Bad habits
Escaping the Comparison Trap: Life Beyond Likes and Followers
Introduction We live in an age where validation often comes in the form of hearts, thumbs-up, and follower counts. Social media platforms—originally created to connect us—have morphed into arenas of silent competition, where every post becomes a performance and every like a measure of worth. In this reality, comparison is inevitable and, more dangerously, addictive.
By Aiman Shahid6 months ago in Confessions
Human Monsters Part 2. AI-Generated.
Rawan continued, "Larry, thank you for reminding me of the proudest man on earth... Thank you for reminding me of Daedalus. Do you know why he was the proudest man on earth? He believed he could conquer nature, not just his king! Not just the gods! Nature in all its glory!
By ADIR SEGAL6 months ago in Confessions
They Left the Basement Door Open
They Left the Basement Door Open It was an unspoken rule on Calderon Street: Don’t ask about the basements. Every house had one—solid concrete stairs leading into a dark below—but they were always sealed. Some with heavy padlocks, others welded shut, and one even bricked over entirely. Kids made up stories, of course. Nuclear shelters. Secret labs. A collective effort to hide something awful.
By Huzaifa Dzine6 months ago in Confessions
The Day I Died. Content Warning.
I had a long life ahead of me. I had 2 kids and a loving wife. I perfect, sincere job. I was on a run to become the headsman in my institution. Everything looks clean and clear. But there's something we always forget. The ending.
By Kelly Munala Brookes6 months ago in Confessions
The surprising trend of converting to Islam around the world: Why people are choosing Islam despite Islamophobia.
The surprising trend of converting to Islam around the world: Why people are choosing Islam despite Islamophobia. He walked into the mosque wearing jeans, a flannel shirt, and carrying a book in his hand — The Qur’an.
By waseem khan6 months ago in Confessions
Human Monsters Part 1. AI-Generated.
Edward Rowan was a man in his thirties, a recluse residing at the edge of town in his own private farm, having lost his family several years prior. Rowan cherished solitude, which is why he never married; however, the company of others never bothered him too much, as long as it was temporary. He was a large and athletic man, yet at first glance, no one would perceive the man wearing colorful Hawaiian shirts and straw hats as someone capable of walking several hundred meters without becoming breathless, let alone engaging in any athletic activities.
By ADIR SEGAL6 months ago in Confessions
My dog didn’t just fill the silence—he became my voice
There was a time in my life when silence wasn’t peaceful—it was painful. The kind of silence that gets into your bones. The kind that, after loss, after loneliness, after life, takes away those few voices that used to make you feel seen.
By Echoes of Life6 months ago in Confessions
I Am A Winner
Introduction I joined Vocal for the big prize money. That never happened. I have two challenge placements, an "honourable" mention, some Top Stories and a couple of Resource pieces, but Vocal and a lot of creators see me as a thorn in Vocal's side.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 6 months ago in Confessions
