The "Why us" Home?
Questioning ourselves during the Pandemic
Home should be where one feels at ease. Where you can take a breather and unwind in peace. Yet that seems to be a fanciful tease, When it comes to the apartment we lease.
When we first moved into the residence, we saw, Previous renter's trash piled against the wall. The mere sight made me drop my jaw. "Why was it so filthy?" I appall.
To make matters worse, the dishwasher's wheel was broken. We couldn't use the machine at all; Electrical outlets were completely exposed, and , The backyard had pot holes that would cause us to fall.
We finally got everything repaired. I was finally able to call this a home. Alas, more problems came undeclared; I lost my job and couldn't pay what was owed.
Home is supposed to be a stable place. Where one doesn't have to stress. Yet mine seems to add challenges to face, And now I'm left an emotional mess.
The harder we try, it only gets worse. We pour in the hours just for it to backfire, This cycle of mishaps feels like a curse, Our situation leaves us to tire.
That is our version of the "Why Us" home.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from writers in Poets and other communities.
What are the actual effects of nicotine on your body?
Nicotine, a highly addictive substance found in cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and vapes, rapidly spreads throughout the body when inhaled. It crosses membranes easily due to its alkaline state. š¬šØ In the brain, nicotine binds to nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs), triggering the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, the "feel-good" hormone. This reward system can lead to addiction. š§ š Nicotine also stimulates the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, increasing blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate. Prolonged nicotine use can alter stress response and increase overall stress levels. šš Depending on the dose, nicotine can act as both a stimulant and sedative. It releases beta-endorphins, reducing anxiety, but also causes dizziness, lightheadedness, and restricted blood flow. šš“ Long-term nicotine use can lead to various health issues, including poor sleep, digestive problems, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, blood clots, and atherosclerosis. ā š© While nicotine replacement therapy (patches) can help smokers quit, the long-term effects of vaping are not yet fully understood. E-cigarette liquids may contain toxic chemicals and carcinogens. šØā¢ļø Nicotine withdrawal can last over a month, with symptoms including cravings, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and increased appetite. Environmental triggers can make quitting challenging. š¤š« Addiction severity varies among individuals, possibly due to the number of nAChRs in the brain. Quitting may be harder for those with mental health disorders who use nicotine to self-medicate. š§ š Despite the difficulties, quitting nicotine brings numerous health benefits. Within days, heart rate and blood pressure normalize, and over time, the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer decreases significantly. šŖā¤ļø Nicotine addiction is powerful, but it can be overcome with proper support and planning. Millions of ex-smokers serve as proof that a healthier, nicotine-free life is achievable. ššæ
By Infographics Show2 days ago in Poets
I AM
This is not who I thought I would be. Before my family was captured and forced into slavery, I had aspirations of becoming a wealthy business owner or possibly a scholar and philosopher. Becoming a warrior was the furthest thing from my mind. Unfortunately, our Roman conquerors had other plans.
By Mark Gagnon5 days ago in Fiction
And the Sun Came Up Tremendous
In memory of the 12 girls who were among the first victims of the atomic age. The screen on Mara's smartphone screamed beams of blue light into her eyes as she doom scrolled through social media. It was 4:13am, and she was still laying on her side in her bed unable to let go of the news headlines whipping past.
By Amanda Starks4 days ago in Fiction
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.