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Tag: dailyprompt

Daily Prompt #6

JuliaLeave a comment

What positive emotion do you feel most often?

If I had to choose the positive emotion that shows up most often in my life, it would be gratitude. It may not always be loud or dramatic, but it has a steady presence, like a quiet hum.

Gratitude greets me in the morning when I realize I have another chance to grow, to try, to simply exist. It sits with me while I sip my morning tea. It arrives in a smile from a stranger or in a burst of laughter with someone I love. Even in hard seasons, gratitude manages to slip through the cracks—through a kind word, the comfort of a soft blanket, or the reminder that pain and joy can live side by side.

What makes gratitude so powerful is the way it transforms how I see everything else. It doesn’t mean life is perfect. It doesn’t erase frustration, sadness, or stress, but softens them, reframes them, and reminds me of the bigger picture. Gratitude teaches me that the ordinary moments are often the most beautiful, if I pause long enough to notice them. For me, gratitude is what keeps me grounded, hopeful, and open to joy.

I think of gratitude as a kind of superpower. Not the “fake it till you make it” kind of positivity, but the genuine realization of blessings and the ability to savor them. When I truly take stock of what I’ve been given—relationships, opportunities, the beauty in small things—it makes me thankful. And gratitude itself creates happiness, because the act of appreciating what I have is joy.

That’s the gift of gratitude: it transforms perspective. And in that shift, it brings fulfillment.

Daily Prompt #5

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What do you enjoy most about writing?

What I enjoy most about writing is the freedom to express myself without interruptions or restrictions. Writing allows me to take my time in formulating my thoughts without feeling rushed. As someone who enjoys learning new things formally or on my own, I feel writing gives me the freedom to explore topics I find interesting. I enjoy informing the public of issues they might otherwise not know about. Additionally, I enjoy the therapeutic benefits that come with writing.

Over the summer while at a coffee shop studying a man approached me inquiring about what I was working on. He took notice of the enthusiasm I had while working. Although I should have been studying, I was writing on a topic I was quite passionate about. This encounter is a perfect example of the excitement I feel when writing. Will I gain a different perspective? Will my readers have a similar or different opinion? If a song could express how I feel when I write it would be Lying Together by FKJ, soul vibrating.

Daily Prompt #4

Julia3 Comments

Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a child. What became of it?

Her name was Bunny, and she was my very best friend. I took her everywhere with me. At night, she slept tucked under my arm. During the day, I decorated her ears with clips and scrunchies, whispered secrets to her, and carried her along on adventures.

One memory of Bunny has never left me. My mom had invited a friend over, who brought her two sons along. I sat quietly in the living room with Bunny in my lap when one of the boys suddenly snatched her away. They began tossing her back and forth, laughing, while I chased and cried, desperate to get her back. It was a cruel game of Monkey in the Middle, except the “ball” was my dearest friend.

At last, I caught hold of Bunny’s legs while one of the boys pulled on her ears. We tugged back and forth until, with a terrible rip, one ear tore clean off. I was devastated. To me, it wasn’t just fabric that ripped—it was my friend who had been hurt. Sobbing, I ran to my mother. She scolded the boys, but there I stood with Bunny in one hand and her detached ear in the other. My mom promised she would sew it back on, but she never did. Instead, she stitched the hole closed, leaving Bunny forever changed.

As a child, stuffed animals are more than toys. They’re companions, confidants, sources of comfort when the world feels uncertain. Looking back, I see how holding Bunny soothed my emotions and reminded me I wasn’t alone. Around fourth grade, I stopped playing with her as much. She became bed décor, then sat on a closet shelf, and now rests safely in a container tucked away.

One day, if I have a daughter, I’ll probably pass Bunny on to her. I hope she feels the same sense of comfort and love that I did. After all, Bunny may be missing an ear, but she’s still full of heart.

Daily Prompt #3

JuliaLeave a comment

What strategies do you use to maintain your mental health when feeling down?

Lately, I’ve found that what keeps me grounded isn’t doing something huge or life-changing. It’s setting small, manageable goals each day. Things like “text X back” or “clean out the closet.” And when I actually complete those little tasks, I make sure to praise myself. That simple act of acknowledgment boosts my confidence and improves my mood.

I also like to remind myself of the good things happening in my life. Sometimes I’ll write them down, other times I’ll just say them out loud to myself. Either way, it helps me focus on the progress I’m making rather than getting stuck on setbacks.

Of course, not every day is easy. When I get caught in a spiral, I allow myself a day to simply exist in my feelings. For me, that looks like secluding myself, staying in bed, ignoring calls and texts, binge-watching a show, or comfort eating. I just let myself be. By the end of the day, I usually feel a little lighter, the way you sometimes feel better after a long cry.

When the weather is nice, I push myself to get out of the house. I’ll go for a jog, take a hike, read at the park, or spend time with loved ones. Just being outside in the sun and nature always shifts my mood for the better.

For me, it really comes down to this: take it one day at a time. Celebrate small wins, honor the hard moments, and keep finding little ways to move forward.

Remember, you are loved ❤️

Daily Prompt #2

Julia2 Comments

What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

My favorite holiday is New Year’s Eve. People are often surprised when I say this, probably because it’s not considered one of the traditional family-centered holidays. It also isn’t a federally recognized holiday in the United States, though it does fall within the holiday season and is even recognized in some states.

I love New Year’s Eve because some of my fondest childhood memories took place at my grandfather’s house during our big family gatherings. The atmosphere was full of laughter, children running around, and aunts and uncles gathered near the grill. Unlike most other holidays, we barbecued, which I absolutely loved. My grandfather’s house sat on a secluded hill surrounded by ice plants, which made it the perfect place for fireworks. And when it came to fireworks, we went all out—sometimes even traveling to Mexico to buy them.

I also enjoy the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. Some people argue that you shouldn’t wait for the new year to start a goal, but I don’t see it that way. I think people should begin when they feel ready, and for many, the new year brings a natural sense of motivation. To me, it feels like a chance to reinvent yourself. You could have stumbled through the last 360 days, but the start of a new year offers another chance to do better. That sense of renewal is freeing.

Finally, I love the celebratory spirit of New Year’s Eve itself. As someone who enjoys dressing up and making a statement, I appreciate the bold outfits, sparkling decorations, and festive energy. I love the parties, fireworks, noise, and excitement in the air. New Year’s Eve is all about celebration, and I embrace it fully!

Daily Prompt #1

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What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?

My middle name is Ann which means grace. I was named after my maternal grandmother who died before I was born. I am my mother’s second child and according to my mother she initially wanted to name my older sister after my grandmother, but was persuaded otherwise. My sister’s name is unique, and I love that for her, but I am happy I got to be the one named after my grandmother. She had a tragic death and, in some way, having her name makes me feel as though I get to celebrate her in life. She accomplished quite a bit in her 33-years of life, including being the only African-American woman in her graduating nursing class and raising three beautiful children. I don’t know a lot about my grandmother or that side of the family because my mom lost contact after my grandfather remarried, but I cherish the stories that have been shared with me.

RIH grandma 💜