coping

Life presents variables; learning how to cope in order to master, minimize, or tolerate what has come to pass.

Darkness, my companion…
Raised and governed by the illusion that darkness should be avoided, kept far from the conscious self, neglected, we’ve misunderstood the purpose. But when it inevitably arrives, or even takes over, we don’t understand how to operate within or even rise above it because we’ve been taught from a place of fear how to handle or deal with darkness when it can lead to a state of abundance. Darkness is as much a part of life as light is. No one traverses the earth in complete light at all times. Light carries no value if there is no darkness involved. But what are we missing by not fully understanding our own darkness to begin with? It’s lazy and naïve to just lump darkness in with evil just as it is immature to assume black cats are a bad omen.
By The Omnipotent Deity2 years ago in Psyche
Ride into Paris
I am exhausted. We have just landed in Paris from our 11-hour flight from Sao Paolo. The girls were particularly fussy during the entire flight: the little one, one-year-old Olivia, couldn't stand the pressure on her ears and cried non-stop on take-off, landing and during turbulence, which was particularly bad this time. This was driving the passengers around us crazy, and a couple of times we got not only stern looks but also comments like "Can't you do anything to stop your baby from crying?" Like as a parent I already don't feel bad and am irritating my babies on purpose so that they annoy other passengers.
By Lana V Lynx2 years ago in Psyche
Helping on Labor Day
I’m not sure if writing for Vocal helps anyone, yet I did discover a interesting woman who posted photos that astounded me after writing, “Beautiful Festival of the Valley” & “Valley of the Gods” both for the “Arid” challenge. Her photos were of the night sky of brown clouds that took the shape of what resembled a Mummy. An Interesting phenomenon, as she posted what was outside her window. It showed how one person can influence another, even if I haven’t proof what I had written conjured up the image. Yet for the Arid challenge, it required an incantation. I think I made it powerful enough with the conjuring of a phoenix then using the bird to travel back in time to conjure the existence of the sacred King & Queen with the existence of a fallen asteroid. I hope the story helped someone, yet no one said a word to me personally. I read although that Michael Jackson’s, Neverland reopened after being shut down for over twenty years. When writing “ A Special Invite” Someone posted a very old recipe from a newspaper written years ago that inspired me to use it for the “ Under a spell” challenge. I hope it pleased the culinary world to some extent as there were more feasts shown in pictures of cooking in the desert with huge caldrons. Thinking back to the time I helped someone the most, my dad called me from Arizona. Being in the hospital during holiday season was tough as conversations on the iPhone left me feeling powerless. All I could do was listen. Let me see what you look like, Dad said as if the spirit of Phoenix was there as well. Oh a blond! I rolled my eyes letting him continue. Talking for about one week I changed my eyes coloring to more vivid colors than usual. Do I look prettier in Phoenix? I asked as each second felt was in the unknowing. I decorated my small Christmas tree was a can of Arizona tea. I considered going there, as the Sedona area interested me with the vortexes. There were many sightings of ufos 🛸 on the social media. More than usual. I honestly thought the Vortexes were summing the ufos. I also thought they were physical structures of rock that projected wind from underground. Looking online I found they were only certain areas on a mapped trail that is said to have magnetic activity. Maybe magnetic energy is what happens when you meet someone interesting. This seemed to be the case when I met Elsa. She was sitting at a dressing table at the Navy pool where she spoke to me as if she knew me. Maybe it was those Dietrich dimples with her same charisma. We sure hit it off & helped each other out. I found out that she was a coronals wife from Bavaria. Inviting me to her home she shared her life’s story of surviving the war & dealing with alcoholism. I understood the problem as she related that she couldn’t stop drinking where it was difficult to live. Talking helped as all that is needed is two people who share the common bond. We both had been on the psych ward where I went awol after realizing I wasn’t going to get a career. I discovered they kept wives in the hospital where Presidents go for treatment along with officers & enlisted. She related about James Forrestal who she said was thrown out of the window. No wonder the place gave me the creeps, 🫥!! It had a history of phenomenal I learned that tied into the nuclear tests in the Bikini Islands. That aspect of the Navy annoyed me. I was so afraid of them I stayed away for one year. I had to get discharged officially so I returned where all I could do was swim in the pool. I didn’t know where to go & am grateful to have met a German woman who made more sense than anyone there. I wanted to work in maxillofacial after seeing a display of painted eyes that took a special craftsmanship. I had an interview with a Petty Officer Caterton that worked in the wing near dentistry. Having an art degree I related how I would be good at the craft. The job didn’t work out so I volunteered for the Red Cross in the medical library. I learned that there were some books left on top of the bookshelves that were said to be omen books not to be moved. I wonder today what books they were. No one, not even doctors were allowed to check out any books. They had to photo Copy any documents if needed. I thought it was a waste of trees & paper & a dumb rule. I worked for a while inserting metal dividers into books that would beep the metal detector. The long subway ride became too much to endeavor so I left the job being a veteran. I remember one Veterans Day when i was asked to support the vets at the Marine base Quantico for a ceremony. The shuttle took a long time in the November rain. After a few speeches it was time to return to Washington. It had only rained for awhile, yet long enough to cake the shuttle tires with mud. The driver sat at the wheel, spinning effortlessly with no luck moving the bus. Oh No! 😳😳 It was near dinner time, soon to get dark🫡🫡 Yes Sir! I was afraid I would be stuck in a graveyard at night! What was I going to do?? Then down the avenue of flags came a white Marine core bus! 😏 What a relief! Stepping into the bus was like a miracle where inside sat well dressed Marines that rescued all us vets from harms way. I couldn’t imagine what it would of been like if they hadn’t shown up. I hope this story helps someone as I am grateful that there are responsible people that had a solution to what seemed like no way out! I did return to the medical center when it changed its status to Walter Reed. It was much more relaxed & less uptight having personal dressed in army fatigues rather then uniforms. The piano was still there where I met with Elsa in acute care. She had flown space available to Germany where she gave me a gift of bonbons. She informed me that the swimming pool had closed, as I thought was a bad idea since Doctors liked to swim before work. She took another trip to China where she asked me to go. It was so far away, I couldn’t. Space available she said was fun since you can ride with the troops. She related many stories about her childhood when she had polio & her ride in the backseat of Hitlers car. The time her water broke when she was pregnant inside Cheyenne Mountain. Her two daughters I never met, as we lost contact after a few years. When I watch a Marlena movie I think of her, as she died on my birthday, May 6th. It was the same day of the Hindenburg tragedy, yet in 1961 it was the day of the first flight in space by Alan Shepard. Wikipedia says now it was on the 5th, as I had a newspaper clipping from the Merced Sun-Star that had it dated the 6th. I know since Marlenas biography states on a few websites she died on May 16th. 🤥 It doesn’t matter as I wish I could have helped Elsa more since through talking, we were able to discuss the mystery of a hospital that had a automated atmosphere feel. It’s healthy to have a good laugh.
By Ocusan M2 years ago in Psyche
My Path To Self-Confidence
For most of my life, I led a predictable and uneventful routine: eat, sleep, go to school, and repeat. My days were filled with the same old patterns, and I lacked any real drive or ambition.
By Raouf Raouf2 years ago in Psyche
Friendship Lost: A Lesson in Betrayal
A Helping Hand It was a cloudy September morning, an obvious sign it would rain. I was dropping my son off at the elementary school and afterward driving to work. I kissed him and promised to pick him up in the afternoon. As I walked towards my car, it began drizzling. Once inside, I noticed a woman struggling to open her vehicle’s window. When suddenly it began raining harder. Without a thought and with my umbrella in hand, I jumped out of my car and walked towards her.
By Debbie's Reflection2 years ago in Psyche
Can You Love The Addiction Out Of Somebody?
I’ve been spending some time on Reddit lately, answering questions about addiction and sharing my own experiences. As expected, tons of posts were from people struggling with addiction issues looking for advice.
By Patrick Meowler2 years ago in Psyche
Saved By The Bell…
I’m breaking the rules of this challenge off the bat, and if that disqualifies me than so be it. In fact at first I didn’t even intend to enter this particular challenge, and I’m probably not a good enough writer to win regardless. One thing I’m sure of is that in my hectic life as a single dad I don’t always take the time out of my day to something nice enough for someone to inspire a winning story anyway.
By Kenneth cruz2 years ago in Psyche
Keeping the Ticket. Top Story - September 2024.
With the ticket in my hand, it felt like a diamond album. He had given it to me. Just right there with his medium brown hand into mine. I knew this was his only ticket and that he wouldn’t be able to go to Firefly. Just to grasp the ticket made me remember him forever. This was 2013. The festival would rise and swell with the rhythms and vibrations of the various bands and performers.
By Skyler Saunders2 years ago in Psyche
My Charisma
Charisma is often perceived as a mysterious quality that some people naturally possess, while others do not. However, the reality is that charisma is a skill that anyone can develop with practice and intentionality. Whether you aim to improve your personal relationships, excel in your career, or leave a memorable impression on those you encounter, cultivating charisma can significantly impact your life. This guide explores ten actionable strategies to help you become more charismatic in your everyday interactions.
By Horace Wasmore2 years ago in Psyche
The Journey. Top Story - September 2024.
I had a long week at work. I just started a new job, and was surrounded by new faces. This company had their cliques, and I definitely didn't feel like I fit into any of them. I had just left a two year long amazing relationship. Well year and half long, the last six months not so much. I really thought he might be the one this time, he was so different from the rest. Fucking drugs got in the way. Not to mention the stress of just losing the motor in my car, which I had just bought from a used lot about 4 months before. I was proud, because it was the first car I had actually got on my own. Didn't last long though, was warned too late it was a shady dealership. I had just tripled my rent by moving out of my ex's, and of course, chose those wrong insurance plan. So I was screwed. So onto the bus I went. I hated it, getting up two hours earlier just to make it to work on time, and getting home two hours later just to go to bed, wake up, and repeat. I became bitter and resentful toward life. I felt like I got the short end of the stick. It was the last day of work that week, I was exhausted, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I didn't know if I could take it. “Maybe I should just relapse too…” I thought. At least I could feel numb inside instead of just dead. I was sitting on the Trax when that thought crossed my mind, headphones blasting, trying to tune out the rest of the world. That's when she got on, and came and sat across from me. She had short shoulder length brown hair, it was dirty and ratted. She was wearing a torn sundress, I believe it was sky blue. One strap falling off her shoulder. Held securely between both hands was a small plastic cup, the kind you get from a gas station. And in it was a single daisy. I looked down at her feet, she was wearing two different shoes, both obviously way too small. So small she had to push the backs down just for them to fit. I noticed the people around me glaring at her with disgust. And suddenly I felt a part of me start to judge her too for how she looked, and I wanted to criticize her for not taking better care of herself. But before I could I just happened to look up and glance at her face, and it shook me inside. There she was, clearly homeless and un-showered. Mismatched shoes, and a yard picked flower in a cheap plastic cup. What hit me though was her smile. She looked content, dare I say at peace… It would have been more gentle had she used her own palm to slap me in the face. What the fuck was I on about? Was I really being so sorry for myself that I forgot what it feels like to really struggle? Had I become so full of myself and what I was building, that when I lost it all I became bitter , instead of having gratitude for what I did still have? A stable paycheck? A roof? A fridge full of food? Clothing that I was able to buy for myself…? My eyes started to tear, and she looked at me with concern. All I could spit out was, “That's a beautiful flower. “ Her face filled with joy, and she hugged the cup, simply saying “Thank you.” I couldn't stop staring at her shoes. I was wearing a brand new pair I had just got for work, since my old ones started to wear. I looked back and forth at our feet and a giggle escaped me. I was so ridiculous… Right before my stop I started untying the laces of my new black and rose gold Pumas. I slipped them off and asked, “Wanna trade?” She seemed hesitant at first, but when I assured her I had another pair at home, she took them in her hand and slipped them on. They fit. And she was glowing… I held back my tears as my stop came up. I was newly born walking in the mismatched, too small shoes. Yet, for a moment, when I noticed the people around me starting, I almost cared. That's when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around, and there she was, handing me her daisy. I think a mutual kindness was shared that day. She hurried back on the Trax, and I never saw her again.
By Tressa Rose2 years ago in Psyche
Balancing Work and Family: How Working Parents Can Spend Quality Time with Their Children
Professionals with childrearing responsibilities often struggle to juggle work and home lives of their families. Work commitments such as meetings, projects, or daily tasks may hinder them from engaging in meaningful conversations with their offspring. Yet such interactions are cardinal for the healthy growth of any child as well as understanding within themselves. This article offers an insight into how to maximize the time spent with children by parents who work and also help in educating them.
By Ahmet Kıvanç Demirkıran2 years ago in Psyche
Keep My Treasure Safe
Meeting my best friend was like two souls recognizing each other from a past life. The moment we met, you never would have known that we didn't grow up together. It was an instant connection of loud laughter and conversations that lasted well into the night. Looking at us, we were polar opposites; her dressed in black at all times, myself dressed head to toe in pink, the angriest highlighter you'd ever met. We met on a cold winter night in December, and by January, I was living in her apartment, partying and using together, working illicit jobs to pay the bills and keep ourselves high.
By Autumn Stew2 years ago in Psyche