Clean House

Daily Prompt: Clean House

Is there “junk” in your life? What kind? How do you get rid of it?
Photographers, artists, poets: show us JUNK.

The Japanese introduced the 5S into their work culture to periodically maintain a clean workplace and remove clutter. This includes Seiri (Sort), Seiton (Shine), Seiso (set in order), Seiketsu (Standardize) and Shitsuke (Shitsuke)

Truly, we also need to perform a 5S on our mind every morning as a daily exercise. We need to see that there is no cluttering of thoughts, we need to set our goals, align our goals to a higher purpose and improve the quality of our thoughts.

This cleaning of our mind helps us to maintain equipoise, appreciate what we are gifted with in our life and also to show empathy towards others!

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://3rdculturechildren.com/2013/09/29/too-much-clutter/
2) http://cagedbutterfly1.wordpress.com/2013/09/30/deep-cleaning-for-the-visual-and-impaired-soul/
3) http://theeyelife.wordpress.com/2013/09/29/a-cluttered-life/
4) http://bluejbluej.wordpress.com/2013/09/29/daily-prompt-clean-house/
5) http://suhaaandiaries.wordpress.com/2013/09/30/cleaning-out-my-closet/
6) http://grandmadrivesmecrazy.com/2013/09/29/out-of-sight-out-of-mind/
7) http://adityaviyer.com/2013/09/29/clean-house/
8) http://venomsblog.wordpress.com/2013/09/29/daily-prompt-clean-house/
9) http://shreyapunj14.wordpress.com/2013/09/29/a-junkies-mind/
10) http://teepee12.com/2013/09/29/daily-prompt-clean-house-i-tried-i-failed/

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The future is now!

Daily prompt : 2100

The language of the future: what will it be like? Write an experimental post using some imagined vocabulary — abbreviations, slang, new terms.

Photographers, artists, poets: show us FUTURE.

 

My Kaleidoscope

Everwhere robots
and flying machines!
Smart glasses to surf
And smart watches that talk
Will we have time?
To sit down and chat

All your life encoded
In one smart chip
Who is real and
Who is a clone?
Will we have time?
To relax or take a nap

Driverless cars
And invisible cloaks
Instant cures
For aging and disease
Will we have time?
To feel the sweet breeze

All that I know
Is this moment
Let us fill it with love
and laughter and fun
Why bother about time?
The future is now!

copyright © skm, 11th Sept 2013

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Celebrate good times

You receive some wonderful, improbable, hoped-for good news. How do you celebrate?
Photographers, artists, poets: show us CELEBRATION.

 

For me celebrating good times means being with my family and having a nice treat or going on a picnic or to a botanical garden or even a short holiday without planning.

A celebration once a while reaffirms our belief that we are content with what we have and that we are blessed.

In my view a visit to the beach, flying a kite, playing a game with your family, watching the sunset, admiring nature,  watching the clouds, enjoying a cup of coffee, a relaxing massage at a spa, singing karaoke or watching a movie together are  the best ways to celebrate!

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://mauldinfamily1.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/daily-prompt-celebrate-good-times/
2) http://sognagrandezza.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/a-simple-celebration/
3) http://zainabjavid.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/celebrations/
4) http://helenmeikle.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/daily-post-celebrate/
5) http://imexcited.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/daily-prompt-celebration/
6) http://emotionalfitnesstraining.com/2013/09/25/celebrate-all-things/
7) http://nenskeifacestheworld.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/daily-prompt-celebrate-good-times/
8) http://huntressayin10.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/celebrate-good-times-come-on/
9) http://chikawithyeneyes.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/daily-prompt-celebrate-good-times%E2%99%A5%E2%99%A5%E2%99%A5/
10) http://gawoman45.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/celebrate-good-times/

Standstill

For a moment today, time stands still — but you can tweak one thing while it’s stopped. What do you do?
Photographers, artists, poets: show us STILLNESS.

 

 

 

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://shyraven23.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/daily-prompt-standstill/
2) http://soletusknow.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/daily-prompt-challenge-stillness/
3) http://unknowinglee.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/escape/
4) http://lumar1298.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/daily-prompt-standstill/
5) http://dropsofmagic.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/daily-post-stillness/
6) http://seediving.wordpress.com/2013/09/25/stillness-in-green/
7) http://momasteblog.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/stillness/
8) http://simplylifestuff.com/2013/09/24/daily-prompt-stillness/
9) http://prosemachine.com/2013/09/24/a-moment-of-peace/
10) http://travelwithintent.com/2013/09/24/stillness/

My shadow

Write a post about anything you’d like, but be sure to include this sentence somewhere in the final paragraph:
“He tried to hit me with a forklift!”
Photographers, artists, poets: show us a NON SEQUITUR. 

 

He works in strange ways
This follower of mine
He wakes up at morning
And trails me all day

As I brush my teeth
He mimics my actions
And as I walk to the busstop
I see he is right behind

Is he friend or foe?
This shadow of mine
Will he show his face?
Or always lurk behind?

Then one day as I walked
A construction site
I imagined –
He tried to hit me with a forklift

© copyright skm, 24th Sept. 2013

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://maraeastern.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/non-sequitur/
2) http://justvisitingthisplanetblog.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/go-ask-alice-2/
3) http://helenmeikle.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/daily-post-non-sequitur/
4) http://thetrashbash.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/the-daily-prompt-mary-and-lamb/
5) http://whoison1st.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/non-sequitur/
6) http://iamwhoiamnowblog.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/daily-prompt-fork-me/
7) http://bloobloons.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/daily-prompt-non-sequitur/
8) http://kattermonran.com/2013/09/23/daily-prompt-non-sequitur/
9) http://jcbridewrite.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/of-mutants-and-robots/
10) http://littlegirlstory.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/daily-prompt-from-non-sequitur-to-forklift/

Shine like a star!

Daily Prompt: Practice makes Perfect!

Tell us about a talent you’d love to have… but don’t.
Photographers, artists, poets: show us TALENT.

I have heard of child prodigies who are gifted with talent. They do wonders at tender young ages. But one fact remains is that they sharpen their saw. They practice! The ease and mastery of their crafts did not come without practice. Some examples are Ethan Bortnick – the musician, songwriter and actor who began at the age of 5 and Akim Camara the violin prodigy from Berlin who began playing the violin at the age of 2.

In any field of human endeavour people who are outstanding practice hard. Scientists like Thomas Edison, athletes  like Usain Bolt, chessmasters like Vishwanathan Anand, F1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton and swimmers like Michael Phelps  are all people who have worked hard on improving and perfecting their talents.

We may not find our inborn talents unless we explore different fields of activities, take risks etc. I love public speaking and am currently learning to play the violin. I would love to be able to play the violon better and will practice harder to realise my dream!  I would also like to try out more art in my free time.

We are all gifted with unique talents. It is for us to identify these talents, hone these talents through rigorous practice and shine like stars!

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://writeinthewrongway.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/dp-i-wish-i-could-sing/
2) http://maggiestoriesawb.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/drops-of-water-grains-of-sand/
3) http://lifebeinggirly.com/2013/09/22/practice-makes-perfect/
4) http://stevemcp2002.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/daily-prompt-practice-makes-perfect/
5) http://zenblogged.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/daily-prompt-practice-makes-perfect/
6) http://eavesdroppingonconversations.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/art-class/
7) http://bellemorgen.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/daily-prompt-practice-makes-perfect/
8) http://creativemysteries.net/2013/09/22/if-i-were-artistically-inclined/
9) http://vivirquenoespoco.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/sing-sing-a-song/
10) http://angloswiss-chronicles.com/2013/09/22/daily-prompt-practice-makes-perfect/

We can be taught!

What makes a teacher great?
Photographers, artists, poets: show us GREATNESS.

Teachers are our role models. Some of my teachers made learning fun and the 45 minutes of their class was truly riching and fun.

One of my teachers had such a passion for maths and science that he transmitted the passion to his students. It was a joy to watch as he nurtured in us a love for these subjects. He taught us how to go out there and get our goal in life. He had strong ethics and values and led by example. He had a passion to make us worldly wise and not just bookish.

On the last day of school my teacher who taught us Leadership & Public speaking- wrote something in my notebook that I will never forget to this day –He wrote “Self conquest leads to world conquest”. I feel that these are the little things that teachers can inculcate in their children – a love of the subject, values and leadership.

In a classroom you find all types of students – some focussed and others easily distracted and hyperactive. A good teacher is able to engage the children in activities that bring out their unique nature and kindle the interest in the subject. A teacher enables the children to look at a problem from different perspectives so as to develop creativity and out of  the box thinking.

With too much focus on maths and science and use of logic these days a teacher can help develop an enthusiasm in art  and craft to balance the use of intuition with logic.

Teaching is not about reading from a book or writing words on the board. It does not promote rote learning. A teacher does not have to teach everything. He or she is more of a facilitator who builds a solid foundation and develops keen interest and curiosity so that the students are spurred by a desire to find out more.

Teaching is a noble profession as the foundations, ethics, morals and values that are built up during our primary years go on to define our character and leadership skills later on in life!

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://rpmas.wordpress.com/2013/09/21/to-mrs-gray-one-great-teacher/
2) http://theclocktowersunset.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/we-can-be-taught/
3) http://soletusknow.wordpress.com/2013/09/21/daily-prompt-challenge-we-can-be-taught/
4) http://vivirquenoespoco.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/daily-prompt-we-can-be-taught/
5) http://wedrinkbecausewerepoets.com/2013/09/21/why-i-believe-teachers-are-the-backbone-of-civilization/”
6) http://bulgingbuttons.wordpress.com/2013/09/21/daily-prompt-we-can-be-taught/
7) http://alienorajt.wordpress.com/2013/09/21/inspiration-and-education/
8) http://imagineeratwork.wordpress.com/2013/09/08/dearest-teachers/
9) http://flowersandbreezes.wordpress.com/2013/09/21/a-role-model-to-follow/
10) http://noncitygirl.wordpress.com/2013/09/21/daily-prompt-we-can-be-taught/

 

 

Are you being served?

                                                        

What’s the most dreadful (or wonderful) experience you’ve ever had as a customer?
Photographers, artists, poets: show us SERVICE.

I believe that business is more than dollars and cents. A good company delights the customer and serving a customer is a pleasure to them.

I have been put off many a times by service staff who treat you like you have come to steal their goods. As soon as you enter the store they ask you “What do you want”?. They do not like you to touch an item in the store if you have no intention of buying it. I will never buy from such a store.

On the other hand I have been delighted by a rickshaw driver who insisted that I have a cup of tea before he takes me to my destination. At a shop I was given a seat and a service staff was asked to specially assist me in making my purchases. This is the type of service that wins customers, and establishes your brand image.

My best experience with phone service has been with Linksys a Cisco company. They have never kept me waiting when I dial customer service. They have also always resolved my problem even if it has nothing to do with their product (the Linksys router). This experience has been etched in my memory and I will always associate Linksys with exemplary service!

Whatever profession you are in there is always an opportunity to be exemplary in customer service if you treat every other person as your customer.  I have many a times been impressed by care givers and nurses at hospitals who truly put their heart into everything that they do!

There are several qualities that make service outstanding:

1) Serve with a Smile – Look into the eyes of a customer, engage him/her and smile. This is the first and foremost requirement for a service staff.  Putting your heart into everything that you do is the hallmark of great service!
2) Know your product – Read up and thoroughly understand the products that you sell. To the customer you are the focal person who can help him/her make the right choice
3) Listen with patience – Understand the need of the customer.
4) Under promise and over deliver – A good service staff goes the extra mile to delight the customer. Every customer is important and just a word of
mouth about your service can bring in many other customers
5) Dealing with rude customers – Always try to be polite when dealing with rude customers. Try to put your point across and if the situation gets out of control seek help
6) Apologise

(Picture: courtesy – seebtm.com)

Other interesting posts in this category:
1) http://harmonyxxx.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/its-hot-in-mikes-kitchen/
2) http://silverleafjournal.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/minas-coffee/
3) http://jansideas.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/daily-prompt-are-you-being-served/
4) http://mauldinfamily1.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/daily-prompt-are-you-being-served/
5) http://ashortaday.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/how-may-i-help-you-syke/
6) http://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/customer-satisfaction/
7) http://hotelgoddess.wordpress.com/2011/01/24/love-what-you-do/
8) http://dewberrywood.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/daily-prompt-are-you-being-served/
9) http://terry1954.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/daily-prompt-are-you-being-served/
10) http://indexyourlife.me/2013/09/19/a-serving-heart/

Naked with black socks

Are you comfortable in front of people, or does the idea of public speaking make you want to hide in the bathroom? Why? 
Photographers, artists, poets: show us PUBLIC.

The greatest fear in the world today is the fear of public speaking. I am an introvert by nature and would avoid grand parties etc. but I love speakng in public. I have enjoyed taking part in elocution and debate competitions since  school days. It has helped me a lot to become comfortable and confident.

A toastmasters program is a structured program with a communication and leadership track. It is a great platform to conquer your speaking fears and to be evaluated by peers in your club. You also have an opportunity to develop leadership skills by taking on meeting roles or positions in the Exco of your club. You get to learn to write a good speech, to listen, to evaluate, to mentor, to give a humorous speech and to inspire others to join your club. A typical chapter meeting at a club consists of Prepared speeches, Table topics (Impromptu speeches) and evaluations. There is also a language evaluator who can help you to improve understanding of pronunciation, articulation and grammar. A general evaluator gives tips on how to improve the meetings.

A toastmasters club is a wonderful avenue to meet after work and improve on speaking, listening and leadership skills. It is a great place to network with people of diverse backgrounds and get diverse perspectives on current events, topics of interest and have fun. It also helps to develop our leadership abilities by way of taking up roles at meetings within the club and networking with other clubs.

I joined Toastmasters International 5 years ago and am currently doing my Advanced Project manuals. I would like to take this  interest further by being involved in training and leadership for companies.

I am currently President of Bishan Toastmasters Club located at Bishan CC in Singapore.
Other interesting posts in this category:
http://unknowinglee.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/alleyesonme/
http://storyofmylife1993.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/daily-prompt-hide-me-away/
http://lessthanthreechickens.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/naked-with-socks-in-public-no-cops-bring-it-on/
http://jitterygt.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/overcoming-the-fear-of-public-speaking/
http://alienorajt.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/nude-speaking/
http://amandakho88.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/daily-prompt-naked-with-black-socks/
http://edwardhotspur.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/black-socks-down/
http://noncitygirl.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/daily-prompt-naked-with-black-socks/
http://terry1954.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/daily-prompt-naked-with-black-socks/

Perspective

Write a story about yourself from the perspective of an object, thing, animal, or another person.
Photographers, artists, poets: show us PERSPECTIVE.

I was born in the year 2001. I am cold blooded.  I keep all your food, fruits, vegetables and drinks fresh for your consumption.

It is sometimes appaling how some people treat me without respect. They just bang my door. And the gluttons they keep opening me to see what I’ve got. They keep gobbling food from me. Come on folks – give me some respect!

I can turn water into nice square cubes that you people like to mix with your drinks. When you are tired and exhausted, I can recharge you with a chilling drink.

No – No – no – dear do not switch off the power. I cannot survive in hot, humid conditions. This kid is really naughty and gets on my nerves!

(Picture courtesy: toonvectors.com)

Other interesting posts in this category:
http://drpriyankamehta.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/daily-prompt-the-cat-says-meow/
http://jullianiskool.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/daily-prompt-jasper-the-dog/
http://xuwriter.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/danger-zone/
http://mitzyvonmew.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/mitzu-in-transylmeownia/
http://slamonthebreakspullover.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/daily-prompt-perspective-on-the-americas-cup-race/
http://mysoresoul.co.uk/daily-prompt-perspective
http://www.flickr.com/photos/developingfocus/9486924013/
http://stevemcp2002.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/269/
http://jitterygt.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/if-my-note-pads-could-speak/
http://diaryofasadwidow.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/daily-prompt-the-absolute-and-true-story-of-my-recent-life-from-the-cats-perspective/
http://abbyrosenueve.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/studies-starbucks-daily-prompt/