Wanderlust & shutter bliss

Learning to Say No: A Work in Progress

Mar 25th, 2025

Umm… that’s a good question—how often do I say no to things that interfere with my goals? The honest answer? Not as often as I should. I’ve never been great at saying no, but I’m working on it.

One of my goals is to set clearer boundaries and say no when something doesn’t sit right with me. Whether it’s something I don’t want to do, something I feel isn’t right, or something that interferes with what I want to achieve, I’m learning that saying no is not a bad thing. It’s actually a form of self-care.

It’s not easy, though. I’ve always been the type of person who doesn’t want to let others down. I don’t like disappointing people, and sometimes that means agreeing to things even when I don’t really want to. But I’m realizing that every time I say yes to something that doesn’t align with my goals, I’m saying no to myself.

So, I’m trying to be better. It’s a work in progress, but I know that setting boundaries will help me stay true to what I really want in life.

Daily writing prompt
How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?
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The Secret Skill I Wish I Had

Mar 24th, 2025

If I could magically gain one skill overnight, it would be the ability to draw or paint. I try my best, but no matter how much effort I put in, the end result always looks like I made no effort at all.

I love being creative. As a child, I used to enjoy playing with clay, and I even tried my best to make pottery. Unfortunately, it never quite turned out the way I had hoped. Still, I found joy in the process—the feeling of shaping something with my hands, even if the final product wasn’t perfect.

I remember in college, my tutor bluntly told me that I wouldn’t pursue anything in art or drawing. I knew I wasn’t great, but I would have appreciated some constructive feedback instead of just being dismissed. That comment stuck with me, and I often wonder what might have been if I had received encouragement instead.

If I had one wish, it would be to have that artistic talent. I admire those who are naturally gifted, who can put a pen to paper and effortlessly create something beautiful. Their ability to bring imagination to life is something I truly envy.

Even though I may never be a great artist, I still appreciate and admire creativity in all its forms. Maybe one day, I’ll pick up a brush again—not to be perfect, but just to enjoy the process for what it is.

Daily writing prompt
What’s a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had?
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Should You Tell Your Employer About Epilepsy?

Mar 23rd, 2025

For anyone living with epilepsy, the decision to disclose it to an employer can feel like a difficult one. On one hand, workplaces today are more inclusive, and discrimination is legally prohibited. On the other, there’s always that lingering worry—will they see me for my skills and experience, or will they focus only on my condition?

Personally, I don’t tell an employer straight away. I want them to judge me based on my experience, not my epilepsy. It’s not that I’m ashamed of it—I just don’t see it as a defining factor in my ability to do my job. However, I recently had to fill out a form that asked about health conditions, and I decided to be honest. Now, I can’t help but worry. What if they see it as a problem? What if they decide to let me go? I know I overthink things, and my husband reassures me that I’m worrying too much. But as someone who is naturally private and takes time to trust, these thoughts aren’t easy to shake.

The truth is, epilepsy doesn’t change who I am. It’s a part of me, but it doesn’t define me. I want people to see me—my work ethic, my personality, my skills—not just my diagnosis. It’s a constant internal debate: should I disclose it and risk unnecessary concern, or should I keep it to myself and avoid the possibility of being treated differently?

For anyone else in the same situation, how do you handle it? Do you tell your employer straight away, or do you wait until you feel comfortable? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Spring: The Perfect Season

Mar 23rd, 2025

There’s something truly magical about spring. It’s that perfect time of year when the chill of winter fades away, but the intense heat of summer hasn’t yet arrived. The air feels fresh, the days grow longer, and nature comes back to life in the most beautiful way.

One of the things I love most about spring is the burst of colour everywhere. Flowers bloom in every shade imaginable—daffodils, tulips, cherry blossoms—all adding a touch of vibrancy to the world. Walking outside becomes a treat for the senses, with the scent of fresh blossoms in the air and birds singing cheerful melodies.

The weather itself is just right—not too hot, not too cold. It’s the perfect balance, where you can comfortably enjoy the outdoors without bundling up in layers or seeking shade from the scorching sun. Whether it’s taking a leisurely walk, sitting in the garden with a good book, or simply breathing in the fresh spring air, every moment feels rejuvenating.

Spring also brings a sense of renewal. After the darker days of winter, there’s an energy in the air that feels uplifting and inspiring. It’s a time for new beginnings, fresh starts, and embracing the beauty that nature offers so freely.

For me, spring is more than just a season—it’s a feeling of joy, hope, and appreciation for the world around us.

Daily writing prompt
What is your favorite type of weather?
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School Wasn’t for Me—And That’s Okay

Mar 22nd, 2025

Looking back on my school years, I can’t say I had a favorite teacher. It’s not that my schools were bad—they were fine—but I always struggled. Learning never came easy to me. I was always behind, taking longer than others to understand things.

I’ve always been a dreamer, the kind of student who drifted off into my own world. Maybe that was down to my epilepsy, or maybe that was just who I was. Either way, it made school a challenge. Even with extra help, I often felt left to my own devices. The teachers had classes full of students to manage, and it felt like they just didn’t have the time or energy to give me the support I really needed.

So, when school finally ended, I was relieved—happy, even. It wasn’t the place for me, and that’s okay. Not everyone fits into the traditional school system, and not everyone needs to. Life moves on, and you find your own way. And that’s exactly what I did.

Daily writing prompt
Who was your most influential teacher? Why?
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Embracing Creativity: A Wish to Capture and Write Every Day

Mar 21st, 2025

I often find myself wishing I could take more photos every day, write more often, and immerse myself in creativity. There’s something about the process of creating—of capturing a fleeting moment in a photo or pouring thoughts onto a blank page—that brings me joy. It’s a feeling of being present, of seeing the world with fresh eyes, and of expressing something uniquely my own.

But life moves fast. Responsibilities pile up, distractions pull me in different directions, and creativity can sometimes feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. Yet, when I do make the time—when I pause to notice the way the light falls through the trees or the way a moment makes me feel—it reminds me why creativity is so important. It’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about making life feel more alive.

I want to take more photos, not just the perfect, curated ones, but the raw, everyday glimpses of life—the messy, the mundane, the spontaneous. I want to write without overthinking, without worrying if the words are good enough, simply for the joy of self-expression.

Maybe the secret to creativity is just starting, just doing—without pressure, without expectations. Maybe it’s about making small moments count, carrying a notebook, snapping a picture even when it feels ordinary, and finding beauty in the everyday.

So here’s to more creating. More capturing. More writing. More joy. Because in the end, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present.

Daily writing prompt
What do you wish you could do more every day?
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Why I’ll Never Get a Tattoo (And That’s Okay)

Mar 20th, 2025

I’ve always admired tattoos—from a distance. The intricate designs, the deep personal meanings, the artistry that goes into them—it’s all fascinating. But here’s the thing: I will never, ever get one. Not because I don’t appreciate them, but because I am, without a doubt, the worst possible candidate for a tattoo.

First, let’s talk about the obvious: I hate needles. Not in a casual, “Oh, I don’t like getting shots” kind of way. No, I mean full-blown, anxiety-inducing dread at the mere thought of a needle puncturing my skin. I avoid vaccines longer than I should, I close my eyes during blood tests, and if a doctor even hints at the word “injection,” I need a moment to breathe. So, the idea of voluntarily sitting in a chair while a needle repeatedly jabs into my skin for hours? Absolutely not.

Beyond the needle fear, I’m just not a tattoo person. Some people love the idea of permanent art on their bodies, but for me, the commitment is too much. What if I change my mind? What if I get tired of it? What if, years down the road, the design doesn’t feel like me anymore? I change my phone wallpaper every few weeks because I get bored—how could I possibly trust myself to choose a design that will be on my body forever?

I also respect the pain tolerance of those who do get tattoos because, from everything I’ve heard, it’s no walk in the park. People say, “Oh, it’s not that bad,” but let’s be honest—pain is pain. If I can barely handle a paper cut, I don’t think I’d last ten minutes under a tattoo gun.

That being said, I have nothing against tattoos. I love seeing them on other people and hearing the stories behind them. But for me? No thanks. I’ll stick to admiring from afar, safe in my needle-free, commitment-free comfort zone.

And honestly? I’m perfectly okay with that.

Daily writing prompt
What tattoo do you want and where would you put it?
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The Strength in Patience: A Reflection on Selflessness

Mar 19th, 2025

Patience is often seen as a quiet virtue, something passive, a mere waiting game. But true patience—deep, unwavering patience—is anything but passive. It is strength in disguise, a quiet resilience that allows us to carry burdens without complaint, to give without expecting, and to love without limits.

If I had to describe myself in one word, it would be patient. But patience alone does not define me. I am kind-hearted, always caring, always putting others before myself. And that, perhaps, is where the real challenge lies—not just in waiting, but in giving, endlessly, without hesitation.

Putting others first is not a habit but a way of life. It’s the moment you listen when you’re exhausted, the times you step back so someone else can step forward, the countless unseen sacrifices that no one acknowledges. People assume kindness is easy, but those who live it know otherwise. It takes strength to be gentle, to offer warmth in a world that often feels cold.

Yet, there’s a fine line between selflessness and self-neglect. In giving so much, we sometimes forget to give to ourselves. The patience we show others—the grace, the understanding—should also be given inward. Because patience is not just about waiting for others to change, to appreciate, or to reciprocate. It is also about waiting for ourselves to recognize our own worth, to learn that it’s okay to receive, and to understand that self-care is not selfish.

To be patient is to trust that kindness is never wasted, that even if no one sees the sacrifices, they still matter. That in a world rushing to take, the one who gives is the one who truly understands what it means to love.

So, if I am patient, I am also strong. Not in a loud, forceful way, but in the quiet endurance of someone who continues to care, even when no one is watching. And that, I believe, is a strength worth holding onto.

Daily writing prompt
What is one word that describes you?
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The Best Compliment I Ever Received (Even Though I Hate Them)

Mar 18th, 2025

Compliments have always made me uncomfortable. I love giving them, making people feel good about themselves, and pointing out the things they might not even realize are special. But when the tables are turned, and someone compliments me? I get awkward. I change the subject. I brush it off.

But there was one compliment that stuck with me—maybe because it wasn’t just about something superficial like my outfit or my hair. It was about who I am and how much I’ve grown.

“You’ve come a long way. Your confidence has grown so much. You used to be shy, especially dealing with epilepsy as a teenager. But now, if something isn’t right, you speak your mind.”

Hearing that stopped me in my tracks. It made me reflect on how much I have changed. As a teenager, epilepsy was something that made me feel different. It made me cautious, self-conscious, and often quiet. I hated drawing attention to myself, and I would rarely stand up for what I believed in.

But over time, I found my voice. I learned that my feelings and opinions mattered. I stopped worrying so much about how people would react and started speaking up when I needed to. That didn’t happen overnight—it was a slow process, one that I didn’t even fully notice until someone pointed it out to me.

And even though I still squirm when I get a compliment, this one meant something. It reminded me that growth isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes, it’s in the small moments when you say what’s on your mind instead of staying silent. It’s in realizing that the things you once struggled with don’t define you.

So, while I may always prefer giving compliments over receiving them, I’ll hold onto this one. Because sometimes, the words we resist the most are the ones we need to hear.

Daily writing prompt
What was the best compliment you’ve received?
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Why I’d Take the Train for a Cross-Country Trip

Mar 17th, 2025

There’s something special about traveling by train. If I were to take a cross-country trip, the train would be my first choice—without a doubt. There’s a certain magic in sitting by the window, watching the landscape change as the miles roll by. It’s a feeling of movement without rush, a journey where the experience itself is just as important as the destination.

I’ve always loved train travel, and one of my favorite experiences was taking the Eurostar to Paris. It was smooth, comfortable, and just exciting enough to make the journey feel like an adventure. Watching the countryside blur past, then emerging into a brand-new city—it was unforgettable. Unlike flying, where everything feels hurried and a bit stressful, train travel has a way of making me feel relaxed and happy.

I used to love flying, but not as much these days. Airports are chaotic, security lines are long, and being crammed into a small seat in the sky just doesn’t have the same charm. On a train, I can stretch out, walk around, and enjoy the view without worrying about turbulence or delays.

For a long-distance trip, I can imagine winding through mountains, passing by lakes, and rolling through small towns—all at a pace that lets me appreciate them. Maybe I’d bring a book, maybe just some music, but mostly, I’d sit by the window and watch the world go by. That’s the beauty of train travel—it’s not just about getting somewhere; it’s about the journey itself.

If I ever do take that cross-country trip, you’ll find me on a train, window seat, watching the world unfold.

Daily writing prompt
You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car, or bike?
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