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Tag: dailyprompt-1870

  • What is the last thing you learned?

    What is the last thing you learned?

    I can’t remember the last thing I learned. I learn a lot of trivial things because I’m always learning.

    Learning is more than taking a course or reading a book. Sometimes it’s as simple as paying attention. When you go out, take note of things because you never know when you need them. Like when you shop, you notice what the store stocks, even if it isn’t something you buy. Later, when you have an in-town visitor, you can easily tell them where to find that specialty tea, or recommend a restaurant or store without hesitation. That tiny observation suddenly becomes useful knowledge.

    I’ve also realized how much I learn from everyday scrolling. YouTube or Instagram can be surprisingly educational, even if you’re doom scrolling. Maybe you come across interesting facts about space, history, or even the origin of a slang expression in English. 

    The same thing happens when watching a movie. When the movie ends, satisfy your curiosity and look up random things. How accurate was the movie? Was that character really that mean? Should you watch Part 2?  Do those animals really exist? You can spend hours going down a rabbit hole in your research. 

    Even weird, random facts count. Learning how to store your food properly in your fridge or pantry might save money and reduce waste. That’s practical intelligence.

    Learn a little at a time, then in the long run, you learn a lot. Knowledge compounds. Stay curious. Pay attention. Small lessons today become surprising wisdom tomorrow.

    Daily writing prompt
    What is the last thing you learned?
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  • Your life or mine: What is the last thing you learned?

    Your life or mine: What is the last thing you learned?

    Sometimes, you see the past with 20/20 vision and wish you could repeat the day.

    Daily writing prompt
    What is the last thing you learned?
    View all responses

    She had to pick up her mom’s prescription medication on her way home and that errand took her past a beauty salon with the best assortment of skincare products. She had passed it many times, but today she walked in, attracted to the newest line of skincare displayed on the counter. Her favorite movie stars and singers endorsed those lovely creams that made skin radiant and flawless.

    “How much?” she asked the woman behind the counter. 

    “Three thousand for the entire set,” said the sales clerk. “Might be a bit pricey for someone as young as you.”

    “No,” she lied, lifting her chin. “Of course I can afford it.” She had $3050 in her bank account.

    “This is a special price for today only. It will go up tomorrow.”

    “Can I try it?”

    “Sure. We just have the hand cream as a tester. Not the others.” The sales clerk opened one of the jars. The fragrance of roses wafted into the air.

    “Just like on TikTok,” she said, dabbed a sample, and smoothed it on the back of her hand. It felt like a cool, tingly massage. As she rubbed, a long scar near her knuckle vanished. Imagine how envious her friends would be if she was the prettiest one in the group. Imagine all the guys who would be asking her out. Imagine if people stopped calling her ugly. Imagine…. 

    Her phone rang. It shattered her thoughts. “I’ll take the whole set,” she said to the sales clerk as she frantically dug for her phone in her purse. 

    “Sweetie?” Her mom’s voice was weak over the phone.

    “Mom? Are you ok? I’ll be home soon! I’ve got your med-”

    “They’ve taken me to the hospital. It’s going to cost $3000. Could you come to help pay it?”

    “No!” Not $3000! “I’ll call you back.” She turned toward the counter.

    “Is your mom ok?” asked the sales clerk. She presented a shiny gold gift bag with the skincare set inside.

    “No, she’s… not. Can’t I… can’t I come back for this? The price is really going to go up?”

    The sales clerk nodded. “You need to choose between this skincare or your mother.”

    She picked up her phone and pulled up her mom’s number again. She mumbled to herself, “I can get more money later. Take out a loan. Borrow cash from my cousins.” Then dumped her phone back into her purse. She took out her wallet and handed her credit card to the clerk. “I’m sorry. What did you just say?”

    The clerk took the card. “I said I hope you enjoy your choice. You will be as beautiful on the outside as you are within.”

    “What?” She felt the skincare sample on her hand tingle again. The sensation spread down her fingers and up her arm. “What’s happening?” Her purse slid off her shoulder as she tried to grab the gold bag. Her feet were rooted to the floor. Her legs were stiff. I can’t move! Can you hear me? I can’t move!

    “Well,” said the sales clerk, admiring the woman’s face. “Now you’ll look this young forever. I’m going to put you in the store window so everyone can admire how beautiful you are. It’s what you wanted, after all.”

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