The Bright Side:
Inspiration for Positivity,
Motivation and
Optimism
The Bright Side:
Inspiration for Positivity,
Motivation and
Optimism
The Bright Side:
Inspiration for Positivity,
Motivation and
Optimism
The Bright Side
Inspiration for Positivity, Motivation and Optimism
Mission:
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THE BRIGHT SIDE: INSPIRATION FOR POSITIVITY, MOTIVATION AND OPTIMISM
Cecilia Payne Kat Kaelin
Author: Cecilia Payne Kat
Finding Peace in the Fog: A Journey to Inner Stillness
Finding Peace in the Fog: A Journey to Inner Stillness We often feel stuck in the relentless loop of daily life, like a scratched CD replaying the same tired tune. We search for our purpose amidst the chaos and noise of the world, yearning for a place of tranquility where our inner voice can be heard. Do You Ever Feel Like That? Amidst the senselessness and uncertainty of our times, I often find myself seeking refuge in a quiet corner of the world. For me, that sanctuary is Monte Cassino Shrine, nestled high atop a mountain in southern Indiana. Monte Cassino: A Haven of Peace Founded by Benedictine Monks over a century ago, Monte Cassino offers a timeless space for reflection and introspection. The chapel’s stone walls and ancient organ whisper stories of faith and resilience, while the
Etiquette and Charm: A Course in Farmyard Recovery 101
Etiquette and Charm: A Course in Farmyard Recovery 101 Born and raised on a farm, I was more familiar with the pecking order of chickens than the finer points of etiquette. My fashion sense was limited to hand-me-downs, and my knowledge of silverware extended only to “spoon.” But I yearned for poise, to know when to raise my pinky and which fork wouldn’t get me laughed out of a fancy restaurant. My “aha” moment came courtesy of Cosmopolitan magazine. I was seventeen and mesmerized by a guide to the “perfect Cosmo lip.” Hours of practice ensued – lipstick on, lipstick off, repeat – until I’d achieved that flawless pout. My mother’s reaction? “What in the world? Don’t you think that is a bit extreme?” Oh, Bless Her Heart! Growing up in a family of eight, we’d been raised on a healthy dose
Beyond the Veil: A Promise Kept in the Afterlife Exploring Consciousness and the Out-of-Body Experience
Beyond the Veil: A Promise Kept in the Afterlife Exploring Consciousness and the Out-of-Body Experience My family and friends have always thought I was a bit… eccentric. I don’t blame them. When you’ve brushed against death four times, you might come back a little different. One of those brushes brought David into my life. In the short seven years we had together, we shared a bond deeper than many people experience in a lifetime. One day, David, ever the curious soul, asked me, “What happens when we die?” This sparked a conversation that would forever change me. We delved into near-death experiences (NDEs), astral projection, and the uncharted territory of the afterlife. David had been experimenting with astral projection, a method of inducing out-of-body experiences (OBEs). But it was my NDE that genuinely captivated him. I recounted how I floated
Overcoming Age Bias in Dating: I’ve Been Baptized
Overcoming Age Bias in Dating: I’ve Been Baptized Love remarkably erases lines drawn by society – lines dictating age, background, or even past relationships. I found this out firsthand when I met a man who became the love of my life. He was – wait for it – twenty years my senior. But those years didn’t exist for me; I only saw him. Fresh from a problematic, two-year divorce, I was open to whatever life threw my way. “Does he look older than me?” I asked my sister. My sister’s honesty was disarming. “Everyone sees it except you.” “Well,” I countered, “I don’t care what anyone thinks. He’s amazing, and we make each other happy.” A flicker of doubt crept in, though. “Honestly, that kiss in the grocery store produce section did draw some stares…” “They probably thought he was
The Self-Made Man: Crafting Success Against All Odds
The Self-Made Man: Crafting Success Against All Odds The journey of a self-made individual is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. It’s a narrative that begins in preschool’s sandbox, where the seeds of determination are sown as little hands build castles and dreams. It’s the story of every child who clung to the knotted rope on the sidewalk to stay in line and hold onto their burgeoning sense of autonomy. This journey is not for the faint-hearted but for those with the courage and determination to forge their own path. The battle for self-creation is as old as life itself. Birth, our first struggle, is a wriggling, kicking journey down the birth canal that ends in a triumphant cry for attention. This is a powerful metaphor for the self-made person’s journey: a relentless quest to be heard, seen, and
Correction-Lesson: Ignorance is Blessed
Correction-Lesson: Ignorance is Blessed Sometimes Served with Biscuits Remember that BFF thing? Yeah, it turns out its origin is sneakier than I thought. While we were all distracted by Phoebe Buffay in the ’90s, the idea of having a “Best Friend Forever” was already well-established by the 1980s. That knowledge changed nothing; my Granny was my BFF as a child. She also doubled as Warden of Correctional Services, but that’s a story for another day. Speaking of corrections… Granny always had a unique way of ensuring you paid for your sins. Her interrogations would rival any seen in a 21st-century crime drama. That slow march, the steely glint in her eye – the only thing missing was a tiny interrogation room and a spotlight. “You know what you did and when you did it, don’t you?” she’d ask. I swear
Pathological Liars: Why We Fall for Their Tall Tales
Pathological Liars: Why We Fall for Their Tall Tales I have a weird fascination with pathological liars. They’re like human versions of those optical illusions – you know something’s wrong, but your brain’s like, “Nah, that building dances the salsa.” What the Heck is a Pathological Liar? Pathological liars aren’t just stretching the truth a bit. These folks are world champion fibbers. They lie about everything – big, small, utterly pointless. It’s like a bizarre verbal tic they can’t control. Imagine someone seriously trying to convince you their coffee cup turned into a pterodactyl this morning. That’s the level of absurdity we’re dealing with. History’s Hall of Fame Liars History’s littered with some top-notch pathological liars. Do you think politicians today have issues? Pfft! We’ve had emperors claiming to be gods, con artists selling the Eiffel Tower (twice!), and
Character: Never a Time When Human Behavior Was Greater
Character: Never a Time When Human Behavior Was Greater Character – it’s the elusive core of who we are. It isn’t something we’re born with, yet it shapes every aspect of our lives. So, when we examine human behavior, we dive into the depths of character. The Building Blocks of Character Character encompasses our moral compass, ethics, social attitudes, and an underlying sense of right and wrong. It’s a complex tapestry woven over time with threads of experience, guidance, and conscious choices. The most critical element of character is inner control. This isn’t simply suppressing urges. It’s the active force guiding our thoughts, responses, and behaviors. The voice whispers, “Hold up,” when we’re about to make a questionable choice. The Journey, Not the Birthright We can’t analyze characters under a microscope. We don’t inherit it. It’s a journey we must
PTSD: The Many Faces
PTSD: The Many Faces Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying experience. We often associate it with soldiers returning from combat, but PTSD and PTSD symptoms can develop after any traumatic event. While its symptoms are well-documented, PTSD is frequently misunderstood, and its sudden attacks can be mistaken for panic attacks. Unexpected and Unseen: Examples of PTSD Triggers PTSD surprises people with its breadth. If you’ve experienced any of the following, you could be at risk for PTSD: Auto accident victims: The shock of a car accident, especially a severe one, can haunt a person long after physical injuries heal. Spouse Abuse: Victims of domestic abuse, whether physical, emotional, or both, often experience recurring flashbacks and emotional disturbances. Child Abuse: Any form of abuse during childhood puts individuals at high risk of developing
Alzheimer’s: I Forgot to Remember
Alzheimer’s: I Forgot to Remember Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating illness, erasing the lives of its victims while those who love them bear witness to a slow and often agonizing loss. It affects millions worldwide, and its reach extends beyond those directly diagnosed. Families, friends, and communities all feel the impact of this relentless disease. The following true story offers a glimpse into the reality of living with the effects of this form of dementia. While difficult to read, it’s essential to understand the raw effects of the disease. A Daughter’s Story She sat alone now. Visions moved in and out of her mind like a video stuck on fast-forward. Sometimes, her chest lifted as she inhaled, and she released the breath in measured intervals, like a conductor leading an orchestra, making time. Her lips moved, not trembling, and above a