Month: October 2024

Creative · Non-Fiction · Poetry

Water, Oh Water

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“Water always seeks the lowest. Yet without it, no life is possible,” me.

Behold the water, ancient and free,
A quiet teacher for all who see.
It moves with grace, no matter the way,
Shaping the earth day after day.

Water knows how to bend, not break,
To flow around every path we take.
In rivers and streams, it learns to glide,
Teaching us strength is found inside.

It crashes in waves, fierce and wild,
Then softens to rain, tender and mild.
Like water, we too can shift and change,
Adapting with courage through life’s range.

It never asks for where to belong—
In lake, in ocean, it sings the same song.
It teaches us this: no need to compare,
We are enough, just as we are, anywhere.

Water is patient, for it understands
That great things yield to gentle hands.
A canyon carved, a stone made smooth,
Time and persistence—its secret truth.

When blocked, it doesn’t resist or fight,
But finds a way through the cracks of light.
It whispers, “Let go, trust what will be—
There’s freedom in learning to flow like me.”

It rises, it falls, in endless rebirth,
A part of the heavens, a part of the earth.
From mist to river, from snow to sea,
Water reminds us how life must be—

To rise when we stumble, to fall with grace,
To nourish others and leave no trace.
For life, like water, is meant to move,
A dance of balance we learn and prove.

So drink in its wisdom, listen and see—
Be soft, be steady, flow wild and free.
For in every ripple, wave, and stream,
Water shows us how to live the dream.

Inspirational · Love · Non-Fiction · Poetry

The Mirror of Your Soul

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“Spreading love and kindness is like lighting a candle—your flame never dims by sharing it, but together, we illuminate the world,” me.

The world is a canvas, waiting each day,
For the colors of kindness we choose to display.
In every moment, with each word we say,
We build bridges of love, or we push them away.

The mirror of your soul isn’t framed by gold,
It’s not in the things you buy or hold.
It’s in the heart you give without fear—
In the warmth you offer when others draw near.

A smile can be shelter, a kind word can heal,
Compassion is currency no thief can steal.
Every gesture, no matter how small,
Can soften a burden, or break down a wall.

Love isn’t a thing to store on a shelf,
It grows only when given beyond the self.
In the hands you extend, the care you impart,
Lies the true reflection of a beautiful heart.

Don’t wait for the world to change before you do—
Kindness begins in the smallest “thank you.”
In a hug, a listening ear, a hand held tight,
You plant seeds of love that outshine the night.

So spread it freely, like sunlight and rain,
Let it touch strangers, heal hidden pain.
For love, like a river, must flow and run,
To quench the thirst of every one.

In a world where we often walk alone,
Be the reason someone feels known.
And when you give love without a disguise,
You’ll find your soul shining bright in their eyes.

The heart you share, the kindness you sow,
Is the truest reflection you’ll ever know.
So love boldly, give without end—
For in loving others, your soul will transcend.

Community · Inspirational · Non-Fiction · Poetry

The Blogger’s Call

AinaBalagtas3 Comments
“Blogging meaningfully is more than just hitting ‘publish’—it’s sharing your truth with purpose, knowing your words have the power to inspire, uplift, and create change. Every post is a chance to leave the world a little brighter than you found it,” me.

In the hum of the digital world’s embrace,
Lies a new kind of storyteller, setting the pace.
No printing press, no newsroom’s wall,
Just a screen and a voice — yet louder than all.

You are the fresh face of journalism today,
A pathfinder carving out your own way.
With every word you dare to release,
You spark conversations, stir hearts to peace.

A post isn’t just content — it’s more than you see,
It’s a platform, a bridge, a spark to set free.
Your thoughts, your truths, your untold fight,
Can be someone’s morning or their guiding light.

The power you hold isn’t feather-light,
It’s a beacon that glows through day and night.
You write to inform, to heal, to inspire—
To fan change’s flame or ignite desire.

Don’t wait for permission or shrink from the task,
The world needs your words — all it asks.
You shape meaning with every line you create,
And rewrite destinies that once seemed too late.

Some will scroll by, but others will stay—
Reading your post could brighten their day.
Or lift their soul in a storm-tossed sea,
Your voice can unlock who they’re meant to be.

So speak boldly, with passion and grace—
Your blog is more than just words in a space.
It’s your footprint, your mark on this earth,
A chance to show others what courage is worth.

For in this age, where voices collide,
Yours has the power to open minds wide.
You are empowered — the pen’s now yours,
A blogger, a dreamer, breaking open new doors.

Don’t take it lightly, this gift you possess—
A voice that can build, uplift, and bless.
The world is waiting, so rise and be heard—
Your words have the power to change the world.

Essay · Non-Fiction · Persuasive

The Inevitability of Risk: How Willing Are You to Take It

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What’s the biggest risk you’d like to take — but haven’t been able to?

Risk is an uncomfortable word. By nature, we prefer safety, certainty, and familiarity. Nobody enjoys stepping into the unknown where failure, disappointment, or loss might wait. However, to gain anything worthwhile—whether it’s success, love, or personal growth—risk is inevitable. Life itself is a gamble, and every decision, big or small, carries some element of uncertainty. The real question is not whether to take risks, but how willing we are to take them.

For me, I don’t embrace risk blindly. Instead, I carefully weigh the odds. If the chances of winning or succeeding are in my favor, I might just take the leap. But my choice isn’t driven by emotion alone; I use every tool available to evaluate my options. Whether it’s math, statistics, research, advice, or past experience, I gather the information needed to make a sound decision. Often, common sense is the best guide—a simple but effective compass that helps me know when to step forward or pull back.

Risk isn’t always about chasing monumental dreams; sometimes it’s found in everyday choices. We take risks when we start a new job, open up to someone emotionally, or pursue a passion that others may dismiss. These decisions come with uncertainty, but they also hold the potential for great rewards. The truth is, avoiding all risk can lead to stagnation, leaving us with “what ifs” and missed opportunities. As the saying goes, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

However, not all risks are created equal. It’s essential to be mindful and deliberate. Some risks aren’t worth the consequences if the odds are stacked too high against us. Reckless behavior isn’t bravery—it’s carelessness. The key lies in balancing ambition with caution. When I know the potential payoff outweighs the downside, I feel more prepared to move forward. After all, life rewards those who dare to act but also have the wisdom to choose their moments wisely.

In the end, risk is unavoidable if we want to grow, achieve, and live meaningfully. Every person’s threshold is different, but the question remains the same: How willing are you to take the risk? Whether the prize is a dream fulfilled, a new relationship, or a goal achieved, it takes courage to try. And even when the outcome is uncertain, the attempt itself can teach us more than playing it safe ever will.

Creative · Love · Non-Fiction · Poetry · Sentiments

Just So the World Knows

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If the world could know what’s in my heart,
How thoughts of you never depart,
They’d see the love I hold so true—
A love that lives and breathes for you.

You are the man of dreams untold,
My warmth, my light, my heart to hold.
With every smile, you fill my days,
And brighten life in countless ways.

I wish the world could hear me say
How much you mean to me each day.
That you’re my joy, my sweetest song,
The place my soul has yearned for long.

But words, they falter, fall too small—
How can they capture it all?
If skies could write or stars could speak,
They’d tell the love that makes me weak.

For you, my world, my everything,
I’d trade the winter for the spring.
If only all the world could see—
How deeply, wholly you are loved by me.

You are my sun, my moon, my sky,
The reason stars sparkle up high.
With every breath, my heart is clear—
You are my joy, my soul’s premier.

In you, I find my world complete,
A love so pure, so calm, so sweet.
When life feels heavy, dark, or gray,
Your smile alone lights up my day.

And though at times we’re far apart,
You’re still the rhythm of my heart.
Just thinking of you, I start to cry—
But these are tears that never lie.

For joy like this is rare and true,
And all my dreams begin with you.
In you, I’ve found what hearts aspire—
My everything, my soul’s desire.

YouTube/Dan Fogelberg/Longer
Creative · Nature · Non-Fiction · Poems · Quotes

The Wisdom of Fall

AinaBalagtas2 Comments
“From fall we can learn that letting go is not the end—it is actually the beginning of growth, creating space for new dreams to take root and flourish,” nature says so.

The air turns crisp, the sky burns bright,
And autumn drapes the world in light.
Leaves flutter down in gold and rust,
Teaching us to let go and trust.

The trees release without a fight,
Their branches bare, yet feel no fright.
They whisper softly, “It’s time to rest;
Not every season demands your best.”

Fall reminds us that change is near,
But growth will follow every year.
We learn from nature to shed the old,
To find new strength when nights grow cold.

The harvest tells us: be grateful, too,
For all the blessings life gave you.
Like falling leaves, some things must part,
But room is made for a brand-new start.

The squirrels prepare, the winds shift low,
And rivers teach us how to flow.
In every breath, in every breeze,
There lies the wisdom of the trees.

So let us welcome autumn’s call,
And find the grace in every fall.
For seasons pass and hearts grow wise—
There’s beauty found in every rise.

Creative · Memoirs · Non-Fiction · Writing True

A River Within: The Unfolding of My Creative Soul

AinaBalagtas7 Comments

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

There’s a river inside me, always moving, always flowing. Some people know of it—of my creativity—but few understand how deep it runs or how far it carries me. It’s not deception, not even close. It’s expression, pure and essential, the way I make sense of the world and navigate the currents of life. I wear my creativity like a second skin, sometimes quietly, other times boldly. Whether I write, paint, sketch, or dabble in a new form of art, it’s always my way of speaking truths that words alone cannot hold.

Writing is my compass, guiding me through emotions, experiences, and dreams. But I don’t just write the truth—I craft stories that blur the lines, diving into creative non-fiction where facts and imagination dance together. I find that truth itself is sometimes too rigid, and life too complex to fit neatly within its confines. So, I let my mind wander. I weave hopes and desires into my words, reimagining what life could be. It’s not that I lie or pretend—rather, I reshape the pieces of life to reflect the deeper truths that can’t be spoken plainly.

Painting and other forms of art are like different languages I use to express what I can’t capture in writing. A brushstroke, a splash of color, the rough texture of a canvas—each one tells a story only I can feel, but others may glimpse in passing. These visual creations are an extension of the same river of creativity, winding through different landscapes, shifting and shaping me as I go.

My creativity isn’t just about making things; it’s about surviving, thriving, and finding peace in life’s struggles. When life becomes too heavy, too complicated, I dip into the river. God gave me this gift, and I know it is not mine alone. I’m thankful for the professors who sharpened my knowledge and encouraged me to explore every artistic corner of myself. They opened my eyes to the many ways creativity can act as both a mirror and a refuge.

What people see in me is only part of the picture. Some notice my writing; some have seen a glimpse of my artwork. But there is always more beneath the surface, more flowing within me that they may never fully grasp. And that’s okay. Creativity, for me, is deeply personal—not a performance, but a necessity. It’s how I make sense of joy and sorrow, how I dream and cope.

Like a river running quietly under a bridge, my creativity moves through me constantly, always present, always alive. I am grateful for every twist, every turn, every outlet through which it flows. It allows me to shape my world in ways that words, paint, or any medium alone never could. It is not just a talent or a skill; it is my lifeline, my prayer, my way of living with gratitude for all the beauty and chaos that life brings.

Human Nature · Inspirational · Non-Fiction · Poetry

The Bright Corners of the Human Soul

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“In us lives a fearless fire,
A will to lift, to heal, inspire.
No act too small, no heart too cold—
The goodness of the soul unfolds,” just me.

In the bright corners of the human soul,
Lies every gift that makes us whole.
A kindness given without demand,
A helping heart, an open hand.

There lives a love that knows no end,
A quiet strength to lift a friend.
Forgiveness blooms where grudges fall,
And mercy answers every call.

Hope burns steady through life’s storms,
Creating light in countless forms.
Dreams unfold on broken ground,
And joy in darkness still is found.

Empathy bridges hearts afar,
Guiding us like a northern star.
A gentle word, a steady ear,
Can turn despair to hope sincere.

Compassion dances in every deed,
Sowing care like scattered seed.
From tears, new courage dares to rise—
The soul reflects the endless skies.

For deep within, the goodness stays,
A shining core that never sways.
No fear or loss can take control
Of the bright corners of the human soul.