Think back on your most memorable road trip.

View all responses

You vs. You (Archives)

“It’s you versus you. Meaning you’re the only thing standing in your way.” Amber Tamblyn

The battle lines are often drawn when it comes to facing life’s adversities, difficulties and the unknown. How often do you say, “This is too hard to handle or I can’t do this!” Life’s uncertainties are often met with, I am unworthy, I am too small, I am insignificant, I am not pretty enough, I am not capable, I am not enough and so on. We come up with so many excuses as to why we can’t achieve something or why it is impossible but if truth be told, we make mountains out of molehills. I often point my fingers at everything but myself. I become small and that problem, whatever it is, changes shape and becomes a mountain. It doesn’t matter that the mountain is of my own making, it’s there and it seems insurmountable.

What if we take a step back and view it from a different angle? Is it still insurmountable? How about if we changed our mindset to one of “I can” instead of “I can’t?” I know some problems are huge and they remain huge no matter which way you look at it but there are others that become that way because the “you” the negative “you” sees it that way and so it looms larger than life and once that negative mindset takes hold, it is all downhill from there. I’ve started looking at problems as just that. They are problems yes but I’ve decided to downsize them. I give them a cursory glance at first then I break it down into pieces and tackle it that way. Gone are the days of heart-thumping and end-of-the-world theatrics. No, it hasn’t made the problem any less of a problem but breaking it down does make it more manageable. Perhaps we need to remember it is not you vs. you but YOU working with you to come up with a solution, one that is workable.

It has been said you are your own worst enemy but what if you become your own best friend? Wouldn’t life be so much easier not to mention simpler? Here are some tips on how to do exactly that from the mindful.org.

When you look at the mirror, appreciate the unique person staring back at you – there’s never been another you!

When you talk to yourself, be friendly! Be understanding! NEVER BE MEAN!

When you need lovin’, give yourself a self-hug. Don’t knock it ’till you try it!

Don’t be shy to use your name and tell yourself that you love you.

Make a date with yourself to do something kind and caring.

Make yourself laugh.

Take time for contemplative practices that help you stay tuned in to your body, mind and emotions so that you might always be able to access your inner wisdom.

Idowu Koyenikan had this to say about problems.

“Mountains are only a problem when they are bigger than you. You should develop yourself so much that you become bigger than the mountains you face.”

If all else fails, you can give the “you” that is causing you problems a boot out the door! That should do it. Easier said than done I know and finally, YOU ARE ENOUGH AS YOU ARE so don’t underestimate yourself.

Have an amazing day.

A Snack?

Does a slice of cheesecake count as a snack? Just a itsy bitsy tiny slice. Eating something healthy is at the top of my list but every now and then I tend to reach for something that contains calories, more than usual like cheesecake for instance.

I have a love affair going with this item. I’ve tried getting off this addiction if you can call it that and I succeed for a few days until I hear it (cheesecake) calling my name! Yes, folks, it has my number. The last time I had a slice was a couple of days ago but if I could, I would have it right now with a nice hot cup of coffee. I don’t know which is stronger, that scrumptious piece of cheesecake or my willpower but we will find out! I’m betting on yours truly but who knows because that creamy piece of nothingness has had the upper hand so far!

Daily writing prompt

What snack would you eat right now?

View all responses

LOL!

Photo by Jose Ricardo Barraza Morachis on Pexels.com

A man walks into a barber shop and says, “I’ll have a shave and a shoe shine.”

The barber lathers his face and sharpens the straight edge while a woman with the biggest, most beautiful breasts he has ever seen kneels down and shines his shoes.

The man says, “You and I should spend some time in a hotel room.”

She replies, “My husband wouldn’t like that.”

The man says, “Tell him you’re working overtime, and I’ll pay you the difference.”

She says, “You tell him.

He’s the one shaving you.”

Bet that didn’t turn out too well.