Tag: Getting to know me

Commentary, Daily Prompts, Music, Quote

The Daily 3/9/26

M.A.D. Works

“You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.” Zig Ziglar

Staples’ iconic red easy button was conceived in a fitting way: During a brainstorming session in 2004, advertiser Leslie Sims said she wished she could simply push a button to create the perfect ad so the team could break for lunch.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

“My greatest love is my own becoming — the slow, steady work of healing, unlearning, and choosing myself without apology.”

Daily writing prompt
Where would you go on a shopping spree?
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A shopping spree would take me straight to an art supply store — the kind with aisles of sketchbooks, inks, paints, and tools I don’t even know how to use yet but desperately want to try. I’d fill a cart with colors, textures, and possibilities. After that, I’d wander into a cozy bookstore and lose myself in journals, poetry collections, and anything that sparks ideas. My spree would be less about buying things and more about stocking up on inspiration

Commentary, Music

The Daily 3/8/26

M.A.D. Works

“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up.” –Vince Lombardi

The Library of Congress houses more than 164 million items across more than 800 miles of shelf space. Its treasures include the world’s largest flute collection, one of only three perfect vellum copies of the Gutenberg Bible, and a 1507 map with the first known written mention of the name America.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

I’d come back as a wiser version of myself—still me, but with softer edges and a clearer sense of what truly matters.

Commentary, Music, Quote

The Daily 3/6/26

M.A.D. Works

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” —E.E. Cummings

Free condoms were originally given to Olympic athletes at the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to prevent the spread of HIV. It’s now part of the Olympic tradition, with the condom count sometimes reaching upwards of 300,000.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’d change the instinct to shrink or adjust myself to make others comfortable. It’s an old habit, and I’m slowly unlearning it, but it still shows up more than I’d like.

Commentary, Music, Quote

The Daily 3/3/26

M.A.D. Works

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”― Marilyn Monroe

The residents of Oymyakon in Russia have the distinction of living in the coldest permanently inhabited place on earth, where the average winter temperature plummets to negative fifty-eight degrees Fahrenheit. That’s shy of its official winter temperature record of negative ninety degrees, observed on February 6, 1933, at the towns weather station.

On what occasion do you lie

If I lie, it’s usually a soft lie — the kind meant to shield someone from discomfort. I’m learning to trust that honesty, spoken with care, is kinder in the long run.

Poetry

The Daily 3/2/26

M.A.D. Works

“What you lack in talent can be made up with desire, hustle and giving 110% all the time.” – Don Zimmer

Alice blue, a shade of pale Azure that sparked a fashion sensation in the early 20th century, and was named after Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter, Alice Lee Roosevelt Longworth. Her eyes were set to match the shade. The color even made it to Broadway in the 1919 musical Irene, featuring a song called “Alice Blue Gown.”

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

I overuse the soft, peacekeeping phrases — “it’s fine,” “no worries,” “I don’t mind,” “sorry.” They slip out before I even think about them, tiny verbal bandages meant to keep everything smooth and easy. I also lean on fillers like “I mean” and “honestly” when I’m thinking out loud. Together, they paint a picture of someone trying to be gentle with the world, even when the world isn’t always gentle back.

Commentary, Music, Quote

The Daily 3/1/26

M.A.D. Works

Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”- Brian Tracy

The phrase shrimp on the barbie comes from an Australian tourism ad starring Paul Hogan, the future Crocodile Dundee- and what he actually said was “I’ll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for ya,” not “I’ll throw another shrimp on the barbie.”

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

The trait I most deplore in myself is the quiet belief that I must bend to be accepted. It’s the old echo that whispers I’m only worthy if I perform. I’m learning to silence it, to stand in who I am without apology.

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/28/26

M.A.D. Works

“Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.”– Helen Keller

Wendy’s burgers were originally square for marketing purposes. According to Wendy’s founder, Dave Thomas, wanted customers to be able to see how high-quality the meat looked, so he made sure the patties extended beyond their buns.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?.

My greatest achievement is my ongoing journey to manage my social anxiety and to fully embrace the life I want to live. Tackling social anxiety is not just about overcoming fears; it’s about understanding myself better, recognizing my triggers, and actively working towards building confidence in social situations.

Every small step I take, whether it’s striking up a conversation with a stranger, participating in group activities, or simply allowing myself to be vulnerable in front of others, is a victory. I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel discomfort and that growth often happens outside of my comfort zone.

Living my life authentically means prioritizing my mental health while pursuing my passions, interests, and connections with others. I’ve crafted a life that aligns with my values, seeking out supportive communities and relationships that uplift me. This journey has taught me resilience, as I continue to challenge myself and redefine what living fully means to me. Embracing this process has become my greatest achievement, one that I proudly celebrate every day.

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/24/26

M.A.D. Works

“Just because it’s what’s done doesn’t mean it’s what should be done!”- Cinderella

Disney once explored the idea of adapting the medieval European tale of Reynard the Fox into an animated feature. But Reynard’s reputation for mischief and morally questionable tricks was ultimately considered too dark for a family film. Instead, when creating Robin Hood in 1973, the studio simply made their hero a fox.

What is your current state of mind?

Lately, I’ve been feeling a mix of emotions that have left me in a bit of turmoil. I’m unsure about certain aspects of my life, whether it’s decisions I need to make or future plans that seem uncertain. This uncertainty often leads to feelings of worry, as I find myself overthinking possible outcomes and what they might mean for me.

Alongside that worry, there’s an underlying anxiety that I can’t quite shake. It feels like a constant buzz in my mind, making it hard to focus on anything else. I’m anxious about how things will unfold and whether I’ll be able to handle whatever comes my way.

Lastly, there’s also a sense of fear that creeps in, especially when I think about situations that are out of my control. It can be overwhelming at times, feeling that I’m facing the unknown, and that fear can often feel isolating, as if I’m standing afar from the things I want to engage with or achieve. Overall, these feelings are interconnected and create a challenging emotional landscape that I’m trying to navigate.

Commentary

Getting to Know Missy

M.A.D. Works

What is your greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance is the way I care past the edges of what’s expected. I give more attention, more thought, and more emotional presence than the moment demands — not to earn anything, but because that’s the shape of my heart. It’s an overflow I don’t try to contain. I notice the small things, remember what others forget, and show up with sincerity even when silence would be easier.

Commentary

Getting to Know Me

M.A.D. Works

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Here are some of my foundations for perfect happiness. The first is having moments of presence, like when I can really enjoy a cup of tea and taste it fully. I also find happiness in mindfully taking a walk, where I pay attention to the colors and textures around me, noticing how the leaves change or feeling the roughness of a tree bark.

Another key part of my happiness is tapping into my creative flow. Whether I’m writing a poem, drawing, or painting, these activities make me feel alive and joyful. When I’m in that creative zone, I feel a deep sense of happiness and contentment. Being able to express myself through art is truly a special part of my life.