humanity
For better or for worse, relationships reveal the core of the human condition.
Not the Right Kind of Black
We all carry with us memories and secrets that we solemnly swear to ourselves no one will ever know about. There is an inescapable amount of shame connected to these pieces of our lives and we hold ourselves hostage as a result. But I must admit that I’m exhausted. My spirit is spent. And I’m ready to relinquish myself from the hold my own secret has held over my life.
By Micky Thinks8 years ago in Humans
Social Media Trolls
Just recently I had a friend post a picture of themselves with a trophy they won't on their Instagram page. This was a big achievement for her. She has been working very hard for a long time for this achievement. One guy, though, decided to make comments about her weight. First by saying the trophy looked like a child's size. Of course that could have been interpreted differently if he had not continued to do more posts saying "Fat ass" and "Moooooo 🐄."
By Rachel Anderson8 years ago in Humans
The Power of Words
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." I grew up saying this chant at people who tried to insult me. I find those words funny now. As if those words were a shield from the hurtful things people hurled at me, most of which without even hearing me say one word. I kept this little chant in the background throughout even my high school career. Being the shy, nerd chick who was always more into comic books and video games than make-up and shopping, I was a constant target for these words, even from people I considered 'friends'.
By Michelle Duncan8 years ago in Humans
There's Nothing Wrong With Being an Introvert
Ever since I was a child, I've been an introvert. Scientific studies have shown that the brain of an introvert is quite different than that of an extrovert. It's not something that can be changed. It's hardwired. Introverts are often accused of being shy, antisocial, or withdrawn like it's something that needs to be fixed. Well, there is nothing wrong with being an introvert.
By Jay Dee Archer8 years ago in Humans
Adults, Teenagers, and Society
There has always been an ongoing battle between people and society. Whether we are involved in it or not, whether we choose to ignore it or not, it's there and it's not going away. We see it in the media and in real life. It's everywhere.
By Jocelyn Smith8 years ago in Humans
Contact
When two hearts meet and choose each other, I like to imagine that the ancestors and spirits join together to celebrate that love connection. They gather together in community, fireworks, the singing of choirs, and harps strumming. An idealistic land where we get approval by a higher realm, and it's not something that we see, it is something that we feel. If you let your mind and body want to manifest anything, it will. I can vouch for that many times over. I believe that when you take your eyes from that thing in which you wanted to manifest in the first place, then you lose the thing that you wanted to begin with, and have to start back at square one. I was on a spiritual journey this time last year. It was the beginning of the summer, I was feeling very frustrated, very anxious, and my self-worth was less than 6 feet under. This was because I lacked a positive relationship with who I was, and my mind was tricking me to believe that the way that I was, was toxic. When we feed ourselves these spirit killers, as I like to call it, this truly blocks us from receiving that in which we truly want. How do you want to be touched? I love that this question seems so erotic, but it's not for me.
By SAYHERNAME Morgan Sankofa8 years ago in Humans
How to Understand Differences in People?
Welcome, everyone!! My name is Michael and today, I want to discuss how we can understand one another in a different light and accept who we are. No one should be in an aisle by themselves and I believe that anyone can seek the help they desperately need.
By Michael Reynoso8 years ago in Humans
It's Okay, to Not Be Okay
Here we are, it's just us. It's all about staying positive. Everyone has a story, but yet not everyone has read the book. We always think that our life is worse than others, that they have no right to judge us or make assumptions about us; but yet, we do it to them. No one ever stops and truly thinks, 'I wonder how they're doing today.' People always put a brave face on, whether they're in public, at school, in the mall, or even at home with their friends and family.
By Kearra Peterson8 years ago in Humans
New Life
My story is about starting a new life after 16 years, in another country. It is still hard for me to believe how my life has turned 180 degrees in three hours; as I have moved to Scotland from Hungary, which takes three hours journey on a plane. I hated, but also loved that day because it was so hard for me to leave everything behind...my family, my friends, my old high school, and my home. But I was excited at the same time for my future, which I believed would turn out pretty good.
By Celiina Peltzer8 years ago in Humans
The Company of Self
"Table for one, please!" is something I have no problem saying aloud! Yes...I'm that friend. I'm that friend who will go to dinner or catch a movie alone. I'm that friend, who enjoys being a loner, as opposed to being constantly surrounded by people. (Exhale.) Now don't get me wrong—I love my family and I adore my friends, but too much of them is too much for me. Finding that balance is crucial! Yes, I have had my share of group outings, double dates, "Ladies Nights," girl chats, wife chats, just-because chats, and family functions. However, on a constant basis...it can be a bit much and extremely draining. Yes, I must confess that part of the reason I'm uber content with being alone is because I'm an only child—through my mom—so by default I am a loner. (I do make the conscious effort not to always be!) Growing up, if I wasn't visiting my dad's, or playing with my cousins, I was playing by myself. As I got older, I found myself wanting to do more, and so I begin surrounding myself with people more often than being alone. So, through the years, I forced relationships and I've forced friendships for the sake of having tangible "somebodies" to be around. But what I didn't realize is, I didn't know who I was, and so their presence served as a validation to my existence. (Whew! Heavy right!?) Yup. That's my reality and that's my truth! And when I finally mustered up the courage to discover who Juanita is—with the absence of people—self-love begin to manifest.
By Juanita Davis8 years ago in Humans
Waking Up
When I was 23 I thought I was doing a very good job of convincing people that I was attached to any aspect of my life. I went to the local pub, spent weekends with my group of friends in the mountains, and always did my best to keep the mood light and playful. I had it all under control: my drinking problem, my eating disorder, my fear of having my heart broken again. I was always "The Other Woman," actually seeking out emotionally unavailable lovers since it inherently meant no commitment from myself. I was in my friends' lives but made a conscious effort to keep them out of my own. At least, keep them at far enough of a distance so that when they would inevitably disappoint or (as I was convinced they all would) turn their backs on me, I would remain unaffected.
By Laura Baty8 years ago in Humans
