Inspiration: The below piece began as a short write that I shared in a Firefly Creative Writing class led by Jenna Tenn-Yuk at the Toronto Public Library. It was a rainy day and we were provided with the following idea prompt: "On rainy days, I feel..." We had a couple minutes to come up with a list of words describing how we felt. We were then asked to complete a 6-minute write expanding on one of our ideas.
Timing: I wrote the first paragraph of this piece on Wed May 1 2019 with a 6-minute write in class. We shared our pieces in class and received feedback. One of my classmates wrote a line about rainy days not having the pressure of sunny days -- her words were elegant and beautiful. This concept was the inspiration for the second paragraph of this piece. The final version of this piece was published on 52 Memoirs on Wed Jul 17 2019.
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Reflection: As I was re-reading the two paragraphs, I noticed an interesting contrast. My perspective on rainy days shifted a bit in class. I used to be disappointed by the rain -- it was a barrier to all the things I wanted to do that day. When I heard my classmate read her piece, I was surprised that her words resonated so deeply with me. Perhaps I've been afraid to admit that I sometimes feel relieved when it rains. As someone who as spent all of her life valuing productivity and efficiency, it feels nice to let go. I don't have to do all the things I thought I wanted to do that day.
Timing: I wrote the first paragraph of this piece on Wed May 1 2019 with a 6-minute write in class. We shared our pieces in class and received feedback. One of my classmates wrote a line about rainy days not having the pressure of sunny days -- her words were elegant and beautiful. This concept was the inspiration for the second paragraph of this piece. The final version of this piece was published on 52 Memoirs on Wed Jul 17 2019.
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On rainy days, I feel introverted and introspective. I cozy up on the couch… with a good book in my hands and my puppy warming my feet. I listen to the sound of rain. I sip a hot mug of tea, while looking out at the puddles on my terrace. Each drop of rain forming concentric circles. Moving outward. Dissipating. I feel and observe my mood: fresh and crisp like the air behind the rain, but with a hint of sadness. I sit in the aloneness and loneliness of the rain.
On rainy days, I feel the pressure lift. As I look out the window at the distant droplets -- aloof and unyielding -- I feel my body start to relax. My incessant need to be productive and efficient begins to quiet. The rain washes away my fight. Under the heavy weight of a sunny day, I feel like I have to go out, get things done, and run at a million miles a minute. Rain gives me permission to rest, take time, and go slow. I'll run again tomorrow.
On rainy days, I feel the pressure lift. As I look out the window at the distant droplets -- aloof and unyielding -- I feel my body start to relax. My incessant need to be productive and efficient begins to quiet. The rain washes away my fight. Under the heavy weight of a sunny day, I feel like I have to go out, get things done, and run at a million miles a minute. Rain gives me permission to rest, take time, and go slow. I'll run again tomorrow.
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Reflection: As I was re-reading the two paragraphs, I noticed an interesting contrast. My perspective on rainy days shifted a bit in class. I used to be disappointed by the rain -- it was a barrier to all the things I wanted to do that day. When I heard my classmate read her piece, I was surprised that her words resonated so deeply with me. Perhaps I've been afraid to admit that I sometimes feel relieved when it rains. As someone who as spent all of her life valuing productivity and efficiency, it feels nice to let go. I don't have to do all the things I thought I wanted to do that day.