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Daily Prompt #5

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

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

Her name was Bunny, and she was my very best friend. I regularly took her with me wherever I went. I slept with her, would put clips and scrunchies on her ears and told her my secrets. I recall an incident where my mom had one of her friends over who had brought her two sons. As I sat in the living room with Bunny when one of the boys snatched her and tossed her to is brother. Back and forth the two boys tossed Bunny as I cried trying to catch her. It was a sad game of Monkey in the Middle. I finally got a hold of her legs while one of the boys had her by the ears. As we tugged back and forth one of her ears ripped off. There I was devastated because they hurt my friend. I ran and cried to my mother. She scolded them, but there I stood with Bunny in one hand and her detached ear in the other. My mom promised to sew her ear back on. Bunny’s ear never was sewed back on, but the hole was stitched closed.

Stuff animals can bring a sense of comfort and companionship to children. Looking back, it was as though holding her was a way to soothe my emotions and I knew I could count on her if I needed a friend. I slowly stopped playing with Bunny around 4th grade. She gradually fell into her role as my bed décor, then onto my closet shelf, and now she is stored away in a container in my closet. If I end up having a daughter I\’ll probably pass Bunny on to her.

Daily Prompt #3

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

I like to set daily small goals such as “text X backor “clean out closet” and when I do them I make sure to praise myself. As I get through my daily goals my confidence and mood improve. I also like to remind myself of the good things happening in my life whether that be via me writing them down or saying them out loud to myself. This helps remind me of the progress I’m making in life and not get so hung up on the set backs. Additionally, when I get into a spiral I’ll give myself a day to exist in my feelings. This looks like me secluding myself, laying in bed all day, ignoring phone calls/text messages, binge eating/watching a show and just sitting in my feelings. At the end of the day I like to reflect on how I’m doing and usually I’m feeling a bit better. It’s similar to how you might feel better after a crying spell. If the weather is nice out, I’ll force myself to get out the house. I’ll go for a jog, hike, go to the park and read or spend time with loved ones. Anything to get out the house. Plus, just being in the sun and in nature helps improve my mood.

It’s all about taking it one day at a time.

Remember, you are loved ❤️

Daily Prompt #2

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

My favorite holiday is New Year\’s Eve. Some people seem surprised when I tell them this which I suspect is because NYE is not one of the traditional family orientated holidays. Additionally, NYE is not recognized as a US holiday so technically is not a holiday. However, it does fall within the holiday season and is observed as a holiday in some US states.

I love NYE because my fondest memories of growing up include a large family gathering at my grandfather’s house. As you walked through the house you would hear laughter, see children running around, aunts and uncles sitting outside near the grill. It was one of the few holidays we barbecued, and I love barbeque. My grandfather lived on top of a secluded hill surrounded by ice plants, so we were able to shoot off fireworks without much concern for neighbors. Speaking of fireworks, we did not play when it came to our firework show and sometimes we traveled to Mexico to purchase fireworks that’s how serious it was for us.

I also love the concept of new year resolutions that surround NYE. Some might argue “you shouldn’t wait for a new year to start a goal…blah blah blah”, but I don’t view it that way. I believe people should start a goal when they feel ready and for some that readiness comes with the motivation of a new year. It’s as though the new year allows you to reinvent yourself, which I find freeing. You may have messed up all 360 days out of the year, but in the new year you get another chance to do better and I love that.

Lastly, as someone who loves dressing up and making a statement when I do, I appreciate the loud outfits and decorations that come with NYE. I love the parties, fireworks, loud noises, and the excitement that fills the air. NYE is a celebratory holiday and I welcome all the celebration!

Daily Prompt #1

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 💜