dailyprompt – Page 25

My Definition of Romantic

There are grand gestures and then there are smaller gestures. Grand gestures are dinners in a nice restaurant complete with flowers and a walk somewhere nice. I go for the other variety. Flowers are nice and I love them but the romantic gesture that captures my heart is a walk by the beach, the sky above emblazoned with a thousand stars, the scent of the ocean and the sound of the waves, add to that a touch of the hand, a glance in my direction that speaks more than words can say followed by a moonlit kiss, soft and gentle. This would be my perfect definition of a romantic or a romance-filled evening.

Last year, I was seeing someone. It was a long distance relationship but he would drive the three hours to spend the weekend here. He would bring flowers and we would go out to a nice dinner or take a walk in another village and just let the evening develop. The thing I liked best was that we could sit out back for hours on end, watch the stars come out without saying a word. Once or twice, he would reach out and just hold my hand or give me a kiss on the cheek. Nothing spectacular but it did make my heart skip a beat. What happened to him? That’s another story. Time spent together was enjoyable and at times it felt like home. That too is my definition of a romantic.

I don’t think I’m a romantic but I do love a guy going out of his way to show that he cares. The friend who passed away was a pure romantic. He ran the gamut and nothing was left to chance. Flowers, expensive gifts, dinners, you name it, he was into it. I knew without a doubt that the guy was full-on in. Others are more subtle but still it’s the caring that counts and the little gestures that make up a true romantic.

Daily writing prompt

What’s your definition of romantic?

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Expressing Gratitude

I must admit I don’t do it everyday and it is easy to take things for granted but on the days that I do express gratitude, it comes in the form of journaling, walks in nature, taking time for meditation, being thankful for all that I have and through mindfulness practices.

Journaling helps me to focus on the positive effects instead of the negatives. Nature walks is a form of moving meditation and I realize that I am a part of a bigger picture. Mindfulness helps me to appreciate things around me instead of constantly looking at what is lacking. I try to make gratitude a daily experience but like I said, it is easy to take things for granted and sometimes I forget to say thank you. So I pay more attention to this aspect and make it a point to be habitual in expressing thanks.

Grateful practices take time and it does take effort but in the long run, it is necessary to see life from the glass half-full perspective rather than the half empty one.

As for being mindful, be in the here and now when life gets noisy.

Daily writing prompt

How do you express your gratitude?

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The Future I Worry About

Can I say EVERYTHING?!! I am a worrywart and those who know me will agree. I worry about everything and anything and not just about the future.

I like to have everything laid out for me, good or bad. Knowing beforehand seems like a good idea but is it really? The unknown is scary and not knowing makes it worse. However, having a crystal ball is not going to make things a whole lot better I think. In my case, I would know what is coming and go CRAZY!

Worrying about the future was a daily thing but now I say whatever comes my way, I am fully capable of handling it. I truly believe that we are strong enough and capable enough of dealing with whatever life throws our way. There is so much strength within us and we haven’t tapped into half of it! Think back to all the times you thought that what you had in front of you was impossible and that it was too big and nothing you do could make it better. Well, you’re still here having slayed that monster.

I hope the future will be kind, it will be filled with abundance and it will bring the man of my dreams into my life but if one or the other doesn’t happen, that is alright too. I’m not putting all my eggs into one basket as they say and if it doesn’t go as planned, I will deal with it at that time.

Worrying is for the birds and that applies to the future as well!

Daily writing prompt

What are you most worried about for the future?

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What Makes a Teacher Great?

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First of all, teachers are people who impart more than knowledge. Good teachers inspire and instill a love of learning.

I’ve met both good and bad teachers. The good ones made me want to learn more, to put more effort into learning and to excel in what I was doing. The bad ones did just the opposite. “It takes a big heart to shape little minds,” and this is so true. “A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.” (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk)

Patience, tolerance, respect and a joy in teaching is needed to light the way for others. Some are sorely lacking in some of those aspects while others excel. I’ve met both good and bad ones. Teachers act as “educators, mentors and role models, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning.” That’s what good teachers do. Here’s the difference between the two.

“A teacher may be the lone sliver of light, for a child, on any given day or may be the shadow that silences a child’s hope. Teachers possess a true super power, to lift up or cast down. A teacher makes a difference, one way or another.” Angela Adams

I’ve met both.

Daily writing prompt

What makes a teacher great?

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Ever Had Surgery?

Yes, I have. It came on unexpectedly. Several years ago I had pains on the left side of my abdomen. It was light at first and then it started getting worse. One day, I was doubled over with pain and we went to the emergency room.

They couldn’t figure out what was causing the pain but they checked me in. After two days in the hospital, they still had no idea. I was getting worried when a doctor did another check and found a huge cyst on the ovary. It needed to be cut and so I was scheduled for surgery the next day. It was a scary experience. I hate hospitals and anaesthesia makes me nervous. I lost a friend at the university. She was put under in hospital and never woke up from it! Anyway, they assured me that all would be well and that it was a minor procedure.

I woke up in the hospital room and was feeling fine until my eyes rolled up and I fell back on the bed. I have low blood pressure, always have had this problem although some may not see this as a problem. However, once in a blue moon it takes a dive and I wind up on the floor! It doesn’t happen often but it did in the hospital. They jammed something in my thigh and I was back. I stayed for another day and was discharged. If you thought hospital food is bad, you should try hospital food in Europe! Let’s just say, I was glad to be home and glad I didn’t need to be there another night.

Did I tell you, I have a fear of ghosts? Nope? Well, I do and hospitals are spooky places! One more thing, if you sense something is wrong, take it seriously. I was told by people I knew that it was nothing and just a by-product of an overactive imagination but YOU know your body best!

Daily writing prompt

Have you ever had surgery? What for?

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My Daily Habits

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Breakfast is a must. I usually have a light breakfast and it is pretty much the same everyday. I admit it is boring but I’m a low-energy person in the mornings so anything more than a piece of toast seems elaborate! This is what living single does to you! Gone are the large breakfasts with eggs, bacon, pancakes, toasts and sometimes an omelette. These days, simple is the name of the game. Sometimes, I might add a slice of fruit. This morning, I had papaya and it was delicious.

Shower is a must. I hate baths but showers I love. I spend a lot of time in the shower sometimes just humming to myself and sometimes doing my beauty routine but not going to go into that here. Let’s just say, I take grooming seriously.

Some days, it’s a run to the supermarket to stock up on stuff and on other days, the pet store is on my list. Chachi, the cat, goes through food like crazy and his back end does show the after-effects of too much indulging. Like he says, “Mom, I have nothing better to do!” He’s right there but he works out with me so he is healthy that way. I do meet up with friends once or twice a week just to have coffee and catch up on things and that is enough for the week!

Workouts are a must, not a day goes by without some form of workout. I’m into Pilates now and sometimes the fusion stuff. Cardio is a must and so is yoga. Meditation is next on the list and breathing techniques are right there at the top of the list. Writing is a daily affair. Day dreaming is another must and just destressing for all its worth! Eating healthy is part and parcel of a healthy lifestyle so meal planning comes into play. I don’t spend days in advance planning but I do think about lunch and dinner when the day starts. Waiting till the last minute means I eat just about anything when hunger strikes like cheesecake! Yes, I still do have the craving for that creamy bit of nothingness and it still has a hold on me. We have a love-hate relationship going.

Getting a goodnight’s sleep is very important so I start preparing early. I have dinner at 5, yes, that’s early but after dinner, I don’t snack and I don’t eat anything else until morning rolls around. Shower comes next and it is time to get into something comfortable. The roomier the better! I do another round of meditation to get ready and then lights out at 9:30 p.m. and it’s cuddling time with the little brat, I mean with Chachi, the cat. I usually sleep through but since Chachi is crepuscular, he’s up and about, but that doesn’t really bother me.

Those are some of my daily habits. Weekends are a whole different story and you don’t want to know what those habits are!

Daily writing prompt

What are your daily habits?

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A Sustainable Lifestyle

I don’t really think about it very much. However, Europe has very stringent laws regarding where you throw your trash, how you throw your trash and you better pay attention or else you’re in trouble!

I recall the dumpster in my apartment complex in America where everything and anything went into that one dumpster. Here, that is a no go. Paper trash has a bin, plastic has a bin, everything else has a bin and compost has a bin. It may sound tedious but people keep to the rules and things seem to be working just fine.

Personally, I’m not a vegetarian but I don’t mind going that route twice a week. Meat is not at the top of my list but I like it now and then. My favorite is fish and salmon is my go to when I have fish on the menu and I buy organic whenever possible but it is expensive. I do use paper bags for groceries instead of plastic and I do buy recycled stuff when I see it offered. My beauty products do not contain chemicals and most are plant based. My one snafu, I love showers! I can’t live without my showers. I do waste a lot of water and that is something I need to pay attention to. Other than that, I think I do pretty well maintaining a sustainable way of lifestyle.

Daily writing prompt

Are there things you try to practice daily to live a more sustainable lifestyle?

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The Most Delicious Thing

I recall it was in Singapore. The place was a street side cafe with western music blaring out of its interior. The plastic chairs looked well-used and none too stable but the place was packed with both foreigners and locals alike. There was laughter and good times but the aroma coming out of the kitchen made my mouth water.

“How good could the food be from this dingy looking place?” I wondered. Turns out it was the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten in my life. I can’t remember the name of the dish but a friend recommended it since I love seafood. It arrived with no pomp and circumstance but it was a meal fit for a king or a queen for that matter! The bowl was small and unassuming. The aroma tantalizing. I removed the lid and hot steam escaped from the interior. It had a crust covering the whole thing and I was told to break it softly with a spoon and I did. Lo and behold, the crust sank into the thick broth below and I could see chunks of seafood, huge shrimps or rather prawns, lobster,squid, fish and a whole lot of other stuff staring back at me. I waited for it to cool off and dug in. It was the most delicious thing I had ever tasted. The thick reddish colored broth was beyond delicious, the morsels of seafood tender and every spoonful going down was heaven in itself.

It has been many years since that experience but I still remember this dish because it is unforgettable. I’ve eaten in different parts of the world but nothing as delicious as that unassuming bowl of whatever it was called. It has carved a place in my mind and my palate and will stay there as the best tasting food ever.

Singapore is a gourmet’s paradise and they can take the simplest ingredients and turn it into something grandiose and spectacular! Let me just add, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg either!

Daily writing prompt

What’s the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten?

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One Outfit Over and Over Again?

I’m not quite sure about this question. Forced to wear one outfit over and over again? The thing is nobody forces me to do anything anymore! I march to my own drumbeat these days.

Anyway, if I had to wear one outfit over and over again, it would be something sloppy. I can stay in PJs all day long but since that doesn’t really work in the real world, I’d opt for my Zara sweatpants and a short-sleeved t-shirt. The sweatpants have seen better days but you can’t beat the comfort factor. It is grey, roomy and looks a little big on me but who cares! I had it on during winter with sweatshirts and sweaters and now that it is warm, I reach for it just for lazing around the house. Only in summer, I pair it with t-shirts and it works just fine. Add a pair of flip-flops to it and you’ve got no-nonsense dressing to the hilt.

Of course, when I have company I have to force myself to change into something more presentable BUT the moment they leave, I’m back in sloppy wear and there’s nothing like it. It is stress-free dressing and it suits me just fine!

Daily writing prompt

If you were forced to wear one outfit over and over again, what would it be?

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The Importance of Spirituality

It is important but it is not a 24/7 thing like it used to be as a child growing up in a very religious and regimented Christian family. Now, I have the right to choose and that matters.

I believe there is a higher power and I don’t have to go to church every Sunday to have conversations with him either. I can do it anywhere. Spirituality is subjective and personal and nature is where I come face to face with spirituality in all its magnificent forms. I see it in the wide open spaces and in the plant and animal life that tells me everything happens for a reason. The seasons change when they have to like clockwork and each season has something to offer. An unseen force is at work and I know that magic is being worked in my life too. I just have to trust and believe that things will work out for the best.

I don’t say my prayers like I used to as a child kneeling by the bedside because mom and dad wanted me to. I am my own person now and instead of letting go of spiritual norms as I thought I would if I had the chance, I am finding that it is a necessary part of my life and one that is very important for my well-being as well. I know that I am part of a bigger picture and that in itself is enough to blow the mind!

“Spirituality is the journey of becoming one with the universe.” Unknown

Daily writing prompt

How important is spirituality in your life?

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