Author Archives: memoriesandsuch

Poem: Inspiration

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Some days, I struggle with a serious case of writer’s block and inspiration eludes me however much I search for it. This poem is inspired from that feeling.

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Inspiration

Sometimes when words fail and there’s nothing to say
When my mind goes blank, and I stare at the screen all-day
I search desperately for something, a spark of an idea
Some romance, some poetry and some drama

I then remember inspiration is all around
In nature, in a park and even a fairground
In the stories told over the ages
Or even in the laughter of the babies

Maybe a walk outside will prove to ignite
That inspiration which seems so light and tight
Or maybe a moment of peace will be the key
To find that badly needed perspective and the much-needed beauty

I just need to open my eyes and see
The wonders that surround me every day
I just need to open my ears and listen
The melodies that fill the air with joy

Maybe a book, or a song, or even a work of art
Will be my muse to stir my creative heart
To open up new worlds and sights
And bring about fresh insights

Wherever inspiration comes from
I will embrace it and soothe my mind like a balm
To open my heart and feel the emotion
And imagine the possibilities that beckon

Inspiration is everywhere, I just have to find it
To embrace and share it, to live and enjoy it
It is ingrained in all our psyches
Because inspiration is the key to unlocking creativity

In My Hands Today…

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The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly: Life Wisdom from Someone Who Will (Probably) Die Before You – Margareta Magnusson

In her international bestseller The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning Margareta Magnusson introduced the world to the Swedish tradition of döstädning, or “death cleaning”—clearing out your unnecessary belongings so others don’t have to do it for you. Now, unburdened by (literal and emotional) baggage, Magnusson is able to focus on what makes each day worth living. In her new book she reveals her discoveries about aging—some difficult to accept, many rather wondrous. She reflects on her idyllic childhood on the west coast of Sweden, the fullness of her life with her husband and five children, and learning how to live alone. Throughout, she offers advice on how to age gracefully, such as: wear stripes, don’t resist new technology, let go of what doesn’t matter, and more.

As with death cleaning, it’s never too early to begin. The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly shows all readers how to prepare for and understand the process of growing older and the joys and sorrows it can bring. While Magnusson still recommends decluttering (your loved ones will thank you!), her ultimate message is that we should not live in fear of death but rather focus on appreciating beauty, connecting with our loved ones, and enjoying our time together.

Wise, funny, and eminently practical, The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly is a gentle and welcome reminder that, no matter your age, there are always fresh discoveries ahead, and pleasures both new and familiar to be encountered every day.

Five Everyday Things that Bring Happiness?

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Today’s blog post is based on a prompt I saw on WordPress a couple of months back. The prompt sounded interesting and so I wrote it down and today decided to write a blog post on it.

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Let’s start with defining what happiness is. Happiness is a very subjective experience and difficult to define precisely, as it can mean different things to different people. Broadly, happiness can be described as a positive emotional state that is characterised by feelings of joy, contentment, satisfaction, and well-being. Some people may experience happiness as a fleeting emotion that arises in response to a particular event or circumstance, while others may view it as a more enduring state of being that is influenced by a range of factors, including personal values, social relationships, life experiences, and mental and physical health.

There are many different theories about what contributes to happiness, including a sense of purpose, social connectedness, self-esteem, financial security, health, and positive emotions. However, the specific factors that contribute to happiness can vary depending on individual circumstances, cultural backgrounds, and personal preferences.

What makes one person happy may not necessarily bring joy to another. Some things that one does daily that bring positivity to our lives include exercising, spending time with loved ones, doing something creative, being grateful, spending time with nature, and probably the most basic of all, smiling.

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Some of the everyday things that bring me happiness daily are

Coffee: I enjoy my first cup of coffee. I wake up at least an hour before everyone else and before I start my chores of the day, that first cup of coffee, drunk slowly and reflectively in a quiet house, in semi-darkness is sheer bliss. I don’t have to talk to anyone until the caffeine hits my system and once I am done with the coffee, I am energised to start the day.

Meditation: After coffee, the next thing that brings a smile to my face is my daily meditation session. I have written in detail about meditation and the benefits it brings to an individual, so I won’t repeat them here. But meditating regularly has changed my thinking and my stress and anxiety levels are very manageable now. If you are not meditating regularly, try it once and see what I mean. Today, if I don’t meditate any day, I feel something is missing that day.

Spending time with my children: As much as I love being alone, I also love spending time with BB & GG. Evenings and afternoons spent talking to them and finding out what makes them tick is a real mood booster. And the cuddle sessions we used to have when they were younger were such a serotonin booster that sometimes, even today, we try to get in a cuddle session or two.

Exercise: I am probably the world’s least fit person, but I love my daily dose of walking. I try to walk a minimum number of steps daily and if by 6 pm, these steps are not in, something feels off. The satisfaction I get when I hit my daily step target is so good that a person needs to do it to experience it.

Reading: Regular readers of my space know that I consider myself a bookworm and wear that label as a badge of honour. I am constantly reading and a day not spent reading feels like I did nothing that day. So this is something that brings a smile to my face whenever I read, especially if it is something that hooks me from page one.

And as a bonus, writing: I love writing and have to write something daily. I am not a very good writer but it’s the thought that counts, right? So writing brings me joy and on most days a smile on my face when a sentence is beautifully constructed.

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So there you go, six things I enjoy doing daily that make me happy. What about you? What do you do to put a smile on your face every day? Make sure you do something that brings a smile to your face and brings you joy and happiness. It can be something as simple as hugging your family, but make sure you do something that makes you look back on the day with a smile.

2023 Week 25

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Norman Vincent Peale is the author of our quote for today. An influential American minister, author, and speaker, Norman Vincent Peale is best known for his work in the field of positive thinking and self-improvement. He authored the internationally acclaimed book The Power of Positive Thinking, which has sold millions of copies worldwide. Peale’s teachings emphasised the importance of faith, optimism, and the power of the mind in achieving personal and professional success. This quote suggests that our thoughts and mindset play a significant role in shaping our perception of the world and ultimately influencing our experiences and outcomes. Peale believed that by consciously altering our thoughts and adopting a positive perspective, we have the power to transform our lives and the world around us. If we consistently entertain negative thoughts and focus on limitations, we may find ourselves trapped in a cycle of negativity that affects our overall well-being and limits our potential. On the other hand, by consciously choosing to think positively and embracing an optimistic outlook, we can cultivate a mindset that empowers us to overcome challenges, seek opportunities, and create a more positive reality.

Life continues even when it seems as if nothing remarkable has occurred between last week and this week. In seemingly uneventful moments, routines persist, relationships evolve subtly, and personal growth unfolds quietly. While there was nothing of note that happened this week, life continues to shape us through small victories, moments of reflection, and the incremental progress we make each day. In the absence of notable occurrences, it is the continuity of life’s rhythm that reminds us of its inherent beauty and the potential for growth in even the seemingly ordinary moments.

And that’s all that is there from me this week. Take care and see you next week.

In My Hands Today…

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The Angel Makers: Arsenic, a Midwife, and Modern History’s Most Astonishing Murder Ring – Patti McCracken

The horror occurred in a rustic farming enclave in modern-day Hungary. To look at the unlikely lineup of murderesses–village wives, mothers, and daughters–was to come to the shocking realization that this could have happened anywhere, and to anyone. At the center of it all was a sharp-minded village midwife, a “smiling Buddha” known as Auntie Suzy, who distilled arsenic from flypaper and distributed it to the women of Nagyrév. “Why are you bothering with him?” Auntie Suzy would ask, as she produced an arsenic-filled vial from her apron pocket. In the beginning, a great many used the deadly solution to finally be free of cruel and abusive spouses.

But as the number of dead bodies grew without consequence, the killers grew bolder. With each vial of poison emptied, a new reason surfaced to drain yet another. Some women disposed of sickly relatives. Some used arsenic as “inheritance powder” to secure land and houses. For more than fifteen years, the unlikely murderers aided death unfettered and tended to it as if it were simply another chore–spooning doses of arsenic into soup and wine, stirring it into coffee and brandy. By the time their crimes were discovered, hundreds were feared dead.

Anonymous notes brought the crimes to light in 1929. As a skillful prosecutor hungry for justice ran the investigation, newsmen from around the world–including the New York Times–poured in to cover the dramatic events as they unfolded.