Category: Blog Posts & Prompts

Advice for the Heart

June 23rd, 2023

You are not meant to be someone’s infinite source of happiness

Nor should you seek happiness in others

You cannot truly love others until you love yourself

You cannot truly be happy unless you find that happiness for yourself

In the world, it becomes easy to find our happiness in others as a way to fill a void we may feel

To be influenced by feelings that come and go like the ocean tides

But true growth and strength are developed in times of solidarity

Disappointment will come if we use other people to fill the empty spaces within ourselves

You don’t have to be whole to find someone to love; most people are broken

You just have to be working toward a better version of you

Someone who finds fulfillment within themselves and is seeking someone else to join their journey on the same path

There are no perfect people; only those striving to do better everyday

Surround yourself with those people

And, if you can, be one of them.

– A.B.
Historic Inspirations

June 23rd, 2023

Daily writing prompt
Who is your favorite historical figure?
View all responses

As a self-proclaimed history nerd, I have many historical figures that I admire. But I suppose it depends on what you consider a historical figure to be. If musicians are included, then Freddie Mercury is definitely a top one for me. His confidence to be his authentic, quirky self is admirable, and of course he had insane musical talent which I appreciate as a singer and pianist myself.

Earlier this year, I had to read a memoir for the final assignment for a history class I was taking. The one I read was by Agnes Humbert, a French woman who survived imprisonment by German forces during WWII. Her first-hand account of the horrors of war was absolutely chilling to read. And her perseverance to survive despite suffering with chemical burns, dysentery, starvation, and abuse was inspiring, making her one of my new favorite historical figures.

And lastly, the beloved Betty White is definitely one of my top favorites. Her decades of activism for animals along with her many talents as an actress and performer are admirable. Her long, full life is something I think everyone hopes for, but very few actually get. She was a strong, funny, intelligent woman who is an inspiration to me.

– A.B.
Dreams of Traveling

June 21st, 2023

What countries do you want to visit?

Having never been on an airplane in my life, there are many countries I’d love to visit when I finally do. First and foremost is Scotland; the home of my ancestors and a place full of rich history. To see the castle ruins and downtown Edinburgh would be a dream come true.

France is another place I’d love to visit, both for the pastries and breads and to practice my French (even with my elementary proficiency). Romania, Egypt, Israel, Wales, and others also make my traveling bucket list. All full of their own unique histories and traditions.

I love to experience other cultures and learn how other people live. I can only hope that I’m able to live a long life so I can make these wants a reality. Perhaps my first step should be getting on an airplane to go anywhere by twenty-five.

– A.B.
Inner Beauty

June 20th, 2023

What’s your favorite thing about yourself?

To answer this question, I’d have to say my favorite things about myself is my mind. Not only is it always going at a million miles an hour with thoughts and ideas, along with multiple songs playing in the background, but it’s been through so much and still survived.

My mind creates worlds through writing, memorizes entire songs on the piano for my fingers to play, remembers birthdays and the favorite things of the people I love, and has somehow managed to get a four year degree. It holds so many memories and random historical facts.

While my mind has given me issues more time than I can count, it’s still my favorite part of myself. A part I value dearly. It allows me to think, feel, experience, and is so complex that it controls my whole body; including signaling my fingers to type right now.

I believe our uniqueness and true beauty as individuals lies in our minds. How we all think, feel, and live differently yet share this earth together is fascinating to think about.

– A.B.
Retirement

June 19th, 2023

How do you want to retire?

I hope to retire happily. After feeling fulfilled in my career. Hopefully fifty years from now or longer. Sitting on the large porch of my dream house in the country surrounded by acres of sprawling land. Grandchildren playing in the yard. My husband sitting in the rocking chair beside me; his golden hair turning a shade of gray.

I hope to have continued appreciating the little things in life. To have made my name known and myself proud. I hope by the time I retire, I’ve worked as hard as I could to achieve my dreams. That I feel satisfied with my choices and look forward to slow, easy days ahead.

– A.B.
Magic in Nature

June 17th, 2023

Describe one of your favorite moments.

Though there are many moments in my life I cherish, the first one that came to mine happened only last year. I was camping with loved ones in the North Carolina mountains. Our campsite was just a few yards from a creek, so as we explored the campgrounds we stumbled upon it.

It was the first sunny day of our trip, and golden rays of light filtered through the trees. The ground was still damp from the rain that poured consecutive days beforehand. The creek was hidden down a narrow dirt path where giant magnolias and azaleas bloomed. Once we got to the bottom of the hilled path, it was like stepping into a storybook.

Something about the serene scene of flowing water, warm sunlight, and low-hanging branches made it seem as if magic could exist; like a place from another realm. It was so peaceful to be surrounded by the beauty of nature without the pollution of cities or people.

– A.B.
Fabulous Fall

June 14th, 2023

What is your favorite season of year? Why?

For as long as I can remember, autumn has always been my favorite season. Perhaps due to Halloween being my favorite holiday, since childhood, or maybe a conglomeration of things. I love the chill in the air before the bitter cold of winter. The crunchy leaves littered along sidewalks. The ghost stories, corn mazes, apple cider, and all things that make fall comforting to me.

Despite being born in the spring, I feel as though my soul belongs in autumn. The beauty of leaves changing colors along the blue ridge parkway and Halloween haunted houses are just a couple of my favorite things about the season. The mixture of spooky and cozy simply speaks to me.

– A.B.
The Simple Things

June 11th, 2023

What are the most important things needed to live a good life?

In my opinion, the most important things that make life good are the small ones. A positive mindset, having someone to confide in and love, and being grateful for every little thing you have.

A quote I once read that really convicted me said, “What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?”

That mindset of gratitude really helps to put things into perspective. Most of the things we use or do in everyday life are luxury, not necessity. A good life is what you make it. Some people are grateful to live in an old one-bathroom mobile home, while others are disatisfied with their five-bedroom mansion. How I see it, having a roof over my head, food on my table, and people that love me is all I really need.

Money does not buy happiness. You find happiness where you are in the season of life you’re going through.

– A.B.
Woman’s Best Friend

June 10th, 2023

Who do you spend the most time with?

I’ll be the first to admit I’m an antisocial introvert who struggles to leave the house on my own accord. So it only makes sense that I spend most of my time with my dog.

If I’ve learned anything through the years it’s that dogs have unwavering loyalty and affection. And a lot of times we as humans really don’t deserve them. I have a special place in my heart for rescue animals and pitbulls specifically.

My almost four-year-old rescue pit is hyper and needy, but I wouldn’t trade him for the world. He comforts me with his big sloppy kisses when he can tell that I’m upset, smiles when he gets belly rubs, and spends a big part of the day barking at the front windows of our home because of his instinct to protect me.

The love and loyalty you can find in a dog is rare to find among humans. And although rescue dogs in particular tend to pose more of a challenge when training and getting to know them, it’s worth it.

I can’t complain about spending most days with my dog. He doesn’t judge, he loves unconditionally, and he’s my pal who follows me around the house. Dogs really are the best friend of mankind.

– A.B.
23 Things I’ve Learned in 23 Years of Life

June 8th, 2023

1. Loyalty and honesty are two of the most important qualities in a person

2. Love and infatuation are two entirely different things

3. People who don’t like animals are not to be trusted

4. Even grown adults don’t have life figured out

5. When a loved one dies, your life is not over too; only changed

6. The most selfless people almost always are those who have struggled most

7. Mental health issues are just as serious as physical maladies that you can see

8. Listening to your grandparents’ advice is one of the wisest things you can do

9. Your gut is never wrong; trust it

10. It’s never a good idea to be in the woods at night (especially alone)

11. Your past does not define your future

12. Changed behavior speaks louder than words alone

13. If someone wanted to do something for you, they would

14. McDonald’s is the best hangover food

15. Living people are scarier than ghosts

16. You receive what you give (some call it karma)

17. Family is everything

18. A positive mindset can change your life

19. Our worth does not come from reassurance from others

20. Life is supposed to have its ups and downs. If it were happy all the time, it’d be boring

21. Live each day like it’s your last. Death comes for us all in time

22. Books are the closest thing to time travel we have in our current age

23. God is real