Humanity
Thinking about your ex during the holidays
Every relationship is different and every breakup is different. Do you think your ex really think about you during the holidays? That’s a big question, right? I wanted to talk about this because we know that so many of us struggled with doubting what was going on with your ex especially if they didn't reach out right over the holidays, right? Everybody is supposed to be happy at Christmas.
By James Odhiambo2 years ago in Confessions
When the Holidays Took an Eternity to Come
It’s hard to believe how fast the month of December has gone by! I can’t believe how fast this entire year has gone! It seems like not long ago, I was taking walks in the warm summer evening. September was just getting started and I was laughing at how early people were decorating for Halloween.
By Jasmine Aguilar2 years ago in Confessions
They Loved Me Like Lovers, and It Weighed Me Down
They Loved Me Like Lovers, and It Weighed Me Down On one of those quiet nights, I sat in an old café I visit whenever I feel the need for peace. While sipping my coffee, a person entered whom I hadn’t seen in years. It was my friend, whom we used to call in our youth “the icon of strength and ambition.” But he was no longer the same; his eyes were drowned in sorrow, and his features looked strangely exhausted. He paused for a moment before approaching and said with a faint smile: "It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?" I immediately stood to greet him: "Definitely! Where have you been? How are you?" He sat in front of me, silent for a moment. Then I carefully asked him: "What happened to you? You were once the epitome of youth and vitality, a confident, athletic man with a strong build. You lived a comfortable life amidst the wealth and prestige of your family. But now... you’ve changed so much. What happened?" He sighed deeply, raised his tired eyes, and said: "Let me tell you the story that destroyed my life. You’re the only one I can tell everything to." The Beginning: "I was seventeen, handsome, and full of ambition. I loved sports, and I considered walking to and from school every day as my favorite form of exercise. My life was simple, but my wealthy family spoiled me, and no one cared about what I did as long as I stayed out of trouble. One ordinary morning, while walking to school as usual, a luxury car stopped beside me. A woman of incredible beauty was sitting behind the wheel, her features exuding confidence and sophistication. She smiled at me and called out: ‘Where are you headed?’ I hesitated for a moment before replying: ‘To school.’ She laughed and said: ‘That’s a long walk, isn’t it?’ I nodded and replied: ‘I enjoy it. I consider it my exercise.’ Then she said something I didn’t expect: ‘If you love sports, I have a proposal for you. I can help you join a professional sports club. You’ll find everything you need to develop yourself there.’ I thought for a moment, and the offer was tempting. But I hesitated. I thanked her and said: ‘I prefer walking now. It suits my time.’ She smiled and insisted: ‘Just ride with me today. The school won’t wait for you long, and I’ll make up for your walk by signing you up for the club you dream of.’ I got into the car with her. I thought I was being offered a rare opportunity, not knowing that this moment would mark the beginning of the end." "They Loved Me Like Lovers, and It Weighed Me Down" After I got into the car with her that day, I began to feel something strange was happening. She drove with confidence and calmness, as if she already knew everything about me. She asked about my life, my family, and my love for sports. I answered shyly, but she was so skilled at talking, making me feel strangely comfortable with her. When we arrived at the school, she stopped the car and smiled: "Remember this day well. If you need anything, just call me." Then she gave me a card with her name and phone number. Her name was "Dunya." That day, I couldn’t concentrate on anything. I kept thinking about her words and her beauty, which seemed to hide a hidden strength. I kept her card in my pocket, as if it were a treasure I didn’t want anyone to see. ________________________________________ The Second Meeting: The First Step Toward the Fall Days passed, and I tried to forget about that encounter. But one day, while walking back from school, the same car stopped beside me. She rolled down the window and said: "Are you still into walking for exercise?" I laughed and replied: "I have a meeting now, and I need you with me. Just an hour, I won’t be long." I hesitated at first, but she insisted: "You’re a noble young man, aren’t you? Don’t leave me to go alone." I agreed and got in with her once more. She took me to a luxurious office where she introduced me to a group of important people, calling me "her younger brother." The meeting felt like a performance, and she was the star. I watched how she impressed everyone and skillfully sealed a huge deal. After the meeting, she looked at me with a smile and said: "Today was a great day. I want to celebrate this success with you." She took me to a fancy hotel where there was music and gourmet food. The atmosphere was filled with luxury that I wasn’t used to. I felt lost in this world, but I was enjoying myself at the same time. When the celebration ended, she dropped me off near my house and said: "You’re a wonderful young man. I’ll need you by my side forever." ________________________________________ Slipping Toward the Abyss The same thing happened again. I began to skip school to be with her. I started living a huge lie—telling my family that I was at school while I was attending her meetings and parties. One day, she asked me to visit her house. It was a massive mansion surrounded by tall walls, with a huge guard standing at the gate. I entered with her, and inside, she said: "This is your home now. Act like you own the place." I felt fear for the first time. I told her I couldn’t stay long, but she smiled and said: "Don’t worry, you’ll be fine here." She brought me a drink and said: "You’re special to me. No one enters my life easily, but you’re different." Over time, our relationship became more like slavery. She controlled everything—my time, my decisions, and even my studies. I completely neglected my studies and failed my academic year. "They Loved Me Like Lovers, and It Weighed Me Down" My relationship with "Dunya" became so complicated that it was hard to separate from my life. She controlled my time and decided the course of my days, to the point where I felt I was living her life instead of my own. But she had this strange ability to make me feel special, as if I was the only one who could share this lavish world full of lights with her. The Last Journey Night One evening, after a long day of meetings and a night at a fancy hotel, she decided to drive me home. It was late, and as usual, she insisted on dropping me off at the nearest point to my house to avoid any suspicion. But I noticed something strange—Dunya wasn’t the same as she used to be. She had drunk a lot during the evening, and it was obvious in her driving. I tried to warn her: "You’re driving too fast. Take it easy." She laughed and said: "Don’t worry, I know the road better than you know your feet." But I wasn’t reassured. I tried again: "Dunya, you’re not in the best shape. Stop, let me help you." She shook her head and looked at me with a mysterious smile, saying: "Don’t worry about me. I’ll get you home safely like I always do." Finally, we reached a point near my house. I got out of the car, and she waved at me with a tired smile. I stood in place, watching her car drive away quickly in the darkness. The Shock The next day, I waited for her usual call, but it didn’t come. I felt anxious, so I tried calling her repeatedly, but her phone was off. I decided to go to her mansion to check on her. When I arrived there, the guard stood with a blank expression. I asked him: "Where’s Dunya? Why isn’t she answering my calls?" He looked at me silently for a few moments before saying the words I never expected: "Ms. Dunya... she died. There was an accident on her way home last night." I felt the ground spin beneath my feet. My mind couldn’t grasp what I had just heard. I froze in place, my eyes filling with tears. I was recalling her image, smiling at me before she left, her last words echoing in my ears: "Don’t worry about me." The End Dunya left, but she left behind everything mysterious and ambiguous. I couldn’t blame her, nor could I blame myself. I felt I was a part of her life just as she was a part of mine. But after her departure, I realized I had lost so much—myself, my studies, and my dreams buried under the shadows of our relationship. I stood in front of her grave days later, silent. I tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. All that remained inside me was emptiness, a memory of a relationship that started innocently and ended in total destruction. The Lesson Life may offer temptations that seem shiny, but they may carry endings we never expect. It’s important to know when to stop ourselves and not let anyone steal the path we’ve charted for ourselves.
By Ali Sadeek Ahmed2 years ago in Confessions
Love, Desire, and the Ache Within
I have never tried to write on such topics, so this article will be the first of its kind regarding my new approach to writing, hoping to write things that will help me express what I think and try to understand many of the things I am trying to understand.
By Iron-Pen☑️ 2 years ago in Confessions
I terminated my startup. Here's the real deal
I am announcing the closure of Zencape Health today. We have reached the conclusion of our journey after four years, two significant pivots, innumerable tests, tens of thousands of dollars in annual income, one app launch, thousands of patient encounters, and a multi-million dollar relationship with a prestigious hospital.
By Luca Müller2 years ago in Confessions
Understanding Medicaid Eligibility in Oklahoma
Accessing healthcare can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unsure whether you qualify for assistance programs like Medicaid. For many individuals and families, Medicaid provides a critical lifeline, covering essential health services that might otherwise be unaffordable.
By okpca off2 years ago in Confessions
Gifted
This past weekend was like one of those enjoyably repetitive Christmas movies you watch on Lifetime and Hallmark. Family fun in the Carolina countryside. Yes, I was loving it. This past weekend was so fun that I would’ve never expected what was gonna find me on Monday morning.
By Joe Patterson2 years ago in Confessions
What I Think About Christmas
I used to love Christmas when I was a child. At the age of seven, I discovered that the presents were given by my father, not by the so-called jolly old man who came at night and slid down the chimney to leave gifts under the tree. After all, that doesn’t make sense, as I live in a tropical country and in a region where it’s never cold. We don’t even have chimneys! It would make more sense to have a giant freezer to combat the year-round heat. Santa Claus couldn’t possibly come out of a freezer. Or could he?
By Persephone2 years ago in Confessions
"Do Not Be Dismayed by the Pits Dug in Your Path"
"Do Not Be Dismayed by the Pits Dug in Your Path" Life is a journey filled with challenges and obstacles. There are moments when we face humiliation, our hard work is underestimated, or we encounter metaphorical "pits" in our path that threaten to pull us down. Such instances can be disheartening, making us question, "Why is this happening to me?" or "Should I endure more?" However, remember this: when someone digs a pit in your way, do not be upset. These very pits teach you how to leap higher and rise stronger. The Importance of Pits in Life’s Journey Obstacles, symbolized by these pits, are not merely barriers; they are opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Falling into a pit forces us to pause, reflect, and find ways to rise again. These pits shape our character, revealing our resilience, strength, and capacity to overcome adversity. They teach us life lessons that no smooth journey ever could. For instance, think of a seed planted in the soil. To grow, it must first struggle through the darkness of the earth, pushing past layers of resistance to reach the light. Similarly, the challenges we face help us break through limitations and achieve our potential. Without the pits, we would never learn the courage to leap forward. Learning Through Struggles Each pit we encounter gives us the opportunity to assess our shortcomings and work on them. The fall might shake our confidence temporarily, but the effort to climb out strengthens our resolve and builds unshakable self-belief. Take the example of a renowned inventor like Thomas Edison. He faced thousands of failures before perfecting the electric bulb. Each failure was a pit that could have buried him in despair. Instead, he used these challenges to refine his skills and ultimately achieve success. The pits in Edison’s journey were stepping stones to his greatness. Finding Strength in the Depths When we fall into a pit, it’s natural to feel despair. However, it is essential to remember that the depth of the pit often determines the height of our leap. Just as a spring compresses before releasing with greater force, the struggles we endure propel us towards higher achievements. Consider an athlete preparing for a long jump. They take a few steps back to gain momentum before leaping forward. Similarly, life’s pits push us back temporarily so we can gather strength and leap farther. Transforming Challenges into Opportunities History is replete with examples of individuals who turned their challenges into triumphs. Nelson Mandela, for instance, spent 27 years in prison—a deep pit, both literally and figuratively. Yet, instead of succumbing to bitterness, he used that time to strengthen his vision for a united South Africa. When he emerged, his leap transformed not just his life but an entire nation. Embracing a New Perspective When we rise from a pit, we do so with a renewed perspective on life. We gain wisdom, patience, and empathy that we might never have acquired otherwise. These experiences allow us to appreciate success more deeply and inspire others who may be facing their own struggles. For example, J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, faced numerous rejections and personal hardships before achieving unparalleled success. The pits in her path only deepened her creativity and determination, enabling her to connect with millions of readers worldwide. The Role of Critics and Adversaries Sometimes, the pits in our lives are dug by others—critics, adversaries, or even those we trust. While their actions may seem cruel or unjust, they often serve a greater purpose. These challenges push us to prove our worth and discover our hidden strengths. Think of Steve Jobs, who was famously ousted from the company he co-founded, Apple. This setback could have ended his career, but instead, he used it as an opportunity to innovate further, eventually returning to Apple and leading it to unprecedented heights. Conclusion: Rising Above the Pits The pits in our journey are not curses; they are blessings in disguise. They test our mettle, teach us invaluable lessons, and prepare us for greater heights. So, the next time you find yourself facing a pit—be it a failure, criticism, or any other setback—remember that it is an opportunity to leap higher than ever before. Life’s pits are not the end of the road. They are simply detours, guiding us towards a stronger, wiser, and more resilient version of ourselves. Embrace them, learn from them, and use them as launchpads for your dreams. As the saying goes, "The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph."
By Dipak Pawar2 years ago in Confessions
The Concrete Jungle Chronicles: 20s vs. 30s
Living in the city in your 20s is like starring in an indie film with a loose script. Your apartment is barely livable—a studio where your bed is six inches from the fridge, and the bathroom is technically in the hallway—but you romanticize every corner of it. The chipped paint is “character.” The neighbors arguing at 2 a.m.? Ambience. The thrill of independence overrides any practical concerns, like how you’ll make rent this month after splurging on concert tickets and $8 lattes.
By The Kind Quill2 years ago in Confessions
A Year, A Lesson: How Life’s Toughest Moments Revealed Its Greatest Truths
"Every storm runs out of rain; every dark night gives way to a brighter morning." Last year was not just another stretch of twelve months; it was a profound journey of transformation and resilience. It was a year that taught me lessons I hadn’t anticipated, and in the end, what I thought would break me turned out to be the foundation for rebuilding myself. This is a story of how the most challenging year of my life became the most enlightening one. The Collapse of My Perfect World It all began on a crisp January morning. The world outside was blanketed in winter’s chill, and inside, my heart brimmed with hope and ambition. Like every new year, I had crafted an elaborate list of resolutions: career advancement, personal milestones, and a step closer to my dream startup. But within weeks, my carefully built world began to crumble. First, I lost my job—a position I had worked tirelessly to secure and excel in. The blow was sharp and unexpected, but I consoled myself with thoughts of my startup, the dream I had nurtured with unyielding passion. However, life had another test in store. My startup failed spectacularly, leaving me buried under debts and dashed hopes. The financial stress grew heavier with each passing day. Savings vanished like sand slipping through fingers. Then came the most heart-wrenching blow of all—my father fell seriously ill. The man who had always been my rock of strength now needed me to be his. Watching him struggle, feeling helpless despite trying my best, was a pain I cannot put into words. Fear, guilt, and despair wrapped themselves around me like a suffocating cloak. My days were spent borrowing money, working odd jobs, and praying desperately for miracles. Nights brought sleeplessness and an overwhelming sense of failure. When Darkness Met Hope In the midst of this turmoil, fate led me to Riya, a social worker with an unwavering belief in the transformative power of kindness. We met at a community event where she was organizing a charity drive for underprivileged children. Despite my own struggles, something compelled me to volunteer. Perhaps it was an escape, or maybe it was the glimmer of purpose her work radiated. Riya seemed to sense the storm raging within me. She approached me with calm, observant eyes and said, "Sometimes, healing your soul begins by helping others heal theirs." Her words lingered in my mind, stirring something within me. Skeptical yet seeking solace, I joined her efforts. Over the next few weeks, I found myself teaching children in slums, spending time with elderly individuals abandoned by their families, and distributing meals to those who could barely afford a single bite. At first, it felt like a distraction—a temporary reprieve from my own problems. But slowly, the experience started to change me. A Lesson Etched in My Soul One afternoon, after a long day of volunteering, Riya asked me a simple yet piercing question: "Are your problems still as overwhelming as they seemed?" I paused. Her question forced me to reflect on everything I had witnessed over the past few weeks. The children I taught lived in shanties with leaky roofs, yet their laughter echoed through those narrow, dimly lit lanes. They harbored dreams as big as the sky—dreams of becoming doctors, engineers, or even astronauts. Their eyes sparkled with hope, undimmed by the harshness of their realities. The elderly I spent time with had faced lifetimes of loss and solitude. Yet, they smiled warmly, grateful for a stranger’s company and the simple joys of conversation. Her question and their stories brought a wave of clarity crashing over me: True happiness lies in serving others. The act of giving brought a joy that was unparalleled and pure. Perspective changes everything. My problems, which once seemed insurmountable, began to shrink in the light of the resilience and courage I saw in others. Empathy is the antidote to despair. When you work to bring smiles to others, you inadvertently find reasons to smile yourself. That night, for the first time in months, I slept peacefully. The Ripple Effect of Kindness As I continued volunteering, I noticed subtle but profound changes within myself. My anxiety lessened, my mind became clearer, and my heart grew lighter. The connections I forged during those weeks reminded me of the power of community and compassion. One of the children I taught, a little girl named Pihu, left an indelible mark on me. She once drew a picture of a house with a garden, a dog, and a family sitting together. When I asked her about it, she said, “It’s my dream. One day, I’ll make it real.” Pihu’s unwavering belief in her dreams rekindled my own. If a child with so little could dream so big, what excuse did I have to give up? A Year of New Beginnings Today, as I sit and reflect, my father is on the road to recovery. I have found a new job that allows me to support my family. Even my startup dreams are back on the table, this time with a clearer vision and a renewed sense of purpose. But beyond these tangible accomplishments, the greatest change has been within me. I now dedicate a portion of my income to causes that matter, and my weekends are reserved for volunteering. This past year taught me that life’s greatest purpose isn’t achieving personal milestones but creating a ripple of joy that touches the lives of others. "Happiness is not what you achieve for yourself but what you create for others." Your Story Matters Too Life often hides its most profound lessons in its toughest moments. If you’ve ever faced such a time, one that changed you for the better, share your story. Your words might just light the way for someone navigating their own storm.
By Deepak Kumar2 years ago in Confessions
