Humanity

Accept Me Maybe?
When I was in my twenties, I dated a woman that liked to criticize how I looked, how I acted, the things that I liked to do, and who I surrounded myself with. It was weird. How could someone want to be with you when they didn’t seem to like anything about you? I didn’t really know how to take her judgement back then. I thought that she was right. I figured that I was still young and still had room to grow and she was trying to mold me into what I needed to be in order to have a longterm relationship. I mean, no one is perfect, and it does take two people to make a commitment work. So, after listening to her critiques, I did my best to accommodate her needs. I tried to be more open about where she went, even if it meant that she was going to her ex’s house. I tried to get along with her friends, even the ones that seemed to be addicted to substances that I had never heard of until then. I even tried to fit in with the personalities of the people that she surrounded herself with. It was very uncomfortable. I always felt like I was being judged, and when she lectured me, telling me that I was too standoffish, I felt back, because I didn’t want to make a bad impression on the people that were close to her. I went through about four years of this before I called it quits. I was tired of standing on eggshells. I was tired of not feeling like I could be myself, and I was tired of being criticized for who I was. I wanted to know who I was, and I wanted someone to like me for that. I was tired of people telling me who I needed to be or blatantly misinterpreting what my wants and needs were. I was ready to speak for myself and be who I was without having people who didn’t like that in my circle. So, after breaking up with her, I cleaned up my physical appearance. I wore the clothes that I wanted to. I got my hair done, and I basically cleaned up my outer appearance to what I wanted it to look like. I still wasn’t completely myself after this. I still didn’t know who I was or what I wanted, so I began making new friends and having new experiences. I went out and did things that I hadn’t in the past, like trying improv or driving halfway across the country to see all of the states that I hadn’t before. Then, when I met my soon to be wife, I started to let my guard down a little. She wasn’t like any of the other women that I had dated. She didn’t tell me how to dress or act or who to hang out with. She didn’t restrict my ability to do the activities that I wanted to do. She just let me be myself, and she loved who I was. This was new for me. I wasn’t used to being around a person that fully accepted me for who I was. I didn’t understand that concept as I had never experienced it. It was such a breath of fresh air. After meeting my wife, I was more confident in who I was and I learned more about my wants and needs, because she gave me the room to grow. She allowed me to explore whatever I needed to in order to figure out who I was and who I wanted to be. She supported me on this journey, even when there were barriers, and after being around a person like her, I realized that there were people that I could be around without having to change a thing about mysel
By Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue2 years ago in Confessions
Beware and Look Around!
Everyone has a bad day. I’ve had my share, but the older that I get, the more that I realize that there is always someone that is facing harder circumstances than I am. For instance, I thought school was pretty hard. I didn’t really fit in, and I didn’t really feel like I was a part of anything. I felt pretty insignificant. Because of this, I had a hard time connecting with other people later on. I was used to being judged, so I instantly figured that everyon that I met was judging me. I was used to being bullied, so I expected it. When I was about nineteen, one of the friends that I did have when I was in high school went to college and got a roommate. My friend wanted me to meet this guy, so I did. The guy that I met was nice. He was different from the guys that I grew up with, and he wasn’t as harsh on others as most people that I knew. This new guy started telling me about how he grew up. He had cerebral palsy, so he had a lot of struggles when he was younger. Mobility was one of them. So, while I was worried about making new friends, he was worried about if he would be able to walk. Then, the new guy told me about how nice everyone was to him in school and about his dreams to be a wrestler. He knew that having cerebral palsy affected the possibility of his dreams and instead of getting all upset about it, he made it work for him. Since he couldn’t wrestle right away, he became an announcer, so he could be a part of the sport that he loved so much. Instead of getting jealous of the other people that were able to participate in the dream sport he so much wanted to be a part of, he became friends with them. He tried not to let his struggles get him down, and he did the best that he could to be a part of the sport that he loved. As I got older, I met several more people just like this guy. I met someone my age that lost his sibling due to addiction. I met a single mother that got pregnant at an early age and had to suffer the loss of the baby’s father. I even followed the story of someone that I went to school with as she suffered a miscarriage. All of these people touched my life in a way. It helped me remember that despite the struggles I was going through, there were other things out there that people were enduring that were just heartbreaking, and knowing that these people were able to get up every day and do what they needed to do, helped give me the motivation to do the same. Life isn’t perfect. We all have struggles, and being there to witness other peoples’ struggles and help them if you can puts life in perspective. There might be a day where everything seems to go wrong and everything seems crazy and chaotic, but if you look to your left or your right, you might realize that someone else is going through a situation that is ten times worse than what you are. At least I did, and that made me more appreciative of my circumstances. I’m thankful that I was born in a country with clean and available water. I’m thankful that I have a right to an education, and I’m thankful that I have the ability to choose who I marry or who my friends are. Some people don’t even get these basic rights.
By Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue2 years ago in Confessions
"I Am Good if the World is Good"
"I Am Good if the World is Good" The phrase "I am good if the world is good" reflects a universal truth: our actions, attitudes, and behaviours are often influenced by our surroundings. If we find ourselves in a world that is kind, compassionate, and supportive, we are more likely to mirror these qualities. This is a powerful idea rooted in the interconnected nature of human existence, where our individual goodness often reflects the collective goodness we experience. However, the journey to understanding this concept is complex, involving both the warmth we receive and the darkness we face in the world. Imagine a child growing up in a loving and caring family. This child is likely to develop empathy, kindness, and a positive outlook on life. Their perception of the world is shaped by the nurturing environment they experience daily. For instance, when a parent shows patience and forgiveness, the child learns to be patient and forgiving in return. This is because children are like mirrors; they reflect what they see. When surrounded by goodness, they naturally radiate it back into the world. On the other hand, if we grow up in a hostile or harsh environment, our ability to remain kind and good may be challenged. A person who has faced betrayal or cruelty might develop a defensive attitude, finding it hard to trust or be good to others. This does not mean that the person is inherently bad, but rather that their experiences have influenced their outlook on life. It takes great strength and resilience to maintain goodness in a world that may not always reciprocate it. A powerful example of this can be seen in the life of Nelson Mandela. He was imprisoned for 27 years under apartheid in South Africa, a system that was rooted in racial injustice and discrimination. Despite the cruelty he faced, Mandela chose the path of forgiveness and reconciliation. Instead of harbouring bitterness, he extended a hand of friendship to his former oppressors. Mandela's choice to be good, even when the world around him was harsh, became a beacon of hope and showed the world that goodness can prevail even in the darkest of times. He became an example of how individual goodness can transform the world, even if the world initially seems unkind. Similarly, in our daily lives, we often encounter people who reflect the goodness they receive. Consider a person who has been helped by a stranger during a time of need. Perhaps they were stranded on a road and someone offered them a ride. This simple act of kindness can leave a lasting impression. It may inspire them to help others in similar situations, creating a ripple effect of goodness. They were good because someone was good to them first. It is a cycle of positive energy that keeps going as long as we contribute to it. However, this concept also presents a challenge: if our goodness is conditional upon the world being good, then what happens when we encounter negativity or cruelty? Should we still be good if the world is not good to us? This is where the true test of character lies. Many times, life throws us into situations where it feels like the goodness around us has vanished. In those moments, it becomes our responsibility to decide whether to mirror the negativity or to rise above it and continue being good. A poignant example of this can be seen during natural disasters. When floods, earthquakes, or other calamities strike, we often witness two types of reactions. Some people take advantage of the chaos, hoarding resources or raising prices. But many others step up to help, showing incredible acts of kindness and generosity. Volunteers risk their lives to save strangers, communities come together to provide food and shelter, and individuals donate whatever they can to assist those in need. Even when the world appears dark and unforgiving, there are always those who choose to be good, reminding us of the power of compassion. The idea that "I am good if the world is good" suggests a reciprocal relationship, but it also hints at a deeper truth: our goodness should not be entirely dependent on external factors. While it is true that a positive environment encourages positive behaviour, we also have the power to be the source of that goodness. If we wait for the world to be good first, we might be waiting forever. Instead, we can choose to be the goodness we wish to see in the world. Think of the small acts of kindness that often go unnoticed but have the power to change someone's day. A smile from a stranger, a helping hand from a co-worker, or a kind word during a tough time—these are the little sparks that can ignite a fire of goodness. When we choose to be good even when the world isn't, we set an example for others. Our goodness can become the catalyst that inspires others to be good too, creating a chain reaction that can transform the world, one act at a time. The story of Mahatma Gandhi also beautifully illustrates this concept. He once said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi believed in responding to violence with non-violence and hatred with love. Even when the world was filled with conflict and injustice, he remained steadfast in his goodness. His actions inspired millions to follow the path of non-violence, showing that a single individual’s commitment to goodness can influence the entire world. In conclusion, the saying "I am good if the world is good" reflects the dynamic interplay between our environment and our actions. It is easy to be good when surrounded by goodness, but the true test lies in maintaining our goodness even when the world seems unjust or harsh. The real strength of character is shown when we decide to be good regardless of the circumstances, acting as a source of light in the darkness. Our world is a mirror of our collective actions; if we want to see more kindness, compassion, and goodness around us, we must start by embodying these qualities ourselves. Let us strive to be good, not because the world demands it, but because it is who we choose to be. And in doing so, we might just inspire others to reflect that same goodness, creating a world that is good for all.
By Dipak Pawar2 years ago in Confessions
On the socioeconomics of being humane
The socioeconomics of humanness lies in the beauty of balancing the aspects of togetherness and isolation. In a world where life coincides with the duality of forces, oscillating between the forces of light and dark, beauty and hate, love and hatred, birth and death, humans are the most endearing and detrimental beings ever to exist. The prowess of intellect and communication, with the stellar mind that created the strides of evolution and lapses of civilization, is undeniably the most striking aspect of what makes humans the most resilient beings of them all.
By Hridya Sharma2 years ago in Confessions
Learn to Do Every Task Wisely: A Heartfelt Reflection
Learn to Do Every Task Wisely: A Heartfelt Reflection In life, we often come across different kinds of tasks, responsibilities, and challenges. From the smallest household chores to the most significant decisions at work or in personal life, every task demands our attention and effort. However, simply doing a task is not enough; it must be done wisely, with thoughtfulness and precision. The essence of achieving success in any endeavour lies in the ability to perform it with intelligence, patience, and understanding. This philosophy of working smartly, rather than just working hard, can change the way we approach our daily lives and help us achieve our goals effectively.
By Dipak Pawar2 years ago in Confessions
Copper Earthing Electrodes: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency in Electrical Systems
Veraizen Earthing is the most important copper earthing electrode manufacturer in India. Copper Earthing Electrodes are also made from hot-dip galvanized pipes, with a copper termination and 20 mm copper inside. Copper Earthing Electrodes Suppliers offers a diverse selection of copper earthing electrodes, including electrogrip 60mm 3 meter, electrogrip 40mm 3 meter, electrogrip 50mm 3 meter, electrogrip 80mm 3 metre, electrogrip 90mm 3 metre, and electrogrip 40mm 2 metre pure copper earthing electrodes.
By Veraizen Earthing2 years ago in Confessions
Gnarly Roots
I managed to find my way to a downtown hair salon. I am contemplating changing my look more significantly but I am also kind of just wanting to focus on getting more hair care than anything. Color is necessary, care is sort of optional at this point so, I feel the luxury comes from someone else doing that for me.. I think I should just stick with the usual until I am for certain that I want to do something more bold like a grey-pink or something of that sort. I have always wanted more of a sleek look though the top of my head has always been a bit flat, so I usually need some sort of volume there to balance out my face.
By Kayla McIntosh2 years ago in Confessions
Be Your Own Boss: Leading Yourself with Purpose and Freedom
Be Your Own Boss: Leading Yourself with Purpose and Freedom To be your own boss is to take charge of your life, make your own decisions, and follow a path that aligns with your personal goals and values. It's about embracing responsibility, staying true to your dreams, and having the courage to make choices that reflect who you are. It’s not just about being in control; it’s about nurturing self-respect, resilience, and a sense of purpose. When you think of yourself as your own boss, you become the leader of your own journey, setting goals that fulfil your passions and reflecting on your achievements with pride. This essay explores what it truly means to be your own boss and how this mindset transforms lives. Taking Responsibility: The Foundation of Self-Leadership Being your own boss begins with taking responsibility for every aspect of your life, from daily decisions to long-term ambitions. It requires us to stop blaming circumstances or others for our situations and, instead, to take full ownership. This can be challenging, especially when life throws unexpected obstacles in our way. However, by choosing to see yourself as the one in charge, you build resilience and an unshakeable belief that you can shape your future. Consider someone starting their own small business. They don’t have the security of a guaranteed paycheck, nor the comfort of a safety net. Every decision they make—whether it’s handling finances, marketing, or managing customer relations—is their responsibility. This level of commitment builds skills and confidence, teaching them that they have the power to make things work through dedication and effort. This is the essence of being your own boss: recognizing that each decision contributes to the bigger picture of your life. The Freedom of Choice: Living Life on Your Terms One of the greatest privileges of thinking of yourself as your own boss is the freedom it brings. When you are in control, you have the liberty to choose a path that truly resonates with you. This freedom allows you to build a life that reflects your aspirations, passions, and unique talents. Instead of following someone else’s plan, you create a life that feels genuinely fulfilling. For instance, imagine a professional who leaves a high-paying corporate job to pursue a passion for art. Initially, this may seem like a risky or unconventional choice, but by being their own boss, they embrace the freedom to follow a path that brings them joy and meaning. They are no longer limited by a rigid schedule or external expectations. Although challenges and uncertainties may arise, the satisfaction they gain from pursuing their passion fuels their journey. They come to realize that freedom is more valuable than a stable but unfulfilling job. By making choices aligned with their dreams, they achieve a level of happiness and peace that no paycheck could provide. Setting Your Own Goals: Crafting a Vision for Your Life When you are your own boss, you have the power to set goals that resonate with your personal vision. These goals aren’t based on someone else’s expectations; they are born from your own values and desires. This allows you to find a sense of purpose that drives you forward, motivating you to wake up each day with enthusiasm. Think of a student who dreams of becoming a scientist rather than following a traditional career path in their family. They may face opposition or doubt from others, but because they see themselves as the boss of their life, they set ambitious goals that reflect their dreams. Every step, from staying up late to study to seeking research opportunities, is driven by their own determination to make that vision a reality. By setting their own goals, they define a unique path, creating a future that fulfills their aspirations. Overcoming Fear: The Courage to Take Risks When you are the boss of your life, you must learn to face fear and take calculated risks. Life as your own boss is not always smooth; it involves uncertainty, challenges, and times of doubt. However, each obstacle is an opportunity for growth, strengthening your character and helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Consider someone who decides to relocate to a new city alone to pursue a career opportunity. The prospect of being in an unfamiliar environment without the comfort of loved ones can be intimidating. However, by embracing the challenge, they learn independence and resilience, skills that they may never have developed had they stayed in their comfort zone. Through this experience, they gain confidence, discover new interests, and find strength in themselves. This journey of courage is what it means to be your own boss—learning to trust yourself and overcoming fear with resilience. Building Self-Discipline: The Key to Success A crucial part of being your own boss is developing self-discipline. Without a superior to hold you accountable, you become responsible for creating and following your own routines and staying focused on your goals. Self-discipline becomes the foundation upon which success is built. Imagine a freelance writer who doesn’t have a manager pushing them to meet deadlines. They must be proactive in setting their schedules, completing tasks on time, and maintaining high-quality work. This discipline not only helps them succeed but also instills a strong work ethic. Over time, they see that the freedom to manage their time and projects is a privilege that must be balanced with commitment and consistency. Self-discipline teaches them to value their work and enhances their ability to achieve long-term success. Handling Failures: Learning and Growing from Mistakes Every journey has its share of setbacks, and thinking of yourself as your own boss means embracing failures as learning experiences. When you are your own boss, you have to face these mistakes with courage, learn from them, and continue moving forward. Instead of seeing failures as a reason to quit, they become stepping stones for growth. Consider an entrepreneur who launches a start-up, only to see it fail within a year. Instead of giving up, they analyze what went wrong and use that knowledge to start again. This resilience, born from a mindset of self-leadership, enables them to eventually build a successful business. Every failure is a lesson in adaptability, perseverance, and humility. When you view yourself as your own boss, setbacks don’t deter you; they become a powerful source of strength and wisdom. Celebrating Small Victories: Finding Joy in Progress Being your own boss allows you to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. These victories are deeply personal and meaningful because they reflect your own journey, your effort, and your resilience. Celebrating small victories keeps you motivated, helping you recognize how far you’ve come and inspiring you to keep pushing forward. For example, an individual who struggles with fitness may decide to take charge of their health by setting small, achievable goals like jogging each morning or eating healthier. Every pound lost, every increase in stamina, becomes a victory that fuels their determination. By viewing themselves as their own boss, they find joy and pride in these accomplishments, learning that success is a gradual journey built on persistence. Inspiring Others: The Power of Self-Leadership When you choose to lead your own life, you often inspire others along the way. Your determination, courage, and independence can encourage those around you to embrace their own journeys. Self-leadership becomes a source of inspiration, demonstrating that a fulfilling life is within reach if they, too, take charge of their paths. Take the example of a single mother who juggles work, family, and her own personal goals. She might decide to pursue further education, despite the challenges. Her resilience, focus, and commitment to her dreams not only empower her children but also inspire others in her community. She teaches them that life’s difficulties do not define their future and that with strength and self-belief, they can achieve anything. Conclusion: Embrace the Journey of Self-Bossing To think of yourself as your own boss is to live life with a sense of purpose, freedom, and resilience. It’s about taking charge of your destiny, finding joy in self-created goals, and trusting your instincts. This journey is not always easy, but it is one of the most rewarding ways to live because it allows you to create a life that is truly your own. When you choose to be your own boss, you embrace responsibility, pursue what you genuinely love, and gain the courage to stand firm in your values. This self-leadership not only enriches your life but also sets an example for others to follow. Ultimately, by thinking of yourself as your own boss, you build a life that celebrates your unique strengths, dreams, and ambitions. This journey of self-determination creates a life filled with meaning, achievement, and personal fulfillment—a journey worth every step
By Dipak Pawar2 years ago in Confessions
Dear Rudy
Dear Rudy Lee, During this season of giving thanks I wanted to write you a letter telling you how thankful I am for you. So I wasn’t there when you were born because, well I didn’t exist, but you were there when I was born. The most interesting thing about our first encounter was you tried to convince our mother to leave me at the hospital the day I was born. This might seem cruel to most, but I give you a pass because I did almost cut your eye out when I was just two years old.
By Joe Patterson2 years ago in Confessions
The Last Level. Top Story - November 2024.
Sam and Alex had been best friends since they were kids, growing up in a small town where the only real escape was through a screen. They bonded over their love for video games, spending countless hours huddled together, controllers in hand, saving fictional worlds and leveling up characters that often felt more real than the lives they led outside.
By The Kind Quill2 years ago in Confessions
Women on the throne.. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Iron Lady of Africa
The title of Iron Lady may have been given to a number of powerful women who have ascended to the throne or practiced politics, but Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former President of the Republic of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is considered the most deserving of this title on the African continent, given the challenges she has faced and the difficult path she has taken. She is the first elected female president on the continent, and with her she has led the country into an era of democracy.Birth and upbringing
By Kisama Riyo 2 years ago in Confessions
High demand
I have no idea why but several people were hot on my ass last night. Kind of like a fury of sexual desire and it was so odd because the person I liked really didn't even care or was more taciturn. I am not saying this arrogantly, I have options right now. I think most women or feminine people are like that right now, but for whatever reason it was coming off pretty strong last night. Like people sort of sending me ravenous messages like I was an oasis in a vast desert.
By Kayla McIntosh2 years ago in Confessions