fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
Extend a hand
By: Abeer Mujahid
Tags: Depression, Mental Health, Anxiety, Awareness, Help

Creating an empathic world

This poem remained my wallpaper for more than 2 years. And those two years were the loneliest ones. I had to carry a smile with all the negativity going on in my head. I had to meet the people who caused me pain, and I had to pretend that I know nothing about what they did to me. And the worst of all, I had no one with whom I can share my feelings.

“You never realize how lonely you are until it’s the end of the day and you got a bunch of things to talk about and no one to talk to.”

We live in a world where the taboos and stigmas are prioritized over a person ‘s well being. Our society is so accustomed to sweeping psychological imbalances under the carpet that no one ponders on the increased rate of suicidal attempts. The absence of empathy makes young people uncomfortable in seeking medical help for their anxiety and depression. Fear of judgment blocks their way to a normal life.

Therefore, I have developed my problem statement as,

Young people suffering from depression and anxiety face difficulties in coping up with their conditions alone. This results in abnormal behavior leading to suicide in the worst cases.

That is why, I want to provide a platform for such people where they can vocalize their feelings to non-judgmental listeners and empathic speakers. This will be a small step towards overcoming loneliness, that often lead to aggression, frustration and suicidal thoughts.

To gain further insight on this matter, I reached out to my cousin, who is currently doing her M.Phil in Clinical Psychology. She told me about the pros and cons of stepping forward in this direction since I do not have a medical background. Moreover, she also informed me about multiple harmless activities that may ease their suffering. I came to know that not only the patient needs counselling but their friends and family should also be educated so that they are able to offer help the right way.
Day 11 (30 to 40)
By: L David Stewart
Tags: Mental Health, Awareness, Depression, African American

Day 11 (30 to 40)

By L. David Stewart PhD-c

#30to40

I have spoken recently of my recent diabetes diagnosis. There is another thing I have not spoken about but have. Depression.

Mental health became important to me in 2003. Before then, I never understood mental health never cared too. Then my mother took it. March 2004 she passed. What no one told me about was the AFTER effects of losing a loved one. No one told me how you change after losing someone. I was running from feeling, and grieving. Then in April of 2004 I had my first of 3 suicide attempts.

I wasn’t able to go through with it thankfully. At the same time, I was dealing with other emotional issues, and hadn’t been able to deal with. Shortly after that, I did a brief stint of homelessness. Character building to say the least. A few key events happened in 2005 that turned my life around and I was back on my feet and things got better. Deep down though, I was still grieving. Finally after a second attempt in 2006, I realized I needed help. In the Black community, there has always been a taboo of discussing mental health. Especially if you were raised in the Church. My faith is strong but I also realized that I had mental health needed to be focused on. First time I went to a therapist, was in 2007. I was diagnosed with mild depression. Nervous as I had never talked to a person about my problems openly. I was scared to say the least.

Focused and was available to let out so much and it felt like a weight released.

Over the years I realized so much was buried in me that I didnt deal with. After almost doing another attempt in 2008, I learned that it was ok to feel. As a Black man, it was ok to be.

2018, I revisited therapy, as I new it could help. This time it didnt as much as the therapist I dealt with was not sensitive to cultural issues. In of all places, Miami. I was distraught but took that energy and translated it into a 6-song EP: Through The Lens of L. David Stewart (http://nizm.Bandcamp.com)

Fast forward to 2020, when i knew my dad was gonna pass, I realized that I needed to vent. So this year, I got back into therapy as I knew 2020 was gonna be heavy...and it has been. Seeing a therapist twice a month has allowed me to balance the roughest year of my life and at least smile.

I say this to say, its ok to admit what you feel. To my fellow Black men, its ok to feel. Find your space. Find who to talk to. One day at a time, one day at a time.
Mega Project. Getting an opportunity to do something…
By: Izzah Pal
Tags: Save Water, Pakistan, Save The Planet, Water Scarcity, Awareness

Getting an opportunity to do something you care about is simply amazing. I think I have got one with this mega project of Amal, the thing I care about and try to tell others too is the importance of water. Ordinary for one luxury for another. The scarcity of water is one of the most important issues.

It's not just limited to Pakistan but the whole world but we are ignoring this, even UN has given its report in which it says that this situation will get worse till 2025 and we would be facing many problems on an individual as well as on national level.

When waters run dry, people can’t get enough to drink, wash, or feed crops and economic decline may occur. In addition, inadequate sanitation a problem for 2.4 billion people can lead to deadly diseases. People are not paying much attention to this emerging issue.

We as a team are going to start an awareness campaign to tell people about the importance of the said issue in megacities where we waste it like a free crop!!!

It was an interesting process and I felt good in doing something for my country, it is in our religion too that “save water” but most of us do not give much attention to this very important factor. I hope and wish that I would be able to make a difference in this regard.

we have to start taking this issue seriously and we need to think about others who are deprived of this very basic necessity of life!!
An Unwanted Friend: Story of Depression
Tags: Untold Stories, Awareness, Depression, Unheard Voices

Chapter 1: Dark Theater

A very first morning of New Year, she tried to open up her eyes but again that relentless pressure which she carried on her head unwillingly made her curl up and close her eyes again. Due to that unbroken chain of insomniac nights, she was choking, suffocated of herself, tired of being tired; she tossed and turned on her bed.” For how long will she wear this ruinous dress of insecurities making her more miserable and fragile? “She asked herself. In her eyes, she had a lot of dreams; being fainted due to this haze of melancholy. The clock is ticking, her soul is collapsing; her body is crumbling, the whole room is whirling, she felt numb. Unfaltering maze and continual haze, she was facing a weird phase.

3:00 AM in the morning, she could hear the continuous ticking of the clock but in it, breathing of her roommate was assorted. She tried to circumvent this continuous stinky and malodorous exhaling that has made her more nauseous and sick. “When will this unwanted visitor leave her alone? Will she ever be able to feel free? She asked herself again. But before she could answer her thoughts she couldn’t sway nausea and despite all the weight which she carried, she rushed toward the toilet; she threw up. It will be the last vomit she thought and let the water flow. She washed her face and looked into the mirror, “what have I become?” looking at her dark circles and pale skin she asked herself again. A disgusting piece of a randomly assembled molecule! A voice from afar answered. Another river of tears flooded from her eyes. She ignored this devastating splash of teardrops and turned the water shower on. Didn’t bother to undress and sat under this shower, hoping as it will wash away all of her insecurities. She turned the shower off. Lying in water tub she closed her eyes and told herself,” it will be the last day, my miseries will end today and finally, my soul will be free, my whole body will be calmed and my heart finally will attain peace.

Images from past starting revolving around her mind as if she was watching a black and white movie in a dark theater of thoughts.
History
By: Larry Nowicki
Tags: Forgotten, Learning, Haiku, Awareness, History

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ODGOVOR NA PITANJA KAKO DA SE PROBUDIMO I KAKO JE TO BITI PROBUĐEN
By: Johnny Vulevic
Tags: Awareness, Empathy, Awakening

Co-Founder of @onefit.rs 🏋️‍♂️ #Trening #Fitness 🥗 #Ishrana #Nutrition 💻 #DigitalMarketing 📖 #Knowledge 🎯 “The biggest risk is not taking any risk”
A little Tea Never hurt
By: Kurt Anderson
Tags: Awareness, Healing, Herbal Remedies

The magical effects of Healing herbs

Today with Herbal life and numerous other dietary alternatives, many turn a cheek towards tea! From a very young age I have always loved the herbal aroma and taste’s of tea. I was always fascinated when watching movies and reading in stories of the ancient masters and sages of the world who practiced the arts of herbs/tea. Techniques and arts of teas/herbs that you find practiced in very rural areas, go undetected by most main stream American consumers. The arts of which started with the production of herbal medicines through sacred Alchemy, to derive the healing effects of these plants and herbs. Native Americans knew vastly of these plants as they declared each of them in their lands sacred. In spirit alchemy you’re taught that all things especially nature has souls. When partaking of the healing herbs you speak to them, plants love music and when you speak to them.

Through the appreciation of the herbs and process partaken you are granted the healing effects. The more you partake of these substances the more you become one with them, thus healing and immunity takes affect. It’s no secret big pharma derives it’s cures from animal and plant life alike. If the Native Americans , Ancients of the eastern regions, Africans and more knew of these remedies why wouldn’t big pharma. I’m not an advisor nor do I have a license to suggest anything. I am simply suggesting you take a look for yourself and make your own hypothesis. There are numerous Apothecary/ Herb books from many regions that may provide you with a nice assortment of information. When you watch and study stories of those who currently and have lived over 100 years old. They all have one major thing besides love in common. They all partake in the herbs and vegetables of that land.

Here in America we live in a foreign land to most of us, eating another mans diet. With hardly any nutritional value, it’s no surprise most of us stay sick and live in fear of the new Covid 19. They tell you to wear a mask and social distance but not at all how build your immunity. Wait for a vaccine and hope not t get sick. As a person who hasn’t been sick for over a year., I’m here to say there’s something in the herbs. From lemon water, ginger,mint, honey and many others that help to remove mucus from the body and provide amazing affects. Daily use of these herbs in many forms from cooking to tea, can really make a difference from increased focus to more energy. It is worth a try. If coffee, protein shakes and sugar can have effects on the body long and short term why can’t herbs!

Before you decide this is bogus try it for yourself with an opened mind and an excitement to add a new assortment of herbs to your life.You may just really enjoy it and build your immunity too. I believe in You!
Win
By: Larry Nowicki
Tags: Responsibility, Home, Mind, Awareness, Action

In any situation, you can come out on top.

You need to be willing to do the work.

You have to think about what you want.

You have to have to be willing to take action.

You have to take responsibility.

You need to think about what you can do.

You need to think before you have to do it.

When you decide you want it you have to take action.

It starts in the body.

It flows through your muscles.

It is backed by your bones.

It happens when you take action.

When you take action it happens in the world.

It happens through instinct.

It happens quickly.

It happens automatically.

It happens because you want it.

In Self-Defense, we don’t go looking for a fight. But if you decide to start one for whatever reason we want to win. We want to do it quickly so we can escape.

The kiss method teaches the Simple Skills that work. They will work for you.

We have a saying

First in the Mind

Then in the Body

Then in the world.

Think, Act, Go Home
#01 why must have the reasons of awareness?
By: Qoulan Sadida
Tags: Awareness, Society And Childbirth, Change Your Life

Along with the journey of life that is always side by side with small children and isolated people in all aspects and fields-every day, and often being involved in their world makes me always think:

“What things can I prepare so that the next generation of the nation can remain stagnant and continue to have the same mindset in participating in reducing the principle of ‘habit-distraction’ with self-awareness?”

We must understand that in the name of ideas, everything is actually clear. However, because not everyone is on the same page, not all problems can be solved in the same way. Sometimes it is in this different point of view that those who are considered principled are intolerant and those who are tolerant are considered principled.

Because each individual is unique, experiences different experiences so that he sees the same thing, can be different. So we have to enter into his world in order to understand and direct where the solution is or maybe we get the opportunity to understand the truth from another angle.
When Strangers become Friends
By: Kurt Anderson
Tags: Clarity, Awareness, Strength, Friendship

Trading stories while passing the time

Venice Beach 2010 - Playing guitar for homeless friends

The best moments I ever experienced throughout my 29 years of life are free things. Main being sharing stories, my best friend is 65 and we sit and talk about our lives for hours. I’ve always been blessed with the presence of older folks who love to pass down humble knowledge. I suppose due to lack of parental figures, I believe they’re always divinely guided. It so happens that any time I’ve been in doubt and in need of mentoring or wise words. The universe always brings me the right words in the perfect way, it never fails actually. Am I always ready to hear the right words? No, but the universe will always send a messenger of truth for who seeks it. Not just having the ears to listen is enough, having the wisdom to transmute the knowledge is key here.

The art of listening and putting it into conscious action is far from an easy task. Countless times I’ve heard the right words but didn’t approve of the self-reflecting it creates. Many of us like to believe most things that happen to us, are a product of external forces beyond our control. We seek things to help control the external elements in our lives, avoiding what makes us look within. Self-reflecting tends to be in my opinion the greatest source of empathy, when you understand yourself understanding others isn’t a hard task. I have had more meaningful conversations with homeless folks in the park than I ever did with a family member. When you put yourself in a position to think less of yourself and more of others. You learn to look at yourself from different perspectives.

You can sit back in a healthy manner and introspectively view yourself or life, to target the imbalance creating your dis-ease! Liberating ourselves from defeatism and self-sabotage is never an easy task. It’s not about overthinking and judging yourself in harsh manners. It’s knowing what is and isn’t you in times of change or the need for change. Growth is essential for all and an inevitable thing, but it’s how we grow that counts. Most of the elements of nature like how the Taoist philosophy expresses are self-motivated. Animals like other species and organisms don’t sit and wonder if they grew less today than yesterday. They work together in coexistence with each other with many forms of communication. One of the keys to growth and healing is knowing you’re not alone, hearing the stories of others growing alongside you like a forest of great trees! Connect to your network of the seen and unseen, so that you may grow. Reach out! Share your opinion, knowledge, advice, etc. It may just be what someone else is seeking! I believe in YOU!
Exactly!
By: Melanie Shudofsky
Tags: Power Of Now, Life Lessons, Life, Awareness, Personal Development

… it's important to enjoy your youth, but it's also important to understand it doesn't last forever. Enjoy it, but know that it's fleeting—and that you'll regret the decisions you don't make more than the decisions you do make.
The VANGUARD
By: Scientific Da God
Tags: Truth, Awareness, Knowledge

I got physique of a CARNIVOROUS MONSTER. In other words I’m hard body with the IQ of a Japanese mathematician but I been dealing with death for long that I should of been a mortician. Or one of them crook ass politician who give the order to drop the bombs on the innocent. Me I’m far from being innocent. Because since an adolescent I’ve been called a rebel the United Snakes Government a self proclaimed activist. I represent the minority’s who are still under the influence of this country. That’s why I rap this knowledge like it’s poetry and I’m going to keep flowing it until I built the people’s army. Cuz who else going to protect the grieving mothers when their sons and daughters fall victim to police brutality. I know when these words gets out they going to put my face on T.V. and say that I am cut throat see this government. Has always been good in the dehumanization. Of individual rights before the crucifixion only because I’m a man of conviction. Look I know what you thinking but before you say hell nah I ain’t Racist. This is truth and history in the making I’m just following. In the foot steps of those who paid the way for me to make it so please step aside and let me make it.

SCIENTIFIC DA GOD
I Want To Give It All Away( A Message )
Tags: Self Improvement, Depression, Anxiety, Awareness, Help

I Want To Give It All Away( A Message )

For a very long time I been putting my heart in all the wrong places without any guidance and trying to learn how to stay consist & stay strong as a woman all together... I deal with people telling me “ You should do this “ .. Without reasoning.. But as long as its for “ their benefit” it’s okay right?

When in reality who has been helping me? Help me understand right from wrong & even though I may not be able to answer it .. Ask me “ Are you truly okay?” some people will judge you before even getting to know you (Learned that on my own too). You will be the only person/friend to yourself to see what your true daily struggle is about & why you fight to survive. They’re going to think you have it all together because your lifestyle looks easy .. At least try to give yourself some props that you genuinely unintentionally make it look that easy (things I try to tell myself).

The only word I see in my mind every .… single … day is “ why?” … Will I get an answer ? Who knows … its a cold and scary world and the sharks are out and hunting. Its hard to be a person that really wears their heart on their sleeve & force yourself to be a cold-hearted individual to save yourself. The more I sit back and observe I realize the people I gave my heart to never really cared from the beginning … I just ignored the signs and I gave love all I had .. LITERALLY all I had … so now im stuck asking myself … Do I really need someone to talk to.. Because now a days I don’t even recognize life anymore…

Have I gone crazy?
OUR THOUGHTS
By: Drew Davidson
Tags: Creativity, Thoughts And Feelings, Consciousness, Awareness, Mindfulness

OUR THOUGHTS

The thoughts we allow to occupy our inward mind are the precursors to the actions we show outwardly everyday. Awareness of our thoughts and controlling the automatic responses made by the brain has the ability to completely re-route your life in whatever way we choose. Once we can stop identifying with our thoughts and understand that our thoughts are coming from multiple sources, we can start to break the pattern. It is then that we can take control and start to change the narrative within ourselves.

If we can focus ourselves on the positive thoughts and fill our heads with the goal of 60%+/- positive, then we can statistically rig the mind to act and treat others in a positive way.

When we observe our thoughts, we are witnessing them and watching them come and go. Viewing the thoughts as they flow in and out of our mind. Our thoughts throughout the day are comparable to the act of breathing; typically involuntary, always being done throughout the day, trying to give us the information to survive.

Anxiety is often an involuntary, algorithmic like action taken by the brain that is continuously sending you signals. Anxiety, put simply, is our human system always scanning our life and attempting to predetermine danger. We’ve wired our brains to consider our jobs, our school, our social media output, our neighborly social status, etc. to be considered a necessity for human survival. We have chosen to give ourselves anxiety over things that are not necessarily actually life threatening.

Being able to recognize which thoughts are your true self, and which are the thoughts of the subconscious or of the not-self (See article WHAT IS NOT-SELF?) is the first step in taking control. The same way you can control a new thought of an apple that you now just thought of, you can control which of your thoughts are invited to stay with you and which thoughts are invited to leave.
Thanks so much for the support, Bridget.
Tags: Supporters, Merry Christmas Greetings, Awareness, Gratitude, Focus

Photo by Chris Sowder on Unsplash

Thanks so much for the support, Bridget. You are the best. May we never run out of these... May our resolve last... may we pursue them with intent. I wish you a safe holiday season. May 2021 get here-- already, in every way different than its predecessor. Thanks for being here. I appreciate you. Merry Christmas. I wish you Miracles.
HIDE-AND-SEEK
By: Scientific Da God
Tags: Awake, Awareness, Knowledge

The definition of hide and seek is a children’s game in which everyone hides from one player who tries to find them. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary

How is it just a children’s game when my Conrad’s is at the hide way ducking the cops because every time they come through they got the searchlights roaming the block “Greedy ass pigs” all hyped up trying to apprehend us. Allegedly we’ve been enlightening the mass of the knowledge of SELF because we speak wisdom to the deaf, dumb and blind. Got the FBI speaking to their spy’s who get paid for telling lies. So me and mines out seeking refuge from the all seeing eye of this government. This is Hide-and-Seek on some next level shit. Posters of the so called trouble makers can be seen all through the town. But that didn’t stop the slimy ass pig’s for gunning down some innocent man. If you don’t know what’s going down then you sleeping. But you better wake up fast for you might be next up to play Hide-and-Seek
Phishing scam using LinkedIn page !!!
By: Hemant Patidar
Tags: Scam, News, Newsletter, Awareness, Cyberattack

Hello Everyone!!

Today I got one message from an unknown person regarding the job opportunity via LinkedIn.

Profile of the person from whom I got the below message: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masayukimikami/

When I opened the link I was redirected to the below page.

Then I entered my details and proceed with it and again I got redirected to another page that contains a document.

Now when I click on the view document button, I got redirected to another page which looks similar to the LinkedIn login page asking for the credentials.

When I saw the URL of the page I got to know that this is not a legit LinkedIn page because it’s hosted on some other domain of another website. And as per my understanding, it’s a phishing page.

Also when I intercepted the sign-in request in the burp suite and analyzed the post request of the sign-in page then I got to know that host and referer are different and there is a malicious request going in the post request i.e. POST /btc/set.php.

Then I opened the same link in the incognito mode and entered a random credential for testing purposes and it prompts me to download the file.zip and when I extracted it in it contain one file i.e. dog.exe, which looks like a malicious windows application.

Now I didn’t run the .exe file but I analyzed using strings cmd using the Linux terminal and I got to know that this application might be taking/asking for confidential information or might be it’s a malicious application that contains a backdoor inside it.

Conclusion:

Never open any link blindly always check for the URL i.e. what it contains and what is the host domain also never use the same credentials over all the websites.

Also, always use 2FA i.e. Two Factor Authentication in your all accounts.

Thanks,

Author: Hemant Patidar & Mayur Parmar
Slam the Christmas Carols
By: Ana-Maria Schweitzer
Tags: Charles Bukowski, Written Tales, Awareness, Perspective, Poetry

Slam the Christmas Carols

Photo by Dark Rider on Unsplash

slam the Christmas carols

against Bukowski’s chest

throw the glittering stars

down the drain of sarcasm

we need to shatter screens

of happy ending stories

take a gulp of fish oil

no coating, no morphine

just bitterness on cells,

electrocuting senses

steel guitar strings

cutting through fingers

while the soul contorts

like a lighted match

heating for a second

the ash of other lives.
The Naive Shepherd
By: Jac Gautreau
Tags: Gaslighting, Followers, Awareness, Poetry On Medium, Poetry

The Naive Shepherd

Photo by Ugo Mendes Donelli on Unsplash

I dreamt I was a shepherd

To a flock of lonely sheep

In a kelly pasture, they ran unfettered

Every night while I would sleep

They were meek but clever creatures

Fully cognizant of my plight

Whenever came the time for roll call

They would gather, quick and bright

As I began inspecting

Tallying colour, shape and height

They stood fully expecting

Hypnos soon would win the fight

For my sleep was their emancipation

My slumber their release

While in suspended animation

My thoughts were far from fleece

And they were free to frolic

My inertia was consent

Now they rule the world, chaotic

Immune to my lament
Dump or Dive?
By: Kurt Anderson
Tags: Awareness, Recycling

When another mans trash becomes a wish granted

There have been times during a phase of unemployment or I needed some extra cash and had to do funds. Many times when I had to do whatever it took to survive. Recycling became my go-to. Now I wasn’t just like any other collector, I’d go to really nice areas where there was more than just trash. I saw it as doing a service for the earth as well as collecting money for trash! I deployed a full proof strategy every day that never failed, even on the slowest of days. I live by the saying “ Early bird gets the worm”. Well yes, it’s the truth, I’d wake up at 3:30 A.M. to make my commute and be the first out there. Sometimes it’d be so much I had to make a couple of rounds. As with many others things this was the heart of my strategies, committing to waking up early and getting out there was half the battle.

Rain, storm, or shine there has never been a means for me to not get a job done. Not only would I greatly benefit from the idea, but magical things would also always happen. Once I was in Torrance CA and a man approached me in the rain, handed me $40 dollars, and said “Keep Up the Hustle”. Another time on a Valentine's Day, I found a Gold ticket for a pound of chocolate my favorite at the bottom of a dumpster. I always lived by another essential part of my strategy, I call “Get to the bottom of it”. See in my life when I start something I fully commit to it with all I have. Whether a job or dumpster in this case the best treasures are at the bottom and if you dig in, in the right place you just may find a treasure trove. Most people only look at the top, seekers dig deep.

From my laptop, sound systems, classic game systems, and more. I have found an abundance of just the things I needed aside from recycling. I became well known in some areas where folks and businesses would save their recycling just for me. I even randomly got flagged down by a Marine, he saw me hauling my bags on a skateboard and offered to drive me. Going out every morning became a surrender to the Great Spirit. As I asked for just what I needed, claimed it, and did not force it I have always received in abundance in return. Sometimes we may find ourselves in a place of struggle, it may seem as tho alternatives like recycling are frowned upon. But I’m here to say when done properly and without money as your drive. All you seek will be given “No Good thing shall be withheld”

There were many times when people said rude things because they thought I was homeless. Or many times I was given food, money, etc. I never lacked when I decided to move toward the places my intuition would speak. I respected all of the communities and they respected me. Sometimes it’s better to do something you wouldn’t normally do like serving others and you may just get meet with an abundance that’ll surprise you every time. And others are always surprised when they see you again late in the day fresh and driving a car. Never knock a solid hustle it may end up yours! I believe in you!
Walking Alone
By: Nes Laidler
Tags: Christmas, Family, Self, Awareness, Development

I knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel. I am a high self-aware person. I knew what I wanted, and I knew I was going to get there one day. Too many things happened on the way. I made a radical change in my life (again!) started over (again!) but never gave up. I have achieved what I wanted step by step. It could be called luck, it could be called success. Not big things, but the things I needed to have for a mid-level life. There was only one important thing to achieve in life for me; it was “the happiness”, being happy! After health, for sure. Being happy was directly connected to being in those houses for me. When I think about the future, I used to remember those walks, those houses, and that feeling; happy for those families, but not happy for myself.

Happiness was those families I used to see from the outside in those houses with lights, especially at Christmas times with the Christmas decorations.

Time passed, I got older, many things have changed in my life, like everybody’s.

Now, I am sitting in my leaving room, writing this article, looking at the Christmas lights and Christmas decorations in my house, listening to jazz music with a glass of red wine. Having a small chat with my husband, watching my cats while they are playing with their toys.

Thinking of the people outside… thinking of the people who are far away from their families, who lost their loved ones… Half of me is not happy, broken… I know I cannot do much about this. I know I have to accept the fact that life is something like that.

I think I have been feeling guilty because of being happy, have been thinking a lot about this feeling lately. Maybe I was trying to understand deeply when I wrote about “feeling guilty” a couple of months ago:

I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings with this writing, and also I would like to know if there are some people out there who share this feeling with me? Happy at Christmas but feeling upset at the same time for the people who miss their families…
Don’t Tell Me You Didn’t Know
By: Terry Mansfield
Tags: Creative Writing, Poem, Racism, Awareness, Poetry

Don’t Tell Me You Didn’t Know

Don’t

tell me

that you didn’t

know what was going

on all around you that

is so pervasive, a part of

the

fabric of

our broken society

so much so that

it is now coming apart

at its ugly and racist seams.
Compassion In The Palm Of Your Hand 🤲🏻
By: Manuela Rohr
Tags: Transformation, Awareness, Body Mind Health, Body Wisdom

We can talk with them, use them to express our joy and anger, put them on our chest to feel the beating magic, and right now, like never before, we talk a lot about them:

Wash your hands! Keep your hands off your face! Don’t touch this! Don’t touch that!

In an article, I read touching our faces is an ingrained and unconscious habit. What do you think? How often are you touching your face in an hour?

Just as I paused a moment to think about this question, I found my hand on my cheek 🙃 . Studies have shown we do it more than 20 times an hour!

If you want a challenge, pay attention while you speak or have dinner and count how many times you touch your face in an hour. It’s a good mindfulness practice! I did it with my sister, and we were surprised as we hit the 20 times/hour mark 🤨 . I’m changing that!

Here’s a 🌴 Tiny Island on how to turn washing your hands into an act of mindfulness and be kind to yourself and the planet.

🌴 Tiny Island — Compassion is in the palm of your hands.

Pause and rest your hands on the sink.

Feel your feet on the floor — grounding yourself.

Take a deep breath. In and out. Let go of your battle!

Turn on the faucet and wet your hands.

Feel the temperature of the water.

Turn off the tap. Yes. You’re going to be scrubbing for 20+ seconds; no need to waste our precious water.

Instead of counting to 20, take two or three deep breaths! Or sing “I feel good…I know that I would…so good…” or “purple rain,” or a lullaby. 😆 Thanks, God, for music 🎶 !

As you scrub, slow down; notice the palms and the back of your hands, between your fingers, around your fingernails.

Do you make bubbles?

This is washing hands mindfully.

Rinse. Appreciate the feeling of water on your hands; it’s a luxury.

Put your hands on the sink, or I prefer them on my heart.

Feel your feet on the ground.

Take a deep breath and let a smile curl up from your core. (It’s o.k. to fake it!) 🙂

Now ask: how do I want to feel? Breathe. Choose an intention. Act on your intention. You just gathered a win! 👏🏼

⭐️⭐️⭐️

I hope I brighten your days with my whispers, big or small. I embrace my friendship with many of you and equally our connectedness even if we have never met. Thank you for reading and commenting or being on the mat with me.

Thanks to the sky for us!

✋🏼 Hand to Heart ❤️

✨ Much Love and Happy Holidays!✨

P.s: This story is part of my Wednesday Whisper series. Sign up for weekly inspriations!
5 Signs That You Like Being Ordinary
By: Silently Noisy
Tags: Change, Extraordinary, Love Yourself, Awareness, Mindfulness

They say everyone is different and unique, however, I feel everyone also gets an equal opportunity to change themselves. The only difference is some choose to change and some choose not to. The journey for everyone is precisely basis the decisions they make. The world is divided into two halves I feel; the ordinary and the extraordinary, only the ‘extra’ is what makes the massive difference.

5 Signs that you like being ordinary:

1. You are too adamant to change: Change is something that is inevitable and which is the need of the hour. One can get different results only when they are ready to change and act differently. Otherwise, the growth wouldn’t be as swift as you expect it to be. The key is to be aware of what you want and if you are doing your bit to get there. Everyone wants the best for them but no one really wants to actively work for it.

2. The “it's Okay” attitude: The it’s okay is an attitude either of the lazy or of people who think they know it all and don’t really care. They make it an excuse because they do not want to get up and get going. Nothing drives them and they just get into the lethargic mode. These are the ones who just take things and accept things the way they are. They definitely want a better life but are not willing to give what it takes and therefore hide behind their “it’s okay attitude”.

3. You are too comfortable enjoying the ordinary life: Most of you start loving the routine you are into and therefore no motivation can help you get rid of the routine. You get too comfy in enjoying the so-called mediocre life. Which can only be changed if one has a very very strong reason /a goal or a dream that would drive them off the routine.

4. Motivation only gives a temporary high: The information that you have is raw until you benefit from it and the only way to benefit from it is by applying that information to gain experience. Motivation is one such dose of learning that needs direction; only if directed and channelized appropriately would it be helpful for your growth and productivity. It is very easy to get back to your old self; one needs to have immense self-control and perseverance to be who you want to be.

5. Growth is never the goal: When a person becomes content with what one has, growth is never a goal. The only goal is to go by the day and just merely survive through. And that’s where the thought process comes to a standstill.

Guidance through the journey of life comes only through your upbringing, your surroundings, and your experiences. Whereas, success comes only after relevant work is put in the direction of the goal. Take a decision of either adding that “Extra” in your life or living in the “Ordinary”… #onelife
An Idea (by Ingenious Piece)
By: Shaler Houser
Tags: Emotions, Addiction, Awareness, Gratitude, Poetry

Photo by Tatiana Rodriguez on Unsplash

Impermanence, water flowing into a rock

Blinding silence, budding springtime apostles

Oneness with liminality, ever-changing discomfort

Gradual light, flashing leisurely into optics

Vessels passing, jointly into this good night

Solitude of many, individuals clamoring

Reaching for the heavens, obstinate righteousness

Forgetting purpose, the driving forces

The delicate balance, foraging through the darkness

Awakened only by the darkness, shadows overtaking

Naked in the desolation, manic social Darwinism

Stripping all safeguards, dropping all armaments

Living the emotions, allowing the river to swell

Drink the cake, snort the wine, eat the powders

Punishing the pursuer, pursuing the punishment with a zest

Water scalding, skin tout with pleasure

Rupturing the last sanity, screaming for the flagellation

Damn the bursts, the dam finally bursts

Healing hidden, ashes flaking forming the union

Humanity rehabilitated, Power’s providing the cleansing

Degrading the mirage, pragmatism of practicality

Decadence of simplicity, confusion of the degeneracy

Breathing shallow, releasing continuity for defiance

Finding the new path, stumbling one stroke at a time

Seeing the forest, running through the trees

Brilliant colors, unknown until that door opened

Luminous flavors, aromas dancing upon the stars

Breathless realities, once dreams to ponder

Curiosity consuming, lily-pads of elation

Glaucous and Mikado, experiences once more

Obvious obscurity, exhausting senses

I’ll take more
Dear heartbreaker,
By: Tatum Rupe
Tags: Self Love, Mental Health, Relationships, Awareness, Love

Dear heartbreaker,

You may think this is a game,

But not all of us want to play

With rules that only go one way,

Yet somehow I’m to blame.

They give you an advantage,

And somehow you manage

To get inside my head,

So I’ll end up in your bed.

You’ll tell all your friends at school,

That makes you feel so cool.

But I know you wouldn’t dare,

Show anyone that you care.

As I’m walking down these halls,

My memory recalls

The feeling of your kiss,

And I realize we’re just kids.

I’ve thrown away my innocence,

And you’ve taken my happiness.

You left me broken,

But it stays unspoken.

It feels like I’m a pawn,

But soon enough I’ll be gone.

Cause I know you won’t brace me,

But you’ll try to erase me.

I try and let the memory fade,

But it just won’t go away.

I wanted to make things right,

But things weren’t looking so bright.

So go ahead and ignore me as you do,

I guess you could say it’s normal for you.

You wouldn’t understand,

How to smile on command.

It’s just something I’ve had to learn,

So my cries stay unheard.

I learned to tune out,

The words that you shout.

You didn’t care,

Who was there.

It wasn’t just in the beginning when

All you cared about was winning.

So here I stand,

Things didn’t go as planned.

To you I am invisible,

But I know I’m not invincible.

It’s over you said,

Cause I won’t get in your bed.

I don’t know why I stayed,

And played this whole charade.

Part of me had hope,

And didn’t wanna cut the rope,

Thought you’d come around,

Not shove me to the ground.

Now I’ve broken down,

Sitting here with this frown.

I’m sick of feeling this way,

If you’re not gonna stay.

I’m tired of always searching,

So I’m no-longer researching.

I no longer need your validation,

I’m sick of your accusations.

I’m doing this for me,

I will leave unapologetically.

I live within a generation

Where girls don’t need a guys validation.

All you did was tear me down,

Now I sit here without that frown.

I stepped outside of your little bubble,

And I didn’t even stumble.

I look up at the sky

And turn around and say bye.

I’m leaving the old me back there

My life is no longer a nightmare.

The sky is a vibrant blue,

And I finally realize that I’m over you.
First Snow in a New Town
By: Kurt Anderson
Tags: Self Improvement, Travel, Awareness, Snow, Perspective

First Snow in a New Town

First Snow Bloomington IN

As I sat and stared out at the 7 inches of snow for the first time in my life, I thought wow what did I get myself into! Touching down in Hoosier town I went to visit a friend and ended up staying 6 months. Now remember I’m from the big city, so I was in for a huge change of pace. Talk about festive and very inviting to the students of the college town it felt like I was in a movie. I stayed in a mission shelter where I enjoyed my stay, if there’s one thing I can say; it is they really take care of there people out there. The mission was very involved in helping the homeless find jobs. As they interviewed me they said, “We don’t want to see you become apart of the homeless population here”. I immediately told him I already had an interview within just a few days I’d been there. He looked at me in disbelief especially when I told him where it was. It turned out not very many people were hired at the very restaurant I end up getting a job at.

He asked how was it possible for a 23-year-old skateboarder for LA to make that happen so fast. I exclaimed it was a thing I could always do when I set my mind to it, the universe tends to provide. On my first day on the job, the Sous Chef was having a birthday party at a bar across the street and invited me. Although I had been past 21 years of age I had never gone to a bar in my home town. Bars weren’t really my scene but I can honestly say I had never felt such an inviting crowd. A thing I’d learn, small towns were known for. Humble, festive people became friends of mine in just a few days. After a week and half of being there and working, I found a huge 1 bedroom for only $500 a month. $0 money down and no deposit, virtually unheard of back home. I was completely shocked once again on this random adventure, how fast life may unfold in the best of ways.

I only knew one person in the entire town and within less than a month I knew a bunch of people, had a job, and a beautiful big apartment! Even the people I’d meet couldn’t believe I wasn’t a rich kid from the city. Let this story serve as a great reminder of the fact that the universe is always waiting to move things into a position for you. Sometimes precise action with a strategy and less overthinking, you open yourself up to what dreams may come! Move toward what you believe and be ready to receive. I believe in You!
An Eye For Infinity
By: Richard Palmquist, Dvm Gdvchm Cchvm
Tags: Effect, Causes, Awareness, Poetry, Spirituality

And behind the unknown

A point of view — so vast

Seeing everything it needs

Gracing us

— with Time —

A funny lie

— and freedom —

That we might discover

— the beauty that we are…
Fake News and Social Media: How prevalent is it?
By: Abhilash Khalkar
Tags: News, Fake News, Digital, Awareness, Social Media

Image Source: BBC

Fake news is often perceived by people as social media posts with imaginary and implausible stories. Although the most visible aspect of fake news is social media posts, there is much more to it than article titles, which are exaggerated.

Fire in this world requires 3 elements to survive: fuel, heat, and oxygen. Similarly, fake news also requires 3 elements to succeed.

Tools and services are essential for spreading a manipulated message on social media platforms. Many of these platforms include members from across the world.

are essential for spreading a manipulated message on social media platforms. Many of these platforms include members from across the world. Social media provides us with a view of a relationship between recipients of the posts and bots. This assists in deducing the scope of campaigns or organizations, which spread fake news to manipulate people.

provides us with a view of a relationship between recipients of the posts and bots. This assists in deducing the scope of campaigns or organizations, which spread fake news to manipulate people. Propaganda campaigns always arrive with a query: Why? The motivations behind spreading fake news can be diverse and can stem from a monetary desire. In many other cases, the motivations can stem from political or criminal backgrounds.

Regardless of the motivations behind creating and spreading fake news, its success is deduced via how much impact it can have on the real world. It is important to be vigilant in today’s world, where fake news can cause harm to a person, community, or organization.
The Sandpaper People Need You
By: Iva Ursano
Tags: Kindness, Healing, Toxic People, Relationships, Awareness

Who are the sandpaper people?

They are the ones who:

say hurtful things to you

do hurtful things to you

take revenge on others

gossip and judge

point fingers

are always negative

Need I go on? The sandpaper people are the broken ones. The lost, sad, hurt, broken and angry. Very fucking angry. And they lash out. Unfortunately, they usually lash out at the people they love.

I used to be a sandpaper person.

You might have been at one time or maybe you still are one. That’s ok. I’m not here to judge and besides, nobody is perfect, amirite?

So the main problem with sandpaper people is that they don’t realize they are broken. They think they and their life is fine. But nothing could be further from the truth.

They are sandpaper people because they haven’t healed their brokenness yet. They still have open wounds. But they don’t see that. Only we can see that.

On the flip side of that, they may know they have deep wounds and demons but just don’t care to heal from them. It makes me sad to think this.
Do The Things That YOU Love…
By: Doug Heron
Tags: Awareness, Life, Motivation, Self Care

Do The Things That YOU Love…

Photo by Marcus Wallis on Unsplash

I used to love to work out. Just because it felt good.

Actually, it hurt. But it felt good at the same time.

This might sound crazy, but I used to run down the center of the railroad tracks. If you have ever tried that, then you know; you can’t run on a bunch of railroad ties and be thinking about the stress of the day.

If you do, you will fall on your face.

Running down the center of a train track demands total focus.

You look three to four strides ahead. That’s it. No more, no less. You are looking for misaligned ties and rocks or other debris. Look five strides ahead, you fall. Look two steps ahead and you fall.

To run the railroad, you must focus totally on the moment at hand.

And I loved that. It forced me to shut off my wandering mind.