friendliestofdaisies

[friendliestofdaisies]

Tired. 😪

Feed yourself . Always feed yourself first . do things you love. Spend time with people you love. Read good books. Eat good food. Love yourself. Always love yourself first!

[friendliestofdaisies]

At this moment, I remember those words.

When you taught me that I should be happy and content with myself.

When you taught me that I should not need anybody to feel complete.

For a very long time, I held onto those words… 

But…

I’d like to see you again and tell you, you’ve got a point. But that point doesn’t seem to be true all the time.

We are PIECES, we all have different shapes. 

At times we can stand alone and yes, feel complete.

At times we need to fit in with other pieces to form something SO MUCH bigger than us… and feel a different sense of completion.

Either way, we don’t stop being ourselves. We never truly can.

And as we go along, standing alone, fitting right in with other pieces, our shape eventually changes.

And for this moment, I’ll remember these words.

When we meet again, maybe you will no longer recognize the shape you’ll see me in. If not, then maybe it is I who no longer recognize you. Then you wouldn’t need to hear these words any more. :)

#missing piece #shel silverstein #letters to you #reflections #everybody's changing #growth

[friendliestofdaisies]

"Are you a tree or a bird?"

I saw this question today as I was browsing on IG and it spoke to me. It's as if I was finally asked a question I never knew I needed.

As someone in her 30s, not considered young anymore but also somehow not feeling much of an adult, it has been my dilemma. Society for the past decades seem to have set this particular milestone for those my age. That at this point in time, we are expected to 'settle down'.

For some reason, it gave me that particular desire to find my 'place' in this world at this particular age, thinking that this 'place' is supposed to be 'unmoving'. And not being able to be at that 'place' in this time seems to be tugging into my being and whispering to me, "What are you doing?". I have felt all this time that I were supposed to be a tree. I never knew there was an option to be a bird!

So what am I? Am I a tree? Am I a bird? Or maybe none of the above? Maybe I'm meant to be a rolling rock or a drop of water. What about you?

#journal #writing #reflection #learning #adulting #society #finding my place #growth #epiphany #questions to be asked

[friendliestofdaisies]

Went out today and impulsively bought a book. It was the book Under the Tuscan Sun. I watched the movie years ago and recently watched it just to fall in love with country life all over again. I read a few pages as I sat down with a short caramel macchiato and walnut cookie in hand. At that time, I was surrounded by my favorite things.

As I read the pages, I can see the big difference it had from the film. The stark difference of what was actually in the book and what I saw in the movie made me think, "Is this also what it's like with my actual life events and how I recall them from my memories?"

In a snap, I was brought back again to 6 years ago. The naivete, the heaviness of heart, the regrets and also the warmth, the strength, and the reflections. I definitely experienced it all, in varying depth and breadth. And still, I come to doubt now my recollection. Will I ever give those events justice in memoriam? In the years to come, when they are even more hazy, will I see them for what they truly are? Will I be left with the bits of fragments that truly matter? Or will I get to keep those that are irrelevant?

For some reason, I believe that even if I would only be left with the irrelevant, I might treasure them as if they are of much essence. My poor heart, robbed by the years, might just resort to all that for comfort.

#reflections #reframing #memories #books #movies #under the tuscan sun #journal

[friendliestofdaisies]

Any editing tips when editing your own work? Not sure yet how to find a balance in between, “wow, this sucks” and “wow, this is great” without harming the chance of the work improving. (Also, thanks for all that you do! It’s truly helped shape me into a better writer)

Self-Editing Tips

I’m so glad you’ve found the site to be helpful! Here are things to keep in mind when editing your own work…

1) We are our own worst critics. This is just a fact. So it’s important to learn the difference between self-doubt and a good gut instinct that something needs improvement. If your gut tells you something is good, it probably is. If your gut tells you something is bad, ask yourself the following questions:

am I tired/in a bad mood?

am I comparing myself to a more experienced writer/author?

has critical feedback pointed out a similar issue in the past?

can I see an obvious way to improve this?

Your answers to these questions may help you see the difference between self-doubt and a good gut instinct. Our mood, how we’re feeling, and what we’re currently reading can all play a role in how we interpret our own writing. Unless something falls under a skill that you’re already working on improving and you can see an obvious solution to the problem, chances are it’s just your gut being a “Negative Nellie.” In that case, try stepping away from it for a little while. Move on to a different part of the story and come back to it another day. If you still feel it’s an issue, try re-working it to see if you feel better about it. If all else fails, seek the advice of a trusted writer friend to see if they agree that there’s an issue.

2) In that same vein, when you sit down to edit your own work, try to make sure you’re well rested, in a good mood, relaxed, and free from distractions. Put on soft music, ambient lighting, maybe a candle or something to scent the air… whatever you normally do to feel relaxed when you write.

3) Knowing what to look for can also be a huge help when self-editing. A lot of the time, if you’re not looking for anything in particular, like crutch/filler words, typos, or poor sentence structure, your brain will start to see problems where they don’t exist. So, it’s a good idea to decide on your specific goal before doing an editing pass, and if you can focus on just a few things in each pass, that’s all the better. Look online for self-editing lists and worksheets that you can print out to make the process even easier. You can also read books like Self-Editing for Fiction Writers.

4) Always remember that your goal as a writer is to tell the best story you can tell in the best way you can tell it, but ultimately, it isn’t up to you to decide whether or not you’ve succeeded. It’s up to other people to tell you that, and the only way to do that is to seek feedback from others during your revision process. This is why it is so incredibly important to have a critique partner (or two or three) if you can find one, and at the very least a group of people you can ask to beta your work. If you offer to be someone else’s critique partner and volunteer to beta for other writers, you will have people willing to CP and beta for you. You have to put in the time and work for others if you want them to put in the time and work for you. I’m currently beta-ing two projects and reading another for one of my CPs. It’s just part of the job. And the feedback of your CPs and betas is going to boost your confidence in the things you do well, and confirm your concerns about the things you need to improve, which is why it’s so important. Once you’ve gotten a lot of feedback on your writing from others, it will be easier for you to tell the difference between self-doubt and things that may truly need improvement.

Good luck!!!

[friendliestofdaisies]

Omo 😂

[friendliestofdaisies]

[friendliestofdaisies]

“Did you cry when you fell?”

I did. I concealed my tears behind the rain falling down on EDSA on our way home from a rally. Without any umbrella to shield me, right on the day of my 22nd birthday, the truth exploded in my face. He chose her. And at that moment, I have decided to choose me.

#writing #letters to you #truth bombs

[friendliestofdaisies]

How to write lovers to enemies to lovers: a step by step guide

By Writerthreads on Instagram

Strong initial attraction

Begin by introducing two characters who are deeply attracted to each other. Show their chemistry and connection, giving readers a reason to root for their relationship. This makes the transition to enemies so much stronger.

Conflict or misunderstanding

Introduce a conflict, misunderstanding, or external factor that drives a wedge between the characters. This should be significant enough to make them enemies or at least create a strong rift in their relationship. Examples could be competing for the same job/role, being on opposing empires, and more!

Build emotional tension

As enemies, the characters should have strong emotions, whether it's anger, resentment, or hurt. Explore their emotional turmoil and how this affects their actions and decisions. Do the characters miss each other secretly, or do they fully hate one other?

Character development

Show how the characters grow and evolve during their time apart or in conflict. Each should have their own personal journey and realizations.

Forced proximity or new common goal

You could bring them back into each other's lives through a situation where they're forced to spend time together or work toward a common goal. This could be due to circumstances, work, or a shared interest.

Slow reconciliation

Let the characters slowly rebuild trust and friendship. Highlight the gradual thawing of their feelings and the rekindling of their initial attraction. Show open and honest communication between the characters, addressing the root of their conflict and misunderstandings.

Internal struggles

Show the characters' internal conflicts as they battle their lingering anger or resentment and the resurfacing of their romantic feelings.

Shared vulnerabilities

Reveal the vulnerabilities and insecurities of both characters. This can help readers sympathize with their struggles and hopes for reconciliation.

Love and reconciliation

Eventually, as they work through their issues, allow them to rekindle their love and passion for each other. This should be a satisfying and heartfelt moment.

Remember, it's essential to create well-developed, relatable characters and a strong plot to keep readers engaged throughout this emotional rollercoaster. The lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers arc is hard to tackle, but authentic character growth and compelling conflicts will make for a captivating romance story.

[friendliestofdaisies]

Tonight I cried for possibilities. I cried for kids I may never have. I cried for the partner I may never get to spend the rest of my life on earth with. I cried for people I couldn't help. I cried for music I may never get to hear or songs I woud never have the chance to sing. I cried for books I may never get to read or stories I may never have the chance to see the end of.

Possibility may partly bring hope. But tonight, I realized it could also be a source of unfathomable pain.

#late night thoughts #musings #things i cry about #dear stranger #letters to you #writing #reflection #journal #learning #possibilities

[friendliestofdaisies]

Dear Stranger,

How are you when it comes to your personal boundaries? Are you faring well in terms of keeping up the walls you've built and lines you've drawn? If you are, can you let me in on your secret?

I have been working really hard on setting my boundaries when it comes to the different aspects of my life. I have been more selective with who I spend time with. I have also set time that I devote for work and time that I devote for my family and friends as well as other commitments. I am also doing my best when it comes to filtering what I set my attention to. Still my walls and lines can be broken into and blurred.

What do you do to hold up your boundaries?

Trying to rebuild walls that have crumbled down,

thefriendliestofdaisies 🌼

#writing #dear stranger #letters to you #reading #you've got mail #reflection #journal #pivot #resolution #boundaries

[friendliestofdaisies]

Dear Stranger,

It seems like it was only yesterday that I am looking forward to the start of a new year and, voila! June is almost done! 😲And that simply signifies we're almost halfway through 2023. I believe congratulations are still in order despite having a hodgepodge of life events that weren't all light and dandy.

For me, this is a very important pivot. It's almost a year since I left my previous job. I recall my state last year around this time. Then, I was lost and unsure about what my life will be after leaving a job that almost defined my existence for nearly a decade. Paired with the exhaustion brought by the pandemic, I was driven into this need for a much needed break, a life away from the grind. My own version of slow living.

I left the city, paused my graduate studies, and decided to go back to my hometown.

My current job is definitely godsent. It's related to my old job, better paying, less stressful, and still as fulfilling. Although it will most likely be temporary, I want to make the most of it this year. I have the opportunity to spend time with my family. Maybe moving forward, we could build traditions we've missed building because we've all been very busy in the past. I have started to work on aspects of myself I feel I've neglected for the sake of fulfilling society's expectations.

I think I have come home to me.

For the remaining half of the year, I want to make the most of being 'home'.

Happy half of the year, everyone!

thefriendliestofdaisies 🌼

#writing #dear stranger #letters to you #reading #you've got mail #reflection #journal #half of the year #june #pivot #resolution #congratulations #welcome home #tadaima okaeri

[friendliestofdaisies]

Dear Stranger,

I am tired.

My shoulders feel heavy.

My back is caving in.

My head is hazy.

My heart is clenched.

But my eyes are open.

This time I am determined to sit with all this.

It may not be enough to end all this, but at least I am with me and not against me today.

Hugging myself, emotions and all...

thefriendliestofdaisies 🌼

#writing #dear stranger #letters to you #you've got mail 💌 #tired #sitting with feelings

[friendliestofdaisies]

Dear Stranger,

Tonight, I sat down in front of my computer, wore my headset and played LSS by Stonefree. I just stared at the screen and all of a sudden my feelings came crashing over me, bringing me to unexpected tears. I have had a great day. I felt happy and content. But for some reason, there was this tiny trigger, a song I've not listened to for a long while, suddenly reminding me of an unidentified grief I couldn't quite place.

Until now, as I am writing this, I'm still wondering where the pain is coming from. Am I grieving the person I didn't become? Is it the road I did not take that I am grieving? Am I missing a person I haven't met yet? Or is it like what I've read before -- love which has no place to go to?

Here's to feelings still unnamed! 🌼🍸

thefriendliestofdaisies 🌼

#writing #dear stranger #letters to you #you've got mail #feelings #grief #unknown emotions #LSS

[friendliestofdaisies]

Dear Stranger,

In a few days, this year will end. How do you feel about that? I, for one, am a little bit in a daze. Much like most of year-ends, this moment tends to drive me into a spiral of thoughts and emotions.

Never have I ever thought that the me last year would go through waves of changes I have been through around the sun! I have made many decisions, mixture of brave ones and regrettable ones. And for some reason, I still feel much like a spectator rather than an actual participant in the events unfolding before my eyes.

I left the city I've built my life on for the past 10 years and decided to move back home. It is such a drastic change-- being alone for years and now trying to navigate life within a home once again. But it was worth it in the end. Our family had gone through lots of challenges and I am glad to just be there with them through it all.

My job, which practically defined my existence, I also left it. It wasn't planned, but things turned out that way. I eventually found a job which allowed me to do something I've been wanting to do for so long. It's not as ludicrous as the previous one but it gave me the opportunity to dare to be a different person.

At the back of my head, there's probably the reason that I wanted to runaway from all the expectations and responsibilities my previous life handed down to me. They all just made me exhausted.

I've rested. Or at least I did my best to. It seems to me now that resting is a very difficult thing to do when all you've ever done is be on the grind.

I wouldn't want to make this too long. I guess, all I'm saying is, (takes a deep breath). Yes, let's all take a deep breath as we face another year.

Cheers to meeting you this year! 🌼🍸

thefriendliestofdaisies 🌼

#writing #dear stranger #letters to you #you've got mail #end of the year #holidays #new year #bye 2022 #hello 2023

[friendliestofdaisies]

Dear Stranger,

Irreplaceable. Unforgettable. I thought I was all these in their lives. I didn't know it was so easy to be cut off from people's lives. Maybe it was my fault for thinking that I was any special after seeing how they've let people easily walk in and out of their lives.

Out of sight, out of mind. Is this really the way of things? It kind of felt like being a spare change placed nonchalantly in the back pocket of a pair of pants. They either find you frantically when they are in dire need of you or find you coincidentally before leaving the pants in the wash.

Maybe that's how it is. To some people, we are meant to be constants. To others, we're meant to be a companion up to a certain point before parting ways.

I take comfort in writing to a stranger like you-- knowing you don't expect me to stay, nor I expect you to. 😔

A stranger glad to have ever come across you,

the friendliestofdaisies 🌼

#letters to you #reading #writing #dear stranger #learning #literature #reflection #forgotten #out of sight out of mind

[friendliestofdaisies]

Dear Stranger,

A friend of mine once asked me if I would rather meet the love of my life and lose him or not meet him at all. At the time that she asked me, my answer was the latter. I would rather not feel that joy of having met someone who fills you up with precious joy, warmth, and love if I would end up losing him and trading all those for equally excruciating pain or more. I knew, I wasn't brave enough. Back then, I knew that I was not strong enough to be handed something that will make me immensely happy then have it taken away from me.

Her on the other hand said that she would prefer the first one-- meet the love of her life even if eventually, she will lose him. She said that if it will be painful, then so be it. The love they shared would be worth whatever pain comes after the loss. Such courage. Then that is probably why they say love is for the courageous.

If you'd like to know what happened, years later, that friend and I parted ways. Last time I heard that she was happily in a relationship. Maybe she is, until now. I wish it so.

As for me, I have taken the risk eventually. I have loved, and eventually lost that love. Or I think it is more precise to say that it had taken a different form and up to this day, it is still transforming. The person that I loved ended up loving another. Are they happy? Probably. I wish it so.

What about you? Which one would you prefer--meet the love of your life and lose him/her or not meet him/her at all.

Just giving you some thoughts to ponder on,

the friendliestofdaisies 🌼

#writing #dear stranger #reading #learning #literature #letters to you #reflection #love lost #love found #would you rather #you've got mail #life experiences