A wandering old man came upon the bank of a wide river. A ferryman and his rowboat were docked at this bank ready to escort travelers across the wide river. The old wanderer gave the ferryman some coins and boarded the rowboat.

As the ferryman was rowing the old wanderer across the wide river he asked, “Are you a teacher?”

The old wanderer answered, “Depends on if one wants to be taught.”

The ferryman said, “I seek to reach enlightenment, what do you think is the way?”

The old wanderer answered, “This river does not seek, yet it still reaches a destination.”

Once across the wide river, the old wanderer exited the rowboat and headed to his destination, somewhere.

Romance is the unspoken language of love, weaving magic into relationships and creating a deep, soulful connection between partners. It’s not about grand gestures alone; even the smallest acts of care — a love note slipped into a pocket, a warm hug after a long day, or a candlelit dinner at home — can keep the spark alive. In today’s fast-paced world, romance becomes the oasis that reminds us to slow down, cherish each other, and nurture the emotional bond that forms the foundation of a loving relationship. It’s in these tender moments that love thrives and grows, transcending the ordinary to become extraordinary.

Looking back at the golden days, romance was the heartbeat of relationships. Couples exchanged heartfelt letters, danced to melodies under moonlit skies, and spent hours simply walking hand in hand. It was a time when love was expressed with authenticity and simplicity, and every gesture carried profound meaning. Today, we have the opportunity to blend the charm of old-fashioned romance with modern creativity. From planning surprise getaways to crafting thoughtful digital messages, romance can be your secret to reigniting passion and strengthening the emotional connection.

For more tips and ideas to keep your love life flourishing, visit random26blogs.com. Discover ways to surprise your partner, create meaningful memories, and explore the magic that keeps relationships vibrant. Let’s make every moment count!

How to Surprise Your Partner on This New Year’s Eve: 15 Romantic Ideas was originally published in A Smiling World on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

When it comes to Christmas desserts, Southern pies hold a special place in holiday celebrations. These iconic treats blend tradition, flavor, and heartwarming nostalgia, making them the ultimate showstoppers for festive gatherings. Whether it’s the creamy indulgence of Chocolate Gravy Pie or the refreshing flair of Peppermint Pie, Southern pies are more than just desserts — they’re the soul of every holiday feast. With every bite, they offer a comforting reminder of cherished family traditions and the joy of sharing good food.

Take your holiday baking to new heights this season by exploring timeless Southern classics. Coconut Cream Pie brings a tropical escape with its silky coconut custard and toasted coconut topping, while Butterscotch Pie wraps you in caramel-rich warmth, ideal for a cozy winter evening. And for those who love bold flavors, the Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie’s sweet and salty combination is a guaranteed hit. Each pie is crafted to create unforgettable moments, leaving your guests craving seconds.

Ready to add a Southern twist to your Christmas table? Visit random26blogs.com for step-by-step recipes and pro tips to make these pies your holiday centerpiece. Let your baking spread joy and sparkle this season, and watch as these desserts become a beloved tradition in your home.

Why Southern Pies Are the Ultimate Christmas Dessert was originally published in A Smiling World on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

On most days, self-control and governance are not an issue. I know what to do; it’s automatic. I do things I need to do and try not to annoy more than 1% of the population in my world, myself included!

On some days, I do not know what to do — let me rephrase, I know what to do but I do not want to do it in the natural manner I am used to. My brain goes on a divergent road.

When that happens, I do not know how to behave. I do not know what to be.

I think of things I do not ordinarily think about; I crave experiences out of my normal preference. I hear a voice that says “I wish I could be more alive”.

What does it mean to be more alive?

I hope being reckless is not the meaning of being alive because reckless is by my understanding and that of many adults not always pay friendly.

I scrap reckless.

What is being alive?

Being totally honest about everything I feel?

Imagine if everyone would be honest about everything; the world would literally fall apart.

I know the truth; it’s not for sharing right now so nope it is not honesty.

Then what?

More sexual interaction? Less stress? Less worry? More money? More friends? More drinks? Less work?

Nah!

My thoughts about being more alive right now are just not hitting the spot. Everything I am thinking about involves giving; giving into or giving up something in exchange for a feeling or an experience.

I ponder on this for a while — life is giving into or giving up in a lot of cases if we are being honest.

I do not know how to behave right now because my river is a bit dry (could be boredom, exhaustion, fear, overload, time loss, creative loss, frustration, being in the wrong frequency etc.).

Something in me in raising an alarm, its rebelling.

Something in me wants to be quenched; it needs a boost of aliveness.

Maybe what I need right now is a pause — a pause to receive.

Receive insight, receive rest, peace, stillness, wisdom, courage, direction, love, hope and essence.

Perhaps, a real inhale and exhale will stir awareness in me. Perhaps a thank you will reopen my belief in something bigger than my foggy eyesight at this moment.

Perhaps what I need know if to step away from the fight for a while — the fights can be exhausting; they chip away at our essence if we are not careful.

The fight to be right, the fight to be perfect, the fight to be reverenced.

The truth is that I do not always know how to behave especially when my aliveness feels attacked — it is ironic that it is the very things I chase to be alive that can steal my feelings of aliveness.

We do what we must do.

I did say sometimes we need to step away from the fight but not the fight to feel alive.

I Do Not Always Know How To Behave was originally published in A Smiling World on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

This Vintage Recipe Will Transform Your Home Into a Christmas Wonderland

There’s something magical about the holiday season — the twinkling lights, the warm gatherings, and, of course, the cozy aromas that make everything feel festive. Imagine stepping into a house that smells like Christmas morning, where notes of cinnamon, citrus, and spices wrap you in a comforting hug. What’s the secret? A recipe that has stood the test of time: the iconic “Christmas Scent” stovetop potpourri.

This vintage gem, featured in Southern Living decades ago, is a timeless way to fill your home with natural, long-lasting holiday fragrances. The best part? It’s made with simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. But this isn’t just about scent — it’s about creating an atmosphere, sparking nostalgia, and maybe even starting a new holiday tradition.

Curious to know the exact recipe? I’ve shared all the details, tips for customization, and even a thoughtful gifting idea on my blog. Trust me, this is one tradition you’ll want to carry forward. Head over to my website for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions — your home will thank you!

Click here to uncover the secret to the perfect holiday aroma.

On Christmas People Always Ask How My House Smells So Good — This Recipe Is the Secret! was originally published in A Smiling World on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

how it led to my transformation —

Ok, this is my first post… and let’s just start with a little backstory of mine. It might motivate you in some way.

So, I came from a country with limited possibilities and facilities, as well as from a family with middle-class income. When I was a kid, I didn’t have many desires or dreams either. I was just living my life like a lifeless being. Slowly, I started to feel the need of wanting validation from people. I was taught that, the people who get good grades are the ones who make good friends.

So, that’s when I started to get serious about my studies (typically in middle school). Before that, I was a crybaby who used to cry at little things. But you know what? After this ‘study-to-get-good-grades’ thing — it made me end up getting the the first place — for which, of course, I got some attention. But whatever attention I got — I got it because the classmates wanted my help on their studies — and not because they genuinely liked who I was.

Now that I remember it… I used to try my best to gain people’s attention. For that reason, I even became the class clown once — but I didn’t hate it at all because I didn’t have the intelligence to understand or comprehend the situation. (Now that I think about it… it does bring memories, and in no way am I saying that I hate my past self. I absolutely love her because without her… I wouldn’t have become the person I have become right now.
And things went on like that… I still hadn’t made many genuine friends by then. The ones I thought were my genuine friends back then were also class clowns — just like me (it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, because I still cherish those memories, even though I feel like it lacked depth and values).

Fast forward to high school… that’s when things started really changing for me. When I changed schools, I met a group of girls who felt really different. It felt like one of those movies where the main character is suddenly surrounded by people that change her life.

For me though… I lost contact with all of them except one. But the purpose of mentioning this story is not to talk about that. It’s just… to show you all that, during our worst times… we often grow the most.

Until I joined this high school, I didn’t have any serious dreams and goals. I am not saying the school was what made me dream big. Not at all. It’s just… whenever I changed an environment or somehow got out of my comfort zone… I felt like the reality around me somehow shifted. I am not necessarily saying that they were those godly presences in my life whatsoever.

After quarantine, when I made a group of online friends… who were the most precious friends I have ever made yet — and when I fell in love with one of them as well — and after breaking up with the guy for two times… all of this has taught me valuable lessons in life. If you read my newly published book, then you will know that, right now, I don’t believe in the concept of ‘right’ or ‘wrong.’ So, if I ever learn a lesson from some experience, then I would never say that it was because I made a mistake (or that — that was the wrong thing to do). I would simply say that it didn’t work for me.

If the breakup with the guy that I was obsessed with never happened… then… I wouldn’t have been introduced to the world of dreams and spirituality and tarots (which I don’t rely on or read anymore — but at that time, it was needed, because without it, I wouldn’t have started dreaming big).

So… my point is… sometimes, things just need to happen in weird ways in your life, even though that might not be there with you in your life forever. But whatever that thing or person has brought into your life — whether it’s a blessing, or a lesson, or both — will somehow end up serving you anyway.
So, you all… Blessings in Disguise does exist. You just need to live the present moment and go with it because without all those plots and twists, I wouldn’t have become this pretty dreamer girl that I am as of now.

Check out my book if you would like to know about my story and how I transformed into someone completely new. You will find that in the first few chapters though. The rest of the book rather talks about how can achieve all your wishes step-by-step practically — a method that I just randomly discovered after reading a romance drama script (I know it sounds weird- but it actually works lol)

Available now at your favorite digital store!

Blessings in Disguise was originally published in A Smiling World on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Hey there! You know how some texts just hit differently? Like, they warm your heart and make you feel all fuzzy inside, almost like a virtual hug. We all need a little extra love and support sometimes, and the right message can make all the difference. Here are 8 texts that can feel just like a hug, wrapping you up in all the feels. 💌🤗

1. “I’m happy to listen if you want to talk.”

Sometimes, all we need is someone to lend an ear. This text is like a cozy blanket of empathy, letting your friend know you’re there for them, ready to listen without judgment. It’s a gentle reminder that they don’t have to face their struggles alone.

2. “Seeing you was the highlight of my day.”

Who doesn’t love knowing they made someone’s day better? This sweet message is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. It lets your friend know that their presence brightens up your life, and that’s just the kind of compliment that feels like a warm hug.

3. “Thanks for trusting me with this, I’m sure it’s tough to talk about.”

When someone opens up to you about something difficult, it’s a big deal. This text acknowledges their courage and shows gratitude for their trust. It’s like giving a big, reassuring bear hug that says, “I’ve got you.”

4. “I just want to let you know, I’m thinking of you.”

Simple, yet powerful. This text is like a little nudge to remind your friend they’re not alone in the world. Knowing someone is thinking about you can be incredibly comforting, like a gentle squeeze from afar.

5. “Let me know you make it home safely.”

Care and concern packed into a tiny message. This text shows that you genuinely worry about their well-being, and that’s like the digital equivalent of tucking them in with a goodnight hug. Sweet dreams!

6. “It’s not your fault, I hope you know that.”

Sometimes, we need a reminder that we’re not to blame. This text is like a comforting pat on the back, assuring your friend that they shouldn’t be too hard on themselves. It’s the kind of message that helps lift a weight off their shoulders.

7. “Just want you to know that, I’m there for you.”

This is the verbal equivalent of opening your arms wide for a big embrace. Letting someone know you’re there for them, no matter what, is one of the most supportive and loving things you can do. Virtual hugs all around!

8. “I miss you, hope you’re doing really well.”

Distance may separate us, but this text bridges the gap with a heartfelt hug. Letting your friend know they’re missed and that you hope they’re doing well is a beautiful way to show you care. It’s like sending a little piece of your heart to them.

Wrap-Up

So there you have it! Eight texts that are sure to warm hearts and spread love, one message at a time. Whether your friend is having a rough day or you just want to remind them how special they are, these texts can deliver that much-needed virtual hug. Go ahead, spread some digital love today! 📲💖

8 Texts That Can Feel Like a Hug was originally published in A Smiling World on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.