fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
Creativity & A Common Sense
By: Allie Summerfield
Tags: Creative Community, Creative Careers, Self Development, Trial And Error, Creativity

2. Taste is the Foundation of Creative Freedom.

We each have unique sensibilities that mold us. They influence our expression, our decisions, our impact, our image, and so much more. Our sensibilities really make us, well… us.

Throughout history, sensibilities have been occasionally portrayed as either villainous or weak when in reality they are like unique superpowers.

As a person that is often driven by creativity and expression, I have learned that understanding and feeling at home in my sensibilities is what can give provide infinite creative freedom.

I think that when we are unclear about what we like, we can’t make anything that would be an accurate, lasting representation of ourselves either.

Your taste is an extension of you and the most authentic expression of your creative energy. It’s so powerful to learn more about your own creative sensibilities and to develop confidence in them so that you can be magnetic and draw in others who have a similar taste as you.

If you put yourself out there and show off your taste, then others will likely be drawn to it and want to join in on your fun.
Moments
Tags: Self-awareness, Geology, Moments, Self Development, Self Awareness Stories

“Life is a series of moments. The quality of attention and action that we bring to each moment determines the quality of our lives.” — Dan Millman

Yup.. life’s a series of moments. Our lives are made up of a thousand of them. It’s like braiding time into bonds that explain each other, like knitting spontaneous change and opportunity. We’ll make a pretty macrame or ruffled crochet, that depends on every step we take. We won’t be able to choose what kind of yarn we get, or how it’s the needle we hold. But we can determine what we will make from what we have right now. With determination and a little luck, we’ll make something pretty in the end.

There is a series of moments that I want to always remember. That when back in time, where I first wore a Kuarsa jacket, right when I was holding the duties and responsibilities as a Sriwijaya Geological Engineering Student Association administrator in charge. At first, I found it quite difficult to manage. Small messes often occur…

After a while, until I finish my tenure, the old series of moments awoke the basic understanding in my mind which so far has often been overlooked. However, at that time we are all mindful of the difficulties of confirming the basic aspect because we’re too focused on achieving work targets. I became increasingly aware that the duties and responsibilities I think I should do first are not only to run my work program as best as possible. But what we should be done first is to have properties that reflect the Kuarsa jacket itself.

I believe, that the main basis is the most important. To instill the belief to be resistant after the problems and difficulties we have, to be critical, also to be the solution and give the best results for the association, for our family, for the world. And last, to instill the belief that our association is not just a bunch of members of geology students but we are all friends, we are family.

The moments that I got at a series of times while I was on campus, met many people, people who give lessons in their own way, were precious moments for me and I’m grateful.

This article is to commemorate BSRG’s anniversary, and for our brother, Nanda, may you rest in peace.
The Overwhelm of Full Body Depression
By: Aimee Sparrow
Tags: Self Development, Hypomania, Mania, Depression, Bipolar Disorder

The Overwhelm of Full Body Depression

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

You are just desperate, for a chance to feel whole again, and not as if you are staring into a chasm of emptiness. There is no hope when prior to this there was plenty. You feel like you have no reason to do anything at all even those things that you once enjoyed.

Depression saps the energy from your body and soul so fully and so completely that you have no essence or spirit left. You are a living ghost, everything going right through you, nonexistent, not human, flimsy.

I feel as though depression teaches me each time it happens that there is so much to yearn for and be passionate about. That there was once a time when I felt whole and true. And I wish to feel that way again and know I will. It’s the only thing that keeps me going.

Bipolar disorder is a roller coaster of ups and downs. When I drink coffee, I have a dose of hypomania, a feeling as though I am euphoric, on top of the world, indomitable, and indestructible. I want to move mountains and I feel as though I can. I am strong and vibrant. With such a high, comes a crash and that’s why I’m depressed at this moment.

Depression is not something to look at and feel as though you have reached an end. Depression is a realization about the state of things; it’s more a beginning. We use it as a jumping-off point to figure out better ways of dealing with our struggles and worries. With depression comes anxiety and internal pressure, but as we rise above it with our recovery, it begets substance and grit.

When depressed, your whole body feels tired and lethargic, exhausted and immobile, slow-moving and energy-depleted. Unfortunately, when like this, most of us panic and decide there is something seriously wrong. Not me, I feel as though this is a natural progression of my day to day life and I must grin and bear it, for the sake of better times.

As one with Bipolar I Disorder, I’ve had my share of depressions, as well as exhilarating manias. I don’t regret it. It doesn’t define me as much as it has become a part of who I am and how I see life. There are glorious points in life that are punctuated by caverns of darkness. It’s the way of the world for me and nothing will change it. The medication I’m on lessens the effect so that I can preserve my current social and professional standing successfully.

If only we could feel manic all the time. That would be what one would call enlightenment, and I’ve felt it for a series of 5–6 months in the past without it being necessary to be hospitalized for the insanity of psychosis or incompetence. It was a highly productive period in terms of my thoughts. I reduced many of my lifelong delusions to dust during this time and came away a stronger individual, ready to handle the difficulties of life and make the most of it. Read my book, Lunacy: A Collection of Online Journals, for a glimpse into how I recovered from a decade-long depressive outlook.
Self Reflection Tips
Tags: Self Improvement, Meditation, Self Reflection, Reflections, Self Development

Self Reflection Tips

As we near the end of 2020, it’s important to look back and consider the past year’s accomplishments. A massive part of that is integrating self reflection into your end-of-the-year rituals. JIFU Dec 16, 2020·2 min read

At the beginning of any year, JIFU urges our members and affiliates to visualize their success and the fruition of their goal accomplishments throughout the coming months, and this year was no exception.

Wired for Greatness is a handbook written by JIFU’s co-founder and CEO Jeffery Boyle, in which he offers advice on how to live a more epic life. Module four is dedicated to manifesting your ultimate desires with visualization, and we refer back to this text often. Self reflection is all about taking account of the results of your actions. Whether in business or personal life, taking the time to reflect is not only healthy, but can aid you in changing the way you approach new opportunities.

Here are some valuable questions that can assist in any self reflection practice.

What were my goals?

Think back to previous goals you have set for yourself. Were you able to achieve them to your own standard? Consider every goal, even ones that you no longer wish to work towards. Failed projects, pivoted plans, and otherwise unsuccessful endeavors are also an important part of self reflections.

What changed?

Even the most perfectly laid plans go awry, and you can glean valuable lessons from what went wrong. Ask yourself what change occurred that may have affected your actions and execution. That way, you will be more prepared when the same curve ball is thrown at you and your team.

What is outside of my control?

Oftentimes, factors outside of your control force a chance of direction. The only thing you can do when this happens is ensure that your reactions appropriately shift. This is true in business and in everyday personal life, and you can learn a lot from your reaction to outside influences.

What could I have controlled?

However, we have more control over situations than we realize. Ask yourself what steps you took to achieve a goal so that you can replicate the process in the future. Similarly, thinking back to times when things didn’t go as planned can offer valuable insight into what to avoid in the future.
Try doing something you hate for a living; Then do something else… :)
By: Francesco Joseph
Tags: Entrepreneurism, Personal Growth, Entrepreneur, Personal Development, Self Development

Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Motivation

Verywell / Joshua Seong

We are motivated by two types of incentives, extrinsic or intrinsic. Most people know these motivations in forms of happiness (intrinsic) or trophies (extrinsic), Studies have shown the extrinsic motivations create less happiness and satisfaction in one’s life. A person that works at a fast-food establishment may find it less enjoyable because their motivations are extrinsic, a paycheck. But if the individual gets satisfaction just for their own sake from performing their job well then that behavior is intrinsically motivated.

Most people will do anything to survive. Even if it is a horrible job they still get extrinsic benefits and perks such as money, prestige status, childcare, health insurance, and tickets to concerts. They learn to love hating what they do for a living. They shouldn’t have to learn something, if they should be genuinely motivated to love something then it will come without any effort.

These extrinsic motivations are temporary and will leave the employee to crave more and will create anger, frustration when not received. Intrinsic motivation is more long-term and will leave the employee satisfied with their work and will perform better.

These extrinsic benefits are rewarding, but also a trap. They snuff out any potential of intrinsic rewards. They snuff out anyone that wants to follow their passions making it into a skill to apply it in a field, looking at the bigger picture, and believing that there is something greater than oneself.

Source: parentingforbrain

It is only by seeking intrinsic motivation that gives you the appreciation for how much more valuable it is to do something you love. Once you stop doing something you hate for a living then start doing something you love, it will never feel like work.

Most will never take a risky option such as passion. This is reasonable and a common mindset to have, to do what you hate for a living in order to survive. And dreams are meant to be just that.

What are your passions?

“Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.”-Confucius

Your passion should be a skill, something you desire, to love to do, excel, and are really good at.

Remember what you loved as a child…

Our deepest passions come to us when we are in early childhood still developing. We learn how to walk, how to talk, how to write, and how to be passionate about something. We learn many things when we are young such as science, biology, medicine, poetry, history, etc.…
What I Would Say to My 21-Year-Old Self
By: Sylvia Emokpae
Tags: Self Improvement, Energy, Self Development, Self, Advice

Don’t Quit Dancing

Music is life.

Music is love.

Music has caught me when I’ve tripped over sadness and fear many times throughout my life. It has saved me from depression more than once.

I loved to dance. I still love it today. I took up a dancing class at school, and I joined a couple of dancing societies while at university. I love all kinds of dancing but I particularly love Hip Hop and Street. I could moonwalk when I was 10. I can move my hips like Shakira. I’m not too bad.

When I had just moved to England when I was 11, we lived with my grandfather until my parents found a house.

I remember singing and dancing my heart out to a song by Estopa, my favourite Spanish group. I was properly choreographing a dance to one of my favourite songs, “Tu Calorro”, when I turned around and caught my grandfather at the doorway, beaming smile of pride (or amusement, who knows) as he had been watching me jumping up and down while singing my heart out. As I stopped, he started clapping and told me to carry on as he walked away.

You found me nodding my head to a song at the bus stop, doing a two-step in shops, humming away on the London underground. I was first to get on the dancefloor in clubs and last to leave it.

I pictured myself thousands of times performing in a show, competing against countries. I imagined joining a group of dancers and working our way up to the top. I dreamed of getting a standing ovation as I finished a dance to “Keep Rollin’” by Limp Bizkit. I wanted to be in music videos with Beyonce and Les Twins.

At university, I took part in two dance shows, one for Hip Hop, one for Jazz. I buzzed with pride as I performed, keeping to the time and no longer needing to do the 8-step count because I just felt it. I remember the audience clapping, whistling, and sharing this rush of joy because everyone in the room was present at the same moment.

I wish I had taken myself more seriously with dancing. I don’t know if I was good enough to make it professionally, but I do wish I had pursued it. Instead, I didn’t think I could cope with the rejection so I didn’t even try.

However, I still enjoy dancing every single day, and my son loves it too. Andriel is 21 months old and can tell me what songs he wants on. Today, he loves Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars and has even learned some of the moves. He is musically inclined. We will always encourage him to follow his dreams, including a musical career if he so chooses it, no matter how much the odds are against him.
The theory of focus (gripping your concentration)
By: Ujji - Meet The Future You
Tags: Goal Setting, Self Improvement Tips, Ujji, Self Development, Focus

“Only through focus can you do world-class things, no matter how capable you are.” — Bill Gates

© gpointstudio

Focus is the word that comes next after the word “goal” or “achievement.” You must have heard the term “focus” endless times in motivational seminars, speeches, and so on. The question, then, is; why do people always bring up the issue of focus? The answer is because, as simple as a goal and the plan to achieve it might be, there is still the tendency of not achieving that goal, and it is because of the focus factor. The moment you lose focus, even if the goal is as simple as getting up from bed, having a bath, and taking breakfast, you will find it challenging to achieve it.

From another angle, our focus has to do with how well we can concentrate and avoid distractions in anything that you are doing. For example, you could be in a meeting or a briefing. While the speaker is going on with his or her presentation, distractions could come from different angles. Examples include notifications of text messages or chats or incoming phone calls. The question then is, what is the essence of multitasking if you can’t use it in such situations? The answer to that is simple, when you multitask, you may do many things at once, but you will realize that you couldn’t do them well because you had divided attention. Something people do when multitasking is prone to mistakes.

So how do we maintain your concentration, subsequently leading to a better focus?

The first thing to do is to stay centred. By that, I mean preventing anything that causes nervousness or anxiety in whatever you are doing. That is often the leading cause of divided attention. The reason is that the human mind tends to dwell more on negative thoughts or emotions. The fix for this situation is to replace negative thoughts that could cause anxiety or nervousness in the first place with positive emotions; that way, you’ll be less distracted by the things around you. For example, let’s say you in a meeting, but something else is bothering you. You will notice that you will be distracted by momentarily thinking about it; however, with a mind filled with positive thoughts, you will be motivated to participate and get the most from it entirely.

The second step is a more self-conscious step where you pause to observe your progress in whatever you are doing. For example, if you have been facing a task at a place like work, you might want to take a break to see how far you have gone and to ensure that you’re still on track because sometimes we don’t know that we have been distracted and that we have lost focus.

The next step is to take a break from whatever you’re doing. You could do this by venturing into another task this way, it helps to cool your brain and refresh it, but next time you return to that task.

If you were observant, you would notice that we have just handled multitasking from another approach, but without the pressure of having many tasks at once.
I’m Not Feeling Productive Today
By: Synthia S.
Tags: Personal Development, Self Development, Mental Health, Psychology, Emotions

Whether it was our daily homework tasks to the overarching group projects, I never once stopped to take a real break.

Sure, I paced myself, watched a good show or two, and then moved on, but what I mean is a real break, the kind where you go on vacation, visit a far-flung island, lose yourself in the crowd, and forget about the troubles of the world.

Photo by Lorenz Narbs on Unsplash — I wish I had the chance to go on vacation years before 2020 hit.

I mean that kind of break.

I graduated high school many years ago, jumped head-first into undergrad, and volunteered for at least a million different programs. I hustled on the side, mostly on campus, across a variety of different roles across many departments.

It was fancy and prestigious sounding, but it didn’t quite pay the bills. I would have been better off working a proper full-time job for financial stability. I was blessed with a supportive family to fall back on in case things headed south, but I suppose that could be a story for another day.

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash — The power of family.

Then, graduate school happened. I was sorely underestimated by others, for a myriad of reasons that I refuse to fully flesh out, as I have yet to process the trauma and vitriol I experienced at the time.

I hustled, continued my side gigs on campus, volunteered some more. It was getting crazy, but I’m guessing my time management skills were super amazing back then.

Then, I did the unthinkable — I opened myself to some lucrative corporate opportunities after graduating. The doors that I wanted opening, my preferred field, refused to budge. Instead, the business world adopted me and wanted my research-oriented skills instead.

I didn’t mind it at first.

I even did some allied post-graduate training for its sought after core competencies, like in areas like organizational development and human resources.

It didn’t matter that I had already put in a lot of intellectual, emotional, and physical labour, my prior experiences were sometimes discounted and stepped on.

Photo by Fionn Claydon on Unsplash — Don’t mind me, I’m just climbing.

However, I somehow hustled and I managed to make things work, inch by inch, climbing through various jagged mountains. In some instances, my otherness, such as my different theoretical approach, allowed me to thrive for a bit while.

For example, instead of being purely business-savvy, I would easily pull the evidence-based research card to validate positive employee engagement, which technically saved some peoples’ sanity, especially when managers were less than empathetic.

My personality wasn’t allowed to be shown, as I quickly found out. It was forbidden, I was told. I had to act like a robot and work in some tiny cubicles. Sometimes, there were no windows. The pay was good and for the first time, I understood the world like most of my peers did.
My 2021 Reading List
By: Matthew Jester
Tags: Personal Finance, Classics, Books, Faith, Self Development

While this isn’t the longest or most put together list out there, I think it suits me well. The books I want to read in 2021 align with my professional ambitions and the life/faith I want for myself, and will (hopefully) refine my understanding of the world. Always open to any recommendations!

Thank you for reading!
How to properly love yourself
By: Bulcha, The Charismatic Nerd
Tags: Self Improvement, Confidence, Inspiration, Life Lessons, Self Development

Loving yourself.

Such an abused topic.

On social media, you will see people talk incessantly about it. It’s talked about so often, it makes me cringe reading about it.

If self-love is talked about so much, why do so many people have little of it?

This question has come up in my head, but I was never able to give an articulate answer. So I just let it sit in the back of my head.

Well, a few days ago I got a copy of this one book called Restoring Pride: The Lost Virtue of our Age by Richard Taylor. And this book gave me the answer I have been looking for.

The answer is simple and can be easily understood by everyone.

The reason why people struggle with loving themselves is that it is not justified.

Why would someone love themselves when all they do is browse social media, binge Netflix, hang out with the same people, and work a similar job over the years.

There is no creation that comes out of the person’s time.

There is no self-investment that comes out of the person’s time.

There is no seeking new experiences that come out of the person’s time.

Photo by Content Pixie on Unsplash

And guys, I am not talking about getting an amazing career, building a business, or getting famous, in order to find justified self-love.

What I am talking about is fulfilling your potential as a human being.

And from all the efforts and results, you can love yourself proudly. Because instead of drifting in life, you decide to create yourself into something. And in that creation, you were able to accomplish things.

But the results were never the goal.

Fulfilling your true capacity is.

When you can see yourself becoming what you can be, self-love comes easy.

The problem with people is that they think they can get everything passively, even self-love. You have to be active in creating your life. You can’t just sit down doing nothing year in and year out, then wonder why you don’t love yourself.

There isn’t much to love!

I am being harsh, but it’s the reality.

Every single one of us has the capacity to do something uniquely our own. Yet, we squander our one opportunity in life to bring anything into creation.

Don’t be like the masses that will go on living life, never to do anything genuinely their own.

Instead, be like the countless individuals from the past, some known (many unknown), who in their short time on Earth, brought out creations that were from their own unique talents.

It’s people like that that can look back on their deathbed and feel proud of their lives.

They did something.

And regardless of the fame or recognition, they can die in peace knowing they used their full capacities.

If there isn’t a better way to die, I don’t know what is.

So with the remaining time you have on earth, fulfill your potential and go create something you, and only you can be proud of.

(If you enjoyed this short article, then click here to join my email list where you get a daily boost of confidence every morning plus the free Self-Improvement Cheat Sheet for Nerds.)
5 Tips for Surviving The First Year After College
Tags: College, Life After College, Self Determination, Tips, Self Development

I started to lose hope after facing a lot of rejection.

My first year after college was tough because I thought I was going to have an outpour of opportunities. I started to lose hope after facing a lot of rejection. But I kept pushing until I started to see results. However, this is a guide I wish I had during my first year after college as an undergrad.

Here’s are five things you can do to have a successful first year after college:

Have a job lined up before graduation. Take a vacation. Get a paid internship. Go to a dream destination. Spend time with loved ones.

Have a job lined up before graduation

I can’t stress how crucial this is. Having a job already in place before graduation puts you in good standing. You save so much time and frustration by putting yourself out there early on. It also gives you a chance to build a strong network of colleagues that you can always turn to. And to mention, it sets a foundation for you to move out on your own and/or save for the next tip.

Take a vacation

College is stressful in and out of the classroom. Once that cap and gown are safely stored in your closet after your big day, take a much-needed break. Go out of town for a few days, visit old friends or family. Take some ‘me’ time. Woosah. You deserve it.

Get a paid internship

Much like getting a job before graduation, having a paid internship can be just as good. It can give you some experience over the summer while earning some extra cash. Internships are easier because they allow you to make mistakes and grow. Also, everyone in the office knows that you’re new, not just new to the job, but ‘green’ to the industry, so its easier to ask questions. The internship can be a stepping stone towards a job.

Go to a dream destination

Somewhere along the line, it would be a good idea to visit a dream destination. Have you ever wanted to go to Africa, Japan, or Italy? I’ve heard it said that experiencing new cultures makes for a well-rounded person. There are programs for people to explore their chosen field while traveling. Some have an age limit and others may require that you are in college in order to be eligible. I think that its worth setting aside time to look into it.

Spend time with loved ones

If its possible, take some time to reconnect with loved ones. If your school is out of town, going back home for a while may be worth it. Seeing loved ones can also be a chance to refocus and redirect yourself because it can be relaxing, especially after college graduation.

Those were five things you can do to survive the first year after college. I’m sure there are a plethora of other things to do such as taking on a new hobby, volunteering, engaging in community activism, etc. I hope this has given you some insight and I wish you all the best.
What a Mess…
By: Daniel P. Donovan
Tags: Personal Growth, Self Improvement, Personal Development, Self Development, Mental Health

What a Mess…

Photo by soheyl dehghani on Unsplash

Man, what a year.

One for the history books, no doubt.

Collectively, it’s been a big hot mess.

Personally, it’s been one of the best years I’ve ever had.

Sure, borders are closed.

And I’m not allowed to travel.

And the stupid Government keeps piling on more bullshit every chance they can get.

But, for the most part, my life has gone unchanged.

I’m still doing my thing.

I’m still learning and trying to grow every day.

I’m still trying to be a better husband.

And a better dad.

And I’m doing my best to work through my own destructive behaviors and habits.

I’m loved.

I have a sense of purpose.

I’m creating something I know will help a lot of people.

And somehow, in 2020, I’ve actually grown more certain of that than ever before.

Boasting? Yea, maybe a little.

But c’mon, it’s well deserved.

I’ve written over 350 articles this year.

I’ve made more freelance income than I ever have.

I hired a personal trainer and took control of my health.

I’m married to an absolute fucking goddess.

My daughter’s the coolest person alive.

And, in almost every way I can think of, I’m feeling downright incredible even though y’all out there worried about catching the goddamn flu.

It’s crazy, isn’t it?

How outrageous the world can be?

I just wish more people would work on themselves.

And spend more time cultivating relationships with the people they love.

Because even though 2020’s been a gong-show year…

If all you did was focus on those two things above…

I’m sure your 2020 would have been pretty great, too.

Was it?
I Made Peace With My Parents
By: Razvan Tomegea
Tags: Self Improvement, Parenting, Family, Childhood, Self Development

A little background, my parents divorced when I was 10, and my father raised me on his own. After a few years, he married another woman, and they formed a new family. I felt pushed away ever since.

My father was always cold and difficult to deal with. He never told me he loved me or hugged me or anything. My mother had drinking problems, and they both were more focused on their issues than on me.

I associated this without being loved, but now that I heard my father’s story, and now that I write my thoughts, I realize how childish and egotistical of me.

My father was always beaten by his father, and his parents also never showed him they loved him. He also went into the army at 14 years old and made his own life from scratch. Life made him cold and unable to express his feelings as a defense mechanism.

My mother also was raised by an abusive father and in a family with issues and violence. She was weak, and because my father is how he is, she felt unloved by both her husband and her father.
From Pleasure to Happiness to Joy
By: Tak Poon
Tags: Self Development, Self Improvement, Ascent, Innovation

From Pleasure to Happiness to Joy

Curated by subscription from iStock

Life has been even harder for most people now, in this pandemic. There is no better time than now to master a sure-fire way to ensure joy out of nothing, regardless of what happens in life.

Countless millions have benefited from this time-honored activity. Most call it meditation. Some call it a breathing exercise. I consider it an instant mindset reset. It’s akin to rebooting a computer for optimal function by keying Ctrl-Alt-Delete. Then, it’s like magic, and not just while you’re doing it.

If you can breathe, you can do it. All you need is to sit in a quiet space with your back straight and not leaning on anything. Then close your eyes and breathe normally. The key is not trying hard to achieve anything. The hardest part is doing nothing, not even thinking.

Not thinking is so difficult that the next best thing is to focus all your attention on your breath going in and out. Most beginners can only do that for a few seconds. People who try too hard or chastise themselves for losing patience often get frustrated and give up.

The trick is to stay with it for just a few more breath cycles the next time, and keep at it at least once a day. After a while, you’ll settle at a length of time that is effortless, comfortable, and welcome for you. And that daily time interval will feel timeless.

If for a brief moment you feel nothing, you’re getting close. That’s the reset.

As a cardiologist, I can reset an ailing heart to beat again in a proper rhythm by delivering an electric current with the push of a button. But it took me years and years of training and practice to be able to do that.

Curated by subscription from iStock

Similarly, it took me weeks, if not months or even longer, of disciplined daily practice to get to a point where I can readily enjoy a meditative state of indescribable joy almost instantly and on-demand.

It is an open secret. Anybody can do it. Plenty of tutorials for various styles of practices are available for free online. Try one you like and feel most comfortable with and stick with it. You’re also welcome to try this link. Almost any of these can take you to that destination inside of you.
19 things i learned being 19.
Tags: Learning, Jakarta, Life, Self Development, 19

in Live Your Life On Purpose
Today I Will Just Write
By: Justine L
Tags: Self-awareness, Writing Process, Self Development, Authenticity, Writing On Medium

Today I Will Just Write

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

I started writing on Medium because I wanted a platform to be able to express myself in writing. Inertia induced by the technicalities of setting up a website meant that I had been putting it off indefinitely.

I felt like I had things to say and I wanted to be able to develop my writing skills in a structured way. The appeal of turning the ever-present internal monologue into a polished piece of work was undeniable. Instead of yelling at the television, I could channel my frustrations through the written word.

So I started. I wrote about whatever issues happened to be passing through my internal landscape at any given time: dating, relationships, mental health, parenting. When I was diagnosed as autistic, it was a way of processing what that meant for me.

Then something happened. I think it was because I was digging deep to tap into my truth and bring it to the page. It was authentic and real and it resonated with people. I got positive feedback about the way I had articulated my experiences.

But I don’t want everything to be an emotional dredging. It’s exhausting and it makes me feel like I’m imploding. I want to be able to engage with the world around me and bring a unique perspective to what I see. Being authentic within yourself is one thing, but I want to be authentic in the world.

It’s relatively easy to have an opinion about yourself. It is the one area in which I can claim expertise, if only by virtue of hours spent immersed in the subject area. It’s a leap of faith to put yourself out there, to offer up your take on the world in a sea of other voices.

Writing on Medium has made me feel that I have a voice. In a lifetime of being silenced, it’s something I have control over. But it’s easy to get side-tracked by comparing myself to other writers. Better to just realise that they have found their voice and have become very good at articulating it.

Being accepted to write for Medium publications has been validating and has encouraged me in my development as a writer. But it can’t be the end goal because that only takes the focus off the main game. The validation I need to consistently articulate my voice needs to come from within.

I have a chance to develop my voice in the most honest, authentic way that I can. That is why each day, I’m just going to write. I’m going to be present with whatever is on my mind and tap into it. I’ll give voice to what I really feel rather than grasping for the words that seem to make sense.

There’s a beautiful flow that comes from the confidence that you are truly inhabiting your voice. That what you say matters because you have managed to give shape to a perspective that is unlike anyone else’s.

So I commit to writing each day, for no reason other than honouring my voice.
Alternative History 0.20 — Development Mistake
By: Natalia Belova
Tags: Mistakes To Avoid, Development, Mistakes, Alternative History, Self Development

There are two sides of self development that everyone has to pay attention to, according to Korol. I mentioned them before in different chapters, but I think it is worth to explain a bit more what is the purpose of being in a healthy middle between both of them…

One side is materialistic and another one is spiritual… Alexander always points out that usually people are existing on extreme edges of any one of them… materialistic people think that everything has to have a purpose and visible explanation, they never do anything if they won’t gain something in return and they are not spending time with themselves cause there is no point and it is a waste of time…

Spiritual people one the other side will only do things that are not going against their heart, they will never lie to gain anything, they will never care what anyone’s wearing and they will judge the successful materialistic people on their corruption…

Both are wrong as Alexander is saying — because in self drive it is very important to know and understand and be ready to act to gain money…and it is also important to listen to your heart and give yourself some time to relax and rest from the society…

I will try to explain with an example…if you really like to go to Italy, let’s say it is your dream…but you don’t want to work in the bank and get more money because you have to be on time every day there, so you choose to work in a shop, where you can have flexible shifts, but the money you get are beraly enough to pay the rent…

In this example, in theory you don’t go to the job you don’t like, because you think you listen to your heart…but it is confusion, because your actual dream is not flexible shifts, your dream is Italy, and in order to fulfill this dream… well, you have to switch for some time, you have to stop whine and start actually going towards your dream — get a better paied job and get that ticket!!!

It is a very surfaced example, but the point of this is you cannot progress with your heart desires if you don’t put it aside for a while and “just do it”…some times you do have to just become a robot for a week, to support your heart fully…

But the hard part is always remember your goals… money should never be the goal…your heart dictates your goals and in order to achieve them…to get them in real life and not just some fantasies, you have to use your brain… brain should help you get the tools for achieving goals set by the heart…

But you should clearly have this distinction, so right now you can write fir yourself what is it that your heart actually wants, and which parts of your life are merely convenience that stops you from progressing <- just do it and let me know what you have found…
The Reappearances of Lessons in Life
By: Barbara L. Ciccarelli
Tags: Self Improvement, Death, Nonfiction, Life Lessons, Self Development

From my experience, if you don’t process emotions while you are experiencing them, they will inevitably make their appearance at another time in one way or another. If your life is as uncanny as mine is, the original scenario will reproduce itself in some way or other form at a later time, begging you to revisit and process. Life has a funny way of wanting you to learn life lessons.

I said at the start that I was a survivor of my illnesses. But author John Green of Turtles All the way Down writes,

“I wanted to tell her that I was getting better, because that was supposed to be the narrative of illness: It was a hurdle you jumped over, or a battle you won. Illness is a story told in the past tense.”

It was a “battle you won” and for me that has been the case more than once, but what if for an indefinite period of time you knew that there was only one conclusion to the illness of your loved one and that the battle couldn’t be won at least as that is understood commonly. Do you stay and grin and bear it or do you run for your life and cut your losses.

If you are J.R.R. Tolkien, you might say, “Short cuts make long delays” (The Fellowship of the Ring). And, indeed, in my case he is right. In fact, throughout my life I kept finding myself back in that conundrum of flee to save myself or go down with the ship trying to save the others, knowing that their fate was doomed. There shouldn’t be an either/or, but at that time it certainly seemed that way.
Celebrating Success
By: Sylvia Emokpae
Tags: Self-awareness, Success, Self Love, Self Development, Advice

I constantly felt as a child and young adult the need to be told how great I am. When I was little, I asked my mother if she loved me every single day, multiple times a day.

I don’t know where this lack of confidence in myself came from at such a young age. There is no trauma that I know of that would lead me to need such reassurance.

I had good grades in school, but I was not praised for them publicly.

Maybe it was because the teachers felt the need to praise the kids who were struggling to give them the encouragement they needed to improve.

Maybe they thought my grades would be reassuring enough.

Maybe they felt if they praised me it would go to my head and I would become obnoxious and boastful.

Maybe, they just didn’t think about me at all.

Maybe I built up a tendency to victimise myself and focus solely on the negativity in my life.

This put me off competing because I couldn’t bear the thought of losing, much less the thought of winning and being ignored. Nuts, right?

I have carried this pain of neglect, this feeling of invisibility, into adulthood. At this point, I’m not sure it matters why, but how I get through it.
A LIFE WITH FREEDOM
By: Saurav R Tiberewaal
Tags: Lifestyle, Motivation, Access Consciousness, Life Coach, Self Development

What is it like to live a life that is totally free? Is it one where you have lots of money, cars and mansions? Is it a life where you have everything you desire at the drop of a hat? Or is it the sense of freedom, the ability to choose, change, and create anything you desire, beyond your wildest dreams?

Sense of Freedom begins when you acknowledge that nothing happens to you and you create everything that shows up in your life- the good, the bad and the ugly. All of it. You are the source, the power and potency to be, do, have, create and generate anything and everything you truly desire. And to create that, you have to choose that which will create the future your desire rather than deciding what is right or wrong.

We are often taught to decide between right and wrong, to judge, discriminate or discern and search for the perfect answer, rather than keep choosing without judging and keep asking what more and different can I choose that would create infinite possibilities?

Every choice you make creates a future. Are you creating a future you would like to have? If not, how do you begin?

Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that no choice is right or wrong. Every choice creates, so the questions then becomes: what do you truly desire to create?

“If you are willing to never give up on what you desire…you will allow yourself a freedom to create and generate miracles…”

Ask yourself, What do you truly desire to create?

With the question, you begin to get a sense of the energetic direction you would like your life to take. From there, start choosing! You always have the choice. It isn’t about right or wrong.

If you chose without judgment, what could you choose that you have never chosen?

So, make a list of all things you have been doing from last 7 days…all things you have been paying your time, attention and energy too. Everything…like all your feelings, your job, your activities etc. Write them down.

And now go through each point and ask yourself,Do I really desire this?

If you get a yes for something, keep choosing that and if you get a no, ask yourself,What would I like to truly choose here? Or what different can I choose here?

“Remember, our reality is not the reality, our reality is what we pay attention to. Isn’t it?

So what have you been paying attention to?

Is now the time to change that?

What do you think?

____________

Hello there! My name is Saurav R Tiberewaal and I am an Access Certified Facilitator, Graphologist and a life coach. I have been using Access tools that has empowered me in all areas of my life. One of the reasons I love facilitating Access classes and discuss with people about Access tools is, they are very simple and easy to use and brings profound change in all areas of life.

I invite you to explore these Access tools with me that can change everything you always desired to change but could not change it yet. Please know that you are the source for the change you have been seeking in life.

www.sauravrtiberewaal.com
Do You Feel Guilty When You Sleep In?
By: Sienna Clarke
Tags: Lifestyle, Self Improvement, Life Lessons, Life, Self Development

Do You Feel Guilty When You Sleep In?

Even during this crazy pandemic, when there’s not a whole lot to do while we’re quarantined, I feel guilty when I sleep in. Even in these, the strangest of circumstances, I still feel like a slug when I sleep late.

I write and build e-commerce websites for a living, so it’s not like I have to leave the house to get to an office every morning, even outside of a global pandemic.

But lately even when I hit the hay at midnight (which is early for me, but I’ve always been a night owl) I’m nearly comatose until about 11 am.

That’s eleven hours, people! What kind of red blooded being needs eleven hours of sleep??
The way social media is affecting life
Tags: Social Media Addiction, Social Media, Facebook, Self Development, Bad Habits

Social media is playing an important role in maintaining relationships between acquaintances and even strangers. People all over the world are able to join with each other via social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp. However, these mediums are making our lives easier as well as creating complications in many cases. Especially its negative use is harming the daily life of many.

Social media can affect life in many ways. With this medium, communication with different people can be made in a very short time. Many people form close relationships with each other through online identification. Sometimes such relationships turn out to be risky. Again social media also creates the mentality of ever comparing with others. The way social media is positively and negatively affecting our lives-

1. Social media is one of the methods to keep in touch with new people and acquaintances. You can’t always meet every person if you want. But it can be done very easily via social media. Again, this medium is very important in solving professional problems.

However, many also share their personal affairs with people they have not met online. Which later became the cause of his misery. For this reason, whatever personal or professional communication, one must be careful earlier than increasing intimacy online……

Read more: https://digiservicebd.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-way-social-media-is-affecting-life.html