I always had questions about who I am and what I like, that was until my English teacher asked us to write about ourselves and hobbies. At first, I thought to myself 'what the hell?', I don't know anything about myself. Writing about yourself can be hard, I sat and stared at my piece of paper for a good twenty minutes, then something kind of took over me. I couldn't tell you how, but this is what I began to write...
I love the smell of rain, and the morning dew when you first wake up. I love nature, sunsets, I love the way the colors are so opposite but somehow all blend together to create a lovely sight. The smells and sights of a beautiful Autumn Day, the oranges, browns, and yellows, smells of leaves, and the warmth of the sun shining its way through all the naked trees.
The feeling of a white Christmas, cuddled up in warm blankets, fuzzy long socks and matching pj’s with your loved one. The feeling when you are on summer vacation, not a worry in the world, all your responsibilities left at home. The sleep you get after being in the sun all day, your obvious sunburn slowly making its way to your sensitive skin, waking upbeat red with the memories of yesterday.
The sound of country music playing on the subs of your jacked up truck driving down backroads with no destination, just the sight of the person you love. The beauty of the old doghouse your grandpa just threw in the fire, the bright orange and yellow followed by the warmth on a chilly summer night. The tailgate nights with former elementary friends, hiding the sleeves on your shirt constantly looking behind your back hoping they don’t rip them off as a form of hazing.
Fireworks on a late night that your friend grabbed out of his bag, turning into a Roman Candle fight. Early morning car shows with the retired mechanics at your shop, the excitement on children’s faces when they walk past our show car wanting to see it jump. Late night flights with the view of city lights. The feeling of coming home to your puppy after being away all day, watching her tail wiggle to the point where her butt is moving side to side as well. The early drives to school and work by yourself singing to your favorite song as loud as you can because no one can hear you.
Holding a newborn baby, trying to stay as still as possible so the precious angel doesn’t wake up from its slumber. Going through old photos with a huge smile on your face because of all the beautiful memories you’ve made. The feeling of not having any responsibilities for the day, relaxing and catching up on your favorite show.
Life can be hectic, but when I sit down and reflect on these experiences and beauty of the world, I realize that it is all worth it. When I experience these things, I forget about all of the hardships I’ve been put through. There is a sense of calm and hope of a happy and bright future ahead. These experiences help me to keep going, to continue to live life to the fullest no matter what is thrown at me.
Life is beautiful. Don't take it for granted.
Thank you to all of my friends for allowing me to have these experiences, and a big thank you to my love for introducing me to these friends. I'm so grateful to have experienced this stuff with you. Cheers to many more memories.
About the Creator
Mack
My digital diary <3
Beginner
Britain in Talks With NATO to Boost Arctic Security
The Arctic Is No Longer a Frozen Backwater For decades, the Arctic sat quietly on the margins of global politics—remote, frozen, and largely ignored. That era is over. Britain is now in talks with NATO to strengthen Arctic security, acknowledging growing risks posed by Russia and China. In a notable shift, London’s assessment aligns closely with warnings long emphasized by Donald Trump, particularly as he continues to express strategic interest in Greenland. What once sounded like an eccentric fixation has evolved into a serious geopolitical conversation. The Arctic is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most contested regions, and Britain is positioning itself to play a larger role. Why Britain Is Paying Attention Now Although the UK is not an Arctic nation, it is an Arctic-adjacent power with significant strategic interests. British officials increasingly view the High North as critical to national and allied security. Melting ice is opening new shipping routes, exposing untapped natural resources, and making military movement easier than ever before. Britain’s talks with NATO focus on intelligence sharing, joint exercises, surveillance capabilities, and protecting undersea infrastructure such as communication cables and energy pipelines. These are not abstract concerns. Any disruption in the Arctic could have immediate consequences for European security and global trade. In short, what happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic. Russia’s Expanding Arctic Footprint Russia is the dominant military power in the Arctic, and it is not slowing down. Moscow has reopened Soviet-era bases, deployed advanced missile systems, expanded its icebreaker fleet, and increased patrols across the region. The Arctic coastline represents a core part of Russia’s nuclear deterrent, making it strategically vital to the Kremlin. From NATO’s perspective, this military buildup creates both risk and uncertainty. Britain, which has long been vocal about Russian aggression—from Ukraine to cyber warfare—sees the Arctic as another front where deterrence must be strengthened before tensions spiral. The concern is not necessarily an immediate conflict, but miscalculation. In a region with harsh conditions and limited communication infrastructure, even minor incidents could escalate rapidly. China’s Quiet but Steady Arctic Ambitions While Russia’s presence is overt, China’s Arctic strategy is more subtle—and equally concerning to Western planners. Beijing calls itself a “near-Arctic state,” a label that has raised eyebrows in Europe and North America. Through investments, research stations, and partnerships, China is laying the groundwork for long-term influence. Britain shares NATO’s concern that China could use civilian projects for dual-use purposes, blending scientific research with intelligence gathering and infrastructure control. As Arctic shipping routes become commercially viable, China’s interest in controlling parts of the supply chain only grows. London’s alignment with these concerns reflects a broader shift in UK foreign policy: China is no longer viewed solely as an economic partner, but as a strategic competitor. Trump, Greenland, and Strategic Reality Donald Trump’s repeated interest in Greenland—most famously his suggestion that the United States should buy it—was widely mocked at the time. Yet behind the headlines was a strategic logic that many Western governments now openly acknowledge. Greenland sits at the heart of the Arctic, hosting vital air and naval routes between North America and Europe. It is also rich in rare earth minerals critical for modern technology and defense systems. As ice recedes, Greenland’s strategic value only increases. Britain’s current position, which aligns with Trump’s warnings about Arctic vulnerabilities, shows how quickly political perceptions can change. What once seemed unconventional now appears prescient. NATO’s Arctic Awakening NATO has traditionally focused on Eastern Europe and the North Atlantic. The Arctic, despite its importance, received less coordinated attention. That is changing. Britain’s talks with NATO reflect a broader alliance effort to integrate Arctic defense into its core strategy. This includes: Increased joint military exercises in cold-weather environments Enhanced monitoring of Russian and Chinese activity Strengthening cooperation with Arctic nations like Norway, Canada, and Denmark Protecting critical undersea and satellite infrastructure For Britain, this is also about credibility. As a leading NATO member and a key military power, the UK wants to demonstrate that it can contribute meaningfully beyond its immediate geography. Climate Change as a Security Multiplier One of the most striking aspects of Arctic security is how closely it is tied to climate change. Melting ice is not just an environmental issue—it is a strategic one. New sea lanes shorten travel between Asia and Europe, while access to oil, gas, and minerals becomes easier. This transformation increases competition and reduces natural barriers that once limited military movement. Britain’s involvement reflects recognition that climate-driven changes are reshaping the security landscape faster than traditional institutions were designed to handle. In this sense, Arctic security is a preview of future global challenges where environmental change and geopolitics collide. Domestic and Diplomatic Balancing Acts Britain’s Arctic engagement is not without challenges. Increased military involvement raises questions about defense spending, priorities, and escalation risks. Diplomatically, London must balance deterrence with dialogue, avoiding actions that could unnecessarily provoke Russia while still protecting allied interests. There is also the question of public awareness. Arctic security lacks the visibility of conflicts like Ukraine, making it harder to sustain political attention. Yet policymakers increasingly argue that prevention is cheaper—and safer—than crisis response. What This Means Going Forward Britain’s talks with NATO mark an important shift in how the Arctic is viewed: not as a distant frontier, but as a central arena in 21st-century security. Agreement with Trump-era assessments on Russia, China, and Greenland underscores how geopolitical realities can outlast political controversies. As competition intensifies, the Arctic will likely become a testing ground for cooperation, deterrence, and strategic foresight. Britain’s involvement signals that mid-sized powers are no longer content to watch from the sidelines. Final Thoughts The Arctic is warming faster than any other region on Earth—and so are the geopolitical tensions surrounding it. Britain’s move to boost Arctic security with NATO reflects a growing consensus that ignoring the High North is no longer an option. Whether driven by Russia’s militarization, China’s quiet expansion, or lessons drawn from Trump’s blunt warnings, one truth stands out: the future of global security may well be shaped at the top of the world, where ice, ambition, and power now intersect.
By Muhammad Hassan7 days ago in Earth
Miss Persephone's Manual to a Seemingly Ordinary Life
Miss Persephone was found at the dining table, her blue eyes swollen, her tears arriving and retreating like the tides of the ocean. Earlier that day, her family had visited her in the retirement home where she had lived for eight years. It was her eightieth birthday.
By Imola Tóth4 days ago in Fiction
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.