Wanderlust & shutter bliss

Middle names often go unnoticed, tucked away between our first and last, rarely spoken aloud. But for me, my middle name—Teresa—carries deep significance. It’s more than just a name; it’s a connection to my family’s past, a legacy that runs through generations.

Teresa was the name of my dad’s mum and his sister. My dad was incredibly close to his mum, and although I never had the chance to meet her—she passed away before I was born—I feel like a part of her lives on through me. It’s a name that holds weight, love, and history, a constant reminder of the strong women who came before me.

For my dad, this name is more than a tradition—it’s a tribute to someone who meant the world to him. Knowing how much he cherished his mum makes having this name even more special. It’s a silent bond we share, a way to honor the past while carrying it forward.

Middle names may not always take center stage, but they can hold the deepest meanings. Teresa is my link to a woman I never met, yet somehow, she’s always been a part of me. And that, to me, is truly special.

Daily writing prompt

What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?

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Anxiety is something I’ve been working on, and if there’s one thing I’ve recently learned, it’s that getting worked up only makes things harder. I’m still in the process of teaching myself to stay calm, to breathe, and to not let my thoughts spiral. They say you can train your brain to think differently, that with practice, you can manifest a more peaceful state of mind. I believe that, but I also know it takes time.

This morning was a test. I got on the bus, and almost immediately, I could feel my anxiety building. Normally, I have my music to help drown out the noise and keep me centered, but today, my earbud decided it needed charging at the worst possible time. Without my usual comfort, I had to rely on myself.

I turned to breathing exercises—slow, deep breaths in and out, focusing on nothing but the rise and fall of my chest. And you know what? It helped. Maybe not instantly, but enough to stop the spiral before it got out of control.

I’m learning every day. Some moments are easier than others, but I remind myself that staying calm is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I do know this: I can breathe, I can relax, and I can take things one step at a time. And that’s enough for today.

Daily writing prompt

What is the last thing you learned?

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There’s one question I’ve always struggled with: Where do you see yourself in five years? It’s a common one, often asked in job interviews or casual conversations, but every time I hear it, I find myself feeling stuck. The truth is, I don’t have an answer—at least not one that fits neatly into a five-year plan.

I’ve never been the kind of person who maps out my future in such long-term detail. Instead, I take life one day at a time. My idea of planning is much shorter—where will I be in a month? What do I need to focus on this week? Life is unpredictable, and while I have hopes and dreams, I’ve learned that trying to control every aspect of the future can sometimes do more harm than good.

Of course, in five years, I hope to be happy and healthy. That’s really the most important thing, isn’t it? But beyond that, who knows? Life has a way of surprising us, throwing challenges and opportunities our way when we least expect them. Sometimes, what we imagine for ourselves isn’t what’s truly best for us, and being open to change can lead to the most fulfilling experiences.

So, the next time someone asks me where I see myself in five years, maybe I’ll just say this: I see myself living in the moment, making the most of each day, and embracing whatever comes my way. Because, in the end, that’s the only plan that truly matters.

Daily writing prompt

What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.

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Success is never a straight path. I’ve had my wins, moments where everything seemed to align perfectly. But along the way, there have also been failures, regrets, and choices I wish I could take back. There were times when I ignored my instincts, convincing myself that I needed a particular job or opportunity, even when deep down, I knew it wasn’t the right fit.

Looking back, I can see the pattern—situations where I settled, where I took the safer route instead of following my gut. And while those decisions may have led to frustration, disappointment, or regret, they also taught me valuable lessons. Because failure and regret, as painful as they are, shape us. They make us stronger, more determined, and more aware of what we truly want in life.

I believe that setbacks are not the end of the road; they are stepping stones. Every time I’ve faced a challenge, I’ve had to break down walls—brick by brick—to push forward. And with each struggle, I’ve gained more clarity about what truly matters to me.

The key is to keep moving, to trust yourself, and to learn from the past without letting it hold you back. Life is about growth, and sometimes that growth comes from the hardest lessons. My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it has shaped me into a stronger, more resilient person. And at the end of the day, that’s what truly matters—continuing to build a life that brings happiness and fulfillment, one decision at a time.

Daily writing prompt

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?

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It feels a bit like my life now like a blank page waiting to be filled with new experiences. Leaving my old job, stepping into a new role, and prioritizing my health and happiness have all been steps toward a future that feels lighter, more intentional, and truly mine. For so long, I put everything and everyone else first. But now, it’s time to focus on what truly matters—me, my husband, and the life we’re building together.

There’s something both terrifying and exciting about change. It’s a mix of letting go and embracing the unknown, but I know deep down that this is the right direction. It’s about making choices that align with our happiness, ensuring we walk a path that feels right, not just convenient. Life is too short to be stuck in the same place out of fear or routine.

So, this is my new chapter. A time for self-care, for adventure, for choosing joy over stress. For taking one step at a time toward a future that feels good. Because if life has taught me anything, it’s that the best stories are the ones we write for ourselves.

Daily writing prompt

You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence?

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