Daily writing prompt

How have your political views changed over time?

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My basic views have never changed that much, since they were based on strong principles of my faith, which I’ve also never changed, though I have questioned it.

I am more open to thinking there is more than one right way to do things for a country, as long as some basic principles are always adhered to.

Like one side thinks one solution works, the other has a different one, maybe either could work if done the right way.

I do have a problem with hypocrisy though, if people on any political spectrum say one thing, but do another, or only try to help one group, but ignore another, then I think it’s wrong.

I have become a bit more centrist I think than my parents, but, not enough to really cause conflict. My conflict is with extremists in any group, not with the rational minded people in them who can compromise.

If that answers the prompt, I’m not sure, it’s kind of a tough one for me.

Daily writing prompt

You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?

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Did we answer this one already?

Well, it would be a brightly lit room with a window, but thick curtains if I want it dim, plenty of lamps by a chair, a sofa, and a bean bag so I can sit wherever I want.

A comfy desk with lots of room for pens, paper, and a charging port for my laptop and phone.

Lots of wall space for posters about writing, or lists of ideas. Maybe a cork board for research and plot point notes.

And at least 3 books shelves to put my old writing projects, and books I use for inspiration.

Also maybe a calendar with quotes from famous authors or philosophers on it.

The color of this room would be different shades of blue, maybe with white accents. Blue soothes my soul.

And I’d also have a spot for music since I like to listen to music when I write, and other stuff while I edit.

Hey, maybe someday I can create this room for real, if I ever get my own house/apartment.

Daily writing prompt

Are you a good judge of character?

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Yes.

I am very good at reading people and spotting patterns.

Unfortunately, I’m also trained to think I should put up with poor treatment, and I’ve had to try to break that habit for years. Still working on it.

They say choose peace, but sometimes, I want to choose security over peace.

Security meaning, what I am used to and think I can put up with. I guess I’ve been taught that that’s being tough.

Maybe it is, sometimes, but it’s not a good reason to put yourself around people who are only going to toss you aside.

Being tough means you deal with the regular problems of the job, or life, or whatever other thing you’re doing…not that you accept abuse and exploitation because you can “handle it.”

I’ve had to learn that the hard way. That if I can see someone is not reliable, I shouldn’t rely on them.

Sometimes though, it’s hard to go the other way and trust people even if they have shown themselves to be trustworthy. I’m used to no one having my best interests at heart, so it’s hard to believe anyone else ever does.

I know I’m not the only one who eels this way.

Here’s to all of us finding people we can truly count on–

Stay honest–Natasha

I can’t choose just one, but here are my top 5 based on how much I admire them.

5. Laura Ingalls Wilder (my mother got me hooked on history with the Little House series.)

4. Harriet Tubman. She was incredible. (Black and disabled and led dozens of slaves to freedom single handedly.)

3. Cornelia Ten Boom. (Hid Jews during World War II. Survived a Nazi prison camp.)

2. George Washington. (He was a humble and strong leader.)

1. C. S. Lewis. (He’s historical at this point, I’d say. Probably has had more influence on my theology and writing style than any other author has.)

There’s so many more, like Joan of Arc, or Abraham Lincoln, or Harriet Beecher Stowe, who might not have made as much of an impact, but I can credit with inspiring me in some ways to be the person I want to be.

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” is the old saying.

I would add, those who do learn from history will learn the lessons that apply most to their own journey, even if they are not the ones widely recognized by scholars.

Happy learning–Natasha.

I’ve had to face so many fears over the years, since I had a lot of them growing up.

Some silly ones like the fear of the dark. I faced that one by slowly decreasing the amount of light in my room bit by bit, first turning off the nightlight for a while, and then weeks later, I would close my blinds, later I even covered my eyes. A lot of prayer too.

More serious fears like social anxiety–I’m still working on it, but that was exposure therapy. I did more social things and I started to feel more comfortable. I don’t think there’s any other cure.

And then my fear of my father? That had to be a God thing, because he was legitimately scary and he tried to scare us on purpose. But I had a driven need to overcome it. Perhaps to protect the rest of my family, perhaps because it was God speaking to me.

Bottom line, however you do it, overcome fear. Life is too short to spend afraid. I used to spend mine afraid every second of every day, not kidding…it was the worst years of my life.

I can’t imagine going back to it.

Stay honest–Natasha.

Going to the dentist.

I know, common fear…but I have very high sensitivity in my teeth. And my jaw, and to loud, shrill noises, and bright lights. So the dentist is a 3 for 3 unpleasant experience for me.

I’m trying to get past it, but as an adult, I have to kick myself in the pants sometimes and get through it.

And pray. Praying helps.

One top, don’t be afraid to request different accommodation like not using the air prayer, or cold water, or using a different kind of numbing agent if you’re like me, and react strongly to lidocaine. There are a lot of options for people with different sensitivity.

It’s still not fun, but it makes it better.

Also I wear earplugs now for the drilling part. My own idea.

–Natasha.