Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
pc(NO)s
Losing my period for an entire year felt like losing a part of myself. Each month, the absence reminded me that something was wrong, a silent alarm that my body wasn't functioning as it should. I tried to brush it off, to convince myself it was just a phase, but deep down, I knew something was off.
Alice SaldiniPublished 11 days ago in VivaHow NOT To Give Me a Performance Review
Ten years ago, during a yearly review, I was coached regarding my professional appearance. Advised to ‘wear more makeup’, be fashionable, be on brand.
Judey KalchikPublished 11 days ago in VivaA Cruel World, For Weak People
In a small, grimy town where the sun rarely shone and the wind howled through the cracked windows, lived a group of people who were often overlooked and underestimated. The world seemed to have a special kind of cruelty reserved just for them.
- AI-Generated
An Experience to Curb Anxiety
There was an aspiring yogi who had always been drawn to the mysteries of the universe. One crisp evening, feeling an urgent need for answers, this young man decided to meditate under the ancient Bodhi tree in the tranquil garden behind his home. He had read that meditating in such a serene environment could better his chances of opening the doors to higher consciousness.
Shainin PillayPublished 12 days ago in Viva Stop! Hey! What's That Sound?
Working yesterday I brushed against something that is rarely in use on my desk: a calculator. (This is because I had too many tabs open on my laptop to use the system calculator, too many Excel sheets open to use a formula, and my phone was playing music...so I went old school)
Judey KalchikPublished 13 days ago in VivaThe detrimental impact of aesthetic norms on emotional wellness
What are beauty standards and where do they stem from? Beauty standards are cultural beliefs that influence social power and dictate how individuals should look to be socially accepted. These standards encompass physical features like facial appearance, skin, and body shape, and can be either innate or alterable. Terms like "attractive," "pretty," and "good looking" are used to describe adherence to these standards. It can be challenging to determine which features can be changed and which cannot. Not conforming to societal beauty standards by refusing to alter one's appearance is often viewed as a moral failure. For instance, wearing makeup is not a natural or biological choice, but rather influenced by current trends.
Hridya SharmaPublished 16 days ago in VivaThe Price of Perfection
The call came early. On a Tuesday morning. The sun barely peeking through the curtains of my apartment. The sounds of New York creeping in. It was her sister. Voice thin and brittle like a dried leaf crushed underfoot.
Gael MacLeanPublished 16 days ago in VivaImani Yvonne, THEE Don: How The Actual Black Mermaid Taught Us To Swim
It's about time that we showed our appreciation to someone who helped us all level up in ways that we could never even thank her enough. You definitely know her. Beyoncé does. Google does. If you don’t know her by now, here’s your chance to effectively change your life. Her name is Imani Yvonne and she is the best thing that happened to the internet in the last 5 years and I'm here to tell you why.
Why Penang's Natural Beauty Will Leave You in Awe
Although most tourists head to Penang to enjoy its heritage sites and street food hotspots, there's more to this Malaysian travel hub than its city highlights. Blessed with stunning beaches and natural enclaves, the area's natural splendour is the reason why local nature lovers have been visiting Penang since time immemorial. From its verdant national parks to sprawling butterfly farms, here are the highlights that have made Penang a dream destination for eco-friendly travel pursuits.
Roshelle FernandoPublished 18 days ago in VivaSurfing in the Sunset
At the western tip of Hainan Island is a surfer's paradise: the Golden Bay. Here, beautiful waves and white sands call surfing enthusiasts from all over the world. However, there is one special moment here that few people can enjoy: sunset surfing.
I'm Proud of You
Dear Empress, In case no one has told you lately, I’m so fucking proud of you! Look at you, Empress. Putting yourself first for once. Putting in the time for self care, taking care of your body and your mind. Learning how to construct boundaries after so many years of people pleasing and actually enforcing them. Finally realizing your worth and expecting others to act accordingly. Refusing to settle for the bare minimum. That's a long road from where you have started.
Dark Moon EmpirePublished 21 days ago in VivaNever Leave Home Without Sunscreen
Never leave home without sunscreen! So, every year, National Sunscreen Day is celebrated on May 27th. At the same time, you must use the right products before you head to the beach or are outside.
Lynne BlackPublished 21 days ago in Viva