values

The Combat Soldier/Autism Connection
“Did you know? Mothers of children with autism experience stress levels similar to that of combat soldiers. A study said so.”
By Rachel Stogner9 months ago in Families
Wasted Time & Second Chances: A Journal Entry on Love, Loss, and the Life I'm Fighting For.
Wasted Time & Second Chances A Journal Entry on Love, Loss, and the Life I’m Fighting For July 1st, 2023 I don’t usually share my private journal entries. But this one? This one demands to be seen. Because it’s not just mine—it’s for anyone who’s ever looked at their life and thought: How the hell did I get here? And more importantly: Where do I go now?
By MALIK Saad9 months ago in Families
Dear Little Bird
The bird landed on a Tuesday. Elena stood there, gazing at it crouched next to her window, feathers rumpled, a smudge of dirt along its tiny beak. Rain pounded against the glass, streaking the world gray and blurry, but the bird did not move. It simply sat there — shivering, but whole.
By MD NAZIM UDDIN 9 months ago in Families
From Boardroom to Basketball Court: The Real Life of a Working Mom
It’s a strange thing to live two lives at once. During the day, I’m a Delivery Director, handling teams, leading strategic conversations, and keeping client operations smooth. By evening, I’m a basketball mom — the one shouting encouragement from the bleachers, carrying spare socks, and reminding someone not to forget their water bottle again.
By oksy putriani9 months ago in Families
Where the Silence Speaks
The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, leaving a lingering amber glow over the lake, stretching out like a blanket over the earth. At the edge of the dock, two figures sat side by side. A father and his son.
By Muhammad Abbas 9 months ago in Families
Happy Mother's Day - 2025. Content Warning.
Today is Mother's Day and I am happy to say that the day has been going alright. It has it's up's and down's - as does any day - but I'm starting to feel more at peace with my life.
By The Schizophrenic Mom9 months ago in Families
Life's~Circles. Top Story - April 2025.
— At this Stage we Move from 'Purpose' to 'Reflection' — *May I share for a moment: Days ago, I lost two of my besties very suddenly, both in the same day. I then put my drawing into a 'Circle of Life' image by Leonardo as a tribute to Audrey and Addie. They will be missed.
By Jay Kantor9 months ago in Families
Navigating the Hidden Struggles of Caregiving: A Comprehensive Guide for Caregivers
Introduction Caregiving is a profound act of love and commitment, yet it often comes with silent burdens that are seldom discussed. This guide delves into the complexities of caregiving, offering practical strategies to manage the emotional, physical, and mental challenges caregivers face. Understanding the Emotional Landscape of Caregiving The Unspoken Grief of Watching a Loved One Decline
By Lila Hart9 months ago in Families
The power princesses assumed control of the royal families in Europe
What qualifies as a princess? Being born to a king and queen, having the ability to feel a pea under a mound of mattresses, and having constant access to castles and fine jewellery are all very important. However, by 2025, things have changed, even though diamond tiaras are still a significant aspect of being a princess. Commoner boyfriends, state school, and military service are now typical.
By Francis Dami9 months ago in Families
Money Management Secrets They Never Taught You
Money—it’s something we all deal with daily, yet few of us are ever truly taught how to manage it effectively. Schools may cover math and economics, but practical money management often gets left out. For many, personal finance becomes a trial-and-error experience. However, with a few well-kept secrets and smart strategies, you can gain better control over your finances and pave the way to long-term stability. 1. Budgeting Is More Than Numbers—It’s a Mindset We often hear about the importance of budgeting, but what’s rarely emphasized is that budgeting isn’t just about cutting expenses. It’s a mindset. Instead of thinking of a budget as a list of restrictions, view it as a plan for your financial freedom. A budget helps you tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. Start by tracking your income and all your expenses. Use free tools like apps or even a simple spreadsheet. Then allocate your money in three major categories: needs, wants, and savings. A popular rule of thumb is the 50/30/20 rule—50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debt repayment. 2. Pay Yourself First One of the simplest yet most powerful secrets in money management is this: Pay yourself first. Before you pay bills, buy groceries, or treat yourself to a new gadget, put a portion of your income into savings or an emergency fund. Automating this process makes it easier and ensures you’re consistently building financial security. Even saving just 10% of your income can make a big difference over time. The earlier you start, the more you benefit from compound growth—interest earned on your interest. 3. Separate Your Spending Accounts Here’s a trick that can help you stay on track: use multiple bank accounts for different purposes. For example: A bills account for fixed monthly costs like rent, utilities, and subscriptions A spending account for groceries, dining out, and entertainment A savings account for emergencies or future goals Separating your accounts makes it easier to avoid overspending and see exactly where your money is going. 4. Emergency Funds Are Non-Negotiable Life is unpredictable—car repairs, medical bills, or job loss can strike at any time. That’s why having an emergency fund is essential. Ideally, it should cover three to six months’ worth of expenses. Start small if you need to—even having $500 can prevent you from falling into debt during a crisis. Make it a priority to build this fund before investing or spending on luxuries. 5. Cutting Costs Doesn’t Mean Cutting Joy Many people associate saving money with sacrifice. But the real secret is learning how to reduce expenses without reducing happiness. Here’s how: Cancel unused subscriptions Cook at home more often Buy quality items that last longer, even if they cost more upfront Take advantage of sales, coupons, and cashback programs The goal is to spend smarter, not harder. 6. Know the Difference Between Good Debt and Bad Debt Not all debt is bad. For example, a mortgage can build equity over time, and student loans may lead to better job opportunities. Bad debt, however—like high-interest credit card debt—can quickly spiral out of control. The secret is to use debt strategically. Don’t borrow for things that don’t add value. And if you’re already in debt, focus on paying off the ones with the highest interest rates first. 7. Investing Isn’t Just for the Wealthy A common myth is that you need a lot of money to start investing. In reality, you can begin with small amounts through apps or investment platforms that offer fractional shares. Even $20 a month in a simple index fund can grow significantly over time, thanks to compound interest. Educate yourself about investment basics, risk levels, and timelines. The earlier you start, the more you benefit. 8. Your Financial Health Is as Important as Your Physical Health Just like regular checkups are important for your body, reviewing your finances regularly is crucial. Set a monthly date to go over your budget, track progress toward your goals, and adjust your plans if necessary. This routine keeps you informed and in control. Also, avoid comparing your financial journey with others’. Everyone’s situation is different, and social media often paints a misleading picture of success. 9. Financial Literacy Is a Lifelong Skill One of the best-kept secrets is that financial literacy is not a one-time lesson—it’s a continuous learning process. Read books, listen to podcasts, and follow credible personal finance sources. As you grow in knowledge, you’ll make more confident and informed decisions. Final Thoughts Managing your money doesn’t require a finance degree or a six-figure income. With the right habits, mindset, and tools, anyone can take control of their financial future. The secrets they never taught you are actually simple: be intentional, stay informed, and make your money work for you. Start today, and your future self will thank you.
By Sajid 9 months ago in Families
Before She Died, She Told Me Something That Changed Everything. AI-Generated.
It was a quiet Thursday afternoon when I received the call. My mother-in-law, Eleanor, had been battling cancer for months. I’d seen her health decline rapidly, but somehow, I still wasn’t prepared for the news. It was strange how death could feel both expected and sudden at the same time.
By Nouman wali9 months ago in Families
The Importance Of Family
Today is Mother's Day. It can be a Day filled with Many Emotions. Mother's being Remembered after their Passing. Women who are Struggling to Conceive are being Reminded of their Struggle.
By Dr. Cody Dakota Wooten, DFM, DHM, DAS (hc)9 months ago in Families