Daily writing prompt

What’s a moment that made you realize you were stronger than you thought?

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There are different types of strength. I might be physically stronger than what some might think, just from looking at me, but average at best.

I guess it might be some of the moments in parish ministry when I was called upon to keep my wits about me, my emotions in check– the occasional heated Council meeting, certain hospital visits, a death in a family, offering words and support at a graveside service or funeral.

I remember attending a special town meeting to voice my opinion on some project that was going to ruin a piece of perfectly good open space. I had never done anything like that, never envisioned myself having the courage to stand up in front of the board and community members and offer an opinion. I was this close to chickening out, but made my way to the mic and offered up my pie-in-the-sky idealism. It was ultimately to no avail, but at least I followed through.

Daily writing prompt

What’s a simple pleasure in life that brings you joy?

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There are a few simple pleasures that bring me joy, but I have to say morning coffee sits at the top of the list. Cold brew, to be specific. It’s still a treat, after all these years, though packing less of a jolt– had to switch to half-caf. Actually, I feel like caffeine doesn’t have the same effect on me that it once did. Even when I occasionally drink the high-octane stuff, it doesn’t give me the same euphoric few minutes I once enjoyed.

Oh well, it’s still something I look forward to.

Daily writing prompt

If you could erase one movie from your memory and watch it again for the first time, which one would it be?

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Oh my. I’ll pick one and then think of five other viable candidates. I think it might be Dances With Wolves, with plenty of other contenders.

Daily writing prompt

How do you stay motivated when learning something new?

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Having good teachers helps, as well as encouragement along the way. In addition, I assume there’s a willingness or a certain drive to see it through– maybe not to master it, but at least to increase proficiency and understanding.

The assumption being made is that whatever the task or activity, it is something a person was interested in trying in the first place, something seen as worth doing. If there is true desire to gain knowledge and get better at something, the desire itself will be enough motivation to weather the moments of discouragement and sustain the effort.

Daily writing prompt

What’s a book that completely surprised you?

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It would have to be back in high school, when the only books I read were ones I was required to read. No book surprises me anymore, since most any one I read comes reviewed and recommended and I seek it out. Though I suppose I could be surprised the other way– it could be a disappointment, get me to wondering what all the fuss was about.

I think it would be either one of the titles I’ve recently mentioned as being memorable reads– To Kill a Mockingbird or A Separate Peace. I didn’t know what to expect with either one, but was rewarded in each case by actually finishing them and being moved by the character development, the twists and turns, and the sad and somewhat shocking development in A Separate Peace.

Daily writing prompt

How can you build a regular fitness routine?

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With intentionality, and somehow sticking with it long enough for it to become an un-missable part of my week. I’m not a fitness junkie, but I do recognize the importance of movement and flexibility.

It’s probably time I tried to get back into going to the Y. I had stopped doing that when we had a ridiculously long stretch of snowy, cold weather this past winter, and it became easy to generate excuses for not venturing outside. How sad is that?

Daily writing prompt

What’s a classic book that you think is overrated?

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They’re called classics for a reason, so far be it for me to take a shot at one of them. I haven’t read many of this genre, but among the ones I have read, I’d say 1984— only because Orwell was off on the date by 40 years. Otherwise, it seems we may be well on our way to the dystopian tone and feel he was describing, especially now that what’s-his-name was re-elected in 2024 and has resumed his derelict reign, and AI is causing people some anxiety.

Daily writing prompt

Who are some underrated people in history?

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This feels like a broad topic, and I almost immediately started thinking about some overrated people in history. The current U.S. President came to mind rather quickly.

But underrated? This isn’t a category to which is usually given much thought. I did Google it and found some entries, but on my own, I’m having trouble thinking of anyone. Political figures are an easy target, and very subjective when it comes to opinions about them. Certain athletes might come to mind, maybe teachers we’ve had, or friends and family who don’t realize the difference they’ve made in others’ lives.

In general, and given the current political climate in which we find ourselves, I’m gonna go with teachers, community activists, medical researchers, meteorologists, scientists, and other previously critical personnel and programs whose jobs and functions have been axed by f#!*ing DOGE.

Daily writing prompt

What are the biggest benefits of minimalist living?

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I wouldn’t know, and it’s not because we live an extravagant or unbounded lifestyle. It’s just that we’ve never committed wholesale to a minimalist mindset, except maybe in limited ways– like reducing clutter, focusing on time spent with family, and being more cognizant of the difference between needs and wants.

On the other hand, maybe we’ve bought into it more than we realize. My wife more so than me, though. I think it’s something that may make more sense as one grows older, as one gets out in the world and engages life with eyes opened, and at some point just realizes that endless acquisition and keeping up with the Joneses is a selfish, exhausting, and shallow pursuit.

Daily writing prompt

What’s a thing you were completely obsessed with as a kid?

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I’m racking my brain and nothing is coming to mind. There were certain things I treasured, I guess– my baseball glove, my bike. I used to like going out in our back yard to smash rocks– to see what they looked like on the inside.

As an older kid, through the high school years, I couldn’t wait to get home from school and down to the pond to skate. So, hockey equipment became a bit of an obsession for awhile, even though I was limited in what I could get. I used to love going to the local hockey shop and picking up a new stick, maybe a puck or a roll of tape. I would drool over a pair of CCM Tacks, which were always out of reach. I did get a nice pair of Bauer Black Panthers, though, which served me well even into college.