Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
The Beginning of Real Life in Captivity
This is my personal story (FROM THE BEGINNING). PRELUDE: I was told to take my children and run after visiting the family of my new companion for the first time. It was meant to be the initial introduction as his new wife. It turned out to be more of a warning. After one failed marriage, I simply hoped for success the 2nd time around.
By Captive Chains7 years ago in Viva
Being the Fat Girl in 2018
Often I find myself being the fattest person in the room. It's fine, I've been this way for long enough that I can dodge the looks I get from thin people, old men, and of course, all the children. When you've been the fat girl your entire life, there are plenty of obstacles you just have to jump over. It's part of living in a society where a burger is $1 and a salad will cost you $5. As the resident fat girl, you just get used to things.
By Waverleigh Rose Garlington7 years ago in Viva
The Narcissistic Storm Cycle
So many of us share this story. We met the man of our dreams. He was everything we had always hoped for and more then we had ever imagined. In just a few short weeks we felt as though we knew him forever, he was our soulmate, what was life without him?
By Andrea B Wainer7 years ago in Viva
BeYoutiful
We hear people say beauty is skin deep, but the media is a constantly contradicting that statement. Many of us try to empower others by telling them what is on the inside is what matters the most. Although, it is not easy to empower someone who is being strongly affected by the powerful influences of the media; it ends up becoming difficult to let the important messages shine through all the toxicity. You can hold an umbrella over your head but the rain will continue falling; the media is just like that, even if we try to protect ourselves from its influences it’s still present. Each and everyday, the media goes through extreme lengths to put out content that represents the ideal beauty standard. The content is seen all around us, from music videos to billboards. Unfortunately, most of the content that is put out distorts the public’s perception of beauty.
By Loss of Identity7 years ago in Viva
The Fat Girl Chronicles
Fat. Chubby. Large. Overweight. Obese. Plus size. Sometimes we chose to be fat. Others it is a disorder due to a disease or illness. But others—they used it as a shield and coping with eating stuff made them feel good because let's face it, it really was delicious...
By Ashley Robertson7 years ago in Viva
Perfection Kills
The powder covered her skin that was so brutally damaged, leaving her with a flawless new face that would never rightfully be hers. The layers and layers of mascara weighed down her eyelids, but she kept them wide and open, listening to everyone as they spoke and never showing boredom. The lipstick stained her lips, a pretty color that covered all the bruises on her lips. She looked simple yet normal, elegant yet classy. Weighing her earlobes down with her large hoop earrings—made of pure gold. Oh, how they wished they could be her. She was so pretty and nice, so thoughtful and smart. But that’s the thing, she wasn’t.
By Helen Sharpe7 years ago in Viva
How to Empower Yourself at Work
The Glass Ceiling is very, very real—and it's one of the biggest reasons why women earn less than men throughout their lifetimes. These days, a low salary can make or break your ability to put food on the table or even have a normal life.
By Riley Raul Reese7 years ago in Viva
It's Not Okay for Men to Behave That Way
Scenario One: A 17 year-old-girl is learning to drive. Her driving instructor takes her to a country road to practise stopping and starting the car. His arm is stretched behind her, slung round the back of her seat. It makes the girl uncomfortable, but she tells herself it's okay. Her instructor asks her to pull up at the side of the road. She's getting bored doing this, and wonders when she's going to start doing some proper driving. Her instructor moves a little closer, then purses his lips and heads towards her cheek as if to kiss her. The girl blushes as she pulls away. "Oh, I didn't think you were shy," says her instructor. The lesson continues.
By Dorothy Massey7 years ago in Viva
Mom-shaming Needs to Stop (Pt. 2)
As if mother's don't go through enough just to get their child into the world, then they have to deal with the world telling them exactly how they should take care of their new bundle of joy. Being a mother is hard, but it is often made more difficult by other mothers thinking that their word is gospel.
By Samantha Reid7 years ago in Viva
