Life
Making A House A Home. Second Place in I Wrote This Challenge.
‘It looks like a model house’ my mother would joke with more than a tinge of jealousy when we visited friends who kept their place so clean and clutter-free it seemed unlived in. “It’s almost eerie.”
By Raistlin Allenabout a year ago in Writers
A Red Hot Blob
I am glass. I have no color and am a delicate piece of art for everyone to look through. I melted everything that I am just so I could reshape myself into what I thought the world wanted to see. Everything that I was burned until all that was left was the red hot glob of nothingness, just waiting to be shaped into something deemed beautiful. I would twist, turn, and warp myself, anything to fit the mold of the next artwork everyone wanted to see. I lived to see their admiring eyes, the ones that would look straight through me knowing nothing of the pain it took to become art. I wanted nothing more than to be someone that could be admired and loved. My value was determined by the amount of eyes that looked upon me fondly.
By Justyce Firestoneabout a year ago in Writers
The power of an empty wallet
Ali had always lived by one principle: earn more, live more. His wallet was always full, his clothes always branded, and his phone always the latest model. From the outside, he looked successful. But the truth was—he lived paycheck to paycheck, with a credit card drowning in red. One rainy Friday, everything collapsed. His company announced massive layoffs, and Ali’s name was on the list. “You’ll get your final paycheck next week,” HR told him with a weak smile. Suddenly, his world turned gray. He had no savings. Rent was due. He had debts piling up and no one to lean on. For the first time, Ali’s wallet was empty. He avoided friends, too ashamed to admit he was broke. With no money, no job, and no motivation, he wandered the streets for hours each day, hoping something would change. On the third day, while sitting on a park bench, he noticed an old man handing out sandwiches to the homeless. Out of curiosity, Ali approached him. “You hungry?” the man asked kindly. Ali hesitated. “I’m not homeless,” he said quickly. The man smiled. “Neither was I. Until I lost everything in 2008.” Ali sat beside him. They spoke for hours. The man, once a CEO, had learned humility after the crash. “Losing money was painful. But losing pride was freeing,” he said. “That’s when I started living.” Inspired, Ali decided to change. He reached out to a charity and began volunteering. At first, just for food. But slowly, he found something else: purpose. He taught English to underprivileged children. Helped the elderly. And somewhere in the process, he discovered skills he never knew he had—teaching, organizing, public speaking. Three months later, a non-profit organization offered him a full-time job. He was still earning less than he did in the corporate world, but for the first time, he slept peacefully at night. Years later, Ali became the director of that same organization. His story inspired hundreds of others. Moral: True wealth is found in character, not coins.
By Shehzad khanabout a year ago in Writers
The Night I Forgot How to Breathe — and Learned How to Begin Again
There are moments you think you’ll remember forever — weddings, graduations, the first time someone says they love you. But the moment I remember most vividly is the night I sat on the edge of my bed, unable to breathe, convinced something inside me had broken for good.
By MUHAMMAD SHAFIEabout a year ago in Writers
The worst day of my life, a (time-traveling?) "sign" & a conspiracy of silence. Runner-Up in I Wrote This Challenge. Content Warning.
The worst day of my life was June 23rd, 2023 (I'll explain why I'm telling the story now - exactly two years later) The day before, my wife grew increasingly concerned that she hadn't felt any baby kicks from our son, who she was six months pregnant with. We visited the emergency room to get an ultrasound. I sat in those uncomfortable metal seats, bracing myself for the worst possible news an expecting father can get. My wife finally appeared speechless and white as a ghost; she slumped down beside me and didn't need to say anything. Our son was dead within her.
By Jonathan Roselandabout a year ago in Writers
The Art of Living: Simple Principles for a Happier Life
Introduction In an age of constant distraction, rising stress levels, and the relentless pursuit of "more," happiness can seem elusive. Despite technological progress and improved living standards, many people find themselves feeling anxious, disconnected, or dissatisfied. But what if the secret to a happy life isn’t hidden in some remote philosophy or complex strategy, but in small, consistent choices we make every day? Living a happy life isn't about denying hardships or chasing an idealized state of constant bliss. It's about cultivating a sense of meaning, nurturing relationships, embracing gratitude, and aligning daily actions with core values. This article explores the principles and practices that contribute to a genuinely fulfilling and joyful life. 1. Define What Happiness Means to You The first step toward a happy life is personal reflection. Happiness is subjective; what brings joy to one person may not fulfill another. For some, happiness comes from creative expression, while for others, it stems from strong family bonds or professional success. Ask yourself: What makes me feel energized and alive? When do I feel most at peace? What moments in life have brought me the deepest sense of satisfaction? Understanding your own definition of happiness provides clarity and direction. It becomes a compass for making choices that are true to your authentic self, rather than chasing society’s version of success. 2. Build Meaningful Relationships Humans are inherently social beings. Decades of psychological research show that strong social connections are among the most powerful predictors of happiness and longevity. A supportive network of family, friends, and community provides emotional support, reduces stress, and boosts self-esteem. To cultivate deeper connections: Prioritize time with loved ones. Listen actively and empathetically. Express appreciation regularly. Let go of grudges and forgive. It’s not about the number of friends you have, but the quality of those relationships. Sharing life’s highs and lows with people who care makes joy sweeter and burdens lighter. 3. Practice Gratitude Daily Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotional tools we have. It shifts focus from what’s missing in life to what’s already present and good. Studies have shown that people who practice gratitude regularly experience more positive emotions, sleep better, and feel more optimistic. Ways to cultivate gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal and list three things you’re thankful for each day. Take time to savor simple pleasures: a warm cup of tea, a sunny day, a good book. Say “thank you” more often—not just out of politeness, but with genuine intent. Gratitude rewires the brain to notice the good, helping you find happiness even in difficult times. 4. Live in the Present Moment While planning for the future and learning from the past are important, true happiness often resides in the present. Unfortunately, many people spend their lives caught in worry about what’s next or regret over what’s gone. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present. It doesn’t require hours of meditation—just conscious attention to your surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. You can practice mindfulness by: Paying attention to your breath. Engaging fully in daily tasks like cooking or walking. Limiting multitasking and digital distractions. Being present helps you experience life more vividly and builds resilience by grounding you in the now. 5. Pursue Purpose Over Pleasure Pleasure is fleeting, but purpose provides lasting satisfaction. A sense of purpose gives life direction and meaning. It’s the reason you get up in the morning, the drive behind your goals, and the fuel for your resilience. Purpose can be found in: A meaningful career or creative work. Raising children or contributing to your community. Volunteering for causes you care about. Even during challenging periods, people who feel they have a purpose tend to bounce back quicker and report higher levels of happiness. Don’t be afraid to explore different paths to discover what gives your life meaning. 6. Take Care of Your Body Physical well-being plays a significant role in emotional health. The mind and body are deeply interconnected, and neglecting one often leads to imbalance in the other. Healthy habits that support happiness: Exercise: Regular physical activity boosts endorphins and improves mood. Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to regulate emotions. Nutrition: A balanced diet supports mental clarity and energy. Limit substances: Reducing alcohol, caffeine, and sugar can improve your mood and reduce anxiety. Taking care of your body isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about honoring yourself and creating a strong foundation for a joyful life. 7. Embrace Growth and Resilience No one escapes hardship, but your response to adversity shapes your experience of life. Happiness doesn't mean avoiding pain; it means learning and growing from it. Resilient people accept challenges as opportunities. They view failure as feedback rather than defeat. This mindset shift doesn’t remove discomfort, but it empowers you to move forward with strength and hope. Ways to build resilience: Reframe negative thoughts. Seek support when needed. Practice self-compassion. Focus on what you can control. Happiness deepens when you realize you can rise after falling and still find joy on the other side of pain. 8. Let Go of Perfectionism The pursuit of perfection often leads to dissatisfaction. Perfectionism creates unrealistic standards, constant comparison, and fear of failure. It turns achievements into anxiety and moments of rest into guilt. Instead, aim for progress, not perfection. Celebrate small wins and allow yourself to be human. Mistakes and imperfections are part of growth. When you stop striving to be flawless, you open yourself to a life of acceptance, creativity, and genuine happiness. 9. Simplify Your Life A cluttered life often leads to a cluttered mind. Simplifying your environment, commitments, and mental load can create space for peace and clarity. Tips for simplifying: Declutter your home and keep only what adds value. Say no to obligations that drain your energy. Unplug from digital distractions regularly. Focus on fewer, more meaningful goals. When you strip away the nonessential, you create more time and space for what truly matters. 10. Practice Kindness and Contribution Helping others is a surprisingly powerful way to boost your own happiness. Whether it's through volunteering, mentoring, or small acts of kindness, giving back creates a sense of connection and purpose. Research shows that people who give are happier, healthier, and feel more fulfilled. You don’t need grand gestures—simple acts like holding the door, sending a kind message, or offering a helping hand can ripple outward in positive ways. Living generously enriches not just others' lives, but your own. Conclusion: Happiness Is a Practice, Not a Destination Happiness isn't a static state you reach and stay in forever. It’s a dynamic practice—a way of engaging with the world that requires intention, effort, and compassion. By focusing on what truly matters—connection, gratitude, purpose, presence, and growth—you can build a life that feels rich, meaningful, and joyful. Remember, happiness doesn’t always look like laughter and sunshine. Sometimes it looks like quiet peace, emotional resilience, and the knowledge that you’re living in alignment with your values. Start small, stay consistent, and be gentle with yourself. A happy life isn't a perfect one—it's a real, wholehearted one.
By Julia Christaabout a year ago in Writers
What’s the best tour company in Pakistan for Skardu trips?
The best tour companies in Pakistan offer Skardu tour packages that fit families, honeymooners, students, and adventure lovers, with local guides and flexible travel options from Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad. They take care of everything so you can enjoy lakes, valleys, forts, camping in Deosai, and more.
By Mavrick Tours Pvt Ltdabout a year ago in Writers
Translation - Experimento
The following text is a text I wrote more than 10 years ago. I was finishing my studies as a literary translator and at some point we translated Samuel Beckett's Waiting For Godot. After I contrasted the French version with the English one, I came up with the idea that perhaps Beckett had merely translated himself into English and so I tried to do the same with one of my texts, originally written in Spanish.
By Laura Rodbenabout a year ago in Writers
a balancing act. Top Story - June 2025.
When I was a kid, I couldn't decide what I wanted to be on Career Day. Most years, I ping-ponged between my options; a police officer, a doctor, a teacher. However, one year, I boldly declared to my class that I wanted to be a wildlife and/or exotic veterinarian while being an author and poet. My teacher was surprised, which didn't happen often.
By Alexandria Stanwyckabout a year ago in Writers
