Daily writing prompt

What makes you nervous?

View all responses

the screeching of trains, silence in hospitals, thinking about what I’m going to do tomorrow, thinking about all the mistakes I’ve made in the past, thinking about how to be better in the present, when the kettle whistles, when the microwave beeps, when cars brake too hard, when the page is too empty, when I can’t come up with words for what I want to say, when you say my name a little too loud, when my parents are anxious, loud crowds, spiders, when a glass is too close to the edge of the table, when my bank account dips to three figures, the way you whisper my name, how you tuck my hair back behind my ears, sirens, the sound of a Teams call, when I’m going somewhere and I feel like I’ve forgotten something, thinking about expired products in the fridge, thinking about today’s solar market, 11:11 because I don’t make wishes anymore, all the unread books lining my shelf (guilt), thinking about Sara going to college, thinking about college in general, all the shattered dreams and broken promises, the potential of having another dream, the potential of another dream shattering

Anxiety is a part of my everyday life. It’s going to affect me whether I like it or not. But it’s not who I am, just a part of me! If you’re suffering from anxiety – don’t beat yourself up!! You are doing so well ❤

To all my anxious friends:

“If your nerve deny you, go above your nerve.” – Emily Dickinson

Daily writing prompt

Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.

View all responses

In January, I met the most interesting person. We happened to be walking in the same direction when our eyes met. It seemed natural to start talking to this person. It’s interesting how easy it is to talk to a stranger. Fears I’ve never told anyone slipped out easily. I learned that he was a chef. He works grueling hours with very little pay. I’m not sure this encounter was the most positive. He was disillusioned. When upper management forced him to fire an employee who did nothing wrong – an employee who happened to be his mentee – he questioned everything. He quit his job. He couldn’t find enjoyment in cooking anymore. It was sad but I wasn’t sad for him. I could see the fire still remaining in his eyes, even if he couldn’t. While we only talked for an hour or so, I felt I really got to know this man. And I realized – everyone is carrying the world on their shoulders. Everyone is disillusioned. Maybe that’s why I liked talking to him. He was real. How many of us mask our pain and pretend to be normal functioning adults?

He didn’t ask for my name, and I didn’t ask for his. We parted ways at the skytrain and I wished him luck. I feel inspired by his story. I want to struggle as much as I can. I want to be able to say I tried my best. I would rather go out kicking and screaming than calmly. Let us all be human and endure it all together. To my skytrain stranger: I’m rooting for you.