humanity

For better or for worse, relationships reveal the core of the human condition.

In Her Shoes
In Her Shoes “Where’d you find it?” “You wouldn’t believe it.” “I would. Seriously, where?” Lily taps her beautiful, strong white front teeth, with the stir stick from her drink, “In one of Grandma’s boots. Those rubber zip-up overshoes she wore.”
By Karren Madson5 years ago in Humans
Job hunting in a pandemic - My first video interview
As the reality of my fixed-term contract job ending began to feel more real, a small light appeared at the end of the tunnel in the form of a second stage video interview for a similar-sounding digital marketing role at a company whose office (as and when I would be required to go there again) was just around the corner from where I had been based before the pandemic sent us all spiralling to work from home.
By Emily Carter5 years ago in Humans
Big Magic, Curiosity
I belong to a women’s wellness book club where we read for self-improvement. The first benefit of being part of this group is community. It provides a social, intellectual, and emotional connection that all humans need and desire. Belonging means you are part of something and accepted. The average age of our group is 60. This sense of belonging becomes more vital as we age. And, even if you’re at the front end of your journey, we are not designed to be perpetually alone, or lonely. The dichotomy of being on social media with hundreds of friends is that it is creating greater and greater social isolationism with depression, anxiety, and suicide reaching epidemic levels. A screen can never replace a little human touch, a gesture of warmth, or a real smile.
By Francesca Flood, Ed.D.5 years ago in Humans
Moles
Arthur contemplated the words he had just read. A simple but incomprehensible message written in a worn, tiny black notebook he found on the desk in his study. He ran thin fingers through silver hair and adjusted his bifocals.
By David Richard5 years ago in Humans
A Drug Addict Saved My Life
Being told you were unconscious for months is bewildering. Never have I described myself as bewildered, but that description is befitting. Just as astonishing is your ability to accept the reality that you were not an active participant in the world, as everyone you know lived their lives without you. It is amazing how you adapt to the unfathomable. Either you bend or you break. Breaking is not my style.
By Robin Jessie-Green5 years ago in Humans
A Fresh Start
What do the words fresh start mean to you? That is an easy question for me. A fresh start is new footprints after a snowstorm, the smell of the air after a long rain, the crunch of leaves in a freshly raked leaf pile, the smell of a newly constructed house, or, finally, my favorite of all, the bright colors of brand new school supplies.
By Lisa Brasher5 years ago in Humans
And even still, I am loved.
Mayday, dear reader! I have a confession to make, one that I do not take lightly: I have fallen in love. I, a woman who revels in being unobtainable, unavailable (and particularly sumptuous in underwear.) A dame who practices the art of the tease and wields her power over all kinds of characters for the sake of the adventure of life. I have fallen, so deep and so hard there will never be any hope of finding my way out. My heart has sewn this man into the fabric of my being, and I am enjoying every vulnerable, mind-numbing second. I have forsaken all other lovers, the entire harem of them. What kind of man could cause such a woman, with such a rich inner life, and such potential for malevolence to be rendered into a useless pile of jello?
By Georgianna Hicks5 years ago in Humans
The eyes of the unseeing
In the corner of the room, nestled on one of the walls where the window sits, a bed is placed. A variety of stuffed plush toys, varying in sizes, and styles, can be found on top of the mattress. However, there is this one particular stuffed toy that stands out. It is a rugged Mickey Mouse plush with the only indicator that it is who it is, is the red shorts and yellow shoes that the cartoon character is famous for. The rest, however, are either tattered fabric or open stitches. Nonetheless it is something that is definitely valued.
By Arung5 years ago in Humans
Show Me Your Life
Show Me Your Life “You want us to do what?” Tami exclaimed, flipping a heavy black braid behind her back. “I thought we were supposed be here for a job. Do you mean that you will be paying us to record our life for a year? Why?”
By Sarah Holloway5 years ago in Humans
That Kind of Power
There it was again. Could it be? It was starting to become exceptionally coincidental. This time it was tucked beside the coffee maker at an old dingy diner off 4th. I stop there in the morning before work, to grab a slice of the best homemade pie you could ever get your hands on. The coffee is okay. I normally don’t go for a coffee with my pie, but today I had to. I had to ask her if I could see it. There is no way I could be mistaking that mysterious shadowy leather... that dark captivating inscription, whatever it says. Evidently because, this would mark the 7th time seeing it this past week. Conveniently just out of my reach too, as per usual. I couldn't believe it.
By Leah Smith5 years ago in Humans
Rediscovering Yourself While Recovering From Depression
There is a lot to say about how much one can learn in only a couple of years. It is almost unfathomable how much can happen in such a short amount of time.
By Jay Cordero5 years ago in Humans
Intentionally ME
In the past I would set goals as part of my New Year’s resolution to build a better me. Back then I wanted to make more money, eat better and work out to be stronger, further my education, the list goes on. I figured if I changed what I could outside of me, I would feel better inside. As the years passed I never noticed myself actually feeling better. I felt like I was distracted from something I should be focusing on but could never quite figure out what it was. Then life would throw it’s curveballs and my goals would go right out the window. I eventually got tired of this cycle and resolved that resolutions weren’t for me.
By Intentions5 years ago in Humans