You are not lost. You are here. Stop abandoning yourself. Stop repeating this myth about love and success that will land in your lap or evade you forever. Build a humble, flawed life from the rubble, and cherish that. There is nothing more glorious on the face of the earth than someone who refuses to give up, who refuses to give in to their most self-hating, discouraged, disillusioned self, and instead learns, slowly and painfully, how to relish the feeling of building a hut in the middle of the suffocating dust. If you can learn to be where you are, without fear, then sooner than you know it, your life will quite naturally be filled with more love and more wonder than you can possibly handle. When that happens, you’ll look back and see that this was the most romantic time of your whole life. These are those terrible days, those gorgeous days, when you first learned to breathe and stand alone without fear, to believe not in finish lines but in the race itself. Your legs are aching and your heart is pounding and the world is electric. You will have 30 years or 50 years, or maybe you’ll be gone tomorrow. All that matters is this moment, right now. This is the moment you learn to be here, to feel your limbs, to feel your full heart, to realize, for the first time, just how lucky you are. ( ✍️ Heather Havrilesky ) Art : Toby Davis

The way you treat your mom is the way life will treat you. 🙏❤ A mom is the source of love and life itself. She’s made of a kind of unconditional love no one else will ever be able to give you. Don’t judge her. How many times have you sat down next to her just to really listen? To ask about her past — not the stories she always tells, but the ones she’s kept buried? Maybe she’s never told you about the hard life she lived before you were born. Maybe she’s never shared the pain she still carries. The wounds that quietly reopen every time she remembers… The struggles of a childhood and youth that weren’t easy. Times when no one listened. When she was humiliated. When cruel words, poverty, fear, and mistreatment left scars she still feels. How much does she hold inside her heart, never telling you — just so she wouldn’t shatter the picture you have of her life? She stayed silent out of love. Or maybe because silence became her only safe place from the pain. Treat her gently — like the greatest treasure you’ll ever have. That tenderness will bring blessings, peace, joy, stability, and long years of life to you. And the people closest to you will treat you better, too — because every single day, they’ll be learning from you. Learning from the love you show to those around you. Because there’s one truth you can’t ignore: You only get one mom.

FROM GRANDMA'S WISDOM There are two ways of looking at life: one is with pleasure and gratitude, and the other is with complaint and anger. The main ingredient of unhappiness is complaining. Every time you complain, you're asking the universe to send you more of what you don't like. Every time you complain, you leave the door to bitterness open. With every complaint you reject abundance. When you complain, you attract mental, spiritual and economic poverty. With every complaint you make you harden your heart. Heed my words: open the door to abundance, fill your words with gratitude, your eyes with pleasure and your heart with love. Exchange complaining for gratitude, this is the magic wand I tell you so much about, and you will see the world through the eyes of love, and then you will know prosperity in your life.

Who betrays you once, will betray you a thousand times. There is no need to drink the whole sea to realize that it’s salty.

Story Time 📖 THREE LAUGHING MONKS STORY I have heard about 3 monks. No names are mentioned, because they never disclosed their names to anybody. They never answered anything. In China, they are simply known as the three laughing monks. And they did only one thing: they would enter a village, stand in the market place and start laughing. They would laugh with their whole being and suddenly people would become aware. Then others would also get the infection and a crowd would gather. The whole crowd would start laughing just because of them. What was happening? The whole town would get involved. Then they would move to another town. They were loved very much. That was their only sermon, their only message; that laugh. And they would not teach; they would simply create a situation. Then it happened that they became famous all over the country. Three laughing monks. All of China loved them, respected them. Nobody had ever preached in such a way that life must be just a laughter and nothing else. They were not laughing at anyone in particular. They were simply laughing as if they had understood the Cosmic joke. And they spread so much joy all over China without using a single word. People would ask for their names, but they would simply laugh. So that became their name — the three laughing monks. Then they grew old. And while staying in one village one of the three monks died. The whole village became very much expectant because they thought that when one of them had died, the other two would surely weep. This must be worth seeing because no one had ever seen these people weeping. The whole village gathered. But the two monks were standing beside the corpse of the third and laughing — such a belly laugh. So the villagers asked them to explain this. ”So for the first time, the two monks spoke and said, ’We are laughing because this man has won. We were always wondering as to who would die first and this man has defeated us. We are laughing at our defeat and his victory. Also he lived with us for many years and we laughed together and we enjoyed each other’s togetherness, presence. There can be no better way of giving him the last send off. We can only laugh. But the whole village was sad. And when the dead monk’s body was put on the funeral pyre, then the village realised that the remaining two monks were not the only ones who were joking, the third who was dead was also laughing. He had asked his companions not to change his clothes. It was conventional that when a man died they changed his dress and gave a bath to the body. So the third monk had said, ’Don’t give me a bath because I have never been unclean. So much laughter has been in my life that no impurity can accumulate, can come to me. I have not gathered any dust. Laughter is always young and fresh. So don’t give me a bath and don’t change my clothes.’ ”So just to respect his wishes, they did not change his clothes. And when the body was put to fire, suddenly they became aware that he had hidden some Chinese fire-works under his clothes and they had started going off. So the whole village laughed and the other two monks said: ’You rascal, you are dead, but you have defeated us once again. Your laughter is the last. There is a Cosmic laughter which comes into being when the whole joke of this Cosmos is understood. That is of the highest. And only a Buddha can laugh like that. These three monks must have been three Buddhas. But if you can laugh the second type of laughter, that is also worth trying. Avoid the first. Don’t laugh at anyone’s expense. That is ugly and violent. If you want to laugh, then laugh at yourself. Except for man, no animal is capable of laughter. So laughter shows a very high peak in the evolution of life. There is a very deep cause for laughter. Boredom and laughter are the polar dualities, these are the polar opposites. They go together. And man is the only animal that is bored. Boredom is the symbol of humanity. Look at dogs and cats; they are never bored. Man seems to be deep in boredom. ”The higher the intelligence, the greater is boredom. The lower intelligence is not bored so much. That’s why primitives are happier. You will find people in the primitive societies are happier than those in civilized ones. Bertrand Russel became jealous when for the first time, he came into contact with some primitive tribes. He started feeling jealous. The aboriginals were so happy, they were not bored at all. Life was a blessing to them. They were poor starved, almost naked. In every way, they had nothing. But they were not bored with life. In Bombay, in New York, in London, everybody is bored. The higher the level of intelligence and civilization, the greater the boredom. The moment a person asks: ”What is the meaning of it?” boredom enters, because there is no meaning in anything, really. If you ask the question, ”What is the meaning of it?”, you will feel meaningless. And when meaninglessness is felt, one will be bored. Animals are not bored. Trees are not bored. Rocks are not bored. They never ask what the meaning and purpose of life is. They never ask; so they never feel it is meaningless. As they are, they accept it. As life is, it is accepted. There is no boredom. Man feels bored. And laughter is the antidote. You cannot live without laughter; because you can negate your boredom only through laughter.

People like to say "Just be yourself," "Be real," or "You can be totally transparent with me," but 99% of the time, this is total BS. Here's why: To be one's 'True Self' is to allow yourself to be unfiltered, wild, unpredictable, offensive, inappropriate, messy, impulsive, horny, volatile, emotional, sensitive, depressed, angry, dangerous, pensive, aloof, needy, and more - often all at the same time. The fact is that most people can't handle that kind of authentically, dynamic intensity. Most people have had very sheltered lives and haven't had the kind of soul-shattering journey it takes to understand (not just know through book knowledge) how to become re-integrated and maintain the fire in your soul, much less help others in this process. They just want you to be un-guarded enough for them to feel safe, but not so free that it feels un-predictable and out of their control. However, there are rare types who can hold safe space for this storm. These are people who have had severely traumatic childhoods, were emotionally pulverized by life, were reborn in the ashes, and have done immense amounts of healing work to become whole again. These people are experts at holding space and empathising with the messy insanity that gets unleashed, providing you with valuable love and resources, meeting you on the level you need to become integrated in to your own wholeness. If you find yourself needing one of these rare people, rest assured we are out there. You are not alone. We were once as you feel now, and we love you. Through the courage to confront your own healing, you have the potential to be a rare, integrated, and amazing gift to the world. Keep going. Don't suppress yourself to make others feel comfortable. Just reach out and find the right people to connect with." ( ✍️ Humberto Braga ) Image credit : Natasa Perun

Love never truly fades. Even when someone is no longer part of your life, the love you felt for them remains within you. It transforms and becomes a part of your emotional landscape, but it doesn’t disappear. Learning to live without someone you once loved deeply is one of the hardest lessons, but over time, you find a way to carry on, holding that love in a different, quieter place within your heart. Advice: It’s okay to still feel love for someone, even after they’re gone. Healing is about learning to live with that love, not erasing it.

"I learned not to wait for a phone call, a message, a smile, a look... I learned to stop waiting for someone who slowed me down because they wanted to lose me... I learned not to wait for someone who forgot where they left me... I can wait for a train, a plane, the price cuts, the holidays, the premiere of a movie... I even wait for the rain. But for whom doesn't want to be, not! Because waiting for the one who forgot you, you can lose the one who is looking for you..." ( ✍️ Octavian Paler ) Art : krm

A mother's prayer is the most potent & selfless invocation on this planet. It's a heartfelt plea, born out of unconditional luv, unwavering faith & unrelenting devotion. When a mother prays for her child, she's tapping into a deep well of spiritual power that can move mountains, calm storms & shape destinies. There's no prayer more powerful than a mother's prayer. It's a cry from the depths of her soul, a testament to her unwavering commitment to her child's well-being & a declaration of her trust in the divine.

I always say, “I’m okay, I’m fine” but deep inside, I’m not. I’m the kind of person who loves making others laugh, but I can’t even make myself happy. I always smile, but that doesn’t mean I’m happy. Behind this smile is pain… and a lot of unspoken problems. I know I’m not alone in this kind of feeling. So to everyone who can relate cheer up. We may not be okay now, but one day, we will be.

I Am Not Old I am not old…she said I am rare. I am the standing ovation At the end of the play. I am the retrospective Of my life as art I am the hours Connected like dots Into good sense I am the fullness Of existing. You think I am waiting to die… But I am waiting to be found I am a treasure. I am a map. And these wrinkles are Imprints of my journey Ask me anything. ( ✍️ Samantha Reynolds ) Art : Diane Schulze

"Don’t walk in front of me…I may not follow Don’t walk behind me…I may not lead Walk beside me…just be my friend." ( ✍️ Albert Camus ) Art : Lisann Unis

"Don't judge people for the choices they made when you don't know the options they had to choose from." It’s easy to pass judgment from a distance, to form opinions based on glimpses of someone’s life we don’t fully understand. But every choice someone makes is shaped by battles we haven’t fought, fears we haven’t felt, and roads we’ve never walked. Behind every decision is a story—a moment of pain, desperation, hope, or quiet courage. So before you question someone’s path, pause and remember: not everyone had the luxury of better options. Some choices are made in survival mode, in the dark, with trembling hands and a heart just trying to keep beating. What may look like a mistake to you might have been their only way forward. What seems wrong from the outside might have been the most merciful thing they could do for themselves at the time. Compassion asks us to hold space for complexity. To choose empathy over assumption. To recognize that human beings are layered, and life doesn’t always give us clear or easy answers. We all carry scars—some visible, some hidden—and we’re all just trying to make it through in the best way we know how. So offer grace. Choose softness. Let your heart be a place where understanding is more important than judgment.

THUNDER OF HUNGER An empty stomach humbles Its echo rumbles like earthquake Makes anyone beside you shake As if roused by a hungry lion Ready to devour its own victim You remain cool, yet hot faced Shame is not a lame excuse, but Why blame me this empty-handed Wrangle of bowls revolting rumble There's nothing inappropriate about My behavior, am just starving and An empty stomach is fluidly insane Churning of gasses on emptiness Before you are quick to judge me Please, offer me no empty lessons I know just what to do to avoid the Roar of an empty, hungry stomach Even as just any starving person Knows food can alleviate starvation However, that knowledge in itself is Never the same as the actual food Of what good is head knowledge if It's not practical or tangible material There's so much hunger in the world Yet, food is not a shortage commodity It's the priority for profit that's to blame There's no elite sect without dire poverty Rulers are in power not change anything It's their role to maintain the status quo Group areas act not based on race, but On social status and elite privilege trace One place for the great wealth founders One place for the middle working class No place for the vast majority of people (C) Gilbert Matolokoshi

SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO READ TODAY… It is definitely enough. You have bought more than enough. Repeat… More. Than. Enough. You cannot, CANNOT, please everyone. Some people will find issue in an empty room. Let them. You know who you are and your heart is most definitely in the right place. You’re supposed to enjoy this too. Memories are wonderful but they’re even better if you’re right in the middle enjoying. And get in the photos. That’s history right there. None of the fuss really matters. Your time matters. Your intent matters. Your love matters. Everything else is just frosting. No one remembers the gifts, a few years later. But you do very much remember the feelings of safety, of togetherness, of joy. Those Kodak moments, when the tree twinkles just as your loved ones laugh at the worst joke, and suddenly the world feels right. They stay. Watch for those, let everything else play out as it will. And also, please, PLEASE sit down. Really sit down and take stock. You have created a world of love, you did that. Now enjoy it my friend. And for those you miss, call them close. They will come. ( ✍️ Donna Ashworth ) Art : Alim Adilov

I hope you find the kind of love that makes you a softer person. The kind of love that makes you want to be a better man or woman, the kind of love that believes in you and supports you, that stands by your side. I hope you find someone who quickly becomes your favorite thing, someone who makes the fall less fearful, someone you can’t help but choose every single day. I hope you find someone who shows you just how deeply you can feel, just how deeply you can love. I hope you find something real, because nothing is more beautiful than loving someone who loves you back. Nothing is more beautiful than loving someone who builds you a home in their heart.

TEARS: The strongest weapon in the armory of a manipulator.

Happiness is inside everyone Happiness does not depend on external circumstances, it is inside everyone. Internal experiences lead to lasting happiness. Acceptance of oneself and harmony with the world is the path to happiness. The pursuit of material things and success brings temporary satisfaction, but not happiness. Happiness is here and now, in every moment of life. By appreciating and enjoying the moment, we achieve harmony with ourselves and the world

Happiness is inside everyone Happiness does not depend on external circumstances, it is inside everyone. Internal experiences lead to lasting happiness. Acceptance of oneself and harmony with the world is the path to happiness. The pursuit of material things and success brings temporary satisfaction, but not happiness. Happiness is here and now, in every moment of life. By appreciating and enjoying the moment, we achieve harmony with ourselves and the world

Ladies, pay attention. It should be the norm not to reach out to a man who has ignored your text or call for hours or days. He is fully aware of his lack of communication — it is a choice. He knows your worth as a good woman, but he is simply not prioritizing you. If he truly wanted to be with you, he would make it happen. If he wanted to take you out, he would make the effort. If he wanted to stay connected, he would find a way. Stop trying to make a man care. Your effort cannot change the reality of the situation. Once you master emotional intelligence, you will understand the power you hold in deciding who gains access to your life. Chasing a man is a major turn-off. Let him pursue you so there’s no room for doubt about his intentions. If he isn’t showing interest or checking up on you, he is not the one.

I won’t beg for your attention. I really liked you. A lot more than I wanted to admit. And maybe, in another life or a different moment, that would’ve been enough. But I’ve reached a place in my life where I’ve had to draw the line between love and self-respect. I’m not going to beg anymore. Not for your time. Not for your attention. Not for a message, a call, or a sign that I matter. I’ve been there before, waiting, wondering, checking my phone like maybe this time it’ll be different. But I’ve learned that when someone wants you in their life, you don’t have to beg for a seat at the table. I deserve more than crumbs. More than being an option. More than being kept around when it’s convenient or when you're lonely. I know what I bring to the table. My heart. My presence. My loyalty. My effort. And I’m done trying to prove that to someone who’s unsure. You could like me. And I could love you. I did love you, in my own quiet way. But if you can’t give me the place I deserve in your life, then as much as it hurts, I have to walk away. It’s not anger. It’s clarity. It’s not bitterness. Its boundaries. It’s not about giving up. It’s about finally choosing me. I won’t keep showing up for someone who barely notices I’m there. I won’t make excuses for being overlooked. I won’t shrink myself to fit into your half-hearted version of love. So this is me saying goodbye, not because I stopped caring, but because I finally started caring about myself. I won’t beg for your attention. I know my worth now. And I deserve more.

Know your value. Never beg anyone for anything. Not their time. Not their attention. Don't beg for love. Or anything at all. It's not worth it. Be happy with what you have. Don't lose yourself trying to get something from someone who isn't willing to give it. 🎨credit to the artist via Pinterest

Oh, to be loved by a calm person — someone who communicates with care, listens without judgment, speaks in a gentle voice, and holds the kind of patience that makes you feel safe, seen and free to be your true self. 🖤

Stop playing the victim‼️ You HAD a woman who would cross mountains for you, barefoot! You HAD a woman who would go to war for you! You HAD a woman willing to help you reach your full potential, even when you didn’t realize you had it! So, don’t complain about what “you can’t find” or “who won’t treat you right.” Think about what YOU did. You had that good woman, and you didn’t appreciate her.

Something in me changed the day I realized no one was coming to save me. So I started choosing myself — learning, healing, and gently building the life I’ve always dreamed of.🤍

It will happen that your kind heart won’t always be cherished as it deserves. That your gentle soul won’t always be treated with the care it should receive. There will be times when your loving actions are twisted into stories where you’re cast as the villain. It will deeply hurt that kind heart of yours, knowing such falsehoods are out there, that people can take your pure intentions and turn them into deceit. But when that sadness weighs on you, as it inevitably will, stand strong. You know your heart and all the love it holds for the world and everyone in it. You know what you didn’t do, and what you did—beautifully and wholeheartedly. Those who truly see, they recognize your light. And those who don’t, may never. But their blindness is a sorrow far greater than any story they’ve spun. ✍🏻 Worth Sharing 🎨 Caitlin Connolly

Dear Bad Days, Thank you for letting me practice gratitude on days it’s so difficult to smile. Despite your crappy presence, your challenge is an opportunity for me to learn and grow, it reminds me to still be thankful on days when it feels so hard and overwhelming. Your visit reminds me to appreciate the good ones. To be adaptive to changing circumstances. And to be extra gentle with my heart and mind. But sometimes it takes a lot of work to just be okay, so please don’t visit too often. If you ever come again, it’s alright. I’ve gone through you before; I know that I’m strong enough to do it again.

Friendship isn’t about having someone to talk to when things are easy, it’s about having someone who stays when things get tough. A real friend doesn’t just celebrate your victories; they walk with you through your struggles. They don’t just listen to your words; they understand the feelings you can’t put into sentences. With them, you don’t have to pretend, explain, or prove anything you can just be. A true friend is someone who sees the parts of you that others overlook. They notice the small changes in your voice, the silence behind your “I’m okay.” They remind you of your worth when you start to forget it yourself. They support your dreams, even when they don’t fully understand them, because they believe in you. Friendship isn’t about who has been there the longest, but who has stayed through the highs and lows. The ones who don’t disappear when life gets messy, who don’t turn away when you’re struggling, who show up even when you push them away, those are the people who truly matter. So, if you have a friend like that, appreciate them. Hold onto them. And if you haven’t found your people yet, don’t lose hope. The right friends the ones who make you feel safe, understood, and valued are out there. And when you find them, you’ll know.

Someday, I want to see myself being happy with the person that I've become. I want to see myself grow as a better person, someone who remained kind despite of all the cruel things that I've been through. Someday, I want to see myself being genuinely happy. I know that I deserve it, and I want to smile again with peace and contentment in my heart. Someday, I want to see myself falling in love again with life and loving myself with all my heart. I want to see myself seeing my worth in every little way I can. I know how much I hated myself for a very long time and I deserve to forgive myself for doing such horríble things to myself. Someday, I want to give myself everything that I deserve— my happiness, peace, and healing. — Shiori X An excerpt from the book: The Lost Journal of a Dying Man Art by: _hilllo (IG) | used with permission

Let's keep fighting, even if we often feel so tired of everything. I know most of us are just trying to survive every day. Most of us are going through a lot in life, and we just act like everything is fine. We sometimes hide our true feelings by putting a smile on our faces or by lying to anyone who asks about how we feel. But when we are alone somewhere, we take a deep breath and then start letting go of our true emotions. We get sad alone. We are hurting alone, and we feel like everything that we feel is not going to end. We surrender to being strong when we are alone, drowning in our own feelings. But despite all that, I hope we still keep moving forward. I hope every one of us will still have the courage to keep going. No one will ever fully understand how hard it is to suffer in silence. There are a lot of things that can actually hurt us, and there are also a lot of people that can make us sad. But I hope we still find a reason to live our lives, like we are still looking forward to better days. I hope that we heal from all the pain that we have to go through every day. And with all the broken parts of us, I hope we still find peace in our hearts. In every way we can, I hope we still choose to be kind to ourselves, especially on the days that we feel like we are losing ourselves in the dark over and over again. Let us keep fighting in our different battles, even when our hands are trembling and our hearts are aching. And no matter how much we want to give up, I hope every one of us will still survive to get the happiness and healing that we all deserve. — Shiori X Art by: hessah._.art (IG) | used with permission

If your heart ache tonight with the weight of missing a loved one, let yourself go there—gently, bravely. Close your eyes and bring them to mind. Picture their face, the way they smiled at you, the sound of their voice when they said your name. Let the love you carry rise like a quiet prayer, soft and steady. Speak to them in the silence, as if they were right beside you—because in the ways that matter most, they still are. Love like theirs doesn’t disappear; it transforms, it lingers, it listens. They hear you, even now. Every whispered thought, every tear, every moment you wish they were near—they feel it all. You’re never speaking into emptiness. You’re speaking heart to heart, soul to soul. And though you cannot hold them, you can hold the love. That’s forever. 🙏

Some people walk through life like ghosts in their own story—present but invisible, surrounded yet unseen. They smile when expected, nod politely, go through the motions, all while quietly aching for someone—anyone—to notice that they're not okay. No applause, no encouragement, no tender voice saying, “You’re doing better than you think,” or “You’re not alone.” The silence around them grows loud, echoing their doubts. But here's the truth: sometimes, the smallest act of care can become a lifeline. You don’t need to know the weight someone carries to meet them with gentleness. You don’t need their history to offer kindness, or their permission to be a light in their darkness. Just believe this: every heart is holding something. Some carry sorrow tucked behind practiced smiles. Some hold worries like a second skin. Some are barely holding on. So be the softness that reminds someone they’re not forgotten. Be the stranger who doesn’t need a reason to be kind. Because in a world that often rushes past the hurting, your presence—your warmth, your words—might be the one thing that whispers hope back into someone’s weary soul.

Sometimes, it's easier to stay silent than to tell everyone how not okay I am. I know that some people would actually care about me, but I believe that they would never fully understand how I feel. I am so sick of this life. And if I ever say this to anyone, I am sure that they will give me some motivation or any words that will encourage me to keep living. It is not bad actually, and I know that they just really want to comfort and help me. However, my honest feeling is that I'm also sick of hearing positive words that are not really making me feel better. I'm already tired of hearing people say that everything will be okay tomorrow or maybe someday, but I've already been holding on to those words for a long time, and I am here— still not okay. I just really want to be silent whenever somebody asks me if I'm okay. Though I still want to share my story, I don't want to have a listener who talks a lot about the beautiful things in this world, to which I can't relate because I've suffered a lot. The truth is, I'd rather hear how painful and sad life can be just so I can learn how to live with it. Whenever somebody asks me if I'm okay, I usually lie or pretend and say that I'm fine. But I'm honestly hoping that some people will sit with me and talk to me as if they really know how heavy I feel inside. I just want to be understood. So I will always choose to keep all my feelings to myself unless I find someone who deeply understands that I am not just unwell, but I am actually on the edge of giving up. — Shiori X Art by: hessah._.art (IG) | used with permission

I used to be so understanding, no matter how much people would hurt me. I used to accept different kinds of disrespect and pain and then forgive them afterwards. Yes, I used to be so forgiving and kind, even to those who didn't deserve me. It was just fine before, since I thought that keeping my hatred and pain would give everyone peace. I'm sure that they will like it that way. It's nice to treat people well, knowing that I am not hurting anyone and not even daring to make someone feel sad. Most people say that I should stay kind and that I should just let some people be who they are because if they do something bad to me, they say that it's a reflection of their attitude, not mine. I was told to be silent when I'm angry. I was told to keep my feelings to myself because nobody wants to hear my drama. I was told to stop explaining my side or sharing my stories because they would never care. I was told to understand everyone before myself. I was told to remain gentle with people even after I was brutally hurt. And most importantly, I was told that I should forgive people over and over again because they are just humans and they make mistakes. For a very long time, I felt like I did not have the right to be hurt or to be angry because I am a good person. I chose to give everyone peace while letting them ruin mine. And it's just so sad to see myself being destroyed by the ones who took advantage of my good heart. Being kind is okay, but tolerating everyone to hurt me just because I am a good person will never be okay. I realized that being so forgiving doesn't give anyone the right to treat me poorly. My hatred, sadness, pain, and all the heavy emotions I feel are valid. I can now fully understand that kindness should also have some limitations. Some people are not just worthy enough of my love, kindness, and understanding. But most of all, I hope everyone will learn that being human, who is capable of making mistakes, should not be an excuse to hurt someone. — Shiori X Art by: giselle_dekel (IG) | used with permission

I hope to grow old with someone who brings safety, comfort, and genuine love into my life. I desire a deep connection where we can support and care for each other, not out of desperation or need for validation, but because we truly cherish and appreciate each other's presence. ❤️

Good morning beautiful Soul, Remember, you are not your mistakes. You are not your fears. You are a soul who's brave, worthy, and loved. Don't let your doubts define you; you are more than enough.

You will not find a love that is perfect, but you will find a love that sees you. The kind that brings down your walls, that asks you to share the parts of your soul you have tucked away and kept hidden from the world. You will not find a love that is perfect, but you will find a love that shows you it’s okay to be someone who carries both hope and hurt. It’s okay to be someone who hasn’t always known how to calm the storms in their heart. And this love, it will hold you there. It will not judge you for the ways you have to heal your sadness, for the ways you show up in this world. Not just when you seem perfect, but even when you’re struggling. When you’re completely open and vulnerable. It won’t leave when you show your true self.

The hardest part of Grief Grief leaves you stranded in the middle of the highway. You sit there, just staring into the distance, wondering which way is better. Forward feels terrifying. It's uncertain and unfamiliar. You don't know what life will look like without them or without what you lost. You don't know who you are now, or how to keep going when everything has changed. Going backward? That's even worse. That means walking back into the heartbreak, the funeral, the moment everything broke. It means reopening the pain, replaying every memory, every goodbye, every silent scream. So you just sit there, stuck between what hurts and what's unknown. That's the hardest part.

The older you get, the more you realize that life's real luxuries aren't things you can post or price. It's having time - not just to get things done and exist, but to actually live. It's a healthy body that lets you move through the day without pain. It's being able to say "No" without guilt and "Yes" without fear. The most valuable things in life aren't the ones that impress others. They're the ones that restore and energize you. Truth is: some of the richest people you'll ever meet aren't the ones with the most money. They're the ones who wake up excited, love without fear and possess a mind that is calm, clear and at peace. These things can't be bought. They must be earned and cultivated through effort and appreciation.

Somewhere along the path of life, you'll get crushed by its demands and unpredictability. You'll hit the wall. You'll feel hopeless. Sad. You'll feel alone. You'll question every decision you've made. You'll wonder if you're really where you're meant to be, or if you've lost your way entirely. And sometimes, everything will feel like too much. Like nothing is working. Like you're standing still while the world keeps moving. But I hope that in such times, you'll remember that you'll be okay. That the waves and winds will eventually settle. That these moments, just like seasons, don't last forever. You won't feel like this always. You'll not be hopeless forever. You will not be stuck here forever. And even when it's hard to believe, you are not alone. You will rise again. You will find your way through life. You will look back, with tears of joy, seeing how far you came.

Imagine having a man who ignores you when you're speaking from the depths of your heart. You're not yelling, you're not accusing... you're just trying to express how you feel. And as you sit there, waiting in silence, hoping for a simple sign of care or concern, you get nothing. Just five long, painful minutes of silence. Then finally, the only words he offers are, "I have nothing to say." Imagine how small that makes a woman feel. Now picture this being your reality night after night. You’re crying in the dark, wiping tears off your face quietly so you don’t disturb him… and he’s fast asleep. Peaceful. Unbothered. Telling you he needs rest because he has work in the morning. As if your emotional pain should be scheduled around his convenience. As if your hurt isn’t valid simply because he’s tired. Imagine loving someone so much that all you want is to feel the same energy you felt when things were new… when he couldn’t go a day without complimenting you, when he actually listened, when he tried. When you weren’t begging for effort. When he made you feel like his world. Now, all you’re asking for is that same version of him… but he no longer sees the need. And now… imagine this becoming your *everyday*. It’s not one bad day. It’s a routine of silence. Of walking on eggshells. Of trying to explain yourself over and over just to be met with nothing. Of being in a relationship that makes you feel lonelier than being single ever did. And that’s what hurts the most… giving your heart to someone who holds it with indifference. Being in love with someone who makes you feel like a burden for simply wanting to be loved right. You deserve more than someone who turns his back on your emotions. You deserve presence, not just physical, but emotional. You deserve consistency, not just in the beginning, but throughout. And you deserve to be heard… really heard… not just tolerated in silence.

You are allowed to be YOU.

All women need to read this 💯 When a man is truly interested in you, there will be no need for you to do the pursuing. Men are born to pursue women. Yes, you can pursue a man if you want to, but in most cases that's just an obvious sign that he's not into you.It's not natural for a man to sit back and let the woman do all the work.For a man who claims to like you to sit back and allow you to do all of the calling, texting, dating arrangements, talks about the future etc, it's pretty obvious where you stand in that man's life. When a man really wants you, you won't have to chase after him like he's some celebrity who barely has time for a fan. You will be his priority. When a man values you, effort won’t feel one-sided — it’ll feel mutual. He won’t leave you questioning your worth or place in his life. You won’t have to beg for attention, because he’ll give it willingly. His consistency will speak louder than any sweet words ever could. Real interest shows through actions, not just occasional affection.

I once hid in the bathroom of a restaurant just to breathe in the smell of food… and ended up washing dishes for a plate of cold leftovers. 🍽️🚿 I was 17. I hadn’t eaten in three days, and the hunger ached deep in my bones. I walked into a restaurant pretending I was waiting for someone. I sat down, ordered a glass of water, and just waited. When the waiter walked away, I slipped into the bathroom—just to stand there and inhale the smell of steak, warm rice, and fresh bread. I stayed so long they thought I’d passed out. When they found me, the manager didn’t throw me out. He just looked at me and asked if I wanted a job. I nodded, holding back tears. 🥲🧼 That first day was a disaster. I burned a pot, broke a glass, and cut my finger peeling potatoes. But I didn’t quit. I survived the yelling, the heat, and my aching back. Because at the end of my shift, they handed me a plate of food. Cold, sure. Dry, maybe. But it was mine. I ate it with my hands. From then on, I washed dishes like it was the greatest honor in the world. 🥵🍛 Over time, I learned to cook, to wait tables, to run the register. I became someone people depended on. For the first time, I showed up clean, with a pressed uniform and my head held high. I was still sleeping on a busted mattress, but every day I felt a little less invisible. A year later, they handed me the keys to open the restaurant on Sundays. That’s when I started to dream of something of my own—something I wouldn’t have to borrow from anyone. 🔑🥖 When you hit rock bottom, every little win feels like a feast. What matters isn’t what you’re eating—it’s what you’re building while you’re hungry. 🍲 — Santiago

Life can sometimes be harsh. At such moments, make sure that you are kind to yourself. Many people will judge you. Make sure you aren't one of them. You are fighting many unspoken battles. Be proud of yourself. Treat yourself with respect that you easily show others. ❤️

Stop watering things that were never meant to grow in your life. When people walk away from you, let them go. Your destiny is never tied to anyone who leaves you, and it doesn't mean they are bad people. It just means that their part in your story is over.

Wounds take time to heal. When they are fresh they hurt. The deeper the wound, the stronger the pain. When they start healing, they sting. You have to take great care of them, address them, rest and be patient. While healing, it can happen that the wound opens up and causes pain all over again. But eventually it will heal. A scar will form, visible at the beginning but fading with every day that passes. I am here to remind you that this process does not only apply to physical wounds but to mental / emotional wounds as well. Do not be hard on yourself while recovering, my love. Healing wounds, especially deep ones, take so much time and effort. They will open up again, they will be painful and that is good - because it is proof that you are healing." — Annie's positivity — Artwork : Naya Ismael

When a train leaves you, you don't chase after it, you patiently wait for the next one. This isn't about the train. Life doesn't always go the way you planned. Things change, people leave, opportunities pass, and moments slip away. It can feel like everything is lost, like your only chance just left the station and you weren't on it. You might feel like you need to run after it, to chase what's already gone. but the truth is, not everything that leaves is meant to stay. Not every door that closes was the right one for you. Sometimes, the trains we miss are the ones that were never meant to take us where we truly belong. They were only meant to pass through, to teach us something, to make us stronger. but the world doesn't stop moving. new chances will always appear, new people will enter your life, and new doors will open. and yes, waiting is hard. not knowing what comes next is scary. It can feel lonely, it can feel like nothing good will ever come again. But remind yourself that another train is on its way. Maybe it will take you to a better place, a better person. Maybe it will be more comfortable. maybe it will come at a time when you are truly ready. So don't look back. don't run after what is already gone. let it go with peace. because the right train will come. and when it does, you will be ready to step on board, knowing that this time, it was meant for you.

When I was little, my grandfather told me something I didn’t really understand at the time. He said, “Don’t lend your umbrella to people who only show up when it’s raining.” To me, it just sounded like a clever line, and I didn't give it much thought. I smiled and moved on. But as I got older, life slowly unpacked the meaning behind those words. I started noticing how some people only come around when they’re in trouble. When they’re going through something, they remember you. They call. They check in. They lean on you. But once their skies clear up, once the crisis is over, they disappear like you never existed. And it hurts. Not because you expected anything in return, but because you realize you were just a place to hide from the storm, not someone they truly cared about. Now, whenever someone comes back into my life during a storm, I quietly ask myself: “Will they still remember me when the sun comes out?” Because kindness doesn’t mean being a doormat. And helping doesn’t mean you have to set yourself on fire every time it rains. These days, I choose my umbrellas wisely.