coping
Life presents variables; learning how to cope in order to master, minimize, or tolerate what has come to pass.
The Day Freedom Died. Content Warning.
America, land of the free, has fallen... it is no more. I never thought I would see the day this truly happened in the country I've proudly called my home since birth. The country my ancestors, elders, grandfathers, father, and uncles fought for. The country my partner fought for. The country I always praised and cherished... the country that taught me what freedom looked like. Now... I watch it perish under a regime of tyranny and evil that masquerades under the guise of religion and doing "God's" work. These are the moments that continue to reshape me... that redefine me just when I thought that I had reached my final state of definition. But the transformations are not always for the better... this particular time of change has me conflicted and tormented with guilt and disgust.
By Luna Verity9 months ago in Psyche
Small Town Murder. Content Warning.
** It's been nearly 7 years since Denise was murdered. 7 years her friends and family have mourned and struggled to rebuild their worlds without her in it. 7 years a murder has gone unanswered, and the monster still roams around free. Thank you for revisiting this memory with me, thank you for your kind words and support. Please be vigilant and aware of the people who hide behind falseness, masked in smiles.
By Kelli Sheckler-Amsden9 months ago in Psyche
Conversations With the Mirror
There are moments when the world tilts—when you find yourself cracked open in a silence so loud it roars. The polished affirmations, the soft-spoken mantras, all start to feel like bandaids on bullet wounds. Not beautiful. Not helpful. Just a cover that doesn’t hold—words that slip right off when you need something that sticks.
By Annie Edwards 9 months ago in Psyche
A Conversation With the Mirror
There are moments when the world tilts—when you find yourself cracked open in a silence so loud it roars. The polished affirmations, the soft-spoken mantras, all start to feel like bandaids on bullet wounds. Not beautiful. Not helpful. Just a cover that doesn’t hold—words that slip right off when you need something that sticks.
By Annie Edwards 9 months ago in Psyche
My Guests
I sat in that room I was born in. I spent formative years with the duality watching over me. They were treacherous; at times affectionate and nurturing; others cold and barbaric. From kisses to strikes across my cheeks, to kicks above my knees. An upbringing riddled with light and darkness; a preparation for their departure and my first guest.
By Andrew Dominguez9 months ago in Psyche
Living in the Shadows
Throughout the years, it has been a subject that I felt invisible. At first, it was a horrible thing that I detested with more effort to succeed. Each passing failure was no help. The times seemed difficult, but they truly reflected what life would become. It was a time of transformation from youthful dreams to adult reality. Life in the Shadows was a place to develop my love of storytelling. It was those times that I was not seen but could see and study so much around me. The beginning was always the hardest, with the acceptance of failure.
By Sarah Danaher9 months ago in Psyche
The Mind Wanders
Before I begin, I would like to tell you, the reader, that I’m okay. This narrative is prompted by a Vocal challenge entitled “The Metamorphosis of the Mind.” This challenge is a no more than 2,500-word and no less than 1,000-word piece where I, the author, am supposed to share a transformative moment from my mental or emotional journey. For the past few years, while being a Vocal Plus member, I have been entering these challenges in the hopes of likes, reads, subscriptions, and, of course, prize money. My entries, thus far, have been mostly fictional pieces of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and the occasional poetry. I report that to date, I have not won nor have had an honorable mention, which is okay. I am hopeful that I will at least sharpen my skills to where someone enjoys my writing enough to continuously want to read what I put out on Vocal. This challenge, however, is different. This challenge wants us to explore our own psyche and present a moment of our lives to you, the reader. I did not know where to begin with this entry, for you see, I believe I have experienced a more than average share of personal growth. Let me quickly explain.
By Anthony Diaz9 months ago in Psyche
The First Time I Fell in Love Was Also the Last
They say your first love never really leaves you. I didn’t know mine would come and go in the same summer. This is me. A shy, thoughtful 17-year-old in my final summer before college. The kind of person who watches life from the sidelines—introverted, observant, not the type who’s ever been in love before. My world is small, familiar, and safe… until he arrives.
By Gift Abotsi 9 months ago in Psyche
