Author: Ninagracia

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.

Muuuum!!

by Ninagracia, posted in A Smile in Rhyme, Inspiration

A Smile in Rhyme


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.

Mother’s Day is widely celebrated on the second Sunday in May in many countries to honour mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures with gifts, flowers, or an afternoon tea or brunch at their favourite restaurants.

Sometimes we write poems to express our love and gratitude for all the effort, love, and sacrifices they’ve made for us. It’s sweet and lovely, even if it’s only once a year.

But what if we turn the tables and let our dear mothers express their undying love for us? Let’s see what they want to say to us after all these years. You might be surprised!

“For every mother who has ever tried to drink coffee while someone shouted ‘Muuuum!’ from another room, this one is for you.”

To all dear children and husbands,
Here’s what our mothers would like to tell us:

From the series: A Smile in Rhyme

Muuuum!
(A Mother’s Day Wishlist)

Another year.
Another day.
And a few more grey hairs
between chaos and love.

To the family I love dearly —

Despite the noise, the laundry,
and whoever left the wet towels
on the floor again,

your mother would like to say
a few important things.

This year, children,
after years of loyal service
and unpaid overtime,

I would like to announce
to everyone within hearing distance:

I want one uninterrupted cup of coffee.

Please stop shouting “Mum!”
from another room.

Bend down.
Look under your bed.
The missing sock is probably there.

And my journey to the bathroom
would be far more relaxing
if nobody shouted “Muuuum!”
through the closed door.

Mummy is having a timeout.
She would like to pee alone.

And to whoever keeps opening the fridge
and declaring,

“There’s nothing to eat!”

There is another name for vegetables.

It’s called food.

I recently discovered
a soft, comfy couch in the lounge.

Apparently, it is used
for sitting down.

So here I lie quietly,
staring at the ceiling,

resting beside unfolded clothes,
socks, and lonely undies.

And to you, dear husband —

Roses are lovely.
Chocolates are sweet.

But before handing me toast
and instant coffee,

did you clean the kitchen
and close the fridge?

And if you still believe
I possess magical powers
to find things you thought were lost,

my secret is simple:

I open my eyes.

And guess what?

It was directly in front of you.

They say behind every successful child
is a mother asking,

“Did you brush your teeth?”

a thousand times.

And behind the chaos,
the noise,
and the kitchen fire alarm,

is a husband making breakfast
while turning the kitchen
into a crime scene.

I love deeply
and lose my temper daily —

sometimes within the same minute.

But despite the noise,
the mess,
the missing socks,
and the broken sleep,

I would not trade
this beautiful madness
for anything in the world.

Happy Mother’s Day

Till next time,

Cheers!

Images: https://www.nicepng.com

.

Beatrix Potter

by Ninagracia, posted in Guess Who?, Inspiration

Guess Who?
Biographies of writers, thinkers, and inspiring lives



“I remember I used to half-believe and wholly play with fairies when I was a child. What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood, tempered and balanced by knowledge and common-sense?”

 – Beatrix Potter
Journal, November 17, 1896 from the National Trust collection

BEATRIX POTTER

Author and Illustrator

It was a cartoon character created on September 4, 1893, by a British author and illustrator, and it was sent in a letter to a four-year-old sick little boy. In her letter to him, she wrote that she didn’t know what to write, so she would tell him a story with drawings about the four little rabbits named Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter.

The author and illustrator was Helen Beatrix Potter, and the four-year-old boy was Noel Moore, the son of her former governess, Annie Moore. Her first picture letter to Noel served as the basis for her book, which featured black-and-white illustrations. From that letter, she developed the illustrated book The Tale of Peter Rabbit, which she self-published in 1901 and which Frederick Warne & Co. published in 1902, making it one of the best-selling children’s books.

The character Peter Rabbit was shaped by Edwardian cultural, social, and aesthetic attitudes in the United Kingdom and was intended to introduce young readers to the dangers of the adult world and the consequences of their actions.

Born on July 28, 1866, in Bolton Gardens, Kensington, England, Helen Beatrix Potter was the daughter of Rupert Potter, a wealthy barrister whose family owned a textile printing business, and Helen, who was a wealthy cotton merchant. The Potters were upper-middle-class and moved to London from the industrial North to adopt London sophistication. However, they were often drawn back to the countryside. Beatrix’s parents left her in the care of nursemaids, governesses, and servants. She was educated at home by a succession of governesses, the last of whom, Annie Moore, was three years older than she. She had no contact with other children until her brother, Bertram, was born when she was five years old. The siblings were left to find their own sources of amusement. The large upper floor of the nursery became their play area, and there, surrounded by piles of illustrated books and magazines, Beatrix discovered her talent and passion for drawing. Both siblings shared a passion for the arts and nature. They kept several pets, including mice, frogs, bats, rabbits, and even hedgehogs, and collected butterflies and other insects.

In the 1890s, Beatrix continued to send stories and drawings to Noel and his siblings, shaping the early versions of the characters in Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, and The Tale of Mr Jeremy Fisher. Beatrix and Annie Moore became close friends, a bond that endured into Beatrix’s adulthood. Annie recognised the potential in Beatrix’s work and suggested that Beatrix could turn those stories into published children’s books.

Beatrix used most of her time recording her pets’ expressions and movements, paying particular attention to the rabbits Benjamin Bouncer and Peter Piper, whose names and appearances inspired the characters Benjamin Bunny and Peter Rabbit.

Beatrix maintained her relationship with her publisher, Frederick Warne and Co., for many years, and it became personal when she became romantically involved with his son and editor, Norman Warne. She accepted his proposal of marriage in 1905, but he died of leukaemia a month after they announced their wedding plans.

By 1930, Beatrix had given up writing entirely after marrying her local solicitor, William Heelis. She devoted her time to being his wife and to farming. In her sixties, she became an accomplished sheep farmer. This role led to her election as president of the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association.

On December 22, 1943, Beatrix died of complications from pneumonia and heart disease, leaving several thousand acres of land to Great Britain’s National Trust to ensure the beauty of the Lake District remained in a pure, natural state. She also left a legacy of enchanting stories that have entertained and engaged generations of children. Her stories continue to sell millions of copies a year.

Till next time.

Cheers!

References

Beatrix Potter. (2018, May 18). Encyclopedia.com | Free Online Encyclopedia. https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/english-literature-20th-cent-present-biographies/beatrix-potter

Beatrix Potter. (2025, December 6). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Beatrix-Potter

Beatrix Potter. (n.d.). Research Begins Here – New World Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 21, 2026, from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Beatrix_Potter#google_vignette

Brain, J. (n.d.). Beatrix Potter. Historic UK. https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Beatrix-Potter/

Cavendish, R. (2016, July 7). Birth of Beatrix Potter. History Today, 66. https://www.historytoday.com/archive/months-past/birth-beatrix-potter

Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Beatrix Potter [Image]. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Beatrix-Potter#/media/1/453826/159016

Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Peter Rabbit [Image]. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Beatrix-Potter#/media/1/453826/159016

Stamler, H. (2024). Beatrix Potter’s quiet rebellion. National Endowment for the Humanities, 45(4).https://www.neh.gov/article/beatrix-potters-quiet-rebellion

I Want a Divorce

by Ninagracia, posted in Quiet Verses

A Smile in Rhyme

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 my list:

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”.

Till next time.

Cheers,

Images from:
https://www.nicepng.com
https://www.cleanpng.com

A Friday Whisper, A Saturday Song

by Ninagracia, posted in A Smile in Rhyme

A Smile in Rhyme


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!

Till next time,

Cheers!


Reference:
https://www.archspm.org/why-dont-catholics-eat-meat-on-fridays/

Kindness, Guilt, and the Challenge of Saying “NO”

by Ninagracia, posted in In the Margins

Just a Quiet Observation

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.

But growth generally does.


Till next time,

Cheers!

References

Are boundaries selfish? The answer is more complicated than you think. — Dr Soph. (2023, July 6). Dr Soph. https://drsoph.com/blog/are-boundaries-selfish-or-controlling

The Energy Project. (2024, January 25). Overcome burnout culture with boundaries. https://theenergyproject.com/overcome-burnout-culture-with-boundaries/

The importance of boundaries in maintaining mental health. (2026, March 6). Grand Rising Behavioral Health – Mental Health Treatment Center in Massachusetts. https://www.grandrisingbehavioralhealth.com/blog/the-importance-of-boundaries-in-maintaining-mental-health

Scherzi’s, L. (2023, July 14). Boundaries are suddenly everywhere. What does the squishy term actually mean? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/jul/14/what-are-relationship-boundaries-jonah-hill

Spotts-De Lasser, A. (2025, August 13). The dark side of boundaries no one talks about. Psychology Today.https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/meaningfull/202508/the-dark-side-of-boundaries-no-one-talks-about

Taylor-Olsen, C., & Dr. Yaugher, A. (n.d.). Establishing boundaries: Essential or selfish? Utah State University Extension | USU. https://extension.usu.edu/relationships/faq/establishing-boundaries-essential-or-selfish

There is Truly Nothing Like Life

by Ninagracia, posted in From Other Voices, Inspiration

It’s a journey to cherish small moments, forging meaning through connections, growth, and learning.



From Other Voices
Collected quotations from writers I return to
Source: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/life-quotes

Benjamin Franklin

One of the foremost Founding Fathers of the United States. He was an author, inventor, scientist, printer,

publisher, and diplomat.

Born: January 17, 1706, Boston, Massachusetts

Died: April 17, 1790 (aged 84), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Bob Marley

Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician, regarded as one of the pioneers of reggae.

He helped popularise the genre worldwide.

Born: February 6, 1945, Nine Miles, St. Ann, Jamaica

Died: May 11, 1981 (aged 36), Miami, Florida, USA

George Burns

American comedian, actor, singer and published author. He wrote ‘Gracie: A Love Story’ (1988)

and ‘All My Best Friends’  (1989), among other books, earning him the title of best-selling author.

Born: Nathan Birnbaum (Original Name), January 20, 1896, New York, New York, USA

Died: March 9, 1996 (aged 100), Beverly Hills, California

John Wooden

American basketball coach for the UCLA Bruins. Under Wooden’s coaching and support, the UCLA Bruins

secured the Pacific Conference titles in 1952, 1956, 1962, and 1963, and claimed the NCAA

Championship in 1964. In 1976, the American Academy of Achievement awarded Wooden

the Golden Plate Award, recognising him as a UCLA coaching legend and an icon of American sport.

Meister Eckhart

German mystic, Catholic priest, theologian, and philosopher. Born as Johannes Eckhart, commonly

known as Master Eckhart. His mystical experiences and spiritual philosophies made him popular.

However, in 1326, he was charged and found guilty by the Archbishop of Cologne for violating and

misusing a sacred, established religious belief, which tarnished his reputation. Some of his writings

were criticised and denounced by the Pope.

Oliver Goldsmith

An Anglo-Irish author, essayist, poet, and dramatist. He was renowned for his works, including the series

of essays The Citizen of the World (1762), his poem The Deserted Village (1770), the novel The Vicar

of Wakefield (1766), and the play She Stoops to Conquer (1773).

Born: 10 November 1730, Kilkenny West, County Westmeath, Ireland.

Died: 4 April 1774 (aged 43), London

Oscar Wilde

An Irish author, playwright, dramatist, poet, novelist and short story writer. He was known

for his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Grey (1891), and his comic masterpieces,

Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892), and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895).

Born: October 16, 1854, Dublin, Ireland

Died: November 30, 1900, Paris, France

Reba McEntire

An American country singer-songwriter and actress, known as The Queen of Country Music.

She was awarded seven gold and five platinum albums and two Grammy Awards.

Born: Reba Nell McEntire, March 28, 1955, McAlester, Oklahoma, USA

Steve Jobs

American businessman and inventor, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Apple Inc.

As CEO of the company, Steve Jobs fostered the development of the iMac, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, and iPad

as well as the company’s Apple Retail Stores, iTunes Store, and App Store, which helped Apple become

the world’s most valuable publicly listed company in 2011.

Dr. Seuss

Theodor Geisel, known as Dr Seuss, was an American children’s author, illustrator, poet,

political cartoonist, and filmmaker. His published works include The Cat in the Hat, 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  Horton Hears a Who, and Green Eggs and Ham.

Born: March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts

Died: September 24, 1991 (aged 87) in La Jolla, California

Walter Bagehot

British journalist, political analyst, and economist. He gained considerable influence through his

editorship of  The Economist. He authored three books: The English Constitution (1867), 

Physics and Politics (1872), and  Lombard Street (1873).

Born: February 3, 1826, in Langport, Somerset, England

Died: March 24, 1877 (aged 51) in Langport, Somerset, England

William Barclay

A Scottish author, radio and television presenter, and who served as a Minister of the Church of Scotland in 1933.

He lectured on New Testament language and literature in 1947 and later became Professor of Divinity and

Biblical Criticism at the University of Glasgow in 1963.

Born on December 5, 1907, in Wick, Scotland, he passed away on January 24, 1978, at the age of 70 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Till next time.


Cheers!

References

Benjamin Franklin – Printer, junto, experiments on electricity. (1999, August 9). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Franklin/Achievements-and-inventions

George Burns, American comedian. (2024, November 21). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Burns

John Wooden. (2024, February 26). Academy of Achievement. https://achievement.org/achiever/john-wooden/

Life quotes. (n.d.). BrainyQuote. https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/life-quotes

Looking back: This man Barclay. (n.d.). Life and Work. https://www.lifeandwork.org/features/looking-back-this-man-barclay

Meister Eckhart biography |. (2019, March 6). Biography Online. https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/meister-eckhart.html

Oliver Goldsmith. (n.d.). Research Begins Here – New World Encyclopedia. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Oliver_Goldsmith

Oscar Wilde. (n.d.). Research Begins Here – New World Encyclopedia. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Oscar_Wilde

Reba McEntire. (2007, September 6). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Reba-McEntire

Steve Jobs. (n.d.). Research Begins Here – New World Encyclopedia. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Steve_Jobs

Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss). (n.d.). Poetry Foundation. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/theodor-geisel

Thomas, T., & White, A. (1999, December 2). Bob Marley, Jamaican Musician. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bob-Marley

Walter Bagehot. (n.d.). Research Begins Here – New World Encyclopedia. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Walter_Bagehot

Ikigai

by Ninagracia, posted in Shush! We're Reading

Shush! We’re Reading
A book read-view

ikigai

What Kind of Book is Ikigai?

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.

Ikigai is a Japanese philosophy derived from two Japanese words: “IKI” meaning life or being alive, and “GAI” meaning worth. Together, it signifies life’s purpose or reason for waking up in the morning.

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.

Till next time,

Cheers!

References

Dayman, L. (2025, July 8). Ikigai in 2025: The Japanese concept of finding purpose in life. Savvy Tokyo. https://savvytokyo.com/ikigai-japanese-concept-finding-purpose-life/

García, H., & Miralles, F. (2017). Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life. Random House. 

IKIGAI definition & meaning. (n.d.). In Meanings & definitions of English words | Dictionary.com.https://www.dictionary.com/browse/ikigai

Ikigai definition. (n.d.). YourDictionary: Definitions and Meanings From Over a Dozen Trusted Dictionary Sources. https://www.yourdictionary.com/ikigai

Love Hums a Familiar Tune

by Ninagracia, posted in Once, Briefly

Small moments and quiet observations

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)
  • Etta James:    “At Last” (that deep, genuine longing)
  • Sade:              “No Ordinary Love” (subtle intensity, deeply heartfelt)
  • Sam Cooke:   “Nothing Can Change This Love” (soft certainty)

And a few of Marvin Gaye’s moments that will stay in those gentle corners of your heart:

  • “Let’s Get It On” (often misunderstood—there’s genuine vulnerability in it)
  • “I Want You” (intimate, nearly whispered)
  • “Come Live with Me Angel” (slow, yearning, deeply romantic)
  • “Mercy Mercy Me” (reflective, tender, human)

Enjoy your music and peaceful moments.

Till next time,

Cheers

References

60’s Soul Classic – I Can’t Walk Away – Marvin Gaye , Sam Cooke Inspired Vintage Soul Chamber [Video]. (n.d.). Music YouTube. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=2800PLveY_8

Marvin Gaye. Anthology: The best of Marvin Gaye. (1995). YouTube. https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=RDCLAK5uy_np73jIFPVcePvIrUCUCkC7nUIZ1VRT-fc

Matthews, W. (2021, August 21). Soul music as the Soundtrack to love — TILTED HOUSE. TILTED HOUSE. https://www.tiltedhouse.org/nonfiction/2021/8/20/soul-music-as-the-soundtrack-to-love

YouTube. (n.d.). Chicago soul sessions/Marvin Gaye Inspired – City Lovers (Unreleased album)[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fIAP8TwiLg&list=RD4fIAP8TwiLg&start_radio=1

As You Go Through Life

by Ninagracia, posted in In Conversation with the Poems, Reading and Watching

In conversation with the poems

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.

Picture by: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ella_Wheeler_Wilcox,_1896.jpg

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

“A Life Shaped by Hard-won Wisdom”

            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.

Till next time,

Cheers

References:

As you go through life by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. (n.d.). All Poetry – The world’s largest poetry site : All Poetry. https://allpoetry.com/As-You-Go-Through-Life

Ella Wheeler Wilcox. (1999, July 2). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ella-Wheeler-Wilcox

Ella Wheeler Wilcox [Photographic Portrait]. (2016, January 15). commons.wikimedia.org. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ella_Wheeler_Wilcox,_1896.jpg

Ella Wheeler Wilcox. (2025, November 18). Literary Devices. https://literarydevices.net/ella-wheeler-wilcox/#google_vignette

Ellan Wheeler Wilcox. (n.d.). Poetry Foundation. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/ella-wheeler-wilcox

Guess Who?

by Ninagracia, posted in Guess Who?, Inspiration

Charles Perrault

Author of Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty

Picture by: https://www.lookandlearn.com/history/Charles+perrault

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. 

In 1663, Perrault was appointed Secretary to the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres, a society of scholars established by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Finance Minister to King Louis XIV, to assist with arts, sciences, and literature. Then, in 1665, Perrault took on the role of First Commissioner of Royal Buildings, which allowed him to appoint his brother, Claude, a doctor and architect, to complete the Louvre, build the Observatory of Paris, and decorate La Place du Trône. 

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 is best known for his collection of fairy tales, published in 1697. He was 69 when he published Tales and Stories of the Past with Morals (‘Histoires ou Contes du Temps Passé’). The book was subtitled Tales of Mother Goose (Les Contes de ma Mère l’Oye), with eight fairy tales in prose, a short story, and two tales in verse previously published. Based on oral traditions and folklore, these stories were reimagined and written in a polished literary style, making them accessible to children and adults. Fearful of criticism from the ‘Ancients’ and seeking to introduce the youth to society, Perrault published his collection under the name of his last son, Pierre Perrault Darmancourt, who was 19 years old at the time. It is important to note that Perrault wrote all the collections of stories published under his son’s name.

  1. Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper (Cendrillon)
  2. Sleeping Beauty (La Belle au Bois dormant)
  3. Bluebeard (Barbe Bleue)
  4. Little Red Riding Hood (Le Petit Chaperon Rouge)
  5. Puss in Boots (Le Maître Chat, ou Le Chat Botté)
  6. The Fairy (Les Fées)
  7. Riquet with the Tuft (Riquet à la houppe)
  8. Donkeyskin (Peau d’âne)
  9. Griselda (La Marquise de Saluces ou la Patience de Griseldis)
  10. The Ridiculous Wishes (Les Souhaits ridicules)
  11. Donkeyskin (Peau d’âne)

Perrault initially wrote in verse in 1694, including Griselda (La Marquise de Saluces ou la Patience de Griseldis), The Ridiculous Wishes (Les Souhaits ridicules), and Donkeyskin (Peau d’âne). He then rewrote and published these three stories as prose, alongside eight other fairy tales, in his 1697 collection. This was a significant achievement that helped him establish a new literary genre. This fairy tale earned Perrault the title of the father of fairy tales. 

Charles Perrault’s legacy continues to inspire literature, art, and popular culture, as evidenced by Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and Walt Disney’s adaptations. The unique morals in their stories still teach children and adults about kindness, patience, and humility. 

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.

Till next time,

Cheers

References

Charles Perrault | Biography, books and fairy tales | Pook press. (2019, January 10). Pook Press | Illustrated Fairy Tales, Folk Tales and Children’s Classics. https://www.pookpress.co.uk/project/charles-perrault-biography

Charles Perrault, a multifaceted man. (2021, April 14). Château de Breteuil et ses jardins (site officiel).https://www.breteuil.fr/en/charles-perrault-a-multifaceted-man/

Charles Perrault. (n.d.). Encyclopedia.com | Free Online Encyclopedia. https://www.encyclopedia.com/children/academic-and-educational-journals/charles-perrault

Charles Perrault. (n.d.). NNDB: Tracking the entire world. https://www.nndb.com/people/715/000097424

Charles Perrault. (n.d.). Research Begins Here – New World Encyclopedia. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Charles_Perrault

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/