Vanya Wryter Consulting Services

Category: Stories

  • Do You Spend More Time Thinking About the Future or the Past?

    Do You Spend More Time Thinking About the Future or the Past?

    Whether we think more about the past or the future depends on what’s happening in our lives at the time. Reconnecting with an old relative earlier this year made me nostalgic. Also, becoming very ill made me reflective because I realized how fragile life is.

    Seeing an old friend or relative that you haven’t seen in years is a perfect example. Conversations can unlock years of shared history—inside jokes, old routines, moments you didn’t realize would become “the good old days.” You also become aware of lost time when you notice how much older you both look. You start thinking about how long it’s been, how life got busy, how easy it was to assume there would always be more chances. That reflection, of course, gets you thinking that you’d better be more proactive with staying in touch, or finding a chance to visit each other again. Because maybe next time there won’t be a next time.

    Illness has a similar effect. Being sick forces you to slow down, and then you realize how much of your daily routine you miss. You can’t eat your favorite food. You missed the party you had been planning to attend for weeks. At the same time, it makes the future more precious. You start making mental notes to eat better, not to wait so long before you visit your friend, and not to postpone visiting your grandparents.

    In moments like these, the past and future collide. The past reminds us of what mattered. The future becomes a space for second chances and better choices.

    Ultimately, when we think about the past, we realize what we value; when we think about the future, we realize what’s important.

    Daily writing prompt
    Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?
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  • A Bear Went to School

    A Bear Went to School

    I actually have seen a few wild animals, though not because I’m particularly adventurous. I live in a big city, but sometimes people here stumble on bears while in the park, or a bear will enter their yard. One of the most memorable moments occurred when I was walking with a friend in a wooded area next to city buildings. Everything felt normal until we crossed school grounds on a Saturday and noticed a furry creature on all fours and decided it wasn’t a student. It still felt surreal—like the bear had shown up to audit a class. Other people were around, and all of us backed away and put as much distance as possible between the bear and us. I took a picture but the bear is so small (at a distance) that it’s not worth sharing. (Blog photo is a re-creation of what happened.)

    Another friend of mine had an even more intense encounter: she saw bison weaving through stopped traffic in Yellowstone National Park. As impressive as bison are, they can be terrifying up close. They’re huge, unpredictable, and strong enough to wreck a car without much effort. In situations like that, there’s really nothing you can do except sit in your car and wait until the procession passes.

    Those experiences remind me that wild animals, while fascinating, are most safely appreciated from afar.

    Daily writing prompt
    Do you ever see wild animals?
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  • The Red Flag of Passive Aggressiveness

    The Red Flag of Passive Aggressiveness

    Everyone has a personality trait that makes them avoid someone. For me, that trait is passive aggressiveness. At first glance, it can be easy to miss because it is so subtle. It often looks like cooperation and agreement. But over time, you see past the stealth because actions and words don’t match.

    I experienced this while working on a project with a friend. She was very enthusiastic at the start. She would ask what tasks needed to be done, appreciate the checklists I made, and appear interested. But the follow-through was always incomplete. If I asked for research formatted into a document, she would do the research but leave it in the wrong format, acknowledging the mistake but never fixing it. The checklists were left five minutes short of finished, and somehow the final steps always landed back on me.

    After months of this imbalance, I finally said it was frustrating to carry 90% of the workload when tasks weren’t being finished. That’s when she finally admitted she had lost interest months ago. Later, she revealed she didn’t even like the project. Yet, for three whole months, she kept showing up, doing the bare minimum, and letting me believe she was still part of the project.

    To me, that’s not just avoidance—it feels like dishonesty. Passive aggressiveness disguised as politeness avoids necessary conversations and creates more strain for others. A simple, honest admission early on like, “I’ve realized this project isn’t for me,” would have saved time, energy, and frustration.

    That’s why passive aggressiveness is my red flag. Why waste everyone’s time on a charade when a quick discussion would do? It would also save the friendship because now I question the honesty of everything she says.

    Daily writing prompt
    What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you?
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  • What Does Your Ideal Home Look Like?

    What Does Your Ideal Home Look Like?

    If you came to visit me in my ideal home, you would first step into a luscious garden. You’d be surrounded by vibrant flowers, lush green plants, and the gentle music of a small fountain. There are cozy nooks with chairs and benches tucked between the greenery, perfect for morning tea or late-afternoon daydreaming. The garden is a space to relax, recharge, and breathe in fresh air.

    Stepping inside, you’ll find a personal library lined with books to invite quiet evenings of reading, while my workstation makes it easy to focus on creative projects or computer work. Security cameras provide peace of mind, ensuring that this sanctuary stays safe and protected.

    My living room will be the natural gathering spot. Comfortable couches arranged around a fireplace encourage long conversations with family and friends. The kitchen is designed for ease. Imagine opening the fridge or pantry to always find ready-made meals waiting, so there’s no stress about what to cook.

    The entire home is relaxing and practical. My ideal home is more than four walls—it’s a haven filled with warmth, growth, and little touches that make everyday living enjoyable.

    Daily writing prompt
    What does your ideal home look like?
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  • The Most Expensive Meal I Never Paid For

    The Most Expensive Meal I Never Paid For

    The most money I’ve ever spent on a meal is, technically, zero dollars, but the value of that dinner was probably the highest I’ve ever experienced.

    Early in our careers, my friend received a gift certificate from work to a five-star steakhouse. He invited me to go with him. We’d never been to a place like this before. (We were more accustomed to three and four-star restaurants.) It was a bit too fancy for us, but we thought it was worth a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So we got all dressed up and pretended we were elite upper class for a day.

    From the moment we sat down, the whole experience was different than usual. We ordered our food without caring about the prices. Our salad order was a performance. Our server wheeled over a cart and made Caesar salads while we watched, tossing and mixing with more gusto than I apply to a simple salad at home. You would think it was the salad of the century. We ordered perfectly cooked steaks that melted in our mouths, and desserts that were tasty pieces of art.

    The meal was completely covered by the gift certificate, but the experience was priceless. It wasn’t just about the food; it was a glimpse into a lifestyle we hadn’t experienced before. It wasn’t until afterward that I realized we should have taken more photos!

    Daily writing prompt
    What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?
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