humanity
For better or for worse, relationships reveal the core of the human condition.
The Mud Man
My desire to have fun and live a meaningful life has always been there. From my very earliest memories, I can recall gathering kids together for night games, board games, video games, sports, and every other type of activity I could think up. I wanted everyone to feel included and have a fun time.
By Michael J. Heil5 years ago in Humans
A Challenge For Everyone
Words being sang, a guitar being strummed, drums beat, and keys of a piano being stroked. All of this is just noise when played separately, but when they come together in perfect harmony you have a song. People are much like musical instruments, as when we are all separated, we make a lot of noise, perhaps, some individuals can make a nice sound, like a piano playing without any other instruments. As beautiful as the piano is all by itself, it has the potential to become more powerful when joined by inspirational words being sung out from a beautiful voice. When we learn that separation in humanity is doomed a lifetime of noise, and that unity and harmony could bring so much more, we can have peace, and our planet can heal. I see people crying out all around me, screaming words of hatred, pointing the finger at whoever they blame for the evil in the world. I hear people blame God and Satan. I hear of or see people who blame politics, religion, racial inequality, poverty, wealth, and many more scapegoats. It is not the fault of any off those things, everything we are suffering, is our own doing. We have free will, which means we can choose to love others, be kind, be of service, and respect each other, even if our beliefs aren’t harmonious. It is expected, with so many lives on the planet, that there will be all kinds of different beliefs, why must we kill each other or judge each other over our beliefs? I have spent a couple of years now getting familiar with just about every religious belief there is, and there is not a single religion that teaches us to kill each other, or judge each other. There is not a single written religious doctrine encouraging people to get wealthy and never help others. There is no spiritual belief that I have come across thus far that gives us directions to claim ownership over anything on this planet, nothing says that people should get wealthy at the expense of people having to pay for water, something that was given to us in the beginning. No matter what you believe, this one simple fact is true, when mankind first appeared he was not charged rent, he was not charged for water, he was not charged to eat. There was no fee he had to pay in order to sustain life, and there was no one he had to pay rent to. The land was for him to enjoy and experience as being a part of it, he is a part of it because he is living on it. The only price he may have had to pay was his gratitude and respect for the world around him. It seems as though mankind has forgotten this, people have to pay to live somewhere, they have to pay for water, something we need to sustain life, what’s next? Will we some day have to pay for Oxygen as well? Our world is in uproar because of us, and us alone. Don’t blame the devil and say he made you do it, you do what you want to do, everyone knows that, if someone tells you to do something you don’t want to do, or attempts to convince you to do something, you are not going to just do it. That’s a copout and a chicken shit excuse. You allow yourself to be influenced because you want to be influenced. Usually, it is because of a desire for fame, fortune, or some kind of material gain. Some do it for love, they claim, but love is free, and doesn’t require anything to attain, but you have to attain it within yourself first. You can’t buy love, you can force love, and you can’t awe love. Love just is, it always has been and always will be. People are the reason for hatred, people cause war, poverty, hunger and strife. We have no respect for anything, no gratitude for anything, we always want what someone else has, or more then someone else. Does anyone ever find happiness in being the richest person in the world? Does anyone ever stay content forever? No, that’s why nothing lasts forever, because man forgets to be grateful, and mankind has no love or respect within themselves, therefore many show no love or respect for anyone else. I am no Saint, I make mistakes, we have all played a part in creating the chaos we all live in, this isn’t some condescending lecture, it is really me just venting to myself, frustrated and upset at how powerless I am. Frustrated at having a voice, but no one to listen, upset because I know I have something worth listening to, something that could help our current situation, but no one will listen. The only thing I can do, is be the person that has gratitude, love within myself, and love for others. I can be of service to others, and I can choose to worry about my own mistakes instead of worry about judging others for their mistakes. I can work on myself, and get comfort knowing that I am at least doing my part. That’s all anyone can do at the end of the day. If enough people could feel the same way, and live like they are grateful for all the gifts this planet lays before us free of charge, maybe more people will follow the lead. Seeing someone with so much peace and inner happiness, it is contagious, everyone wants to be happy, but not many are seeking the right things to gain this happiness. We are all born to lead others, and we are also all born to follow, and be sponges that can by influenced, so lead by example, and follow an example worth following. Be an influencer of love, and kindness, and let yourself be influenced by the love you feel, and happiness. I can tell you now, that love and happiness aren’t experienced through force, wealth, anger, or indifference. They are experienced by being kind, and helpful, to yourself, and to others, and by respecting that we are all different, and we won’t always see or believe in the same things. It is okay, everyone does not have to believe the same thing, let them believe whatever they choose, there’s no need to persecute or judge. Let people love whoever they want, it’s none of your business where you think their soul is going. Worry about your own soul, and worry about what you are and are not doing. If only people could see this, but it feels as though I live in a world of ignorance, blindness, and deafness. As for myself, what can I really do, other than live the way I believe is right, and that is all I am doing Who wants to accept the challenge to do the same? I challenge everyone who reads this to be a leader, lead with love, respect, and kindness, see how many you can influence. This challenge is the one that has losers, all will who participate will be winners, and everyone gets the reward. Good luck, and game on.
By Trisha Behrens5 years ago in Humans
Merlot and Me
The day I met Jack was the day I remembered why the river has always ran through my blood and why a deep red merlot from Bright Cellars was my favorite wine. A name means everything and mine suited me perfectly. Samantha Maplegood. But I was over being good. So why did I decide to spend my first week on summer break at a monastery in the muggy South with few luxuries and even less visitors. Because nothing I ever did made sense or was what I really wanted to do. I’d lived for other people and now was ready to let my inner she-wolf do some howling.
By Michele Zirkle5 years ago in Humans
Only 2 Lovers left Alive.
It was a cold Sunday evening. Ruby was going for her regular evening run at the lake trail close to where she lived . She enjoyed the breeze , the wind and the peace that came along from running around the lake trail at that time of the day. She also enjoyed that it was less crowded at that particular time of day. She eventually took a water break staring into the foggy horizon of the lake view. She taught she was the only person at the lake trail that evening till she noticed a man staring at her. His stare was intense and percing. She taught it was rather od but did not think much of it. She assumed that he was just another stranger with a staring problem that she hopes to never see again. Ruby was use to men staring at her. She’s a beautiful ebony built with glowy brown skin and thick curly hair. As she was leaving the lake trail , He followed behind her. After he was able to reach a 6 inch distance form her he yelled out “Excuse me” , have I seen you before”. She stared back at him nevosly and answered “No , sorry , but I don’t think so.” He asked again “Are you sure ? because you look very familiar to me”. Then it came to her who he was. He was Sebastian. Her first boyfriend in high school. They both dated her freshman year of high school after being best friends through out her middle school career . He left the summer after freshman year of highschool to Austin with his family after his dad got a new job position. They both lost contact with each other and hadn’t spoke to each other since . She yelled out excitingly “ Wait , you’re Sebastian , Sebastian from Bellwood high school.” He chuckled replying “you’re absolutely correct , and you must be Ruby.” Sebestan was tall with broad shoulders , almond shaped eyes and an olive skin tone. She replied “Wow , who taught I’d ever see you again , it’s nice to see you”. He replied “ Likewise , I’d give you a hug but we have this whole pandemic thing going on”. Ruby laughed and so did Sebastian. She replied “ Hey , if you would like to catch up later this week , I got my COVID test result that came up negative for COVID. You could try and get a COVID test done later on this week and we can meet up at the lake again if your test comes out negative , just to be safe.” she said with a smile . He replied enthusiastically “Even better , I had to take my Covid test before flying to Toronto this weekend that came back negative. It looks like we’re both clear. May I give you a hug ?” . She blushed “Of course , if you don’t mind getting a little bit of sweat on you ”. Sebastian laughed and replied “ I don’t mind , a little never hurt no body” Ruby noticed he still has the same charm and the same sense of humour he had when they dated in high school. He left his 6 inch stance to give her a hug. It was the first hug Ruby had received in while since she lived alone during the pandemic with her pet cat and did not have much human interaction during the pandemic. His hug was warm , yet tender. She felt her spirit lit up. She replied “ It’s getting dark now , if you want we can walk back to my apartment , I live close by and we can have some drinks. I just purchased a bottle of Merlot if you’re up to it.” She asked neverously”. He answered “ Well , perfect , how can I resist a bottle of my favourite wine.” She blushed and they started to walk back to her apartment.” Ruby felt as if she was in a dream , it was stary night , the streets waere empty and the sky was lit up with so many stars. She felt as if she was in a movie and that they were the only 2 lovers left alive. They caught up on old memories from high school , the friends they use to know and secrets they kept with each other that they both still remembered from the past. She felt as if the universe consipired to bring them back together at divine timing with the abrupt ending their relationship had that summer. They were back at her apartment and she poured them both a glass or Merlot wine. Sebestan mentioned “ Let’s make a toast. To new beginnings and our very first date since high school.” She laughed back at him replying “ a date , well then so it is” blushingly. Ruby’s cat came across the room and started to lick him. Ruby smiled replying “ it looks like she likes like you , she usually doesn’t like everyone”. Ruby had a good feeling about this and Sebestan being back in her life. She felt a feeling of optimism and hope that Quarantine wouldn’t be so lonely after all.
By Kehinde Oguntoyinbo5 years ago in Humans
Put A Label On It
So, I’m awkward. The awkwardness is born from anxiety. I’m not “at home” in social situations, especially when there is the hint of anything romantic. I wouldn’t say I’m hopeless. I mean, I can actually flirt pretty well if I’m feeling relaxed. On a good day, it only takes a drink or two to wash away the anxiety. Even then, I’m a little awkward. I make jokes and smile, but my eyes find the ground a lot. Or sometimes, I pick a random object in the room, and I pretend like I’m really super interested in this incredible piece of art and I try to start a conversation about it, knowing full well that this person does not give a shit about that mannequin head sitting on the bar or where it came from. I guess some people think my quirkiness is intriguing or cute or something, because I’ve had girlfriends. I’ve had long-term relationships. I can fill the silence pretty well once I’m comfortable.
By Erin Fleming5 years ago in Humans
My Perfect BirthDate
All I wanted to do this year was celebrate my birthday alone. Now, let’s get something straight right off the bat, okay? I love my family. I do. My husband is amazing, and he treats me better than I deserve sometimes. Issac is handsome, kind, funny and the best cook in the entire world. Then there’s Pip and Beth: my adorable six year old twins. Pip is incredibly smart and sharp witted. He has a smart aleck comeback for every situation; yet is compassionate enough to never cross the line of being mean. And Beth is Issac in mini-me form. Whether it’s video games, making a mess in the kitchen or wearing nothing but cargo pants and superhero t-shirts - whatever my husband does, I can always count on it being done two-fold.
By Elsie Regina5 years ago in Humans
Apartment 413
Where have you been you might be asking? Or might not, because let's face it, my audience is small. So for those of you wondering where did the blogger for Apartment 413 go? She took a mental health hiatus. I have been trying to just help myself be better and love myself more than I do most days. I have been feeling very stuck these days and it started to get to me. The fact that my mental health hasn't been doing great has been taking a toll on my motivation to write these blogs. I honestly don't even know how long it's been; maybe a month or two or even three that I have missed my weekly blogs. For that I am sorry. Writing without motivation or purpose brings no real joy to me and one thing that I always want this blog to be for me is a outlet.
By Melanie Guajardo5 years ago in Humans
The Imaginary Boyfriend
The whole concept of my “imaginary boyfriend.” is that there is this deep perception of what love means to me. How lovers perform what they decide to call as enjoying life together or by how they proceed to celebrate sharing their time together in a positive advancement of existing. Whether that be for themselves still and then on how they keep it up just to be there for their partners well sake. This “imaginary boyfriend” concept as something that I have created in this attempt to have one to be mine and only mine. Imagine the look on your lover’s face when you whisper your most promising secret to them. That they were built and placed on earth just for you. An expression of true satisfaction as I’d assume. I rarely assume things yet as an example of what it’s like to create perfection and have someone be glad to be yours and never feel guilty to keep you I hint towards the guy I’ve yet to meet but know I want to cherish for a lifetime and for much more of all of it.
By Keanna Barry 5 years ago in Humans
