1001 Stories Of Greatness, Series 2

1001 stories of Greatness are short fictional stories about how to tap into your potential by first looking within you to discover your hidden advantage and strength. Discovering who you can become starts with first accepting to look inward. If you do not look inward, how do you know your genius?   These stories give pointers to how to live fulfilled and free lives. And they are not meant for a selected few, but rather everyone of any age who has become responsible for their decisions.   To those who have lost time doing nothing significant and staying unfulfilled, I'm glad to tell you that time lost can be regained as long as you do not quit!   And for those who are just starting out in life, it is important to let you know that every decision you make will determine whether you truly live or merely exist. So make decisions wisely.    1001 stories of greatness contain wisdom that you need on your journey, especially for the times when every road seems blocked. You can navigate your well as long as you have the right information and knowledge.    Chapter 1 begins:   As the sun began to set over the small town, the group of friends gathered around the table on the patio, ready to unwind after a long day. They had planned a laid-back evening, with good food and even better drinks to share. The first round of drinks was a round of refreshing cocktails, made with crisp white rum, tangy lime juice, and a splash of sweet simple syrup. As they sipped on their drinks, the friends chatted and laughed, catching up on everything that had happened since they last saw each other. Next, they decided to switch things up with a round of rich, smooth red wines. Each of them chose a different bottle, eager to try something new and share their favorites with the group. As they sipped and savored the complex flavors of the wine, the conversation turned to more serious topics, as they delved into discussions about their careers, relationships, and the future. As the night went on, the group consisting of young boys and girls in their teens, decided to switch to something a little stronger. They brought out a selection of fine whiskies, from smooth, honeyed single malts to bold, peaty blends. They poured themselves generous glasses and sat back, sipping slowly as they talked and listened to music. As the night began to wind down, the group decided to end their evening with a round of after-dinner drinks. They brought out a tray of cordials and liqueurs, including rich, creamy Kahlua, sharp, bittersweet Campari, and smooth, velvety Bailey's. They mixed and matched, creating unique, layered cocktails that perfectly capped off their evening. As they finished their drinks and said their goodbyes, the friends all agreed that it had been a perfect evening, filled with good company, delicious food, and a wide variety of delicious drinks. They made plans to do it all again soon, already looking forward to their next gathering and the new drinks they would discover and share.   But among the group was Mira, silent and lost in her thoughts, she had always been a bright, curious child, full of energy and enthusiasm for life. But as she grew older, her life became increasingly troubled and abusive. Her father was an alcoholic and a drug addict, who was prone to violent outbursts and abuse. He would lash out at Mira and her mother whenever he was in one of his drunken rages, leaving them both bruised and battered. Mira's mother, exhausted and beaten down by years of abuse, was unable to protect her daughter from her father's wrath. She tried her best to shield Mira from the worst of it, but there was only so much she could do. As a result, Mira grew up feeling scared, vulnerable, and alone. She struggled with low self-esteem and a deep sense of worthlessness, believing that she was somehow to blame for her father's behavior.