back again with a writing prompt
hello again, friend!
Welcome back to our weekly newsletter. I’m so overjoyed to share with you some pieces from readers who wrote based on last week’s prompt. Enjoy, y’all!
r creatrix's piece, Box of Gifts
On an end table, next to the TV stand, under a fan of philodendron leaves, sits a large, rounded, wooden box. It’s mostly painted a brilliant red, with a ring of gold at its top in an elaborate mandala of sorts, gold bands along its’ outer edges and in swirling arches along its border. It’s painted so meticulously; one notices something new in almost every meditation upon the details of its blue and green flowers, appearing in corners and centerpieces on all sides of the box, in its vines of gold and fleur de lis-like embellishments.
The box was a gift, and a striking gift it is, to behold, and to hold my small collection of perfumes. The intricately detailed glass bottles rattle with the confidence only the keepers of liquid emotions and memories do, each never quite going back to where they were found open each opening and closing of this large, heavily lidded box. I visit this box at least once daily, sometimes more depending on the need to conjure, flip its heavy wooden latch, and gaze upon the fragrance bottles. One by one, the bottles are lifted and smelled, some warm and enveloping like an embrace, or cool and raw like the smell of detritus after a rain, while others are lilting with the hopefulness and credence of blooming flowers. Once picked and sprayed, the incantation is complete; the heavy lid of the wooden box shuts with a soft thud, to be latched and maybe gazed upon until the next summon.
aaron shay’s piece
ive become so much more aware of my hands. the pressure to wash them accurately feels tangible from the removal of a hangnail on your right ring finger. ive become much more aware of the windows in my home. their size. for two years I lived in a room without a window. I feel acutely aware of their size. im guilty of a recent search history that feels reminiscent of a car wreck that holds my attention in a curious yet negative space when I should be looking forward. im rubbernecking.
I focus on my breathing. its been a simple exercise to plainly just breathe in and breathe out. its helpful.
I am reminding myself that I spent many years before this one speaking of optimism, espoused like gospel to my friends. its still there, just requires some digging out. some show and tell. use your hands.
ive become so aware of my hands.
prompt #2:
Start a 5 minute timer and take some time to reflect on yourself at various ages: as a toddler, child, teen, young adult, middle ager, and elder. You may be reminiscing about yourself at past stages, or predicting what you may become or what you hope for yourself in the future.
Some questions to ponder: what are your values at that age? How do you spend your time? What wishes do you have? What regrets?
When your timer, or your free-write, is complete, take a little reflection time. Read over what you’ve written. Toward what age did you feel most tenderly?
At this point, if you’d like, write a letter to yourself at that age. From your vantage point in this present moment, what would you like to tell your past or future self? You may wish to incorporate some of the points you explored in your free-write, or you may start anew.
As always, it’s up to you.
ashley’s piece
Dear girl caught in the in-between,
I know you’re having a hard time. I know that it seems like you feel things too much: too much sadness, too many feelings, too much joy. I know that it feels like nobody gets you. And that’s true, to an extent, because—be honest—you don’t even know a lot of the time. But here’s the secret: that’s fine. You’re figuring it out.
Life feels so uncertain and out of control. If only things could stay and change wasn’t built into your very existence. But maybe you’ve started to notice that there’s something kind of nice about change sometimes?
Sometimes it brings excitement, opportunity. I know you have big hopes and wishes, things you can’t contain sometimes. Change can open up your world, bring you closer to some of those dreams, help you see beyond. It can be magical and breathtaking, even when it’s the scariest and worst part of your life.
Can I share something else that I hope you don’t take as an adult, who knows jack shit about being young, telling you bull? Everyone else, they’re just as unsure as you. Just as scared. Just as yearning. I know you’ve heard this before and it seems like one of those things adults say, but I swear it’s really, honestly true. That confidence you see, even the kind that seems easy, it’s not. Don’t worry that you’ve got to prove something. Don’t let your exploration come from anywhere but pure curiosity and interest and even joy.
And, yes, some people are mean. They have their own pain, which is sad, but also doesn’t make it hurt any less. But also, some people think you’re a cool and worthwhile person. Not because of who you spend your time with or how good you are at being what others expect, but because you’re nice and smart and fun. When you’re genuine and let yourself go, don’t hold yourself tight trying to be a certain way, you’re fantastic. So if someone hurts you with their rejection, don’t dwell. I promise, they’re not as cool as they seem. And if someone is seeking your attention or time, try giving them some of your care. They might be worthwhile. Or not, but at least you'll know.
You’re always going to have this struggle: opening up, staying connected. You haven't started using this phrase yet, but you’re kind of an extroverted introvert. Or an outgoing introvert. Yes, you need your alone time, but you also need to build those connections. If you’re feeling the urge to hibernate, do it. But also keep a lifeline open. Once in a while, push yourself out of your cozy hole. Why waste time pining over all of the imagined fun everybody else is having? Just join and you’ll see: sometimes it’s fun, sometimes it’s not. When you sit on the sidelines afraid to be a part, afraid of being told you’re not a part, you convince yourself it’s a lot better than it really is. Honestly, a “yes” goes far. (Obviously I’m talking about in a healthy way.)
Oh, and on that note, smoking isn’t as glamorous as it looks. It’d be worth more to do up your hair or makeup, or wear something that makes you feel good. And alcohol will make you feel bolder, but it can also make you meaner and harder to be around. And weed is just going to amplify your anxiety if you try to keep up with others. Stick with the therapist instead. She’s nice and you should genuinely give her a chance. She’s not an enemy.
Wow, so sorry for all of the advice! Suffice it to say that you’re a fun and wonderful person. Follow joy and curiosity. Remember that others are just as lost as you, so build relationships that are enjoyable for your true self, not a persona. Also, you’re right that weirdness is fine; great, in fact.
Lots of love always,
Ashley