A to Z Challenge 2015 - Theme Reveal

The A to Z challenge is held in April each year and is the brain child of Arlee Bird   This is my third year of participating in the A to Z challenge. I look forward to it each year.

The first year I had no theme and randomly wrote posts. That was quite difficult to do so last year I went with a theme. I not only found that easier but more enjoyable.  So I decided to go with a theme this year too.

But themes are not easy to think up for me and this year and this challenge is no different.  So eventually I meditated to seek some answers. And the answers always come.

Then of course having got the answer, my mind went into some moments of doubt - really, is this what I need to write about?  But when the answers come from above, one must take heed and go with that.

So here it is, my theme this year, in the words that were given to me

A bit of poetry, a bit of prose

An epic event as seen by my soul

What could it be you all may ponder

"Love is in the air" here and yonder

Easy peasy?  Oh gosh no. Now I have to write that prose and poetry - more meditation and hopefully some dictation from yonder.

Looking forward to this challenge and reading your posts.  Looking forward to also discover some new blogs and bloggers.

Linking to:  Write Tribe Pro Blogger Challenge


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Me Time

There are all kinds of days occurring - Compassion Day, Women's Day, Compliments Day and now to add to that list March 16 was #MeDay, a day for just me to spend as I want by myself.

Now if March 15 had Me Day and if I would've written my post then, I would have ended up with a completely different post full of me.

But yesterday was a sad day. My dear aunt passed away after suffering Alzheimer's for about 7 years.  Me day takes on a different meaning and losing someone so dear to us highlights that it is people who make my life worthwhile and happy,

So while I enjoy time meditating, blogging, doing the things I like doing, I think for me the best moments of my time are also spent with people around me. Does that sound strange?  It isn't for me.  I like to have my family around me. They don't disturb me when I'm doing my things, but having them around makes me feel good.

I don't crave for a Me day or Me time.  I like having my people around me.

And if I really really want some time to myself, my ipod and the music can take me into a different world.   But I don't need to shut myself away, I can do that even with my people around me.

So how would you describe your Me time?

Written for:  #MondayMusings Write Tribe Me Time
Linking to:  #MicroblogMondays #29



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In the Shadows of Silence there is a Plan

image source: google images

In the shadows of silence I sat and pondered. I always thought that plans were my strength. I was good at making them and I had the determination to pursue them. I could plan at work and steer my team to achieve and I had lofty personal dreams.

I had scribbled many notes on pieces of paper. Each month shaped and described. But as the years went by and plans fell to pieces, disappointment took a hold and the dreams started to fade.

Then from the shadows the silent Universe whispered, "The Divine plans and you must go with that plan". Of course I ignored those wise words and persisted in following my plans. After all I knew better than the Universe didn't I?  But the Universe whispered again and again, "Go then with your plan, but be prepared for the U turn". And many a U turn I did make.

I guess at some moment in time a thought took over, perhaps I grew wiser, perhaps the Universe persisted from the silent shadows until I was compelled to listen and follow. And so I threw away the oars, crumpled up my papers, and followed the plan the Divine set out for me.

And now I sit and ponder in the shadows of silence that life is indeed more peaceful and enjoyable and meaningful because the Divine plans for me and I go with that plan.


Written for:
Wordy Wednesday at Blog-A-Rhythm - Shadows of Silence
Five Minute Friday - Plan

Linking to:
Write Tribe Pro Blogger Challenge


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Let Her Light Shine On

Written for International Women's Day March 8
In memory of Jyoti Singh.

International Women's Day

"India's Daughter" a BBC documentary on the brutal rape and killing of a young medical student Jyoti Singh created an uproar in India and the Indian Parliament banned it.

But contrary to the opinion of some that the documentary focuses on the rapists and provides a platform for them to showcase their story, in my view it does not.

It is about raising awareness of insensitive, primitive and unacceptable behaviours in the hope that they can be changed. It alerts at how disturbing the thoughts of the rapist are and even more disturbing are thoughts of the defence lawyers. But more importantly it highlights that these are the mindsets of many and that if behaviours are to change then social conditioning needs to change. You cannot bring about change unless you understand the deep rooted thinking of people. What change can you implement if you haven't understood the psyche that causes these behaviours?

It is a tribute to a young, hard-working and compassionate soul who had many dreams that were torn apart horrifically by a bunch of callous men who thought they had the power to do anything because she was a woman. It is the story of a life in indescribable pain who even where death would have been much easier, had the courage to stay alive just enough to give a statement so her rapists could be convicted. Her story must be heard. 

It is about her parents who share precious memories of their beloved daughter, the last days and  moments of her life, her shattered dreams and their shattered lives and who are asking for justice. They have a right to. My heart aches for them and we should hear them. 

It is about those moments when the youth of India,  men and women, boys and girls, stood side by side and with courage and conviction demanded justice, demanded change, demanded respect for women. It is a reminder for us to keep fighting as we did in 2012 as a result of that tragic day on December 16. We should keep fighting and demanding. 

Jyoti's brutal gang rape sent shock waves across the world. It fuelled a movement that demanded voices be heard. Banning this documentary is like saying Jyoti and many others like her didn't exist and it trivialises her parent's pain. 

Sadly Jyoti Singh's light went out on 29 December 2012. 

Let us reignite it for if we stop now then we have failed Jyoti and others like her. Her death will have been in vain.

Let her silent voice be heard through the voices of many, let her light shine on through the actions of many, let us not give up nor give in so that one day women around the world can say "We are free". 

Jyoti means light

Regardless of your thoughts on whether this documentary should be banned or not, it has rekindled a fire in people. Perhaps a new wave of action will take this to the next level. Perhaps Jyoti herself made this happen from the other side so that we do not stagnate in the old unacceptable conditioning. RIP dear Jyoti and may your light always be seen. 

image taken from the documentary

Write your post for International Women's Day.

Use your voice via social media:

#MakeItHappen
#womensday
#IWD2015
#internationalwomensday
#PaintItPurple

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Make It Happen. Happy Women's Day to all.

Warm Regards


Linking to: 
Write Tribe Pro Blogger Challenge
Blog-A-Rhythm International Women's Day
Write Tribe Use Your Voice


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World Compliment Day

March 1 was World Compliment Day. A day to appreciate the people in your life by giving them a sincere compliment.

In the world of blogging, compliments come in the form or comments and / or likes. It's an acknowledgement of the effort someone took to write a post. If you drop by and read a post, do say hello. Comments don't need to be long nor do they need to be flowery.

In the real (as opposed to virtual) world a hug is one of the best compliments you can give your loved ones. It costs nothing, doesn't need words that could be construed as flattery and is an acknowledgement of affection towards the recipient and appreciation that they are there in your life.

So in honour of Compliment Day, go read a few posts and drop a comment on each. Hug a loved one and a friend. Hug a tree, talk to the wind, show affection and gratitude for Nature.

To my readers silent or comment-leaving (is there such a word?), you make my writing worthwhile. Thank you. Sending you all a virtual hug.


Written for:
Write Tribe Compliment Day

Linking to:
#Microblog Monday #27
Write Tribe Pro Blogger Challenge



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