Top Stories
Stories in Viva that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
Twelve Months With No Period!
If you are a woman between the ages of 45 and 55, you know the significance of twelve successive months with no period. It means, according to medical experts, IT’S OVER!!!
Rebecca MortonPublished 17 days ago in Viva
Introducing the New Article Series: "The Ugly Truth About Fat" (working title)
Lately, I've been in a particularly deep depression and shame spiral. There are many causes and many things that are worsening the situation, but somehow, in my mind, everything that goes badly in my life seems invariably tied into my weight.
Lena FolkertPublished about a month ago in Viva
PCOS and Me
I never wanted children. That's the cosmic joke; as a teenager, and even a young adult, I was decided against the idea of having children. Not because I dislike them in any way, but because I was certain I was not mother material. Then, after years of work on my mental health, after getting out of a bad relationship, after calming my fears I had a thought -
S. A. CrawfordPublished about a month ago in Viva
I’m not going to rant
I’m not going to rant. Not this time. Yes, there’s another sex pest. Yes, he works in my industry. But I’m not going to rant. I’m going to write dark, delicious stories about secrets, desire and flying women.
Rachel RobbinsPublished 2 months ago in VivaBloody Hell
A quick note to men You may be tempted to skip this, thinking it's not for you. Don't. Unless you live on an island populated entirely by males, there are insights here for you as well. And if you already know them, then you might have something to add. If you have a daughter, or niece, or female students, then this is absolutely for your consideration. It is likely that a girl would prefer to get a commemmorative gift from her mother, or another female relative. The other stuff? They need that from both parents.
L.C. SchäferPublished 3 months ago in VivaBeauty Marked
It intrigues me sometimes the things we find beauty in. However, as a licensed esthetitician and artist, with years of experience in this segment of industry, I've witnessed firsthand how people's perceptions of beauty can impact their self-esteem and create a desire to conform to societal expectations. The paradoxical nature of beauty becomes evident as individuals seek to alter their appearance while simultaneously using makeup to boost their confidence and self-perception. Having been in the makeup/beauty industry for over 20+ years, I often deal with the vein side of people, and with that comes the expectation of pleasing everyone and insecurities. So, while it is subjective, I don’t seek to judge it, only understand it.
Kidada AmaniPublished 4 months ago in Viva
That Bloody Ride
As part of James & Oneg’s Summer Writing Challenge Extravaganza, we present to you the Awkward Elevator Challenge! The challenge is to write about a time you did something embarrassing (or make it up), and the person that saw it happen, suddenly gets in an elevator with you shortly after. There is no time or word count limit. And remember, make sure you tag some folks to participate, and share the original challenge post linked above in your entries.
Oneg In The ArcticPublished 4 months ago in Viva
Miniature Mind Musings #5
Content Warning: Mention made of bodily excretions and female anatomy (but conflicted if I even need this warning flag?) ***
The Dani WriterPublished 4 months ago in Viva
Well, MY Breasts Aren't Complaining
I had an ‘a-ha!’ moment recently. Getting dressed in the cold and dark Michigan morning, contemplating my life’s mistakes and thinking about the possible lack of coffee creamer that awaited me… I looked down at my right hand and… noticed something.
Judey KalchikPublished 4 months ago in VivaCurls Unleashed: My Journey of Overcoming Hair Insecurities and Embracing Self-Acceptance
My hair care journey has not been an easy one. My entire life, my frizzy, curly hair has been one of the main stars of my insecurities. It was either too thick, too frizzy, too thin at one point (due to health issues), or too dry. This led me on an 8-year curly hair and body acceptance journey. Today, I am bringing you along on my raw and honest journey to hair and body acceptance.
Jaci GonzalesPublished 6 months ago in Viva
Loving, Sensual, and Free: Viva and Feminist Magazines Through the Years
Viva's launch in 1973 added a new perspective to the conversation between women's magazines, which at the time consisted of the Ms. Magazine camp, offering feminist news and writing, fashion magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, or traditional but still popular publications such as Good Housekeeping. Viva joined elements of these magazines with erotic content, refusing to shy away from sex and controversy. Associate Publisher and Editor Kathy Keeton explained "Viva's Woman" in her First Word section for the August 1974 issue, explaining who the modern reader of Viva was. The inclusion of antiquated delineations between the "feminist" and the "traditional housewife," as well as a decidedly heteronormative stance, shows how Viva very much represented social currents of its time. This offers the perfect jumping off point to learn about other feminist movements through magazines thanks to ChatGPT, and to begin to theorize about what the future of the feminist magazine would look like.
CHARISMA
As you know, people come and go through our lives staying and departing at various lengths of time. While it might be minutes, an hour, a few days, several weeks, many months, and more years than you can remember, it's amazing how the right person shows up at the right time. Be it a helper, a questioner, a supporter, an encourager, an accidental teacher, a believer, and more, they open our eyes and influence our actions and reactions.
Babs IversonPublished 7 months ago in Viva
