Stream of Consciousness

Renaissance Festival War Stories September 6/7, 2025
Continued from weekend 3... This weekend marks the halfway point in the season. I try to keep these posts dedicated towards the patrons, but today, the inspiration of the stories that hit home for me were sourced from our fellow warriors: the cast, crew, vendors, staff and more from the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.
By Tinka Boudit She/Herabout a year ago in Humans
Embracing Discomfort for a Richer Life
Well-being doesn’t always mean sticking to a flawless schedule; sometimes it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone. I’ve been reflecting lately: when did structure and boundaries start overshadowing growth, spontaneity, and connection? Why do some of us shy away from plans we’ve committed to, preferring to hit the hay early just to stick to a morning ritual? I’ll admit, I’ve fallen into this trap myself. Post-pandemic, I leaned too heavily into “guarding my serenity.” But I broke free. Meeting a friend for a quick coffee or showing up for someone’s milestone matters more than waking up at dawn to log 10,000 steps before breakfast.
By ♡about a year ago in Humans
Mapping My Tears. Runner-Up in Maps of the Self Challenge.
I wasn’t sure how to approach this challenge—so many thoughts crowd my mind about internal life, psychology, and personality.
By Paul Stewartabout a year ago in Humans
What is the Obsession With Social Media?
I'm not sure if I have already talked about this, but the phone obsession has honestly been really getting to me. I've also been hearing stories about how phones have destroyed the workplace, leading people who were once ambitious, becoming lazy and obsessed with their phones.
By Emy Quinnabout a year ago in Humans
The Science of Chocolate: Why We Crave It When We’re Stressed
Ever Noticed Your Stress Snacking Always Leads to Chocolate? It’s been a long day, your inbox is overflowing, and your to-do list looks more like a novel. You finally sink into the couch, and without thinking, your hand reaches for…chocolate. Sounds familiar? You’re not alone. Stress and chocolate cravings go hand in hand for millions of people, and science says it’s not just in your head.
By Emily Marenabout a year ago in Humans
Do You Know?
Do you know how often you ask yourself questions in a single day? It might be more than you think. From wondering what’s for dinner to contemplating bigger life decisions, curiosity shapes how we learn, grow, and connect with others. Yet, we rarely stop to ask ourselves what curiosity itself means to our journey. Could the simple act of asking “Do you know?” be the secret to unlocking new opportunities in life?
By John Smithabout a year ago in Humans
The Polished Mask of Social Media
The Digital Mirror Open any social media feed today, and you’ll see a flood of polished lives: professionals who look endlessly respectful, activists who share every noble cause, and friends who post touching videos of rescuing animals or feeding the poor. At first glance, it looks like the world has never been kinder.
By Life Hopesabout a year ago in Humans
The Mirror of My Days
The Mirror of My Days Last night, I stood in front of the mirror longer than usual. I wasn’t fixing my hair or adjusting my clothes; I was simply staring. At first, I saw the usual reflection — tired eyes, unshaven stubble, skin carrying the marks of sleepless nights. But then, as the seconds stretched on, I began to see more than a face. The mirror had turned into a storyteller, showing me flashes of my life — who I was, who I became, and who I might still be.
By Shehzad Anjumabout a year ago in Humans
This Moment In Time
This moment in time is One of the darkest we as a nation have experienced since 9/11, not just an assassination of a man, it was the assassination of trust, of spirit, friendships and of love. We all saw it and the majority of us were appalled and reviled by such an act no matter what side of the aisle you may be or what you thought of him, and yet just a few hours afterward my social media was inundated with hateful posts and comments about how Dems are filthy animals and should be rounded up and either jailed or executed. How my family should be ashamed of how I vote or what I stand for, some very good friends of mine, people I've known my entire life also threatened even though they are among the most peaceful people you could ever meet. People with beautiful souls that have never had a ruthless thought in their minds nor a word of hate from their mouths. Yes it was a vile and disgusting act, but to hold others accountable for the actions of one or a few is itself also vile and disgusting and shows were your heads and hearts actually lie.
By John P. Creekmoreabout a year ago in Humans
"Mental Math Mastery"
Mathematics is often seen as a subject of rules, formulas, and memorization. But behind the numbers lies a powerful tool that can sharpen the mind, boost confidence, and even improve daily life: mental math. Mastering mental math is not about showing off fancy tricks—it’s about training the brain to think faster, work smarter, and stay sharp in every situation.
By aadam khanabout a year ago in Humans
The Land of Make-believe. Top Story - September 2025.
Since tomorrow is that time of the year when TV celebrates its actors I thought I’d offer a different perspective, I’m sure many won’t agree, but that’s what keeps life interesting.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Humans
Small Habits, Big Changes: How Tiny Daily Actions Shape a Better Life
When people think about self-improvement, they often picture sweeping transformations—quitting their job to follow a passion, moving to a new city, or reinventing themselves entirely. These dramatic shifts make for inspiring stories, but in reality, change is rarely about grand gestures. More often, it is the quiet accumulation of small habits that truly reshapes a life.
By Quangabout a year ago in Humans