Short Story Writing Contest – 1st Prize Entry

THE OUTBREAK…

– Vihaan Palkar, Grade V, Northpoint School

It was a stormy night! After work, James got out of his car into the quiet alley that led to his apartment . He was a calm person with a talent for computing. As soon as he got out, there was a loud ‘THUD ‘on the ground.

He saw an eerie looking creature that resembled a human being. He instantly ran home and locked all the doors and windows. He turned on the NEWS. He realized that it was a zombie. The scientists said that it was a mind controlling virus.

‘CRASHHH!’ The glass window shattered. He went to check, then he ran as if his life depended on it. He blasted out of the house till he heard gunshots and a few more THUDs. He had reached one of the many safe havens set up by volunteers. They welcomed him and equipped him with armor, a sword and two guns.

They turned on the news. They were shocked to see the impact of the virus. They had lived there for many days growing plants, killing zombies and most important, hiding. Everything was going well until, the alarms rang. Zombies!!!

The zombies has raided the base. All the members escaped; leaving one. James was bit in the cross fire. Then his eyes turned blood red. His skin burst and green skin grew in place. Soon he was one of them!!!

How do I fix my low self-esteem?

Low self-esteem & false beliefs

For those struggling with low self-esteem these thoughts are common.

I am ugly.
I am good for nothing.
I hate myself.
I am not intelligent.
I am just useless.

The origin

These beliefs originate in the past, mostly in your childhood. They shape your present and your future.

“When I was younger, kids laughed at my appearance. I am ugly.”

What you never understood was the fact that kids are like that. They make fun of others. That doesn’t mean you are ugly.

“My Math teacher punished me for flunking. I am not intelligent.”

What you didn’t follow was the fact that your Math teacher wanted you to do better and was trying to discipline you. (the method he followed could have been common in those times, but maybe it wasn’t the right one for you.) That doesn’t mean you aren’t intelligent.

“The one I loved, ditched me for someone else. I don’t deserve a good partner.”

What you didn’t get was the fact that you were meant for someone else. The person who left you for someone else didn’t deserve your love.

The Mind – a good storyteller

Your mind is adept at creating stories around situations. It can make you believe what is not true. The false beliefs that find a strong foothold in your mind during childhood lead to low self-esteem. So remember that the stories your mind weaves are not true. They are just, well…stories.

Heal the inner child within you

To kick out that irritating low self-esteem from your psyche, you must heal the inner child within you.
Stand before a mirror and read this out loudly with a smile.

  1. I am enough. I am worthy.
  2. I am strong enough to take responsibility for my wellbeing.
  3. My inner child has at least one good quality that I appreciate.
  4. I am a good parent to the inner child within me.
  5. I shower all my love, attention and kindness on my inner child.
  6. My inner child makes me proud.

With this, keep striving to be a better version of yourself, day by day, one tiny step at a time.

The Bonsai Story

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@devin_photography?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Devin H</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/green-plant-on-brown-clay-pot-PAEwrnasOvY?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>

Photo by Devin H on Unsplash

A bonsai tree is beautiful, strong and magnificent. It serves the purpose for which it was created: purely decorative and aesthetic reasons.

Bonsai Belief

A bonsai tree is made to believe that its growth is limited.
The branches are pruned or wired.
The roots are bound or pruned or wired.

Care is taken to ensure it doesn’t outgrow the container in which it has been potted. Care is taken to ensure it doesn’t grow massive and tall.

And so, the Bonsai remains stunted.

Bonsais That Thrive

And then, there are bonsais that thrive!
The bonsais that thrive see the best they can do despite limitations and restrictions.
They bloom, prosper and flourish!

Caring for your Bonsai

The growth depends on the care you give. For instance, you protect a bonsai mango tree from pests and fungi. If you water it regularly and take good care, it grows well. And not only does it grow well but it also prospers and flowers and bears fruit!

I believe ∴ I am

Note that the humble bonsai is a metaphor for your mind. So what you feed it becomes your reality! What you believe, you become!

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The power of language!

Human beings have used language since eons to communicate what is on their minds. Not only humans, but also animals and plants communicate using their own language. Language transcends barriers. The very language that can destroy and create stress can also be used to nurture and heal. It all depends on the selection of the right words!

Language can help one rejoice in times of disaster. It can help one express his needs. It can help another heal. It can help paint a beautiful picture with words. The trick is to use the right vocabulary to express emotions and to elicit a favorable response from the reader / listener.

Not everyone can master this art. However, for those who appreciate all good things, these tools are within easy reach. All you need is to visualize, structure your words and sentences and use the perfect words.

Happy writing! Happy blogging!

“English can be weird. It can be understood through tough, thorough thought, though.“

– David Burge