Tag: Just writing

Just writing

Second CV

nhpureandsimple

Have you ever heard people say that your quotes is your second CV? Well, I have read about that recently. Does this make any sense? I think it does.

Our CVs are loaded with our qualifications, work experiences, hobbies could be added, and some personal details. Of course all information provided should be well crafted to support our applications either for work or studies. Besides, all information provided should be accurate and up to date. But, does that guarantee the acceptance, your being a successful applicant. Absolutely not. That could be for many reasons. The first might be because you’re unqualified. The last could be because you’re highly qualified. But then, the whole issue is mainly about qualifications – which, nowadays, are quite like a silver spoon in the mouth of the AI generation.

When you decide to include some of your favourite quotes, or even the most you like in any of your readings, do they give any idea about your personality, your life, your values, and even your sense of humour (if you have any)? I believe they do. And, that’ s how your quotes become your second CV.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

daily prompt

The electronic mold

nhpureandsimple

Do you remember life before the internet?

A few years ago, I was visiting with my father-in-law as we were on our summer holiday back home to Egypt. He was in his late-sixties, and though he was suffering from some serious health problems, he was mentally and physically okay. One of his granddaughters had just left when we arrived.

As we were having some tea together, my father-in-law couldn’t hold his temper any longer. He huffed and puffed, and I put my tea cup back on the table, holding my breath. I didn’t know whether he was in pain or whether he was devastated by anything. I remained silent, praying my any one would join us in the living room. No one did. And, the poor man exploded.

‘She was on that junk machine for the whole day. Her fingers tapping and tapping all the time. Her eyes fixed on that trash. She didn’t hear, didn’t see but that … phone.’

I swallowed and thanked God mine was in my bag.

‘That’s what she always does every visit. It’s stuck in her hand. In the kitchen, at the dinning table, and even in the bathroom.’

When I burst out laughing, he smiled and his anger evaporated a bit.

‘Stupid generation.’ He added before changing to another topic.

I think this summarises how life has changed after the internet, or can we be more accurate and say after having it on our cell phones. A few years before this happening, my in-laws’ house was full of life and noise. People, young and old, were talking, playing, laughing, arguing, etc. But, after the interent has become widely used and accessible, life is mainly about being live, online. That why my father-in-law couldn’t quite fit into the new generation’s electronic mold.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

Just writing

Why else?

nhpureandsimple

Imagine you have a long list of contacts, relatives, and acquaintances and you rarely hear from them either through normal calls or messages. You thank God when some have the sense and reply back to any of your messages. Then, all of a sudden and out of the blue, they call and talk nonstop.

‘Oh, did you know what happened?’ ‘God, how funny those old days were!’ ‘You haven’t heard about that, have you?’ ‘My parents always remember you in their prayers.’ Etc. That’s their common narrative introduction.

And, almost, when you think perhaps you have been unfair. Or perhaps you are the one who needs to call quite often, just then, your dear caller relieve the reason behind the memorable call. In good scenarios, they will ask for a favour or a piece of information, or to know bits and pieces about your news that had already reached their ears by others. But, in worse scenarios, they will erupt like a volcano and throw their flames of accusations and hidden grudges.

That’s when I think of ‘why else’? Why else did they call? Sometimes I switch off this nugde of ‘why else,’ and enjoy the show. But, when things become too much, I choose my peace of mind and it becomes thanks but no more.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

daily prompt

Why recall them?

nhpureandsimple

What sacrifices have you made in life?

Why do some, if not most, people recall their sacrifices when they feel hurt or betrayed by others. And sometimes, they become jealous and angry at some. Don’t expectations, in this context, make one’s  sacrifices more like a bribe, or rather a debt? I’ve sacrificed such and such for you, but inside, I was waiting for the moment when you repay me in some way or another. To do what I’ve been expecting. Or to support me later on in life.

Gratitude is a noble quality, and of course we all like to receive some  appreciation for any help and kindness we give through life. But that doesn’t mean to throttle others by the sacrifices we’ve made for them.  For example, some parents often brag about the money and time they have sacrificed for their children. They would expect their children to enroll in a particular university, or apply for a specific  job, and, in some cases, to pay back each pound and even each hour their parents have invested in them.

Don’t you agree that any genuine sacrifice is related to a lawful cause? In other words, it cannot be a sacrifice when one gives up their beliefs and principles for the sake of temporary pleasures, but the opposite can be. Besides, doesn’t a sacrifice  imply pure and sincere inention. How else could we enjoy the deed and feel its blessings?

A sacrifice is a true sacrifice when is motivated by love, commitment, and contentment.

No coercion. No payback. And don’t count them?

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

daily prompt

A third option

nhpureandsimple

Are you a leader or a follower?

Some people are born to be leaders. Some gain this role as a gift, a blessing, but others fight for it, trying to grasp it by all means, legal or illegal – lawful or unlawful. The first category has people’s love and respect, but the other has people’s fear and desdain.

On the other side, some people play the followers. I can’t say they are born to be followers because we are humans not robots. There are some who believe whatever others say, do whatever others command. How could they do the opposite if they believe they are in no position to think otherwise? They think they are nobody, and nothing is worth sacrificing the comfort of everyday mediocrity.

Thinking of both, I think there should be a third option. Some people  seek neither blind submission nor supreme leadership. Here’s why.

First, it is a huge responsibility, a heavy burden, an awful nightmare to lead others, to take the responsibility for their lives. It’s also so dazzling, so tempting that once you take the step, you’d get trapped into its role’s circle web. Isn’t it enough to be asked one day about your own deeds? A leader would also be asked about those who trust and follow them.

Second, it’s a shame to live your life  just following others, imitating them, ignoring whatever is happening around you, accepting whatever you hear, and trust whoever you meet. That’s a follower,  in my view. Perhaps, at some point, in our life, we have lived this bland, blunt life, but it’s also expected to get out of this phase once and forever.

Everyone has their own touch in life, their own dreams, and their own abilities. Do I have to follow the same recipe to get the same perfect result? ? No. Never. I’ll make some changes. I will add things and omit others. In the end, I am the one making it and the product is mine. But, thanks for the inspiration.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

Just writing

Who would it be?

nhpureandsimple

There are many who have crossed my mind when I saw this prompt on Instagram. Family, friends, and even some acquaintances. But then, we would be sharing things we already know. Memories, everyday routines, problems, good or bad news, etc.  And in a blink of an eye, the one hour would be gone. We’d thank God if the chat was brief and we felt happy. But we’d hate every moment of the hour if things turned otherwise. That’s why I changed my mind about the list I first picked as I had a second thought.

A stranger. I finally decided it would be a stranger. But, isn’t that happening more often? You sit at one further end of a bench, and then, someone takes the other end. Perhaps they would ask if that was okay. You would nod with a smile and that’s it. But, I don’t actually talk about that stranger.

A stranger, in this context, is the person you’ve already met before- a person you know but have never talked to. Perhaps, one of the neighbours, a teacher at your college or your children’s school, or even the librarian.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have a light chat, to hear a different story, learn something new, and, perhaps, make a new friend.

What about you? Try and write about yours?

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

daily prompt

Safe and secure

nhpureandsimple

What does freedom mean to you?

I’m free to do such and such. I heard this sentence quite a lot. But, is freedom mainly about that? Is it to do what you want or to not do what you don’t want? Independence. Perhaps it is, but surely there are other interpretations, other significances.

What about the feelings of security and safety? Aren’t these concepts considered part and parcel of freedom. Aren’t they, in some way, imply it fully?

Imagine you’re on an aeroplane going on holiday. You’re in your business class cabin. A pretty hostess, with a warm smile, serves you the best food, the best drinks. You feel free, pleased with your plan, your decision, and your money. Half way through the flight, awful turbulence starts rocking the miraculous invention- your plane. Every bone and muscle tremble in your frightened body. Your chest tightenes, your breath catches. You pray for nothing but safety. You need nothing but security. Now, you think your freedom means nothing without both of them! Safety and security.

Safe and secure. That’s why children feel free with their parents around. Why a couple feels free when they vow to share their lives together. And above all, that’s why believers feel free when praying and talking to the Creator.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

Just writing

Complete the sentence

nhpureandsimple

Not all women dream of  having a wardrobe full of clothes and makeup, some dream of having  ………..

Books.

Both to read and to write.

By the way, there’s nothing wrong with dreaming of a wardrobe full of clothes and makeup. But, wouldn’t a wardrobe full of different books add another type of beauty?

It has been said that knowledge is food for the soul. Books provide a good share of knowledge. And, if souls are eternal, then why not dream of a wardrobe full of different books too?

Try and fill the missing word with your own dream.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

Just writing

One lost item 

nhpureandsimple

First, I imagine this box will be full of some old toys, old favourite clothes, audio tapes, photos, books, colouring books, cards, and candies and sweets. Perhaps there’ll be more items, but I won’t care as much about them, I would only and mainly have rummaged through that box to find one particular thing.

It’s my first notebook. My childhood pieces of writing. My first writings, my innocent thoughts, and my childish handwriting. I can imagine how precious memories will rush into my head. Memories of my parents’ old  house, my father’s voice, my mother’s cooking, my old siblings noseness, my schools, and my old neighbourhood.

Would any other make me feel the same? Perhaps, but not as strong as those first writings, especially after discovering that writing has always been there deep inside me.

By the way, I found this prompt on Instagram. Try to think about it and write something about yours.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

daily prompt

For just one day

nhpureandsimple

What’s a job you would like to do for just one day?

I don’t know whether you would agree, but when reading this question I thought why not thinking of the things I dread the most. Things that I will do my best to evade or skip. Why not try one of those challenging jobs for just one day? Why not imagine yourself doing it better than you have ever expected? In the end, you will blink and smile as it was such a pleasant dream, wasn’t it?

Oral examinations and presentations have always been my nightmares though my result have always been rewarding. Thinking about that now, I would say why not try a motivational speaker for one day? Just take a deep breath, keep things simple and brief, and be yourself.

It’s said words from the heart reach the heart, even if that was just once, just for one day.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla