Soul-Prospering – My Writing: Sharing a Short Story (and a Blog Hop!) with You

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I believe each one of us is on this Earth for a specific reason and that reason is to live a soul-prospering life. When we do this, we’re contributing our unique combination of gifts, abilities, and talents to the overarching goal of creating a better world. In the process, we get to live a deeply satisfying and fulfilling life that matters profoundly.

With this in mind, I’d like to share what I’m doing to live my soul-prospering life. Since I’m the author of this blog, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that I like to write. Here is a flash fiction story that I wrote this summer. Flash fiction is a short story of 500 words or less, although some people say the upper limit is 1000 words.

A special treat for you is that this story is part of a blog hop.  At the end you’ll see links to others’ flash fiction stories.  This is my first time participating and I’m very excited about it.

My story is 493 words and is called Black Moon. I hope you enjoy it-enjoy the other stories as well!

Black Moon

Mama turned from the front window of our snug cottage hidden in the dark woods. Even though the lights were out, the star glow was enough to show me her worried face. “A Black Moon on All Hallow’s Eve.  I thought surely you’d– ”

“What, Mama? Whatever it is, I’ll do it.” I didn’t know what was upsetting her but I wanted to make her smile. “It’s still my birthday.  We can be happy about that, right?”

“Of course, my love!  The second New Moon in a month combined with your thirteenth birthday on All Hallow’s Eve. A very special night, indeed.”  Mama hugged me, her fuzzy sweater tickling my nose.

Rustling in the woods drew her to the window.

Oh! A sharp twinge in my hips.  I waited for pain but it didn’t come.  Instead, it felt…natural.

A sudden rush of raw power from Mother Earth coursed through me from my feet to my head.  What was going on?

Rather than fear, giddiness filled me. I bounded to Mama and threw my arms around her. “I lovelovelove the night!”

Mama laughed. “That’s because you’re a vampire.”  She growled, pretending to nibble my neck.

“No, Mama.”  I giggled.  “Then I couldn’t eat your yummy meatloaf, so full of garlic.”

“Hmmm, true.”  Mama pretended to think.  “I know!  You’re really a pixie or a wood sprite, and you fly like the wind.”

“Nope, not it.” I moved from her embrace and rolled my shoulders to ease the cramping. “Flying isn’t the only way to race like the wind.”

“Then you’re a zombie.”  She lumbered toward me, arms outstretched.

I shrieked. “No, Mama!”  The bones in my feet crackled as I dashed away from her.

“Then you’re a fairy or maybe an elf.”

“They’re too small and scrawny and won’t make decent toothpicks much less tasty tidbits.”

“Well then, that leaves one thing.  You’re a–”

Yips and barks close to our cottage.

Too close.

“Oh no!”  She let out a cry of fear.

My gaze sharpened on her. She looked delicate as she backed away from the window.

A howl echoed on the still night air.  My pulse quickened.  My bones ached, muscles throbbed. It felt so good! I stretched in anticipation.

She blindly reached back for me.   “Hide! Wolves!”

Yes Mama, yes. That’s it!

I snapped my jaws now filled with gleaming teeth. I crept toward her, reveling in the power of my new form.

She saw me. Surprise on her face.

I inhaled. Ahhh, the sharp tang of fear.  My mouth watered.  I moved in.

A hard thump at the door followed by a rumbling growl that shook my bones. I stopped, crouched. Uncertain.

She dropped to her knees, relief flooding her face. Now on her hands, too. Broadening, elongating.

Huge.

Now I was surprised.

She padded to me, her claws clicking on the hardwood floor. “Welcome, Pup!” She nuzzled me, her soft fur tickling my nose.  “Come, meet your true family.”

 

Happy Halloween, my dear Pep Pals! Feel free to share in the comments what you do that’s soul-prospering. Thanks!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Here are the links to the other stories in this blog hop.  Have fun reading!

1. <a href=”https://inkmapsandmacarons.com/en/snow-white-tabloid-style” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Snow White Tabloid Style, by Fannie Suto</a>
2. <a href=”https://samanthadunawaybryant.blogspot.com/2018/10/31-of-31-days-of-halloween-writing.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Starving Artist, by Samantha Bryant</a>
3. <a href=”https://wp.barbaralund.com/storytime-blog-h…ers-origin-story/ ‎” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>The Halloween Dance, by Barbara Lund</a>
4. <a href=” www.elizabethmccleary.com/the-ghost-in-my-yard-blog-hop-october-2018” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>The Ghost In My Yard, by Elizabeth McCleary</a>
5. <a href=” https://www.katharinagerlach.com/posts/storytime-bloghop-halloween-2018/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Her Majesty, by Katharina Gerlach</a>
6. <a href=”https://ctbridges.com/holloween-blog-hop” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Chris Bridges Posting Storytime Blog Hop. Give her shout out and say Hello!</a>
7. <a href=”https://dailypeptalks.wordpress.com/2018/10/31/5609/ ‎” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Black Moon, by Lauren M. Catherine</a>
8. <a href=”https://www.jqrose.com/2018/10/storytime-blog-hop-poes-heart-celebrate.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Poe’s Heart, by J. Q. Rose</a>
9. <a href=”https://wp.me/p1z8Ja-3h” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Hanks A Lot, by Joe Bouchard</a>
10. <a href=”http://reprobatetypewriter.com/storytime-october-2018” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>In The Gray Lake, by Karen Lynn</a>
11. <a href=”http://www.vanessawellsbooks.com/blog.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>The Right Honorable Brotherhood of Spirits, Poltergeists and Ghosts, by Vanessa Wells</a>
12. <a href=”http://billbushauthor.com/october-2018-storytime-blog-hop” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Life of a Pumpkin, by Bill Bush</a>
13. <a href=”http://www.ginafabio.com/posts/storytime-blog-hop-why-should-i/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Why Should I?, by Gina Fabio</a>
14. <a href=”https://www.junetakey.com/storytime-blog-hop-october-31-2018-have-a-hallowing-halloween/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Reaper, by Juneta Key</a>

 

 

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Pep Rally: I Am!

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Start your day right with these statements:

 

I am capable

 

I am competent

 

I am intelligent and I have the common sense, and street smarts to figure it out

 

I am fully loaded with gifts and talents and latent abilities

 

I have what it takes to create a soul-prospering life for myself

 

I am tough in my own way and style

 

I am strong and I hang in there even when the going gets rocky

 

I am proud of myself for the baby steps I’m taking to craft my soul-prospering life

 

I am a child of the Universe

 

I am excited about my future

 

I am excited about today

 

I am happy to be me

 

I am lucky to be me!

 

Say these statements to yourself as you stand tall in front of the mirror smiling at yourself. Chose two or three statements to keep handy and repeat to yourself throughout your day.

You can do it!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Pep Rally: I Am in Charge!

 

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One of the most important parts of the day is the early morning hours when we first awaken. How we use those minutes sets the tone and the pace for the day. Successful people as well as experts in the Personal Development field encourage us to start with something positive and uplifting.

Here is a Pep Rally to help us get off on the right foot each day. Thee best way to use these statements is to stand tall in front of a mirror, smile brightly, and say these with as much enthusiasm as possible:

 

I am in charge!

 

I am in charge of myself

 

I am in charge of my life

 

I am in charge of my present moment

 

I am in charge of my future

 

I am in charge of what I think about

 

I am in charge of what I believe about myself

 

II am in charge of what I believe about my dreams

 

I am in charge of my capabilities, skills, and abilities

 

I am in charge of my competency, intelligence, common sense, and street smarts

 

I am in charge of saying yes

 

I am in charge of saying no

 

I am in charge of my emotions and feelings

 

I am in charge of how I interpret each situation

 

I am in charge of looking for the good, the benefit, the catapult moving me forward in all situations

 

I am in charge of taking action, taking baby steps, of moving forward

 

I am in charge of getting it done

 

I am in charge of just doing it

 

I am in charge of my moods and temperament

 

I am in charge of taking one more step

 

I am in charge of the cards that Life has dealt me

I am in charge of whether an event, a situation–or what another has or hasn’t done to me or for me–whether it makes me or breaks me

 

I am in charge of what I do and what I do not

 

I am in charge of my doubts

 

I am in charge of my fears

 

I am in charge of my worries

 

I am in charge of my sadness

 

I am in charge of my anger

 

I am in charge of my disappointment

 

I am in charge of my frustration and annoyance

 

I am in charge of my despondency and depression

 

I am in charge of my anxieties and panicks

 

I am in charge of my body

 

I am in charge of my mind

 

I am in charge of my soul

 

I am in charge of my spirituality

 

I am in charge of how I respond to others

 

I am in charge of how I respond to situations

 

I am in charge of how I respond to events

 

I am in charge of how I respond to getting the short end of the stick

 

I am in charge of my freedom

 

I am in charge of my thoughts

 

I am in charge of my dreams

 

I am in charge!

 

If any of these statements resonate with you, jot them down and keep them handy. Say them often to yourself through out thee day.

You can do it because you ARE in charge!

 

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Begin Again: What to Say to Yourself

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Here are positive statements to say to yourself frequently throughout the day:

 

I choose to begin again right now. 

 

This moment is fresh and new and I step into its glorious possibilities. 

 

I release and let go of all that no longer serves me. 

 

I turn my back on the past–out of sight, out of mind. 

 

I focus on the present and look to my bright future. 

 

I’m excited about my future because it’s full of potential.

 

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Begin Again: The New Days, a Poem by Edgar A. Guest

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We all have cherished memories of wonderful times in the past, and we also can remember times that weren’t so great. It’s okay to think of these every once in a while, but to dwell in the past…not such a good strategy.

As the poem below points out, living in the present moment and looking ahead to the bright promise of the future is a great way to begin again.

 

The New Days

         The old days, the old days, how oft the poets sing,        

The days of hope at dewy morn, the days of early spring,        

The days when every mead was fair, and every heart was true,        

And every maiden wore a smile, and every sky was blue        

The days when dreams were golden and every night brought rest,        

The old, old days of youth and love, the days they say were best        

But I—I sing the new days, the days that lie before,        

The days of hope and fancy, the days that I adore.     

    

The new days, the new days, the selfsame days they are;        

The selfsame sunshine heralds them, the selfsame evening star        

Shines out to light them on their way unto the Bygone Land,       

And with the selfsame arch of blue the world to-day is spanned.        

The new days, the new days, when friends are just as true,        

And maidens smile upon us all, the way they used to do,        

Dreams we know are golden dreams, hope springs in every breast;        

It cheers us in the dewy morn and soothes us when we rest.         

 

The new days, the new days, of them I want to sing,        

The new days with the fancies and the golden dreams they bring;        

The old days had their pleasures, but likewise have the new        

The gardens with their roses and the meadows bright with dew;        

We love to-day the selfsame way they loved in days of old;        

The world is bathed in beauty and it isn’t growing cold;        

There’s joy for us a-plenty, there are tasks for us to do,        

And life is worth the living, for the friends we know are true.

~Edgar A. Guest

 

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Begin Again: Techniques to Use When Life Happens

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As a follow-up to yesterday’s post encouraging us to hang in there when the inevitable challenges show up, below are a few techniques that might help us.

 

Rekindle hope.

Talk to a friend or loved one who can be counted on to be positive, encouraging, and supportive.

If we don’t have anyone in our life like this right now, then we can go to YouTube and listen to the many, many motivational and inspirational messages posted there.

 

Have a small victory–a large one is good, too!

We can do an easy task, for instance, cleaning out and straightening the junk drawer in the kitchen.   Having a small victory can go a long way toward helping us gain perspective on our circumstances.

 

Help someone.

Perhaps there’s a colleague or a neighbor that is struggling. Reach out a helping hand. This can help us get out of our own way and can help us see that we aren’t the only one with problems and difficulties.

If nothing else, we can share our smile with passersby and hold the door open for the people coming behind us.

 

Be gentle and kind.

While we might be tempted to find fault with ourselves, this is counter-productive. This only adds to the bad feelings we may be experiencing.

Instead realize that we did our best with the information and skills we had at the time. It’s fine to note the places where we might improve or use a different tactic next time, but to dwell on it doesn’t help.

Kindness and gentleness–which is NOT the same as letting ourselves off the hook–are what are needed now. These can go a long way toward soothing and calming us so that we can think and then take action. Clear thinking and taking action are the two most important things we can do.

 

The next moment is fresh and new and ready for us to begin again.

The next moment is full of potential. We can choose right here and right now to make a fresh start. No matter what has or has not happened in the past, we can begin anew now.

 

You can do this; you can begin again!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren

Begin Again: Back by Popular Demand: Life Happens

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I originally published this post on October 27, 2016 and it’s as relevant today as it was two years ago.

 

 

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I came across this message from Les Brown, a well-known motivational speaker. The email was about a new book he’s written and what struck me was the following:

 

“… The reality is that – LIFE HAPPENS.  

You name it and things happen! Listen, no matter what happens – you WILL have obstacles. You WILL have hard days and many times life WILL knock you down…

But, remember one thing… the floor is no place for a winner.

Get up. Right now. Do it.

If you have to…get up and just crawl.

Cry, scream or shout.

But, get up!

Lying down & GIVING UP will NEVER change a single thing. Talking about how close you were will not bring it about. Complaining will not put any money in the bank.

Just stand up, shake it off, throw away the negativity and get your head right!

We all get the wind knocked out of us from time to time by Life. Do not let it get the best of you! You are stronger than you think you are. You have the right stuff DO NOT take it personally. It is called Life. Get up, get busy…..”

~Les Brown

 

 

I can attest to this myself that Life just plain old happens. For instance, the end of the month is in sight and you might be like I me thinking that you made it through relatively unscathed financially…only to have the heating unit in your home blow a main component just as wet, raw, and bitter weather moves in sending temperatures plummeting.

Oy.

When Life wallops you, Les is right about the fact that you can’t give up or give in or throw in the towel or quit. As he says, it’s okay to scream, shout, cry, and curse if you have to; you may even have to take a step back and catch your breath, but don’t knuckle under.

You may not have the energy, wherewithal, and mental stamina to take care of everything all at once. But you can do something, even if it’s only a little tidbit of something. Ask yourself what can you do right here and right now about this–can you make a phone call or send an email?

What helps me is to think of the small things I can do, the easy pieces I can handle. Doing those things gets the momentum going and then I can usually tackle the bigger and harder things that can’t necessarily be broken down into smaller steps.

And, if my mind wants to race ahead to the worst case scenario, I gently pull it back and remind it that I am taking helpful steps and I won’t know what’s down the road until these steps finish playing out. Once they do, then I’ll see what’s what at that point, and then take more steps.

Also, I accept the fact that going through a rough patch oftentimes has periods where it isn’t pretty. I may not go through them with agility and panache but as long as I make it through, I figure that’s all that matters!

So if Life has happened to you, keep going no matter what!

You can do it, I’m sure of it!

Your Friend and Pep Pal,

Lauren