Day: March 24, 2025

Premonition

I am sure you have heard, “go by your gut feeling or your first choice is your best choice.” Throughout my 80 plus years, I have discovered that this is what has worked out for me many times in various situations, whether it was in making significant life decisions or simply choosing what to eat for dinner. Trusting my instincts has often led me to unexpected opportunities and fulfilling experiences that I might have missed had I overthought my choices. I would like to improve my skills at this though, learning to balance that initial intuition with thoughtful consideration, so I can refine my decision-making process, ensure I am making the most informed choices, and perhaps even develop a deeper understanding of when to trust my gut and when to analyze the details more closely.

A premonition is a strong feeling that something is about to happen, often without clear evidence. It’s like an intuitive hunch or gut instinct warning you about a future event—sometimes positive but often connected to unease or danger. It reflects your mind picking up subtle cues from your environment that your conscious brain hasn’t processed yet. Historically, people have linked premonitions to dreams and sudden chills, and while science doesn’t fully endorse it as a “sixth sense,” psychology suggests it could arise from pattern recognition or heightened awareness.

Improving premonition isn’t like training a muscle—you can’t hit the gym for it—but you can sharpen related skills. First, pay attention to your intuition; track those weird vibes and what follows, using a journal to spot patterns. Second, notice your surroundings—body language, tone shifts, or weather changes may signal what your brain’s recognizing. Meditation can quiet mental noise, helping you hear your inner voice. Trust yourself more; doubt drowns instinct, so if something feels off, don’t brush it aside.

It’s not foolproof—your brain can misfire with anxiety or wishful thinking—but over time, you might get better at sifting the real signals from the static. I have never had gigantic premonitions like a gigantic world-changing event; rather, mine have manifested as subtle indications, mere whispers of what was yet to come, often tied to events that have unfolded near me in my life. There have been times when a voice or spirit has aided or prompted me into these premonitions, guiding my intuition in ways I couldn’t fully comprehend. Who knows if that is a fact or a figment of my imagination? Throughout my life, I have encountered people with unusual skills and heightened sensitivities, and many have told me that I possess a gift of my own. I responded, “what are you imagining?” as a way to probe deeper into their perspectives. Maybe I do have a gift, and if it is indeed true, it would be fascinating to explore the depths of this unknown ability and see how it could be utilized in my everyday life. The thought of harnessing this potential stirs a curiosity within me, making me wonder about the possibilities that lie ahead and how they might intertwine with my reality.

Daily writing prompt
What’s a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had?
View all responses

My Biggest Sin

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Here’s a list of things that most people would agree should be avoided:

  1. Lying – Deliberately deceiving someone for personal gain or to harm them.
  2. Stealing – Taking something that doesn’t belong to you without permission.
  3. Cheating – Being unfaithful to wife.
  4. Hurting others – Physically or emotionally causing harm to people or animals.
  5. Breaking promises – Failing to follow through on commitments without good reason.
  6. Wasting resources – Carelessly using up things like food, water, or time that others could benefit from.
  7. Blaming others unfairly – Shifting responsibility onto someone who isn’t at fault.
  8. Being cruel – Intentionally causing suffering for no justifiable reason.

So, what is my biggest sin? I would say my biggest fault is taking people too much for granted. Here are people I should have been more considerate of instead of taking them for granted.

  1. My parents – They were always there for me throughout my childhood and beyond. They fed me, they protected me from harm, and they never stopped loving me, even when I was a jerk and made mistakes. Their unwavering support and guidance shaped who I am today.
  2. My grandma – I grew up with her by my side, and she played an immensely important role in shaping my character and guiding my decisions. She helped me in the future with what she said when I was young, sharing wisdom that stayed with me throughout my life.
  3. My wife – I don’t know what I would do without her. She has been my rock and my support through thick and thin. Yet many times I take for granted that she will be there until death do us part, always ready with a kind word or a warm smile, making each day brighter and full of love.
  4. My two sons – They are an important part of my life. Yet again I have taken them for granted, not fully appreciating the joy, laughter, and lessons they bring to each day, reminding me of the beauty present in the simplest moments we share together.
  5. My two stepdaughters and two stepsons – They are an important part of my life, bringing their unique perspectives and experiences that enrich our family dynamics and create lasting memories together.
  6. The American way of life – Emphasizes individualism, personal freedom, and the pursuit of happiness, where citizens have the opportunity to achieve their dreams through hard work and determination, set against a backdrop of diverse cultures and values that coexist and contribute to the nation’s unique identity.
  7. The first responders and military– who bravely put their lives on the line each day, ensuring our safety and security in times of crisis and conflict.
  8. Friends, relatives and neighbors-You meet thousands of people throughout your life, you experience conflicts and disagreements, and you develop many friendships along the way. These friendships, which often bring joy and support, many times I have taken for granted, and they eventually disappear, leaving behind a sense of nostalgia for what once was and a realization of how important these connections truly are. It serves as a reminder to cherish and nurture the relationships that influence our lives so profoundly.

Finally, as I age, I am becoming more aware of my shortfall and am attempting to stop taking people for granted and show more appreciation at the moment. This realization has led me to reflect deeply on my relationships and the little acts of kindness that often go unnoticed. I find myself making a conscious effort to express gratitude, whether it’s a simple thank you for someone’s help or a heartfelt note acknowledging their support and presence in my life. I understand now that these small gestures can strengthen bonds and foster a sense of community and love among those I cherish. Embracing this mindset has not only enhanced my interactions but has also enriched my own sense of fulfillment and happiness as I navigate this journey of life.