Storieo

Category: Inspiration

Collection of Best Inspirational Short Stories

  • A Flickering Lightbulb

    A Flickering Lightbulb

    A lonely, winding path.

    A flickering lightbulb overhead.

    The street’s shrouded in complete darkness, with little illumination to boast of, save for the tiny pinpricks of light from the occasional firefly, the bulb providing no such help.

    There’s just the two of us here, just you and me.

    You draw your hood low against the cold droughts of wind as we walk, and I do the same, not from fear of the cold, but from the ache of possibly seeing a downward curve to your lips, disapproval curling at the edges, and it’s this that I cannot allow.

    All of a sudden, you let out a small gasp and clutch my hand tighter, your steps skittering on the asphalt, and it’s almost in tandem with the loud chorus of howls starting up somewhere, unseen and terrifying.

    Gripping my cold, bloodless fingers, you pull me to a stop, asking in hushed whispers, “Did you hear that?”

    and of course I do, but how could I possibly tell you that, without betraying my shaky voice, without letting slip a sliver of the fear that’s curling through my veins, rendering me immobile?

    So I just gently stroke my thumb along yours, hoping beyond hope that it gives you a shadow of the comfort I yearn to, and pull you forward, alongside me in the plunging, encompassing darkness.

    And with trembling steps, you come along, reluctance emanating from every pore, and if I could, I’d laugh at the mildly disgruntled faces I know you must be pulling, the very thought of your nose wrinkled in displeasure sending me to the edges of hysteria.

    (If I could, I’d simply get you out of here, where we knew nobody and no one called out our name.)

    (If I could, I’d give you the whole world to do with as you so wished.)

    but I can’t, so I just walk alongside you in a deep, deep silence.

    We walk and walk and keep walking, till we do not know why we’re doing this, till we do not remember our destinations or our names, till we are familiar with nothing but the shape of the other’s breath. (but then again, does anything else even matter?)

    We walk and that’s when, at long last we see it, the path ahead lit by the warm glow of a lightbulb, only this one does not flicker.

    And it’s here that we almost reach our first disagreement, because I wish to walk to it slowly, completely drink it in with our eyes, to see, to check that it’s real, that it’s there, that it won’t melt away at the barest touch, the way dreams often do, the way mere figments of imagination bring us to ruin.

    But you’re you and you wish to rush into it headlong with shining eyes and that mad laugh of yours. You’re you and I’m me and when have I ever been able to deny the smallest whisper from your lips? And so we hold each other tighter and run towards it, towards everything, our faces split in identical grins.

    And surprising me in the way only you ever can, the first thing you do, after we reach, is throw your arms around me, and I curl mine around you, hiding my smile in your hair as I feel relief as I’ve never known before, course through me.

    “I can’t believe we did it”, you whisper contently, before quietly adding “Weren’t you scared?”

    And of course I was, but how could I possibly tell you that if it hadn’t been for your steady heartbeat against my palms, that if it hadn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here right now?

    A luminescent lightbulb overhead.

    There’s just the two of us here, just you and me (and I would never have it any other way.)

  • Nature’s Benefits towards our Mental Health 

    Spending time in nature can help reduce stress levels. The serenity, fresh air, and natural surroundings have a calming effect on the mind and body, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety. Nature has been found to enhance mood and promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Being in natural environments, such as parks, forests, or near bodies of water, can boost positive emotions and help combat feelings of depression.

     Nature provides a break from the demands and fast pace of daily life. Immersing oneself in natural surroundings can promote relaxation, decrease muscle tension, and lower blood pressure, thus contributing to a sense of calmness. Spending time in nature has been associated with improved cognitive function and attention restoration. Nature provides a respite from the constant stimulation of technology and urban environments, allowing the mind to recharge and restore focus. Engaging in outdoor activities in nature, such as hiking, cycling, or gardening, promotes physical activity. Regular exercise has well-established benefits for mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

    Nature can provide opportunities for social interaction and connection. Joining outdoor clubs, participating in group activities like nature walks, or simply spending time with friends and family in natural settings can strengthen social bonds and support mental well-being. Sunlight exposure is essential for the production of vitamin D, which plays a role in regulating mood. Being outdoors in nature allows for greater exposure to natural light, especially during the daytime, which can positively impact mental health. Nature’s beauty and sensory experiences, such as the sight of trees, flowers, or water, the sound of birds singing, or the scent of fresh air, can have a rejuvenating effect on the mind and senses. This restoration can help reduce mental fatigue and increase overall well-being. Nature will always be our personal Spending time in nature can help reduce stress levels. The serenity, fresh air, and natural surroundings have a calming effect on the mind and body, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety. Nature has been found to enhance mood and promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Being in natural environments, such as parks, forests, or near bodies of water, can boost positive emotions and help combat feelings of depression.

     Nature provides a break from the demands and fast pace of daily life. Immersing oneself in natural surroundings can promote relaxation, decrease muscle tension, and lower blood pressure, thus contributing to a sense of calmness. Spending time in nature has been associated with improved cognitive function and attention restoration. Nature provides a respite from the constant stimulation of technology and urban environments, allowing the mind to recharge and restore focus. Engaging in outdoor activities in nature, such as hiking, cycling, or gardening, promotes physical activity. Regular exercise has well-established benefits for mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

    Nature can provide opportunities for social interaction and connection. Joining outdoor clubs, participating in group activities like nature walks, or simply spending time with friends and family in natural settings can strengthen social bonds and support mental well-being. Sunlight exposure is essential for the production of vitamin D, which plays a role in regulating mood. Being outdoors in nature allows for greater exposure to natural light, especially during the daytime, which can positively impact mental health. Nature’s beauty and sensory experiences, such as the sight of trees, flowers, or water, the sound of birds singing, or the scent of fresh air, can have a rejuvenating effect on the mind and senses. This restoration can help reduce mental fatigue and increase overall well-being. Nature will always be our therapist and our ultimate healer. 

  • A Powerful Story 

    A Powerful Story 

    A farmer got so old that he couldn’t work the fields anymore. So he would spend the day just sitting on the porch. His son, still working the farm, would look up from time to time and see his father sitting there. “He’s of no use any more,” the son thought to himself, “he doesn’t do anything!”

    One day the son got so frustrated by this, that he built a wood coffin, dragged it over to the porch, and told his father to get in. Without saying anything, the father climbed inside. After closing the lid, the son dragged the coffin to the edge of the farm where there was a high cliff.

    As he approached the drop, he heard a light tapping on the lid from inside the coffin. He opened it up. Still lying there peacefully, the father looked up at his son: “I know you are going to throw me over the cliff, but before you do, may I suggest something?” “What is it?” replied the son. “Throw me over the cliff, if you like,” said the father, “but save this good wood coffin. Your children might need to use it.”

  • The Flower’s Secret

    I saw Mrs. Singh today. There was a pleasant smile on her beautiful face as her eyes met mine. She waved at me, as she was watering her pretty flowers, placed in the delicately decorated pots. She had decorated the pots herself with the pastels and all the colors she could find. I reminisced that day when she was painting the outside of the pots with the bright shades of yellows and blues, smiling at me, as she would always do. Her smile was just like the decorated pots – colorful and bright, illuminating and passing on others the positive energy that was within her. Anyone would be filled with warmth and colors when they met her beaming face. As I was walking by, the sun falling in both of our faces, I gazed at the flowers. Under the sunlight, they were golden, shining even more than they usually do. They glowed differently under the silver moonlight, but their beauty never faded. Just like her flowers, Mrs. Singh always shined, grounded to her roots, to her family, to her home. The fact of her being grounded to such an uncomplicated environment made her a happy woman. My eyes searched for another figure beside her, yet there was no one there. Her lovely husband was usually always away, but the love between them was immeasurable. Although, when he was actually beside her, the amount of love her eyes held when she looked at him was simply beautiful. There was a different kind of shimmer in her eyes as she would sigh and take deep breaths with fidgeting hands. Magical how love changes the whole demeanor of a person.

    As she was waving at me, I noticed a mark on her left hand, a little below the wrist. Somewhat like a dark bruise. My mind telling me just that instant that she must have burned herself, while making a perfect meal for her perfect husband. What else could be the reason of the mark’s existence, keeping in mind how perfect Mrs. Singh’s life was? But what surprised me the most was that just as she noticed me acknowledging that mark, her pretty forehead formed creases and her aura felt tensed. Her smile flickered and her eyes turned to a shade of blue, like one of her flower pots. She tugged at the sleeves of her beige colored sweater in an attempt to conceal the mark, but my eyes had seen the hidden mark. It was in plain sight for me, very much visible. What other marks she was concealing were hard to find. The dark tint on her skin peeking from the little holes of her sweater sleeves was raising many questions in my head. But they were all dismissed as I looked up at her face which carried that pretty smile again. And the sight of the blooming flowers made me feel relaxed. Women like Mrs. Singh who always smile and give one warm vibes don’t have any secrets to keep.

    “How are you, Mrs. Singh?” I asked.

    She replied, “I’m as lovely as these flowers.”

    But her flowers had invisible thorns, just like she had no secrets.       

  •   MY UNKNOWN SAVIOR

      MY UNKNOWN SAVIOR

                                                 A girl named shivinya traveled on the bus. Shivinya is quite stubborn about her life. She recently broke up with her boyfriend. She was sitting near the window, there was rain that day, the raindrops splashes on the road, and she saw them with shiny blurry tear droplets rolling over her rosy cheek. Her regular velvety red lips looks dry cracked and lifeless. She curses the world and god inside her head, which let her to meet her boyfriend; he isn’t worth of her loyalty and love. On the next stop of her bus a handsome middle-aged man stepped into bus and sat beside shivinya. He looks tall, dusky, broad shoulder with soft facial structure looks like calm priest. Shivinya is uncomfortable at first but then for some reason she feels relaxed and calm in his presence. He is a psychologist, at first meeting itself he understands about her situation. So he started to talk slowly and steadily with her she starts to open up. At first, it was just a formal conversation but now it gets deeper, she couldn’t resist her inner feelings, so she spoke about her breakup and burst into tears she can’t hold back she wants someone to say “it’s okay”. So the man pats her on her shoulder and allows her to settle down. She felt the warmth of his hand, and she suddenly comeback to herself. Then after a long speechless time he starts to talk to her, “girl it’s just a phase you will move on soon”. She looks his face with mixed feelings. Then he said to her to remember this “not everyone and everything in this world is permanent” even in this bus travel, while traveling you sees lots of people with different characters. You have to travel with them even when you like it or not. You like some of them, you hate some of them, you respect some of them, but you have to go to your destination place. Even you like them you can’t take them to your place. Even you hate them you can’t eliminate them from here. So you have to know where you are going for your good. On hearing this Shivinya said “he isn’t a normal passenger who travels with me he is my lover “In a mild and shivering tone with lifeless voice. After hearing this he laughed in a husky manner and said “Don’t you know everyone you love doesn’t have to love you back, everyone you hate doesn’t have to hate you back. Some love even if you hate them, some hate even if you love them. It’s their choice”. She realized that she is emotionally hopeless now. She said “Thank you for being my eye-opener, I’m going to get over it, but don’t know how”. He smiled and said “it’s my destination I’m off then”. He packed his luggage and get off the bus and wave her a hand and shouted “Good to go my brave girl time will give you the change”. She smiled calmly and waved him back and said” it will”……..

  • WHISPERS OF THE CITY: THE ARCHITECT’S TALE

    Once upon a time in the bustling city of Metropolis, an architect named Oliver lived. He was a thin man, so gaunt and fragile that the mere sight of him could send a shiver down one’s spine. His figure was like a wisp of smoke and seemed to defy the laws of substance. Although he had a good earning and respectable job there was something that bothered him a lot, his dreams that were so impossible to be fulfilled in this fast-moving world. And because of this, he gave most of his time to his work. For numerous he had designed grand skyscrapers that reached the gate of heaven from the head of land, and this led him to many prestigious awards and honours. Despite all this, he was leading a very monotonous and boring life.

    On one fateful day, when he strolled down the deserted labyrinthine streets thinking intensely about nothing and carrying his body forcefully, he came across an old shop on one of the strangest corners of the street. This was not a usual shop with a fancy name, boards, paints and location. His absent-minded body took him into the shop. He didn’t want to go, but it was the curiosity of his subconscious mind that led him to the shop. When he entered the shop he saw bookshelves that were made of oak wood. The shelves lost their shine but not their magnificence and strength, standing still like a wall. There were about 50 bookshelves in the shop. While he was trying to digest what he is looking at, he heard an old shaking voice of a woman. He turned towards his left following the source of the voice, he saw an old woman coming towards him with a pleasing smile. “How may I help you? ” asked the lady. This old woman was in her sixties wearing an old shirt and a full-length skirt. Her face, etched with a myriad of wrinkles and lines, told stories of a life richly lived not by money but by memories. Her joyous and happy tone mesmerised Oliver. Like ancient jewels, her eyes shimmered with depth that seemed to transcend the present moment. While Oliver was staring absently at her she asked again “How may I assist you? ” but this time her question broke the temporal hypnosis of Olvier. And with complete nervousness, he said “Actually I was just passing by and saw…… ” Before he could complete the old lady said, “Welcome to our book store we have numerous books, please have a look and select the book you want”. Something happened and Oliver decided to go through each shelf even though he was not a person who read books.

    While he was walking into the store, he came across numerous genres of books like novels, history, fiction, poetry, novel, science, and so on. Apart from the genre it had some of the old books and comics whose publication was stopped a very long time ago. And while wandering through hundreds of books he came across a thick diary-like book. It was a leather-bound journal that caught the attention of his eyes. And when he took the book and opened it, he found handwritten stories that revealed the secret dreams and desires of its previous owner. And when he went through that book he got so much curious to read the content in the book. He got so impressed that he decided to buy it. He went to that lady and asked to buy it. 

    When he came back to his house he dived into the journey of literature and sailed into the ocean of dreams and words of its previous owners. The story of these dreams brought a whole new perspective towards the thought process of Oliver. He was so relaxed and enlightened by reading this book. The book contained all dreams and desires that were achieved and failed. Romanticism, happiness, and success gave him a positive point of view which was balanced by some sorrows of failure. But the failures were not the reason to demotivate the reader but to motivate him to run towards his/her dream. After completing the reading of his book, he returned to his desk, not with a dull face but with eyes that were screaming joy and motivation. And then he made very beautiful designs and changed the whole look of the city.

    Positivity and motivation lie in the inner soul, sometimes we just need a reason to trigger this. Here, the book played the role of trigger for Oliver and motivated him to establish his dreams and desires.

  • Unlimited Heights: Maya’s Journey of Determination and Inspiration

    Once upon a time, in a small village nestled at the foot of a majestic mountain, there lived a young girl named Maya. Maya was born with a rare condition that confined her to a wheelchair. Despite her physical limitations, Maya possessed an indomitable spirit and an unwavering determination to live life to its fullest.

    Maya’s village was renowned for its annual mountain climbing competition, where the bravest and strongest individuals would conquer the treacherous peaks. Inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the mountains and fueled by her own dreams, Maya yearned to participate in the competition.

    Though many discouraged her, Maya refused to let her wheelchair define her capabilities. She believed that with enough perseverance and a resilient spirit, she could overcome any obstacle. Determined to prove herself, Maya embarked on a journey of rigorous training, both physically and mentally.

    With the support of her family, friends, and the entire village, Maya pushed herself to her limits. She built her strength through daily exercises, focused on mental fortitude through meditation, and studied the mountains, learning their paths and challenges by heart.

    The day of the competition arrived, and the village gathered to witness the remarkable feat that awaited them. As the participants set off, Maya positioned herself at the starting line, her heart pounding with anticipation.

    With each push of her wheelchair, Maya demonstrated the power of resilience. The rocky terrain and steep slopes presented immense challenges, but Maya’s determination knew no bounds. She faced every obstacle head-on, refusing to back down.

    As Maya ascended the mountain, her courage and determination began to inspire everyone around her. Spectators cheered her on, their hearts filled with admiration for the girl who defied the odds. Maya’s unwavering spirit and contagious enthusiasm became a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who witnessed her journey.

    Hours turned into minutes as Maya neared the summit. Fatigue threatened to overtake her, but she summoned every ounce of strength left within her. With a surge of determination, Maya reached the pinnacle of the mountain, tears streaming down her face.

    The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, celebrating not only Maya’s victory but also the triumph of the human spirit. Maya had proven that limitations were mere illusions, and dreams could transcend any barrier.

    News of Maya’s extraordinary achievement spread like wildfire, reaching far beyond her village. People from all walks of life were inspired by her story. Maya’s determination to chase her dreams despite her physical challenges served as a powerful reminder that our circumstances do not define us. It is the fire within our souls and the resilience in our hearts that propels us forward.

    Maya’s story touched the hearts of millions, igniting a global movement of inclusivity and empowerment. She became an advocate for individuals with disabilities, tirelessly working to break down barriers and ensure equal opportunities for all.

    Maya’s legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us that the human spirit is boundless. Her story serves as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the unwavering belief in oneself. Maya taught the world that with the right mindset and an indomitable spirit, we can conquer any challenge and achieve greatness.

    So, let Maya’s story be a guiding light in your own journey. Remember that the strength to overcome adversity lies within you, waiting to be awakened. Embrace your dreams, face your challenges head-on, and let your spirit soar. For like Maya, you too can inspire the world with your unwavering determination and inspire others to believe in the limitless possibilities that reside within each of us.

  • A Quiet Evening

    I sat cradling a cup of warm coffee between my palms as droplets pattered on the windowsill beside me. Every so often a single droplet would be led astray and reach for my coffee, making me smile unconsciously. There has always been something about the rain that intensifies human emotion. On that particular evening I sat ruminating in the quiet joys of my life. It was hard for me to accept that I could be a happy adult, that I could find the hustle of the world around me endearing. I outwardly hated it but I had no qualms about the way my life was turning out particularly.

    Do not misunderstand, reader. I was not a happy individual per se, but one with no troubles I could not handle. Moreover, the motivation to go looking for problems and to dig up old melancholy had vanished from my existence. I attributed this to my age. Perhaps it was upsetting, how the vigor one had for life could dissipate when one hadn’t even covered a quarter of it. But I had found a way that worked for me and it gave me an odd thrill to be satisfied in a world that functioned on lack. It was due to this nature of mine that I had ended up molding that made me like the rain even though I did not adore it as some do, romanticizing the very notion of it. I had simply accepted it and now I had begun to enjoy the experience.

    I lived for such quiet evenings, ones where I made little to no sound and simply existed as an ear for the world. It reminded me of a poem of mammothic proportions, Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. Whitman considered it a joy and a worthy use of one’s time to fade into the background in order to hear the sounds of his surroundings. While I did not share his endurance, that of a poet and an artist, I found this act to be worthy of the time of a human. As a leaf of grass, what was the purpose of a temporal life, if not to be here in the present and green? These were the thoughts that I shared with myself, and now I share with you, as I emptied my cup of that black liquid and returned to the company of others.

  • Youth: Previously, Existing and Upcoming

    Youth: Previously, Existing and Upcoming

    Youth: the name of tomorrow, key to contemporary sorrows.

    Youth: the hope for today, setting an example through the rules they obey.

    On 37th National Youth Day, let’s consider it our conscientious to pay homage to the epitome of bright eyed Swami Vivekananda. With his bblessing let’s move on to the discriptive part of the essay. The topic is divided into three intriguing words ‘Previously’, ‘Existing’ and ‘Upcoming’. Let’s start with the term ‘Previously’. Back in the earlier times’ youth was also considered to be the funk and soul of every society. At the time of independence in 1947 and even before that youth icon like Shahid Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, etc. instill a sense of Nationalism in the heart of youth. The values that the previous youth has enshrined are a sense of sacrifice, respect for motherland, concord with others, etc. But to add to the legacy, the existing youth has taken the podium. Today’s youth is not only restricted to their work and life but  is playing a vital role in inspiring the World around. He is crossing the horizons, traveling across oceans of uncertainity, passing the despair. But many times this passing is considered as trespassing, and today’s youth is considered the lost generation, as said by Kim Namjoon,  a member of boy-band Bts in the UN general assembly. He  further added that ‘We’re the welcome generation’ because instead of fearing changes this generation says ‘Welcome’ and keep forging ahead. Today’s youth is becoming more self-aware and is moving ahead with the thought of sustainability, They are showing the world new ideologies of loving yourself and  of being self-partnered. Existing Youth are not feared of the thought of wrong choices and decisions but are encouraged by the idea of making choices in dynamic conditions. Having said about previous and existing Youth, the upcoming generation is expected to accept the world with all its bane and boon. They will fight aloofness, will challenge their limits, and will work harder to bloom the flower ecstasy in the world.

  • “The Harmonic Quest: The Battle for Alveria”

    Once upon a time, in the mystical land of Alveria, there existed a powerful and benevolent deity named Aria, known as the Goddess of Harmony. Aria possessed a magical harp that could enchant the hearts of all living beings, bringing peace and tranquility wherever its melodies were heard.

    In Alveria, two great kingdoms, the Kingdom of Sunlight and the Kingdom of Moonlight, existed side by side. The people of these kingdoms were filled with love and joy, living in harmony under the watchful gaze of Aria. However, their peaceful existence was threatened when the wicked demon lord, Malachar, rose from the depths of the Shadowrealm.

    Malachar was a master of darkness and chaos, seeking to plunge Alveria into eternal darkness. He despised the harmonious melodies of Aria’s harp, for they stood as a symbol of everything he detested. Determined to seize control, Malachar hatched a plan to steal the harp and silence its enchanting music forever.

    Aria, sensing the imminent danger, called upon her chosen champion, Arion, a brave and noble warrior. Arion was bestowed with the power of the elements, able to wield fire, water, earth, and air with grace and precision. He embarked on a perilous quest to retrieve the stolen harp and restore harmony to the land.

    As Arion ventured deep into the treacherous Shadowrealm, he encountered numerous challenges and faced sinister creatures sent by Malachar to hinder his progress. Yet, he remained steadfast, relying on his courage and unwavering determination. Along his journey, he met allies from different realms, each possessing unique abilities that aided him in his quest.

    Arion’s path finally led him to the heart of the Shadowrealm, where Malachar awaited him with his demonic forces. The battle that ensued was fierce, with Arion unleashing the elemental powers bestowed upon him by Aria. Fire blazed from his fingertips, water surged in powerful waves, the earth trembled beneath his feet, and the wind howled in his wake.

    With each strike, Arion grew closer to victory, weakening Malachar’s hold over the land. As the final clash ensued, Arion seized the moment and struck the demon lord with all his might, breaking Malachar’s dark grip on the stolen harp. Light erupted, banishing the darkness and restoring balance to Alveria.

    The people of the Kingdoms of Sunlight and Moonlight rejoiced as Aria’s enchanting melodies once again filled the air. Peace and harmony washed over the land, and Arion was hailed as the hero who saved Alveria from the clutches of darkness. Aria appeared before him, expressing her gratitude and offering him a place as her eternal guardian.

    From that day forward, Arion stood as the protector of Aria’s harp and the embodiment of harmony in Alveria. The tale of his bravery and the power of Aria’s harp became legendary, passed down through generations, reminding the people of the eternal struggle between light and darkness and the triumph of harmony over chaos. And thus, the mythology of Alveria lived on, inspiring hope and unity for all who heard its tale.