Work

Daily writing prompt

In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled?

My parents instilled in me a belief that hard work is a good thing. A strong work ethic was something to be proud of, something that other people would notice and respect. They believed that through hard work you can control your future, control how your life turns out. I remember as a kid working with my parents in the yard on the weekends cutting grass, raking leaves, trimming trees, painting the picket fence.

I would have friends stop by to see if I could go “play” or ride bikes. I would sheepishly have to tell them that I couldn’t, I was expected to help my parents. My parents believed there was a time to work and a time to play…..and work came before play.

Most of my friends seemed perplexed by this. I could only guess that they were not expected to help their parents as much as we were, and to be honest there were a lot of times I was angry with my parents for requiring me to help so much. There were times I felt I was missing out on whatever fun my friends were having and I think some of the time my parents did it so I wouldn’t be spending so much time just hanging out and getting into trouble with my friends. They figured if I was home working then they knew where I was and I wouldn’t be causing trouble in the neighborhood.

Of course now I appreciate the hard work they put into their lives and careers and the work ethic they instilled into me. I found a career I enjoy, I work hard and I’m compensated for my time which allows me to provide for my family and enjoy life as much as I can.

I read somewhere that men get more fulfillment out of completing tasks. They enjoy seeing the fruits of their labor, the end product. I must admit I enjoy a day of yard-work, seeing the grass freshly mowed, the hedges trimmed. I feel a sense of accomplishment after an afternoon of raking leaves. I often wonder if it’s the male DNA of me or the days spent helping my parents as a child.

Work fulfills me……do I day-dream of retirement and having more time for my hobbies and time to travel….of course I do. But that is still a ways away and even in retirement I’ll find something that seems like work but still gets me out of bed and gives me that sense of accomplishment and that exhausted feeling of knowing that I put in a day of work.

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Peace and Love

John

Big News

I’m excited to share with you that a story I wrote about my father and a wonderful coincidence that happened to our family has now been published in the latest edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Angels and the Miraculous. The book has 101 inspirational stories of faith, miracles and answered prayers. It’s available at bookstores and of course online or at Amazon.

It’s my first time being published….usually I just write short little paragraphs here on my blog. It’s very surreal seeing your name in the table of contents of a book and knowing that other people are reading your story. I told a few friends and of course my family knew before the book officially came out. Everyone has been very supportive and encouraging of my writing and I’m very thankful for that. Friends who have read the story think it’s great and I tell them it practically wrote itself as I had a good subject to write about, my dad, and a unique story to tell.

So if your enjoy stories of faith and inspiration check out the latest edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Angels and the Miraculous and read my story on page 17 titled The Brick

Peace and Love

John

Advice

Daily writing prompt

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

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I don’t even remember where I heard this. It wasn’t from my parents or a teacher I had in school. It wasn’t from a mentor I had in one of my jobs….I just heard it somewhere.

The best piece of advice I ever heard was…..just show up.

It’s amazing what good things can happen when you just show up, and it applies to so many situations.

When I was in college just going to class every day put me ahead of everyone else who didn’t.

When I started working I learned that by just showing up you learn how to do the job on a daily basis, and you show your superiors you can be depended upon. My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a commitment to the people I work with. Now don’t misunderstand me, if I’m sick I take a sick day, but just not going to work because I don’t feel like it or it’s a sunny Friday…nope that doesn’t happen. I would feel I would be letting down my employer and my co-workers who would have to cover for me.

Also when the boss asks who can take on another task….be that person who volunteers to do it, and if it’s something you’ve never done before you’ll probably learn a new skill and show the boss your willing to have more responsibility.

So just show up and do your job…you’ll be way ahead of those people who constantly seem to need days off….you know who I’m talking about.

Comment or hit that like button and subscribe if you like my writing

Peace and Love

John

Energy

Daily writing prompt

What things give you energy?

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So much gives me energy…..writing gives me energy, the creative process stimulates my brain into overdrive thinking of how to create something readable and worthwhile.

Getting together with a friend gives me energy, especially if it’s been awhile since we last met. Catching up and hearing what’s going on with them is always interesting and fun.

Planning a vacation or just a short getaway is exciting. Discovering new places and things to do once your there, finding new places to eat and explore….the planning process while at times annoying and frustrating can be exhilarating.

The thing that gives me the most energy is exercise. That may seem counterintuitive but it’s true. There are many medical studies that show exercise boosts endorphins creating a better mood for hours afterward.

It’s true….I’m a much happier person when I’m consistently working out. I feel better, I have more energy for the rest of the day, I think it helps control my weight and I like how I look when I’m on a workout program. I vary my workouts some days doing cardio others lifting weights . Sometimes an after work bike ride to unwind and relieve the stress of the day works wonders. If I go more than a couple of days without working out I get cranky and lethargic, I eat poorly and I fall into other bad habits of sitting around watching too much TV. I also feel I have this need to sweat….and when I workout and get a good sweat going I feel all the negativity sweating out, all the doubts evaporating, all my self-consciousness from years ago being replaced by confidence, healthiness and good vibes. It is the single best thing I do for myself and I hope I can do it the rest of my life….that along with writing.

Thanks for reading…….Smash that like button, leave a comment or share with a friend…..I appreciate you stopping by for a few moments……

Daily writing prompt

What would your life be like without music?

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I can’t imagine a world without music. Music can convey so much and remind us of so much. A song can trigger memories of a long ago romance or a first concert attended. Music can bring back high school friends and evenings at a bar. Life would be empty without music. Many times I arrive at work feeling much better about the day ahead simply by a song I heard on the way in.

I have music to workout to and fall asleep to but mainly to fill the silence when I don’t want silence and loneliness.

Sometimes I listen by myself but its truly best when shared with others. I’ve often been moved to tears by hearing an old song which reminds me of a another time or another place.

Life would be empty and sad and we wouldn’t have those memories if there was no music

Just Make It

I made chili once by following a recipe. Making chili might be one of those meals where not following a recipe works better, but I saw a recipe in the newspaper that declared this was the best chili you’ll ever have and as I read it I became convinced it would be as great as they said. We had all the ingredients and since it was the weekend I told my wife I would take care of the cooking.

I carefully followed the recipe and let it simmer for the allotted time……I thought it would be great and everyone would like it but as soon as my wife tasted it I could see by the look on her face that she didn’t like it, but I figured my teenage son would eat it, teenagers eat anything, but alas he also disliked it.

I tasted it and it wasn’t good. I forced myself to have a bowl just so it wouldn’t all be wasted but I dumped the rest down the disposal.

I think the best way to make chili is to wing it and develop your own recipe….a little bit of this, a little bit of that, add some spices, let it simmer, taste it, let someone else taste it, add some more and voila you have your own signature chili…..that or just let someone else make it.

Daily writing prompt

Write about your most epic baking or cooking fail.

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Thinking way too much

Daily writing prompt

Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.

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I’m a thinker….I don’t make quick decisions. I think this is usually a good thing. Quick decisions lead to poor decisions. I almost never buy anything that someone is trying to sell me. I always analyze each decision weighing the pros and cons.

When I was younger my thinking led me to overthink everything and most importantly I agonized what other people would think of my decisions. I didn’t trust myself and I worried about how I would be perceived. I lacked self-confidence and I was constantly looking for input from others to validate a decision I was about to make and often times I would change my mind based on input from others even if it went against what I was thinking of doing. Sometimes my overthinking led to inactivity….paralysis by over-analysis. Most of all I didn’t want to be different.

Now, I still think about every decision. Sometimes this drives my wife crazy but I don’t worry about how it looks or how it will be perceived. I’ve developed confidence that most decisions I make are what’s best for me….and I’ve realized that most people really don’t care about my decisions and really don’t spend anytime thinking about me and what I’m doing. The amount of time we think people are thinking about us compared to the actual time they are is quite startling. Most people are too busy with their own life as I am with mine.

So make those choices and don’t worry about what others think….you do you and live your best life and so will I.

Yummy

Daily writing prompt

What are your favorite types of foods?

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There are some foods I eat everyday. I basically eat the same variation of lunch each workday….a sandwich, at least twice a week this is a peanut butter & jelly sandwich, an apple, a yogurt and then something crunchy like peanuts or chips. I eat these foods for the convenience they provide. I don’t have a work environment that allows me to warm-up food or keep foods refrigerated so I need foods that are convenient to pack in a small cooler and can be eaten with minimal preparation. This does not mean these are my favorite foods and I really should expand the variety of foods I eat.

I could eat ice cream almost everyday. I don’t nor should anyone, in fact I try to go weeks without eating ice cream so when I do eat it I enjoy it more. Pizza is fantastic and when I do eat it I usually can’t help myself and I eat too much. I well cooked steak seasoned just right is perhaps one of life’s most pleasurable eating experiences.

As I said, I probably should have more variety but I like what I like and I don’t eat what I don’t like. I read somewhere that by age 30 you’ve basically determined your favorite foods and it’s very rare to find new ones as you age. This may be true…..my Mom wanted me to buy her a couple of nectarines at the store and I sampled one of hers…I didn’t like it. There are probably way more foods I don’t like than I like, which is why your favorite foods are usually a very small list.

Writing Prompts

If you’ve noticed, I haven’t been writing much lately….I’ve been busy, it’s been summer and there’s other things to do, other commitments to keep. I usually write when something odd or quirky happens in my daily life or I feel inspired by something I’ve seen.

I do have some exciting news to announce in the next couple of weeks. One of my stories that I wrote last year is going to be published in a book….that’s right a book. The book will go on sale at the end of September so I can’t officially say what it is, but check this space for future announcements. Just think, someday someone might be reading my story in the bathroom or they might buy that book at Goodwill for a $1……it’s all very exciting.

So I have definitely been thinking about writing more….the excitement of being published and the fact that I do find enjoyment in writing, it’s my one creative outlet, but finding subjects to write about and create stories about can be difficult.

This wonderful website that I have my blog on offers daily writing prompts as a way to inspire the creative minds of writers. I’ve noticed them but I’ve never used one to start a blog post, but I’ve decided as a way to get back to writing that I will occasionally commit to writing using their daily prompts. It certainly won’t be everyday but hopefully more than once a week so here we go…….

What is a word you would like to banish from your daily vocabulary ?

What….this is the writing prompt for today….oh for gods sake maybe I’ll start tomorrow…….

No, no, no…..I’m here at the keyboard so I’ve gotten this far and I actually do have an answer for this……….MORON

Oh I long for the day I never have to utter the word Moron. I must say this word out loud or just loud enough for myself to hear a handful of times each day. A co-worker who annoys me or isn’t pulling his weight, the person ahead of me at a red-light who hasn’t noticed it’s turned green because they’re on their phone, the customer service person on the phone who I’m finally talking to after 5 minutes of working my way through their automated introduction, and then that customer service person can’t actually solve my problem and passes me onto someone else, not to mention the people who dreamed up this idea of the automated system of customer service and the CEO’s who approved it…..Morons….all of them.

I know, it’s a bit harsh, and I should be more patient and some of them mean well and probably are good people, but for the brief encounter I had with them there is only one description…..Moron.

If I could eliminate dealing with Morons throughout the day, each day would be blissful and serene….

There you go, short, sweet and to the point…..daily writing complete

Peace and Love

John

Those Darn Teenagers

I was in the grocery store the other day and I was irritated. I didn’t want to be there, it was Sunday and I had worked the previous day and since it was summer I had things to do. I wanted to ride my bike and be outside working in the yard and I didn’t want to be doing the grocery shopping, but my wife had awoken with a headache and so I volunteered to do the shopping.

But since it was Sunday and I do love lazy Sunday mornings, I had all the intentions of getting to the store early, but I made my son and I a big breakfast….you know the big Sunday breakfast….eggs, sausage, pancakes toast.

It was a beautiful early summer day so on my way to the grocery store I decided to stop and get a car wash, but I wasn’t the only one with this idea and the line stretched nearly to the road which meant it was at least a 15 minute wait. Since I had already drove past the store and I was in the parking lot of the car wash I gritted my teeth and joined the line….15 minutes turned into 20 minutes and finally I was at the grocery store irritated that my morning was gone and my afternoon was disappearing too.

The store was busy in that Sunday kinda way with everybody getting stuff for their afternoon party or Sunday dinner. The aisles were clogged in that single file way with everybody following the person in front of them just hoping for a chance to pass and move ahead to the next aisle.

I found myself trailing an elderly man moving very slowly in that slow kinda way that’s just a shuffle, and since he wasn’t really stopping to look at items or place items in his cart he was difficult to pass. Finally I wedged my way around him and squeezed between an oncoming cart pushed by a distracted lady with two kids standing in the cart and both of them yelling at the lady to buy this or that. I don’t know how the lady was able to fit all her groceries in the cart with the kids already in it, but I’m sure having the kids in the cart was her best option instead of having two kids out of the cart and wandering down the aisles. Truthfully the best option would be to leave the kids at home and do the grocery shopping by herself, but perhaps that wasn’t an option or maybe her husband had awoken with a headache or he was working in the yard and couldn’t possibly watch the kids…….I digress.

I had skipped the next aisle and had moved ahead two aisles and I thought I was making progress, but a quick glance of my list revealed I had forgotten an item in the previous aisle and I had to do what I hate the most at the grocery store…..I had to backtrack…..yes, the dreaded backtrack.

Going back one aisle meant that I was once again in the aisle with the lady with the two kids in the cart yelling about buying this or that and yes I was once again behind the old guy shuffling very slowly not really looking at items or even stopping to place items in his cart.

And the thing is, I usually enjoy the grocery shopping, admittedly I don’t do it every week and perhaps if I did I probably wouldn’t enjoy it, but I like wandering and looking around the store and wondering if I should try something new. Maybe it’s the old hunter/gather deep in my ancestry but I do love a good wander.

But now I was irritated….I was backtracking and having to deal with people I thought I had passed. It’s like being in a traffic jam…..once you get through it you expect to be on your way not stopped in another construction zone.

I was beginning to question the choices I had made that morning and I was beginning to think they were poor choices. The lazy Sunday morning, the big breakfast with my son, the car wash….my car did need washing, but now I was trapped in an aisle I had already bypassed, behind an old shuffling guy and and a lady with two kids yelling about buying this or that.

As I looked for a way to pass the old guy I noticed a mom and her teenage daughter behind the lady with the two kids. The teenage daughter had a ball cap on backwards like so many of the teenagers do now-a-days and she seemed to be not listening to whatever her mother was talking about also like so many of the teenage kids now-a-days.

I was about to pass the old guy again when the teenage daughter stopped, put her hand on his cart, looked directly at him and said quite clearly but not loudly, not drawing attention to herself or to him and she said……”thank you for your service”………

It was then I was able to get around the old guy and for the first time I noticed he was wearing a ball cap and it was one of those caps with a branch of the military on it and military pins on it. It was then I realized the teenage girl had noticed this elderly man, shuffling slowly through the grocery store pushing his cart was a military veteran. I hadn’t noticed that…..I had been too busy worrying about my Sunday slipping away….irritated that I was grocery shopping instead of doing other things I had planned. I was frustrated by the people in the store, the people in my way, the time it was taking……

It was a teenager who took the briefest of moments and thanked a veteran, and the old guy had nodded back at her, perhaps someone everyday says that to him, after all it’s much more common now or maybe he hardly ever hears it and maybe, just maybe it brightened his day.

Teenagers get a lot of flack….every generation declares that teenagers today don’t realize how good they have it, they don’t understand how difficult it was for previous generations. I heard that when I was a teenager back in the 80’s and I’m sure it’s been said long before that and will continue to be said, but I think the future looks pretty bright and secure with the teenagers and young adults we have now. Sure they have a lot of advantages that we didn’t have but they also use those advantages in ways we never even dreamed of. They have the ability to make changes more quickly and with more impact.

I’ve always kind of thought this but it took a teenage girl with her ball cap on backwards wandering around a grocery store to emphasize this point to me…..so give the teenagers a break…they’re going to be alright and do great things.

Peace & Love…..

John