coping
Life presents variables; learning how to cope in order to master, minimize, or tolerate what has come to pass.
How to Stop People Pleasing
One day in my childhood, I decided that I would be the source of everyone's happiness. There was a guilt so perfectly fashioned in my chest. Yet, I'd been oblivious to the fact that it never even belonged to me. For years all I wanted was to be seen, loved, and heard. The majority of my life was fueled by the desire to be loved. This took me down many dark paths that bring me shame to this day. There is grace in my deliverance, however. A moment that I can breathe. Only I always come back to the shame. Always. This same shame gave me the motivation to discover who it truly belonged to. I have been an astronomical part of my downfall. While I am aware of this now, I did not get myself to this point alone. I had the help of so many, only now in adulthood it is my responsibility to mend these broken pieces of my life. No, it isn't fair, but it is necessary.
By The Darkest Sunriseabout a year ago in Psyche
Crossing Guard. Runner-up in Small Kindness Challenge. Content Warning.
A stab of pain jolts me from my sleep. I must have made some sort of noise in response because I hear my daughter and granddaughter scurrying around me, roused from whatever spot they found comfortable enough in this cramped den to finally rest. I can’t open my eyes to be sure, but I know they are hurrying to either side of my reclining chair turned deathbed. They each grab one of my hands, and even though I can't see them, I know Theresa, my sweet baby girl, is on my right, and my precious granddaughter, Brittany, is on my left. I hear her say, "We're right here, Nana. Do you need some water?" We both know she really means, “Do you want me to roll this wet sponge across your lips?” I do not know for sure how long it has been since I lost the ability to swallow, but everyone in this room knows how long a body can go without water, and I am ready but afraid.
By Brittany Shelby-Phillipsabout a year ago in Psyche
Stand On The Shores Of Forever
Introduction This could have been a stream-of-consciousness entry for the Vocal "Unfiltered" Challenge but while it is nothing but stream-of-consciousness I want it to be just a calming piece for anyone who drops into it. Everyday life can put a lot of pressure on all of us, and if I can take a little of that away, then I will have succeeded with these words.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred about a year ago in Psyche
Kindness Is A Tool
When my twin sons were five years old and in infant school, I would take them to school every morning. I was an involved parent. Our classroom was overcrowded with only one teacher. Their class had more boys than girls. It would be an issue for an inexperienced teacher.
By Annelise Lords about a year ago in Psyche
When There’s No Light at the End of the Tunnel
Growing up, we’re taught to believe that every difficult journey will eventually lead to a happy ending. That no matter how long and dark the tunnel may seem, there will always be a light shining at the end, waiting to guide us out. And maybe that’s true for some people. But for those of us who have endured the pain of a toxic, narcissistic mother, the reality is much different.
By Sunshine Firecrackerabout a year ago in Psyche
Kindness or Cruelty?
Greg seduced me with his bright, green eyes and the smile that took over his entire face. My emotions were flying high that night. When we met I had just returned to work after a months long pregnancy hiatus. I missed the stage. I missed being a part of the show and all the excitement that came with the night life that had stolen my heart.
By Tina D'Angeloabout a year ago in Psyche
Things She Left Behind
I’ve always been good at remembering details. The sound of rain tapping on the windows during our first argument, the exact shade of her lipstick when she smiled at me that night under the streetlights, the way her hair smelled like lavender the last time we kissed. It’s the little things that stick with you, even after the big things crumble away.
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)about a year ago in Psyche
My Friend Rooney. Top Story - September 2024.
My friend Rooney is an Irishman. He drinks in a surprising methodical regimen. You can time him as the barkeep noted long ago. I see Garrett look at the clock, fetch another glass, fill it, then nod his head up, lockin’ eyes with Rooney. Rooney points his finger in appreciation. And then he tells a tale. He does like to tell tales, no Joyce, no Swift, but he keeps your faith with each new one. Once, when he was going through his divorce, the end of his first marriage, and the two of us were polluted at Garrett's. He told me this one of a well to do couple very much in love, but doomed. The wife had continuous fits of jealousy and also more than her share of vanity. She hired a chambermaid, a fair of face chambermaid. Her husband, who always appreciated beauty, would say behind his wife’s back that she hired the maid for her outward qualities. She wanted, per the husband, a pretty chambermaid as all things around her must be beautiful and, so she could yell at her husband for lookin’. The husband was a catch too, which also kept up her vanity and her jealousy. Anyways, after she hired the maid, the wife made sure her husband and maid were never left alone together. If he would go to the kitchen using some excuse, she would follow or call the maid to her. For six years she continued her vigilance until one day at the public bath house she realised that she had forgotten her silver wash basin and sent the maid to fetch it. The wife neglected that her husband was due back from work any minute and the maid ran home, recognizing the wife’s mistake. The two met at the front door. Without a word they went inside and embraced in a passion so quick they did not latch the door. The wife jumped at the bath house, knocking over her neighbour’s basin, when she became mindful of her folly and also sprinted home.
By G. Douglas Kerrabout a year ago in Psyche
