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My Challenge

Whether it is a six month challenge or something longer, I’ve accepted the challenge and there is no going back now. It is not about bringing a new book out, it is not about finding a new guy, and it is not about changing my life for the better. This time around it is not about any of those things.

Many of you know about my son leaving to start a new job and it will be happening sooner than later. Thursday of this week, he will show up here with his dad and it will be a long time before I see him again. His life will be changing and the new job will demand his focus and presence there. Along with it comes a six-month trial period which is normal for jobs here. It will also include going to Berlin for two weeks and then back to where he needs to be to jump in head first into the unfamiliar.

My challenge or rather my mission if I choose to accept it is to look after his two cats while he explores the unfamiliar. I’ve agreed to look after them, to make sure that they are well-taken care of and to keep them safe for him. The good thing is Chachi will finally have friends to play with while I pull my hair out! Knowing Chachi, I know that he will be over the moon for a few days but I think he will want his peace because we both lead boring lives and being on his “paws” the whole day will wear him out.

The two cousins as I call them are Shiro, a white Persian with startling blue eyes and Galahad, a grey British short-haired cat with orange eyes. Shiro is daddy’s little princess and Galli, as I call him, is much bigger than Chachi and a no-nonsense sort of guy. Chachi seems to think that he can take them both at one go. Poor thing, he has something else coming!

Here is the thing, I’ve been spending time thinking about this big responsibility. I have Chachi and we love our time together. Adding two more to the equation seems like a huge thing and perhaps it is. On one hand, I am a little nervous and on the other hand, I think I am fully capable of handling the challenge and helping my son along the way. I know that he is sad about leaving them behind, I can’t see myself without Chachi around. So I know what he must be going through. Plus, his babies will be sad too and they will miss him horribly. The first couple of days is going to take some getting used to for all of us. Afterwards, I hope we can get back to normal. Still, it is a little scary this huge responsibility but with all things, it is going to take some shifting of my priorities, Chachi getting used to them and reeling his macho personality in and I hope the house survives the turmoil and chaos!

We shall see.

Daily writing prompt

What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?

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Release the Chase

The word “chase” encapsules the thrill of the pursuit and it evokes feelings of urgency because chasing either your dreams, a special person, or your success story requires this single-minded focus and sometimes everything else goes out of focus and the chase is what you’re about. You feel the adrenaline rush and it takes you to new highs, not always a good thing but who cares because in that moment, you are alive and that is all that matters.

We know this well, don’t we? We’ve done it all the way through childhood to where we’re at now. In the earlier years, the chase was about doing better in school, exceling at sports, or being the popular person at school. In your teens, the social world opened up and the chase was about accomplishments, attracting a boy or girl, and fitting in. Adulthood brought about new things to chase. Love, success, wanting to make it so that you can climb the rungs of success. It was expected and you conformed and sometimes you enjoyed the chase and sometimes you didn’t but it was part of your life.

Along the way we learned that chasing was necessary if we wanted something bad enough. We also learned that sometimes the chasing wasn’t just about the good things. There were moments when we chased situations that were not good for us. It didn’t matter because we wanted what we wanted and even if the outcome was going to be bad, we put on blinders and did the dance of chasing. Along the way, we became experts at all kinds of chasing and sometimes to our own detriment. The truth of the matter is that we have been in various forms of chase throughout our lives.

Life becomes more exciting when you are in the chase mode or rather you have something to live for. Sometimes it keeps us on the edge and at other times we can do without the blood-pumping adrenaline rush but giving it up is a hard thing to do. Have you ever chased the wrong person in a relationship knowing full well that you should let it die a slow death or even a fast one? How many times did you chase just because you didn’t want to give up what was bad for you? Your heart wanted what it wanted and you went along for the ride. We are pros when it comes to seeking out what we desire passionately.

This unassuming word was referred to as “chacier” in Old French and in Latin “captare” meaning to seize. According to one source, “when we chase something — be it success, happiness, or even closure — we’re not merely pursuing; we’re reaching out for possession over our own narratives.”

Those stories that we tell ourselves can sometimes be our worst enemies. So, the next time you decide to “chase” or to do the chasing, think carefully. Do you really want it? Is it good for you? Or is it better off left alone?

Life Got Quieter in a Good Way

When I switched from expect to accept, my life got quieter — in the best way. Fewer arguments, fewer overreactions, fewer battles at 2 a.m. I don’t chase responses, don’t pressure outcomes, don’t demand constant reassurance. I accept what is real, release what is draining, and let peace take up the space where chaos used to live.” MORNING SMILE

If that isn’t enough to let go and release the chase, here is something that might help you do just that if you believe in the universe that is.

“Be so deep in alignment with your intention that your dream starts to chase you.” The Universe

Have an amazing day and instead of chasing, sit back and let it come and get you!

An Important Piece of Advice

I was fearless running around like a wild child during my younger days. It all changed when I hit sixteen or so and life changed. I became fearful and I don’t know what happened. The young girl who was fearless suddenly found herself being fearful of life and the unknown.

I took to my bedroom and did some armchair traveling through my books. It was my safe zone from the outside world. Reading was my way of being out there without having to venture out if you know what I mean. Writing gave me an outlet from the fear and I was able to put my feelings down on paper and that helped too

When I turned 18 I came out of the cocoon that I had built around myself but “fear” would be an integral part of my life. It kept me from experiencing life to its fullest but it also kept me away from danger.

My advice to my teenage self would be to give “fear” a boot out the door! Take life by the horns and go for it. Fear is an emotion that has a tendency to destroy and it stops you in your tracks. Even though it is a protective mechanism, too much of it is destructive. Learn to overcome FEAR would be my advice to my teenage self.

Daily writing prompt

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

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It’s Sunday!

Didn’t we just go through Sunday? Well, it’s on a loop and comes by sooner than expected! To put it succinctly, time flies. I made up my mind to have a quiet one today. No intrusions of any kind including my overactive mind.

Tomorrow is going to be a nerve-racking one. I’ll be test-driving the new car and I’m not looking forward to it. The weather is supposed to be rainy so that is not going to help matters much. Last Friday, I went to look at another car. Why? I told you, my mind keeps jumping around and it keeps me on my toes. Look at all that is out there before you make a decision, it says. I agree but pair that with well-meaning people who keep sending me information on what to look out for and yours truly on the Google mode and you’ve got horror in the making! I KNOW what not to buy and that is almost every car! So, now I’ve decided to put Google aside although it keeps begging me to come back, just like cheesecake does. Today, there will be no Googling and no well-meant advice. I’m on my own with my trusted Chachi, the cat, for company.

Monday will come soon enough and I’m not going to sweat bullets, well, I never do but that is besides the point. I will meditate for all I’m worth and go into a quiet space to psych myself up but without thinking too much. Make sense? No? Never mind, I know what it means.

I woke up feeling a little under the weather. It could be my overactive mind playing tricks on me. If I can’t get you through overthinking, let’s try another method! It’s not going to work. I’m going to go test drive that car, get it over with, and come hell or high water I’m determined to do it. I may decide against it afterwards and just have my current car repaired. I DO NOT like changes and that is the pull there.

Today, I have good intentions of being in my safe zone, taking it easy, breathing like a monk, and leaving tomorrow where it belongs. It hasn’t happened yet so why spend time on it. WHY?!! Because I’m wired that way! Okay, deep breath, let it out slowly and here we go into the quiet.

Fingers and toes crossed!

Life Happens

“I’ve learned over and over that life happens on its own terms, not mine.” Kate Walsh

Ms. Walsh is absolutely right in that respect. Life happens as it happens and most times you have no control over it whatsoever. What fun is there in having a crystal ball to show you everything before it comes knocking on your door right? Well, I for one think it might just make life a tad easier but no luck there. Life happens and you’ll just have to deal with whatever comes your way whether you want to or not.

“Life happens,” is an idiom used to express that there are things we can’t control, foresee or prepare for. The future is unknown, and anything could happen.

According to Sarah Pierson of Huffingtonpost, here are some tips on how to make life happen instead of just letting it happen to you.

Create a timeline of the things you most want to experience or accomplish. Basically have some goals and go out and get them done.

Take risks. I’m not a risk taker so this is hard for me. However, taking risks is the way to go according to Ms. Pearson. You need to get yourself out there in order to overcome the fears of facing life head-on.

Invest in people. Investing your time in people is well worth the effort it seems because the rewards are plenty. It is time well-spent, cuts back on loneliness and it gets you out there in this great big world of ours.

Learn to let go of that which you cannot control and to adapt. This is another hard one for me. Letting go has never been my forte and adapting, well, that’s right up there with one of the hardest things to do! I am willing to give it a go.

Seek advice from those who are living life fully. This is a good one. Learning by example is never a bad idea.

Travel

Learn not to compare. If you’re always comparing yourself to someone who has more than you, who looks better than you or someone who just seems to have it altogether, you’ll never get a handle on your own life because you’ll always be hoping and wishing instead of bringing the focus back to you and that is where it needs to be to move forward.

“Be available for life to happen.” Bill Murray

In order for life to happen, you’ve got to start making life happen. If it’s a job you want, make a plan. It’s not going to fall into your lap, you’ve got to move to make it happen. Read up on the best interview strategies. Find out how you can hone your skills to come across as the best candidate for the job. Spruce up your appearance, those old ratty pair of jeans and seen better days t-shirts will have to go. Invest in some good clothes. It matters. Finding a job in this fast-paced and dog eat dog world is never easy and daunting to say the least but with hard work, dedication and effort, you can land the job of your dreams. Never give up and you are almost a winner!

If it’s a relationship you want, get rid of the no gooders. Period. If they don’t contribute to your life, get rid of them. If you’re looking for that perfect someone, it starts with you. Do your homework and find out what it is that you want. There is no such thing as ‘perfect’ but you’ll get pretty close if you’re willing to settle for mutual respect, love and honesty. The rest will fall in place.

If it’s happiness you’re looking for, you’ll have to do the work here as well. Nothing is ever handed to you on a silver platter. Know what makes YOU happy and go out and find it. Easier said than done? Well, yes but there is no other way unfortunately.

“Life happens to all of us. It’s not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to us that really decides if we’re going to be victims or if we’re going to get and have everything we’ve ever dreamed of.” Eric Thomas

Finally, get to know yourself. Spend time with yourself to find out what it is that you want. If it’s one or all of the things mentioned above but you don’t know where to start, have no fear because you are fully capable of figuring it out. You know what makes you tick, what makes you happy so don’t just let life happen, make it happen the way you want it. If it scares you, you’re not alone. Join the club!

“No matter what happens, you can get through the day. Inhale. Focus on the word, ‘relax.’ Exhale. Say, ‘I can do this! And then do it.” Ace Antonio Hall

Have an amazing Sunday.

Boredom

At first glance I want to say nothing since I am the “epitome of boredom” itself! If you had a chance to look into my life you would agree. Let me explain. I lead a very boring life. There is no longer the pressure to perform as I used to. I went from churning out articles at an accelerated pace to next to nothing. Nowadays, the “daily prompt” is about as much excitement as I get throughout the day! I wake up looking forward to the questions that someone puts out there for us mere mortals to come up with answers if we wanted to that is. It makes for some good reading!

Now if there is one thing I hate or I find totally boring is the weekends. Paradise, as I know it, meaning the fields are no longer my own at weekends. It is more like paradise lost during these times when the locals decide to get out there in droves and from greetings to the masses (what I call more than five people) the place loses its beauty or its thrill and for me that is absolute quiet and peace where my mind is allowed to take off into its imaginary realm. I usually stay indoors at the weekends and that is totally boring but I am finding ways to combat that feeling. Meditation and working on things I need to get down and on me as a whole is working fine for right now and if that goes down the drain, I’m sure I’ll find other things to keep me occupied. Boredom is in the mind as I usually say, change the mindset and you’ll be just fine.

Daily writing prompt

What bores you?

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LOVE

It is elusive, it doesn’t always show up and when it does, it may not stay forever. That is a given but still we seek it, we want the feeling that says all is well, we are loved and protected AND we want it to paint our world in colors of the rainbow or whatever color love brings. It doesn’t matter if it looks and feels like cubic zirconia, the shine is all that matters for a while anyways. The problem is, we seek this elusive commodity like a heat seeking missile but a warm willing body is not enough, it needs substance to keep it going and that’s where the iffiness, the wishy-washiness and dead as a doornail comes in.

Have you ever fallen in love with the wrong person? I’ll guarantee that all of us have at one time or another. I’ve taken that journey many times over. Each time, I tell myself I’ll do better the next time around and each time I watch the worthless relationship go up in flames. I’m like a gardener who had planted seeds and one who is waiting to see what the outcome would be. The hope is that all the care, energy and time would yield a bumper crop but no matter how hard I tried, that plant showed up poorly and died along the way. It got brown and shriveled and no amount of trying to revive it brought signs of life back into it. Yet, I held on because of the invested time, love and energy that had gone into it and I wanted some kind of return when there was none to be had.

It was time to let it go. Put it down to wasted energy, pull it out by the roots and make room for something new to grow. Something which is more conducive and is willing to grow under your care. Bad love like bad seeds are just that, there is no rescuing what doesn’t want to be rescued. Let it go.

Love is defined as, “a set of emotions and behaviors characterized by intimacy, passion and commitment. It involves care, closeness, protectiveness, attraction, affection and trust.” verywellmind.com

If some of those behavior traits are missing and keeps on coming up missing, then you need to step back, reevaluate and weigh the consequences of such a relationship. Do not make an unworthy person a priority in your life and toxic relationships are just that, the poison starts slowly but it spreads quickly. Examples of toxic behavior are cheating and carrying on other relationships while in an ongoing relationship and pretending it is a covert operation. The liars and control freaks need to take a hike and those who show no respect for the person they’re with are a waste of time and space. Add to that the ones who can look you in the eye and swear that nothing is going on when you know otherwise should be shown the door quickly. No time should be wasted on them. If you’ve got one of these cubic zirconia types on your hands, remember life is too short for hoping and wishing, remember you’re a diamond so you have no time and energy to be wasted on fakes. Make room for someone who is willing to thrive in your garden and put yesterday’s mistakes behind you.

“Something I just recently learned was that chased love is not love. If you have to run after it, talk it into staying, remind it of your value, fight alone for the both of you, issue ultimatums, or test it, it is not love. It’s not love, it’s not happiness, it is not fair, it’s not healthy, the only thing it is…..is a waste of time.” Jessica James

I heard someone put it this way as well but not in exactly these words. Why do you have a junk car parked on your property when you’ve got a Ferrari circling your property? Have the wreck towed away and make room for the new, something better at best. Even if there isn’t anyone new on the horizon right now, give it time. In the meantime work on being a worthy person, worthy of love and one who deserves the best as far as love is concerned. Anything less is an absolute no-go!

“Some people will only come into your life to teach you what love is not. And when that happens, I hope you know when to walk away.” F. E. Marie

Have an amazing day.

Favorite Drink?

I don’t drink alcoholic beverages. It is just my preference and I don’t think it tastes great either! Tried it once in my late teens. It was a beautiful looking glass of something red, an almost glowing liquid with an umbrella and a slice of pineapple for added effect and the guy I was dating at the time ordered it not knowing that I didn’t drink. It came, I drank it like a fool and got myself drunk! That was my last and only time coming face to face with alcohol of any kind. I’ve been to places where alcohol was served but I always refused. A stick in the mud? Call me whatever but I have willpower except for cheesecake of course!

I stick to coffee in the mornings and fruit juices and water throughout the day. I love tea too and I’m discovering that there is a tremendous variety to whet every taste bud on the market. Alcohol out but anything that does wonders for the body as a whole is a definite in.

Daily writing prompt

What is your favorite drink?

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Change Your Strategy

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

“Failure is hard. But turn those failures into learning experiences, so that you’ll look back and be happy that you failed, because you gained more knowledge from that experience. Sometimes, it’s simply an indication to change your strategy instead of giving up completely.” Albert Rogers

“Change your strategy” is often used in the business world to place emphasis on a module that is not working so it’s time to regroup and refocus your energy into bringing in new options to make whatever is not working into a workable one. This concept works in real-life as well. If something doesn’t work, change it. Seems like a great idea at first glance but hard to put into action if you love the ‘plan’ you’ve put into action and and are dead set against changing it. If you’re someone who doesn’t like change like yours truly here, it is a concept that is hard to comprehend let alone to work with.

“Waiting for something outside you to change before you change is a broken strategy. Fix it by deciding to be someone different and do something different. Transformation happens from the inside out if you take action.” Unknown

Taking that into account, it seems like the most sensible way to go about changing failure into a success story. The problem is you must want to. It’s not going to work any other way. Pinpoint the problem, refocus your energy, find ways to take a failure and change it into a winning solution and put it into action. If you think you’re doing everything right and you still don’t understand why you’re failing then it’s time to really look at what you’re doing and find a different way of doing it. There’s more than one way to skin a cat as the euphemism goes and no matter how offensive that might be, being a cat lover myself, it just means there are other ways of doing something. Don’t get stuck in a rut. Be open to change and change your strategy. However, there are times when you can do everything possible until you’re blue in the face and still the same old failure concept comes knocking at your door and if that’s the case, do not despair. You’ll get there, just keep trying.

Learn to roll with the punches, keep getting back up when life knocks you down and never ever give up.

“When you face failures, don’t change your goal, change your strategy.” Vivek Bindra

I’ve experienced life in all its wonderful and not so wonderful facets and the one that I hate or hated the most was change. My motto was, “Why fix something if it ain’t broke.” The actual thought behind that was, “I like where I’m at, good or bad and change is for the birds!” It took years of resistance, falling down, refusing to get back up and digging my heels in AND screaming, “Leave me alone!” to realize that change is an integral part of life. It teaches us in a not so nice way that it’s needed, falling makes you gain experience and you learn that YOU are not God. So move along, embrace change before it’s too late. I learned it the hard way and I still bristle when I see ‘change’ coming around but these days I’m ready to embrace it, learn what it has to offer and to accept it for what it is. A lesson learned because it has to be learned.

“Failure is nothing more than a chance to revise your strategy.” Unknown

Oops! I’ve got to run. I see ‘change’ approaching wearing a smile on its face and with bells clanging and I’m not in the mood for it today. Just kidding.

HAVE AN AMAZING DAY.