The Writing Room

Stories are everywhere. At this minute one is playing out right in front of you. You just need to capture it in words and share it using any of the conventions of story writing . Here is one of my very short stories that I created after listening to a conversation between two women. 

Yes by JBF Yes – the little word that heals or wounds The fragile heart’s respite From friends’ capricious masquerades That cripple, that entice Like sleep the weary eyelids shade From the sun’s taxing rays. Yes, the word that accentuates Our deepest joys and fears.

Are you following your passion or are you following the money? Ah, your passion! Some of you feel compelled to follow your passion. Your passion is that thing that you believe that you were born to do. It is that thing that gives you most joy in thinking about it and actually doing it. Your passion is what you believe to be your calling, your vocation in life. Your passion gets expression, oftentimes, in the career paths that you choose for yourselves. Some of you have chosen to be teachers, religious leaders, nurses, doctors, farmers, business persons... The list of career paths that you have chosen is quite extensive. You have chosen your career paths, your passion, because you believe that you have been called to them. You have chosen to follow your passion. You have chosen to do what gives you joy. There is a problem, though. Sometimes following your passion puts pressure on significant others to "make do" with what they consider to be the inadequate contribut

I know everything by JBF It’s mine I did it I will do it. I know everything What I say is true Don’t question it Don’t dismiss it I speak truth I will rant if that’s what I’m doing I will speak my truth I speak for the oppressed I speak for the stereotyped I speak for the misunderstood I speak for them They are me I am they I will not be silenced I will speak our truth I will speak the truth And you must listen.

You have accomplished a goal. People compliment you. Y ou are proud of that accomplishment but before you can savour it, someone chooses to point out why your accomplishment is really not an accomplishment, or that it is no "big deal".  You may have had an experience like this when someone tries to rob you of your joy. This person is aptly referred to as a "Debbie Downer". As you continue to go through life, you are going to meet at least one. Where are the “Debbie Downers”? You will meet them in your homes. You will meet them in your places of work. You will meet them in school. You will meet them at your places of worship. You will meet them in your recreational spaces. You will meet them on social media platforms.  You will meet them everywhere you go.  Who are the "Debbie Downers"? They are your relatives.  They are your friends. They are your neighbours.