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Childhood Cartoon

Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite cartoon?
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When we were young, we didn’t have a TV, so we rarely got to watch it, let alone a TV series. Even when we did watch, it was from the CD player, as the villagers didn’t have a signal to connect or a place to subscribe to channels. The one channel I remember was Tom and Jerry. We would run to our neighbors’ places to watch it and sometimes even had to contend with the elders for the channel, as they were uninterested in watching it. We were teenagers back then. I vividly remember the joy and laughter we shared with our cousins and talked about it after the show.

Gone are the days when we’d watch over three rupees dried Mattar and 50 paise sweets. We would quarrel about eating too much and too fast, not sharing with the others. We would also trick the younger ones into eating more than them—haha. Reminiscing about it gives me nostalgia. Thanks for this daily prompt topic.

December 9, 2023
Procrastination?

Daily writing prompt
What could you do less of?
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I really need to break free from procrastination; this habit has been bothering me lately. It crept in after I had those eerie nightmares (you know what I mean?). Yes, that’s right – exactly what you’re thinking. (You may want to refer to the “A Parrot in a Cage” page.) I am trying to cultivate the habit of taking swift action for all my responsibilities so that I do not become vulnerable to it.

December 8, 2023
How ‘One Day at a Time’ approach keeps me going

If you had been reading my expressions daily, you would have understood me more or less to some extent. You might have a slight understanding of how I live my life, what I do, or my way of thinking. Today, like any other day, I had an insignificant yet blessed day. As I undertake the marathon journey of better living, I seem to have stuck at one point in time where the world stops revolving around me. I have faced numerous setbacks until now. I know I am seriously not in a position to relax and take one step at a time. Nevertheless, I am slowing down my pace and am looking forward to keep going instead of quitting or never moving forward. I am blessed that I am surrounded by wonderful people every single day who make my world a hundred times brighter. The simple question of “Ma’am, how are you? Are you okay?” makes my heart melt. If only I were in a better position, I would have no hesitation to stay longer.

December 7, 2023
Wildlife

Daily writing prompt
Do you ever see wild animals?
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I have encountered wild animals such as deer, wild boars, civet cats, and flying squirrels during my childhood. In those days, hunting was permitted in my village, and my father, being a skilled sharpshooter, would hunt frequently. The animals were either for our family’s consumption or for commercial purposes, serving as the primary source of income for him at the time.

However, hunting is now prohibited in the village, and owning guns without a license is illegal. Consequently, most people no longer own guns or engage in hunting. IN the past, even if they do, there is a conscious effort to preserve the wildlife. They ensure not to hunt pregnant animals or during breeding seasons, leaving behind some animals to allow for reproduction. This practice reflects a positive aspect of their approach to hunting. (It’s not encouraged to hunt even during the non breeding season now)

Despite these efforts, the population of animals in the forest has significantly decreased compared to the past. I used to hear the sounds of deer near my house and monkeys hooting in the vicinity, but these sounds have become rare now. It is commendable that my fellow villagers decided to cease hunting, contributing to the conservation and increase in the animal population.

It’s better late than never to implement such measures, as once the animals disappear completely, there’s no way to bring them back.

December 6, 2023
Benefits from partaking a month-long wholesome trip

Daily writing prompt
Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?
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One of the best places I’ve visited so far is Leh Ladakh, India. Initially, I wasn’t familiar with the location and had limited knowledge about it. Formerly part of Jammu and Kashmir, it was known for its apples, snow, and share disputed borders with Pakistan and China (That was what I knew before visiting Leh Ladakh).

I traveled there with a group of young people for a leadership training program that included international students. Proudly representing India and the Northeast, we embarked on this journey. Upon arrival, we had to acclimate to the climatic conditions and high altitude at the airport before proceeding to our destination.

Adapting to the altitude was challenging for me, especially due to my sinusitis. As someone who often breathes through my mouth rather than my nose, I was bedridden for a week, missing out on opportunities to explore and play in the snow.

Despite the initial setback, our experience in Leh Ladakh was filled with exciting activities. We hiked, rode camels, kayaked downstream, visited monuments and stupas, savored Ladakhi cuisine, immersed ourselves in Ladakhi culture, and learned about their lifestyles. We spent time at the SECMOL campus, listened to inspiring speakers, and even had the privilege of meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama, gaining enlightenment from his wisdom.

The trip provided a comprehensive package of new friendships, cultural insights, navigating through young adult life, and most importantly, an understanding of the impact of global warming and environmental changes on glaciers, the natural habitat of the snow leopard, and the local vegetation. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and hope to return one day to relive it, of course, in good health. That was a wholesome trip, and the memories are truly cherished.

December 5, 2023