Writing that Inspires
and Connects
Find recent work, short stories, poetry, articles, and discussions below.
Recent work, short stories
Storms past and present
It was coming. The biggest storm in 100 years. Herman sits on the rocks next to a crumbling lighthouse on a fog-covered cliff. The lighthouse no longer lights up or guides the way. In all his years of drawing and creating maps, he has never seen a storm like this. His maps are soon to be out of date as the storms keep changing the landscape, the direction and the environment he once knew and mapped out.
Maybe he shouldn’t be retired after all. With all the changes, Herman thought that new maps might be needed. He looked at his cracked pocket watch and longed for the days where time moved slowly and things stayed pretty much the same.
Not so anymore, earth’s elements, wind, fire, water, sun, are radically changing the way his maps once guided all those who wanted to be led. As he sat there watching the wind and waves grow more powerful with the hour, he thought of his young daughter. Maybe not so young anymore, since he has not spoken to her in 17 years. Herman began to see her face in the waves and suddenly an overpowering feeling to see her again overcame him.
Yes, he would find her once and for all and regain the father-daughter relationship he once had when she was a little girl with soft, blonde curls and chubby cheeks. It’s never too late or is it?
Poem of the Month
Climbing Mountains
Many mountains yet to climb
Many dreams yet to achieve
Many fears yet to conquer
Many joys yet to perceive.Times of sadness to experience
Times of hurt to cry through
Times of curiosity to satisfy
Times of love in my heart to love.Feelings of wonderment to look for
Feelings of amazement to open my eyes
Feelings of questions yet to be answered
Feelings of truths to prevent lies.This is life, plain and simple
Everyday expectancies.
We all live these things
With their trials and tribulations.Articles and discussions
No Regrets Crossroads
If you are at a crossroads, make the best decision you can and then have No Regrets.
Talking about crossroads is a favorite topic of mine. It is intriguing how we make decisions when we are at a crossroads – whether we recognize it or not. Have you recognized when your life has reached a crossroad? It has probably happened multiple times. For me, crossroads have occurred many times, sometimes unrecognized, and thus I went blindly in one direction and found myself either very happy or “Whoops, what the heck did I just do?” “Why didn’t I think about that more?”
Crossroads are important moments of truth when you should look inside yourself and listen not only to your head and your heart—but your gut. “Gut check.” “Listen to your heart.” “Heed your thoughts”, whatever the expression—these are moments when your decisions have an impact on your life and those around you. Which do you listen to? Your heart or your head? Do you just go with your gut instinct and throw it all up to fate!
Here are 3 ways to recognize if you are at a crossroads in your life and you should stop, listen, and think.
You are facing a decision that impacts how you live your life today.
Your decision will mean a fundamental change in how you do things.
The direction you take not only impacts you but those around you.
Here are 5 things to consider when you are at a crossroad:
Write down and read it often: the pros and cons, the impact on your life and those around you.
Seek advice: Talk over your crossroads decision with those around you.
Make a timeline: Some decisions need a due date; others can be longer-term.
Enhance your life: Make sure the decision enhances your life.
No regrets: Once you make your decision, think fondly of what you are changing or leaving, them move forward. Leave the baggage behind, feel good, and embrace your decision.
P.S. If you do make a wrong decision and you know it, don’t waste time trying to make it work. Abandon, regroup, and look forward to seeing what’s next.