Childhood
My recent reflection. Top Story - August 2024.
Life has its ways of teaching you important lessons. Everything that happens in our existence strides its convoluted intersectionality with a purpose, a purpose that in its divinity has an impactful metamorphosis in our reality. How little do we know about what is about to come when we so confoundingly announce that I know this is how my life would turn out to be. In its own magnanimous and unexpected ways, you would get to what you deserve rather than what you want in most anomalies that our choices create. Whether we get what we want or face a delay or rejection, every event is a rendered outcome of the myriad of choices we chose and how divine intervention in its beauty shielded us from the things that could have destroyed us.
By Hridya Sharmaabout a year ago in Confessions
A HBD Text Works.... Top Story - August 2024.
Demon deals are very dangerous. They can go left at any moment. The no contact method works for me 364 days a year. Except on the demon’s born day. Another venture around the sun, yay! Great. The day forever etched, thanks to my elephant type of memory and the Google calendar alerts. Oh yeah…that’s today. Each summer, my world gets rocked for three months back to back. June, July and August all make me pause and contemplate-- send a HBD text or no?
By Ariel Celesteabout a year ago in Confessions
"You Need a Mechanic"
A couple of days ago I did a thing... See the starter on my van has been on it's way out for a while and I knew, had it on my to do list to get it done, but life has been busy and so I am just very thankful to God that He didn't let it fail until we were parked in a parking lot a block from our house. *smile*
By The Schizophrenic Momabout a year ago in Confessions
Using AI to avoid conflicts
The words we use, a combination of our tone, gestures, and personality could lead us into conflicts even against our will. This isn’t something we think about very often, but the reason you might be in conflict with others isn’t necessarily an ideological disparity but rather the missteps in our communication.
By real Jemaabout a year ago in Confessions
A reason to betray a friend
Betrayal is a powerful and often painful act detested across the board, even evil persons and people who betray others hate it all the same. There isn’t a feeling quite as unique as being betrayed by a loved one in whom we’ve put all our confidence and trust, no amount of words can describe that feeling. Loyalty is valued by pretty much everybody, we expected it from friends, family, and even people we barely know to some extent, this is one of those rare instances where there is a clear-cut preference between two antagonistic feelings. I can’t imagine a person ever saying they love being betrayed. While betrayal is generally viewed negatively, understanding the scenarios where one might feel compelled to betray a friend can offer insights into the complexities of human behavior and loyalty.
By real Jemaabout a year ago in Confessions
The Unexpected Reconnection
Lily’s life was filled with routine—early morning runs, hours spent at the floral shop, and quiet evenings reading novels. It was a life she cherished, but as spring approached, there was an undeniable restlessness in her heart. She was ready for something new, something unexpected.
By DEVASENAN SUBRAMANIabout a year ago in Confessions
Taming our Ego
Ego refers to a person’s sense of self-importance and self-esteem, what you think of your own self. Everybody has an ego and that plays directly into their character, actions, communication and their overall decision-making skills. This is one element of our lives which has far-reaching consequences which shape every single part of our entire being, thus the importance for us to understand what it is and how it works.
By real Jemaabout a year ago in Confessions
Using Silence and Empathy to Find Strength. Top Story - August 2024.
The authority of silence 😌 Silence. It is not only the lack of noise. It is a tool, a power, a weapon. Silence can be the loudest statement in a society when everyone is yelling to be heard. Try to consider it. When have you lately really welcomed silence? Not the embarrassing sort that causes fidget, but the kind that lets you breathe, think, and simply be.
By Ojoabout a year ago in Confessions
The invisible girl
In a small town and an old house where the Spiston family resides, they gathered around the TV on a stormy night. They were watching a new episode of their favorite cartoon, "The Spiston Family". The episode depicted a new adventure where they stumbled upon a strange device in the recently purchased old house.
By Williamabout a year ago in Confessions
Indian festival Onam: A Celebration of Culture, Tradition, and Unity
Onam: A Celebration of Culture, Tradition, and Unity** Onam is not just a festival but a grand celebration deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Kerala, a southwestern state in India known for its lush landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant traditions. It marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, a beloved mythical ruler whose reign was considered a golden era of prosperity and equality. This ten-day festival, typically falling in the month of August or September, brings together people of all communities to revel in joyous festivities, culinary delights, colorful decorations, and traditional art forms. **Legend of Onam** The legend of Onam revolves around King Mahabali, known for his generosity, wisdom, and just rule. According to Hindu mythology, Mahabali was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. His popularity and power grew to the extent that it worried the gods, particularly Indra, the king of gods. Seeking to humble Mahabali, Vishnu took the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin boy, and approached Mahabali for alms. In a benevolent gesture, Mahabali offered to grant Vamana whatever he wished. Vamana then requested land measuring just three paces. As Mahabali agreed, Vamana expanded in size, covering the entire universe in two steps and leaving no space for the third. In reverence to Mahabali's generosity and devotion, Vamana blessed him to visit his people once a year. This annual visit is celebrated as Onam, symbolizing the return of Mahabali to his kingdom and the joyous welcome by his people. **Onam Celebrations** Onam festivities are marked by colorful rituals and traditions that start ten days before the main day, known as Thiru Onam. Each day has its own significance, with elaborate rituals and offerings made to honor Mahabali and seek his blessings for prosperity and happiness. 1. **Atham:** The first day of Onam begins with the Atham star and involves the ceremonial raising of Onam flags (Ona-pookkalam) in every household. The day sets the tone for the celebrations that follow. 2. **Pookalam:** One of the most enchanting aspects of Onam is the creation of intricate floral carpets or Pookalams. These are meticulously made using flowers of various colors and designs, adorning courtyards as a symbol of welcome and festivity. 3. **Traditional Cuisine:** Onam is incomplete without the grand Onam Sadhya, a feast served on banana leaves that includes a lavish spread of vegetarian dishes. Prepared with love and care, the Sadhya showcases the culinary heritage of Kerala, featuring delicacies like avial, olan, thoran, and payasam. 4. **Puli Kali and Kaikottikali:** Onam also witnesses vibrant cultural performances like Puli Kali, where artists painted as tigers dance through the streets, and Kaikottikali, a graceful dance performed by women in traditional attire. 5. **Vallam Kali (Boat Race):** Another highlight of Onam is the Vallam Kali, or snake boat race, where beautifully decorated longboats compete amidst cheering crowds on rivers and backwaters. It symbolizes team spirit and unity. 6. **Onakkodi:** New clothes, known as Onakkodi, are an essential part of Onam celebrations. Family members dress in traditional attire, adding to the festive spirit. 7. **Shopping and Markets:** Onam also sees bustling markets and shops offering a variety of items, from handcrafted souvenirs to sweets and snacks, enhancing the festive fervor. **Significance of Onam** Onam transcends religious boundaries, uniting people of all faiths in Kerala. It reflects the essence of unity, equality, and prosperity that Mahabali symbolizes. The festival reinforces social harmony and community bonding, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness among Keralites. Moreover, Onam holds agricultural significance, celebrating the harvest season and the bountiful yield of crops. Farmers express gratitude to nature's bounty through rituals and prayers, seeking blessings for another prosperous year ahead. **Modern Celebrations** In contemporary times, Onam celebrations have evolved with cultural performances, competitions, and community events held worldwide where Keralites reside. The spirit of Onam resonates globally, with festivities showcasing Kerala's cultural richness and heritage. **Conclusion** Onam is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of Kerala's cultural resilience, traditions, and values. It brings families, friends, and communities together in joyous harmony, reflecting the spirit of unity and prosperity. As Keralites eagerly await the return of King Mahabali each year, Onam continues to embody the essence of tradition, festivity, and cultural heritage, making it one of India's most cherished and celebrated festivals.
By Sairaabout a year ago in Confessions
