Hello there. Just in case you’re wondering how I got here, well, that makes the two of us. I’ve been trying to figure it out myself too, but all I can think of is that my deepest desire to write and share my experiences with everyone is what brought me here. It was a childhood dream, and I am still chasing it.
I indulge myself in daydreaming immensely. Who doesn’t? I feel better hopping into my fantasy world and be the person I wished I was and be in a place where nobody had been before. It sounds crazy, but that’s where I derived my intense feeling of wanting or wishing for something. Most of the time, they are all stored away in the corner of my mind.
I wrote my first poem when I was fifteen which I submitted to our school competition. It took second place and was later published. It was hard to describe the feeling of seeing my name in print, and I believed this was what inspired me to keep on writing. I did not read a lot of books when I started. I just went ahead and wrote endlessly.
My writing is always inspired by decades of experience as a woman, a wife, a mother, and a friend. After years of simultaneously studying and working, I got married and had two children. Since then, I did a lot of catching up with my writing. I’m older now, but I haven’t stopped chasing my dream. I wrote my first romance novel in 2008 but hesitated to let anybody read my book. It wasn’t good enough, I thought. I was quite embarrassed to tell anybody about it. I hid my manuscript at the bottom of my drawer for so many years. I love a good romance, but I also love watching action-packed mysteries. It keeps me at the edge of my seat.
I experimented with various forms of writing such as poetry, short story, and novel. I love collecting inspirational and motivational quotations too. I even wrote my own quotes. Don’t worry, I will let you read some of them.
My latest work is writing for young children. I completed this book and is now ready for everyone to read. I write under the name Ninagracia.
I am also proud of my involvement with my community as a volunteer tutor.
Remember the novel that I kept in the bottom of my drawer? I don’t know what got me to do it, but I finally took it out, dusted it, and I am now ready to put my heart and soul into this project. No other job will make me happy except becoming a published author, writing nothing but novels and see my debut romance novel out there ready for everyone to read.
Welcome to A Smile in Rhyme—a collection of gentle, rhythmic poems inspired by everyday life. Here, peaceful moments meet musical flow, and simple experiences become bright, lyrical reflections—always with a hint of warmth and a smile. Settle in, take your time, and enjoy the rhythm.
There is always something to celebrate each month. April highlights a variety of global events aimed at raising awareness. The National Couple Appreciation Month encourages taking time to cherish romance and companionship. Similarly, on April 18, couples observe Husband Appreciation Day through simple gestures. But why celebrate twice when we can both celebrate these occasions together?
On the other hand, if you’re in a relationship and wondering where all the romance has gone, and you’re no longer enjoying each other’s company, relax and have a bit of fun in a light-hearted and enjoyable way, just for a laugh.
Originally written as a university assignment, this poem has been revisited and reworked with extra cheek and playful spirit, and just a hint of mischief. It delivers a humorous list of complaints–some petty, some exaggerated, all recognisable to anyone who has loved long enough to be annoyed. Despite its dramatic title, it’s all in good fun–mostly. Not to be taken seriously or meant to offend anyone, but–ouch!! Sorry if we hurt your feelings.
I Want a Divorce
From the series: A Smile in Rhyme
Here’s a list of many things collected over the years with you Thirty years I’ve worn this ring—and still, you’ve got no clue. You’ll be pleased (so don’t be pissed), I’ve trimmed the harshest bits So, let’s just kiss and say goodbye before you read mylist:
For a start—whenever you eat, there’s a tuneful little moan The crunch of crispy fries rings out in quite a piercing tone. That juicy steak? A roaring sound—you’re in a world of your own Are you choking, passing wind—or putting on a show?
Your playful baby talk is sweet—but also irritating You pick your nose and flick your hands—completely nauseating! And when you fart, it sounds as though a bomb is detonating Your snore? A rolling thunderstorm—relentless, aggravating.
Tell me, am I seeing things—I sometimes count you two Your jeans are feeling tighter now, ease up on beer and stew. You’ve grown a little softer—yes, I’m talking about you, And all those trips you make to the loo—I’ve noticed those things too.
And if you try to read my mind, don’t hover near my face, Unless you’ve brushed your teeth—or rinsed with something with a taste. I saved the “lust” for last—my final, winning case But now it’s gone completely—please, give that whine a rest.
It’s not me—it’s truly you, so now we say goodbye, Don’t be shy, and please don’t cry—have chai, my honey-pie.
Thanks for reading! Did this poem make you sincerely smile? If you’ve ever silently judged someone’s snore or a “tuneful moan, “you’re in good company”.
Welcome to A Smile in Rhyme—a collection of gentle, rhythmic poems inspired by everyday life. Here, peaceful moments meet musical flow, and simple experiences become bright, lyrical reflections—always with a hint of warmth and a smile. Settle in, take your time, and enjoy the rhythm.
Catholics and other Christians celebrate Good Friday without eating animal meats like beef, pork, chicken, and turkey to honour the day Jesus suffered and sacrificed his own flesh.
Inspired by our family’s Easter tradition—quiet, reflective Fridays followed by joyful, music-filled Saturdays. It’s a rhythm I’ve come to cherish over the years.
A Friday Whisper, A Saturday Song
On Friday we whisper, as quiet as mice, No music, no meat—oh, that’s quite a price! The house feels so still, every step soft and light, Even the daytime feels more like the night.
We speak just in murmurs, we walk on soft feet, And dream of tomorrow… and something to eat. The silence grows bigger with each passing hour, My thoughts doing circles with very little power.
But Saturday morning—what joy fills the air! The music comes dancing from everywhere! Marvin Gaye croons softly, smooth as can be, And suddenly life’s dancing right there with me.
The kettle starts humming, the kitchen’s alive, My feet start to move with a rhythm and drive. From quiet and calm to a cheerful heartbeat, Now turn up the music—and pass me the meat!
Exploring the universal theme of the human condition
BOUNDARIES
Some doors we close easily. Others, we leave open, even if they pull us away from our work. How do we learn which to close? Regardless of the answer, it can be tough for certain personalities.
Someone told me that to protect their peace, they are setting boundaries with friends and family. I found this straightforwardness quite harsh, awkward, and very unsettling. If I were to respond, I’d say, “It’s terrible because it’s empowering, and it pushes people away.” However, these invisible lines that regulate our emotional and psychological health help create a sense of safety and balance in our daily lives without undermining someone else’s humanity. Without boundaries and always being available can sometimes lead others to believe that our time and energy are limitless. Setting boundaries is healthy, but for some of us, it can feel unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and even hard to choose the right ethical course.
What are boundaries, really? Essentially, they are the limits and values we set around ourselves. The idea of boundaries suddenly appeared, and everyone started talking about it. The word ‘boundaries’ initially began being used in clinical contexts during the post-pandemic mental health crises to encourage self-protection and emotional independence. Regrettably, in workplaces that value constant availability, setting boundaries is essential to safeguard against chronic stress, exhaustion, and the pressure to overwork. Now, ‘boundaries’ have become part of our everyday conversations. You’ll hear it in podcasts, social media posts, and even during casual chats over a cuppa. The message is straightforward: We have to set boundaries, protect and stand by them. Healthy individuals have boundaries, and strong individuals sustain them. I have listened to these chats with interest, but also with a bit of unease. I do not disagree with the idea, but for many, establishing boundaries does not come naturally. For some of us, saying “not now,” “no,” or “I can’t” feels more like turning someone away at the door.
I’ve always taken on the role of the listener. When someone calls, I answer. When someone needs to talk, I stop what I’m doing and make space. I don’t rush to give advice; I listen. Sometimes it’s exhausting. Sometimes it pulls me away from the task I planned to finish. But there’s something truly human about that exchange, a reminder that we all carry unseen burdens and sometimes need to share them with others. However, there’s a cost to being generous and always available. Our creative work can’t thrive on fragments of attention or from waiting patiently. Once we lose our focus, it’s not easy to regain. So, when does being available turn into a quiet delay of one’s own calling? When does kindness start to compete with the tasks we believe we are supposed to do? People who are used to unlimited access to someone often see boundaries as a form of rejection. So, maybe — just maybe—boundaries are necessary in a world that often asks for too much. But we should also recognise that for some of us — me, you, and others—learning to set them isn’t just a technique. It’s an internal negotiation between generosity and self-preservation—between wanting to be there for others and recognising that our time, too, is limited.
The challenge with boundaries should include those of us who hesitate, not because we lack the strength to uphold them, but because we deeply value connection without losing the parts of ourselves that make us generous. It is another skill that some of us need to learn gradually.
Setting a boundary doesn’t have to involve building a wall. We don’t need rigid barriers, just a few “gentle fences to shield our garden”. It may mean asking for some time, finishing a task before answering the phone, or trusting that a friendship can survive a postponed chat.
I am learning–gradually and bit by bit–that protecting my time doesn’t lessen my kindness. It might even help to preserve it. And like any new habit, it feels awkward at first.
Ikigai is a non-fiction, self-help book that emphasises personal growth, psychology, wellness, and living a more meaningful life. Authors Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles explore topics related to Japanese culture, health, and lifestyle. The content offers practical advice on diet, exercise, stress management, and maintaining community bonds. It provides insights into Japanese traditions to help readers find purpose in life. The book aims to reveal the secrets of Japan’s centenarians and guide readers in discovering their own Ikigai.
This post reflects my interpretation of the book and what motivated me to respond to specific ideas and the events around me. It contains messages that are broad, intense, and meaningful. It’s vibrant and honest because we all have experienced these feelings. It prompted me to rethink our approach to life, relationships, ageing, longevity, and discovering our purpose for a long, joyful life.
What does Ikigai mean?
From books to casual chats, or even movies, we constantly pick up new words, and this one recently caught my attention. “Ikigai” – a word I had never come across before. So, I checked with dictionary.com, which states: “One’s reason for being, which in principle is the convergence of one’s personal passions, beliefs, values, and vocation” (“IKIGAI definition & meaning,” n.d.). However, yourdictionary.com defines it as a Japanese concept relating to having a reason and a sense of purpose in life, based on a person’s interests and talents (“Ikigai definition,” n.d.), which suggests that both meanings share the same core theme – something that makes life worth living. So, is the word Ikigai difficult or impossible to understand? The book identifies Ikigai as the reason we get out of bed in the morning.
The overall idea of Ikigai is what makes life worthwhile, or finding one’s purpose in life, which is linked to longevity.
Here are some passages I felt particularly connected to.
(1) Give your brain a workout. The brain creates new connections and is revitalised. This is why it is important to expose yourself to change, even if stepping outside your comfort zone means feeling a bit of anxiety. (García & Miralles, 2017, p. 21)
Our brain needs ongoing stimulation and mental exercises. When the brain forms deep-rooted habits, it clings to routines and no longer needs to think, which diminishes our ability to respond to our surroundings.
(2)Modern societies do what they are told to do, or what others do, rather than what they want to do. They often try to fill the gap between what is expected of them and what they want for themselves with economic power or physical pleasure, or by numbing their senses.(García & Miralles, 2017, p. 41)
We behave according to social expectations, such as being a good worker, believing we have no choice but to follow orders. We often tell ourselves that it is only a temporary measure to gain experience, pay the bills, or secure a better future, which aligns with our personal sense of family responsibility. Sometimes, when we feel an emptiness inside, we seek approval for everything we do, hoping it will fill the void. Still, in truth, it only fills the gap of what is expected of us. Until we discover our purpose in life, we will never truly experience or demonstrate that we have lived for something.
(3)Flow is the state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience itself is so enjoyable that people will do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it. (García & Miralles, 2017, p. 57)
When we enjoy what we’re doing, we lose focus on the task because the experience is pleasurable and rewarding, making nothing else seem important. Time appears to fly, and the hours pass quickly as we feel in control of what we’re doing.
(4) Changes in the world around us are not accidental but rather form part of the essence of the universe. Everything we have and all the people we love will disappear at some point. Being aware of the impermanence of things does not have to make us sad; it should help us love the present moment and those who surround us.(García & Miralles, 2017, p. 171)
Nothing is permanent in this world. Since we are not in control of the universe, we should enjoy the moment with friends and family and not worry about the past or the future.
(5) Life is pure imperfection, and the passage of time shows us that everything is fleeting, but if you have a clear sense of your Ikigai, each moment will hold so many possibilities that it will seem almost like an eternity.(García & Miralles, 2017, p. 179)
Life passes quickly and lasts only for a short time. This reminds us that in those fleeting moments, we should share our lives with others to fill the empty pages when the world isn’t slowing down.
Do you know what ignites your spirit? It’s your Ikigai, waiting to be discovered by you.
Ikigai definition. (n.d.). YourDictionary: Definitions and Meanings From Over a Dozen Trusted Dictionary Sources. https://www.yourdictionary.com/ikigai
Music offers solace, love, passion, and a sense of belonging with someone where connection feels natural and calming. With Valentine’s Day drawing near, music can make any moment feel more romantic and meaningful.
When it comes to love and romance, soul music enhances intimacy and creates the perfect atmosphere. Its slow tempo encourages a sensual, relaxed, and intimate setting. The lyrics linger, poetic and heartfelt. Some lyrics don’t just pass through us-they stay with you, not because they are loud or dramatic, but because they feel genuine. It expresses deep affection, strengthening the bonds between couples and sparking shared memories.
I’ve been listening to soul music to bring me some joy, peace, and contentment, and I find myself drawn to phrases about love growing in places lit by gentle and borrowed spaces. This line suggests that love doesn’t thrive on grand declarations but grows from borrowed everyday moments, shared memories, past tenderness, and even vulnerability. There are phrases about stories needing a place, where they are held gently—not hidden but kept safely, and the soft corners of the heart, where we keep what matters most—where emotions don’t ask to be explained but only understood.
Valentine’s Day has a way of stirring everything, and soul music doesn’t rush the feeling. It allows you to breathe, relax, and reflect, filling a void without pretending it isn’t there.
I’ll be playing my music again, but here are a few that match your Valentine’s Day vibe:
Al Green: “Let’s Stay Together” (gentle, not showy—pure warmth)
Bill Withers: “Just the Two of Us” (gentle hope without pressure)
Poems by others, read closely and answered in reflection.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox’s poem “As You Go Through Life” is a gentle reminder and an invitation to reflect on how we respond to life’s inadequacies, challenges, and purpose. Reading it today, I was struck by how relevant its message is in a world that often encourages complaint rather than compassion.
Isabella Wheeler, also known as Ella Wheeler, was born in Johnstown, Wisconsin, USA, on November 5, 1850. She was an American poet, journalist, and novelist whose work in the 19th and 20th centuries provided insightful reflections on life, love, and perseverance. Her style and themes often relate to and carefully blend her personal experiences with ideas of change, suffering, sentiments, and human emotions.
Wilcox’s personal experiences shaped her writing, including financial struggles, a near-fatal bout with typhoid fever, and the intricacies of her 1884 marriage to Robert Wilcox.
She died in 1919, leaving behind a body of memorable work that established her as a captivating figure in American literature.
As You Go Through Life By Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Don't look for the flaws as you go through life; And even when you find them, It is wise and kind to be somewhat blind And look for the virtue behind them. For the cloudiest night has a hint of light Somewhere in its shadows hiding; It is better by far to hunt for a star, Than the spots on the sun abiding.
The current of life runs ever away To the bosom of God's great ocean. Don't set your force 'gainst the river's course And think to alter its motion. Don't waste a curse on the universe— Remember it lived before you. Don't butt at the storm with your puny form, But bend and let it go o'er you.
The world will never adjust itself To suit your whims to the letter. Some things must go wrong your whole life long, And the sooner you know it the better. It is folly to fight with the Infinite, And go under at last in the wrestle; The wiser man shapes into God's plan As water shapes into a vessel.
Poem Interpretation
“As You Go Through Life” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox is composed of three stanzas of eight lines each, employing simple, direct language to convey timeless moral and spiritual truths.
In the first stanza, Wilcox acknowledges human faults and imperfections. Rather than encouraging judgment, she gently reminds us to look beyond shortcomings and recognise the goodness within people. This perspective calls for compassion—an attitude that reflects both emotional maturity and spiritual grace.
The second stanza highlights our tendency to complain when life gets tough. The line “Don’t waste a curse on the universe” acts as a reminder that resentment and blame hardly change our situation. Instead, challenges become opportunities—times that can build character, increase understanding, and teach patience if we let them.
In the final stanza, the poem offers a humbling realisation: the world does not exist to conform to our wishes. We are, instead, shaped by life’s experiences to fulfil a greater purpose. There is comfort in this idea—that even hardship may serve a sovereign design leading us towards meaning and growth.
Overall, Wilcox encourages readers to face life with humility and faith, trusting that what they encounter is not a coincidence. When seen this way, life’s trials become less heavy and more like blessings—quietly guiding us toward a greater sense of purpose aligned with God’s plan.
French author Charles Perrault was the seventh child in a wealthy family, the youngest son of the distinguished barrister Pierre Perrault and Paquette Le Clerc. He was born on January 12, 1628, in Paris. He attended school and studied law to follow in his father’s footsteps and his older brother, Jean’s. Still, he dropped out after arguing with his teacher at age fifteen. He studied independently and prepared for his exams mainly on his own. He successfully obtained his law degree and passed the bar, but never practised as a lawyer. He worked in a law office for three years before becoming Secretary to his brother Pierre, who was appointed Chief Tax Collector of Paris. Buying official government positions was common in France during the seventeenth century and was often used for self-aggrandisement. Pierre appointed Perrault as his clerk. He briefly worked under his brother before becoming a civil servant in the court of King Louis XIV.
Perrault’s bravery and intellectual skills were apparent after his election to the prestigious French Academy. He played a significant role in literary debates of his time, stirring controversy within the Académie française with his poem Le Siècle de Louis le Grand. This poem asserted that modern French culture outshone classical antiquity. This view became the central argument in the well-known Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns, a cultural dispute favouring contemporary writers over classical ones.
Charles Perrault influenced the fairy tale genre, inspiring other writers to follow his lead. His works laid the groundwork for the modern fairy tale. They inspired many future writers, including the Brothers Grimm, establishing their role as the pioneers of the contemporary fairy tale.
Perrault passed away on May 16, 1703, in Paris at 75, creating a legacy that brought wonders and inspiration to children’s literature.
Charles Perrault: How he became father of the Fairytale at age 69 – Later bloomer. (n.d.). Later Bloomer – A Captivating Archive of Lives Well-Lived. https://laterbloomer.com/charles-perrault/
It is the beginning of the working week in 2026. Some of us are still feeling tired and lazy.
Some are busy making plans and believing that something good might happen this year. Of course, it’s New Year – a fresh idea, new hope, and a new start.
We all seek a fresh start. That’s what the new year signifies for us all. It signals a new beginning — a chance to restart and improve.
The holiday season is a welcome break for us all, but for others, it can disrupt their daily routine.
There is only a one-week gap between Christmas and New Year, yet it felt like a long holiday.
We allowed ourselves to indulge in all the things we’d never do in our usual daily routines. We drank too much alcohol. We ate junk food, heaps of chocolate, cakes, and sweets, stayed up late at night, and the list could go on and on.
Then, we all must face reality. Going back to work and picking up where we left off is tough. It’s hard to return to our desks, once cluttered with notes and papers, where we never turned off all our electronic devices. We’ve lost our momentum with writing. No matter how much we shake our heads, nothing comes out—no words or ideas.
It’s tough when we are still feeling nostalgic about our holiday and wishing it had never finished.
It’s hard, too, when all we can think about is checking our social media for photos and messages from friends and family.
There were good laughs and memorable moments we shared with them. We reminisced about those times when we acted crazy, ridiculous, and funny, and it was perfectly okay with them. Wiping that smile off our faces was hard because that was the only time we let ourselves go and be vulnerable.
And that should have been sufficient.
Instead, we couldn’t get them out of our heads. We run out of steam and grow weary in front of that bright screen on our computer. Our minds are like film reels showing flashbacks of the best Christmas break we had.
Our daily writing routine will gradually return. We may already have thought of a better way to make our working schedules more manageable. Our writing should always find a place in our busy calendar. It will take a little time, but whatever we do, make sure it doesn’t take us that long.
We had our breaks, our time out from the daily grind in our lives.
So, it’s time to head back to work; otherwise, we will never write again.
In a few hours, 2025 will come to a close. Some of us go through the usual rituals of reflecting on our achievements, setbacks, and regrets. We don’t just look back; we consider the lessons we’ve learned, the habits, and the beliefs that no longer serve us.
As we wait for the dust to settle and the year comes to a close, I softly bid farewell to 2025, without drama or resentment. I find myself looking back not with urgency but to recognise what it taught me, what I got wrong or messed up, what I got right, and what I experienced.
Dear 2025
You didn’t arrive with fireworks or a dramatic shift. Instead, you fitted into the background of our everyday life, quietly through familiar routines, sharing meals, having small chats, and the presence of family. At that time, it seemed ordinary, but as I stand on the brink of a new year, I understand your purpose. You came without shouting your lessons, which were hidden in its stillness. You taught me a lesson about being patient, about learning to wait for things to open up without force, because growth is sometimes about staying, enduring, and being at ease where you are.
As I leave and finally say goodbye, I am not taking everything with me. I will go with gratitude for what you have offered, and for what you withheld, and quiet hope for what lies ahead. Some burdens have been carried long enough — they can now be laid down. What I will bring forward is gratitude for those ordinary days that quietly wove themselves into something steady and reassuring. For a year that asked little of me yet gave me space to breathe.
This isn’t a dramatic farewell, but a gentle closing of a chapter—an appreciation for a year that offered quiet grace instead. I move into what’s next, not reinvented, but softly realigned, lighter than before, and quietly hopeful.
I’m not starting over—just carrying on, a bit lighter and a little wiser.
ninagracia.com 
