My alarm tinkles and I know it’s 4:30 a.m. For one moment I ask myself what on Earth inspired me to set the alarm at such a time. I shuffle to the table to shut it down – I keep it away from the bedside, because I have known myself to stuff it under the bed in blissful moments in snooze land and then spend the next two days trying to find it – and I can’t resist taking a peek at my phone to check for Writing 101 prompt.
The prompt helps to clear the cobwebs from my eyes and makes me pause to think. I think of the things that I like and that is pretty easy to think of – it stretches from here to Armageddon; I think of the things that I wish for, which ties a bit with the things that I like, but the difference is that my wishes change now and again.
I then think of the things that I have learnt over my conscious years on Earth and that really got me thinking:
Over the years, I have learnt that:
- No matter how many years that pass by, that the loss of a loved one still leaves sharp, poignant sentiments in my heart.
- That life really goes on, even if you wanted it to stop.
- To cherish the little moments of life because, it really floats by so quickly.
- To dwell on my possibilities because it stretches the scope of my horizon and makes my life more interesting.
- To love and accept myself wholeheartedly. I have learnt to live as myself and not as a mimic of someone else.
- That dreams and ambitions do change and it’s okay. Not to beat myself to death over the head about it, but to dream anew and look for means to arrive at my goal.
- To grow a sense of humor. It is common knowledge that life is often too short; thus, I don’t want to waste it stewing and sweating the small stuff.
- I should take better care of myself, health wise, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
- To have Faith, because that is really all that I have.
- To keep an open mind. To welcome new perspectives and to never stop learning. The day we stop to learn, is the day that we begin to die within ourselves.
- To have a sense of value for ethics and good morals without which I am less the person that I am.
- To give. I have learnt that when you open your heart and hands to give, they are also open to receive.
- To fall in love with as many things as possible and to give myself the permission to find out the things that I am really passionate about.
- There is always room to improve on something.
- Not to crowd myself with pessimistic ‘wet blankets’ in human form.
- That my life is an evolution.
Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
In response to Writing 101 prompt:
Today, write your own list on one of these topics:
Things I Like
Things I’ve Learned
Things I Wish

You are really a beautiful person and spirit Jacqueline. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. So glad we have become acquainted and thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us. It is really a blessing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Tasha, I honestly pause for a moment to soak in your words. They are indeed a balm to my soul, my dear sister. I am so happy that we’ve got connected too. I have learnt a lot from you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ironically, I’ve learned so much from you as well. Guess that’s how the universe works, eh? So thankful our paths crossed 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
True. We search for ourselves in the next person and if we open the ears of our heart we learn from them. I am thankful too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very important lessons. I especially liked, “That dreams and ambitions do change and it’s okay. Not to beat myself to death over the head about it, but to dream anew and look for means to arrive at my goal.” Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you too for visiting and reading. It’s really my pleasure 🙂 Regards.
LikeLike
Wow…loved your post. Really inspirational!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You name always leaves me with a smile. Thank you for the lovely words. I look forward to reading from you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your sweet words..glad I can bring a smile to your face..looking forward to reading more from you too 😊👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, one’s life really is an evolution.
You’ve used simple but meaningful words to describe your essence. I really enjoyed reading this. 🙂
This jumped at me “No matter how many years that pass by, that the loss of a loved one still leaves sharp, poignant sentiments in my heart.”
They say time numbs the pain, but every once in a while that sharpness comes, lingers and goes. Till the next time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
True. Time does help in healing but never takes away all the feelings that linger. Thank you for taking the time to read and best thoughts 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a wise and inspiring woman.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hmmm! Hard earned with fingers burnt now and again 🙂 May we grow with wisdom as we continue to age gracefully.
LikeLike
Such valuable lessons…nice post Jacqueline!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for reading and for your nice comments. I appreciate 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a fantastic list. Your writing is so warm and inviting!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks love. I think keeping things real, helps portray the who that we are from within. Nice of you to visit and kind regards.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much 🙂
LikeLike
Hey Jacqueline. An amazing list. Lots I love but this one jumped out at me – to grow a sense of humour!! I’ll take that please!
LikeLiked by 1 person
With all pleasure 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is an inspiring list you have!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading. I appreciate 🙂
LikeLike
Very enjoyable as usual! It is so true that we must keep learning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks my dear 🙂
LikeLike
I love your list! It’s deep and prompts me to reflect on your words of wisdom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for saying that. Thank you for visiting and reading. I appreciate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, entirely! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person