Strength

Ninety eight, ninety nine, hundred… “Phew!” Setting the dumbbells on the floor, he rested his hands on his hips seeing himself on the mirror. Unsatisfied, he shook his head and picked up the dumbbells again.

Sipping on his protein shake, his movements attuned to Akon’s latest single, he past an old woman carrying her monthly grocery. She struggled with the heavy packages, and he whistled past without a backward glance.

A little boy stopped on his way to school and offered to help the old woman. She beamed. “Thank you, young man!”

Another short story for my Flash Fiction collection. Also, National Blog Posting Month – #Day6

A Day Out

Watching salt water sprays all day –

Roasted corn and steaming coffee afterwards.

Perfect Saturday.

The week’s only halfway done, but here I am, already awaiting the weekend! National Blog Posting Month – #Day5

Oh, Fandoms!

I love Pinterest. Because it fuels my multiple fandom needs. Facebook – well, not so much. Because that takes it all a little too far.

What is with fandoms that makes the hair in my neck stand erect, in utmost attention? And what is that feeling that leaves my spine tingling? Even I know it’s not that cold where I live. It’s the feeling of being satisfied by an image, a quote, a photo or a simple not-so-exact reference to a popular fandom.

I love BBC’s Sherlock. And the Backstreet Boys, Westlife, Harry Potter, Friends, The Big Bang Theory – the list goes on.

When I see a photo of Benedict Cumberbatch on a Facebook page I’ve liked, it makes me smile. It reminds me of Sherlock’s wit and Benedict’s acting. But I’d like to leave it that way. Simple.

Nowadays though, all I see are posts of Benedict’s photos with captions of how handsome he is, describing him as a cutie-pie, or a cherry blossom – or whatever crap.

And that’s annoying.

Admins of these pages use my interest in the show to manipulate me into ‘liking’ posts and even believing stuff my sane-self knows to be bull shit.

Something similar happened with the BSB – troll posts and all other fake people posting from their name – social networks became painful. It’s like they have to do whatever it takes to entertain their fans – even if it means stripping themselves naked. It all feels wrong and immature – perhaps it’s just me – but I don’t want to spend my day staring at old photos of the BSB, following them to recordings, sharing a vehicle, selfies or meals. That doesn’t mean I don’t like the BSB but I’d rather sit home enjoying some of their greatest music.

Using the natural affection for someone, or something seems to me like a cheap way of earning bucks. It’s like porn – the more you see this stuff, the more addicted you get and the higher the chances you participate in that fandom. Isn’t that the lowest level of insult possible?

I respect my fandoms enough to know where to draw the line.

National Blog Posting Month – #Day4

150, Oh My!

This was not the post I had planned to publish today. Nevertheless, it’s as important as ever.

I’ve reached a milestone of 150 followers!

Sounds a little trivial? Well, not for me! I’ve spent much time and months for this blog – not just publishing random posts, but also figuring out a way to get over my inhibitions and feel confident writing about my personal feelings. And though it took me longer than I hoped it would, I have finally managed to build a small readership for myself.

I’m so proud of myself – and thankful to everyone reading this. Thank you so much for everyone who came back for more of my writing – nothing motivated me as much as that rising bar chart in my blog statistics. To all of you who follow this blog, open post emails and spare your time to visit this space – I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

It’s been one hell of a journey on The Chaos Within – I remember times when I used to stare at posts that I thought were so good, but got no attention – of course, now I realize that blogging is more than publishing new blogs; it’s more about the people and the community. As I learn more and more about the amazing world of blogging, I invite you to stand alongside me so that we may take the ride together.

My dear bloggers, all of you are amazing, (whether you’re following me or not!) because blogging requires awesomeness at spirit and a kindness at heart that I’m only just beginning to experience.

Have a great day y’all. I know I will!

National Blog Posting Month – #Day3

What I Learnt From Helping People

I’ve been a WordPress member for 2 years now, though I haven’t been blogging or taking active part in the forums for that long.

Ever since I started reading the forums and replying, I’ve enjoyed it so much that it’s like a way of getting high. Nope, I’m not exaggerating, but it’s so satisfying to see someone walk away (!?) with whatever little help you offered. It’s such a peaceful feeling.

A couple of days ago, I went through the threads I had replied to about 4 months ago, and it definitely made me smile. To see people succeeding in doing something for themselves — wow it was inexplicable joy. But more than that, I was proud of myself. I was proud that the knowledge I had gained from blogging on WordPress has really helped some else blog better.

And, I was getting better at relationships!

I hate to get involved in communities offline. I get claustrophobic whenever I’m in a large crowd of people, particularly around friends of friends. Strangers, I don’t mind — but people who could be potential acquaintances — that’s a scary moment for me. I get scared at having to live in some one else’s shadow. That awkward feeling when you are with a bunch of people you partly know, only because you have a mutual friend? What happens if the friend suddenly moves away, and you’re left alone with these people?

I know — that’s my chance to make friends of my own — but it’s a bit awkward. At least for the first few times. I tend to take some time with people.

But all these changed online. The forums really helped me interact with people easily, and without making a fool out of myself.

Well, I did make a fool out of myself once or twice — or more, but the thing is, no one seemed to think that way. Besides, even if they did, no one comments on it, or makes it a big issue. After all, we all make mistakes and we need to learn somehow.

From chipping in at the WordPress Forums, I learnt the details of a few features that I use myself. Not to mention how much I enjoyed being a part of the WP community.

Also, I learnt how awesome the internet is.

National Blog Posting Month – #Day2

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