Expectations

Image: Claudia Braun 01/2026

Late in the day, here is another randomly generated question…

What do you give your best effort on?

I strive to be a good daugther, and to do my best at meeting my mom’s expectations of me. Regrettably, all too often it feels as if I am a disappointment to her.

Abandoned Goal

Image: Claudia Braun 01/2026

What’s a goal you’ve given up on, and do you regret it?

One of my greatest goals always was to own a single family home or condo. I was so darn close, but life got in the way. Do I regret not achieving the purchase of a property? Yes, every single day.

Keeping Track

Daily writing prompt
What could you do differently?

I could [and really should] begin keeping track of my “dark days”. How often do I have them throughout the year? What are [or seem to be] the upsetting circumstances? How long does each sad period last? A written account could potentially help to figure out patterns and warning signs of an oncoming episode, and it may help to develop strategies. This information could also be helpful at the doctor’s office or in therapy.

Gladly Received

Image: Claudia Braun 01/2026

Today’s randomly generated question asks…

What was the last gift you received?

The last gift I received was an Apple music gift card for my birthday. Cool, because I had a few songs on my wishlist, that I was able to purchase already. Tonight, one of them will kickstart a new year of Music @ Midnight. See you then?

Crystal Ball, Please Tell Me

Daily writing prompt
Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?

Most of my time is spend being worried about the future. Why? Because of my involuntary dependency for government financial assistance, as well as having to rely upon my brother’s good graces, once my mom is no longer with us. He was not blessed with empathy, hates me to begin with, and usually looks out for himself and his financial gain. The funny thing is, that I’ve been called naive a time or twenty-five. Yet, my mom always tells me, not to worry so much, that everything will be okay. Excuse me? Who is naive? I drive myself crazy, thinking about ways to get out of this subpar situation. So far I come up with nothing. You may call me a pessimist, but I think there’s plenty enough reason.

Individual Decision

Image: Claudia Braun 01/2026

Today’s question is difficult, or is it? Well, let’s see what the random generator came up with…

Do you think old or sick people should be allowed to take their own lives?

Yes I do think, that ending your own life should be an individual, personal decision. Who has the right to tell others how much pain and discomfort, or otherwise horrible circumstances they have to endure, before they are “allowed” to leave this world? No one, that’s right. I can agree to having to see your general physician and a psychologist several times prior, to help you figure out if taking your own life is “the only/the best option” for you, and to ensure that you are making an informed decision. If you have family/friends/a partner, you can certainly discuss your situation with them. But ultimately, the decision should be your own. And don’t come at me with religious beliefs, or laws and paragraphs. I don’t care. It’s my life and I will end it, how and when I see fit. Loved ones can help me decide and remain by my side until I fall asleep – if they choose to. But this is how it should be for every single person. Your life, your choice.
What can not happen is, that the elderly or sick people will be “aggressively encouraged” to take their own lives, to not be a burden for society. My fear is, that it may get to that point, and that’s unacceptable, period. My hope is, that by the time I may have to make such a decision, assisted suicide will be legal in Germany.

Open Your Heart

Daily writing prompt
What is the greatest gift someone could give you?

Put your wallet and your credit card away….far away, because you won’t need it.
The greatest gift to give me is true, unconditonal love [or friendship]. “Things” on my wishlist, I can certainly get myself. Should such desired items be out of my financial reach, I won’t have them. Simple as that.

Specifically Tailored Lessons

Daily writing prompt
What colleges have you attended?

I’m not ashamed to say, that I don’t have a college education. The school of life taught me all the valuable lessons, tailored specifically to me and my personal growth. I was never without a job until early retirement, some better than others no doubt. Without ever setting foot on a college campus, neither in Germany, nor in America, I was always financially stable and independent.

Just Once

Image: Claudia Braun 01/2026

Today’s question of my new Q&A prompt asks:

Do you ever go to stand-up comedy shows?

To date I watch a comedy show on TV called “Die besten Comedians Deutschlands” which translates to “Germany’s best comedians”. From what I understand, they are on tour in 2026 and 2027. I would love to see them live just once, even knowing, that getting to the venue in Frankfurt and back home with public transportation would be quite the challenge. Not to mention all the people, the noise, the commotion [due to misophonia]. But it would be so worth it. I’ll keep the idea tumbling about in that head of mine and just maybe, I can come up with a way to make it happen for myself. Especially in such demanding, difficult times a few good laughs are just the ticket, don’t you think?

Facts Only, Please

Image: Claudia Braun 01/2026

The second randomly generated question of my new Q&A writing prompt reads…

What annoys you about news reporting in your country?

I think journalism in my country changed quite a bit towards the negative. Headlines are no longer “catchy” and well thought out, but instead unnecessarily dramatized, to get the reader’s attention [at all?]. It is rather frightening, that we seem to have accustomed to hearing or reading about yet another tragedy, war or political difficulties. Did journalism change to sensationalism?
What really annoys me, to answer today’s question is, that too many of our journalists here in Germany freely give their own opinions in articles when, in my understanding, they should simply present the facts. Just the relevant information, and please, without leaning towards either one of Germany’s political parties. It is also quite upsetting that you’re no longer able to trust what you are reading, without researching yourself, whether or not the information is in fact true or false. I’m stating this with regard to manipulation tactics, to sway our thoughts and opinions into the intended direction or towards questionable causes. And then again, maybe news reporting has never been a whole lot different or better years and decades ago. Perhaps I learned to be more critical and ask more question instead?