176. Jealousy: Write with a theme of envy and jealousy.

It’s hard not to look at what other people have and covet that. There’s that tight, itchy, bitter feeling in your chest that blooms when you see something someone else has that you’re envious of: a happy marriage, a healthy baby, a big ass house, a lucrative career, etc. Jealousy is another form of self-sabotage. It gnaws away at the content moments of your life. Don’t allow it to. Control the green beast.

177. How Does Your Garden Grow? Write about a flower that grows in an unusual place.

Every day, she watched
the little pink bloom
making its way through the concrete cracks
lifting it’s bulbous head sunward.
Life happens in a way we’re
never meant to fully understand.

178. Jury Duty: Write a short story or poem that takes place in a courtroom.

He was sweating profusely. He hated courtrooms but his attempt to get out of jury duty failed miserably. And now he was here, sitting courtside, on a damn murder trial. By far the worst one…well aside from rape, child abuse and pedophilia….He rolled his eyes and looked down at his Apple Watch.

God, still 35 minutes until the trial was allegedly supposed to start. He just wanted to get the hell out of here. He looked around at his fellow jurors. They all seemed pretty content, which annoyed him even more. How was he the only one who didn’t want to be here?

He decided to think about the details of the case at hand. College kid strangled her roommate to death with her headphone cords after a disagreement over whose turn it was to clean their communal space. The college kid was, of course, off her meds at the time and well, tragedy ensued. He sighed. This was a pretty cut and dry case, so he should be done by the end of the week. He crossed his fingers.

179. Gifts: Write about a gift you have given or received.

I was recently given a piece of artwork of myself. It depicted me wearing a crown atop my box braids and a little smirk on my face. I’ve had artwork done of my face before but I’ve never been 100% satisfied with them. But this one? It was everything I wanted. It made me look as beautiful as I truly feel. I’ve received a lot of gifts in my life but this one was one of my all-time faves. And it was from a complete stranger on the internet. Imagine that!

180. Running: Write about running away from someone or something.

My feet hit the pavement hard and I almost lost my balance as I rounded the corner haphazardly.

Distant shouts behind me grew even more distant. I was losing them. I couldn’t stop now, though. I would never stop running, not until I’m safe.

Soon I left the dilapidated neighborhood behind and entered the quiet, green woods. I should be able to stop running soon. My lungs felt like they were going to give out. The trees overhead provide efficient cover for a girl on the run from the law.