Life is like the river, sometimes it sweeps you gently along and sometimes the rapids come out of nowhere- Emma Smith
narcissism is the illicit love triangle between toxicity, arrogance and exhibitionism
Being silenced by constant interruptions can make one question everything, even our own voice. Is it better that I just shut up? What's with people who just talk over others?
Celestial being made from stardust and moonlight. They move among us, disguised as mortals. Blurring the lines between heaven and earth.
They can crush me, but they'll have to pry every inch from my cold dead fingers.
We could flick them off easily like dust on our shoulder when it's just a drizzle, other times they would pummeling us like a sudden storm. Rain of opinions, unpredictable and relentless.
Hard work equals reward. Rinse and repeat. That was the gospel of my childhood. But nothing prepared me for the brutal awakening, the real world.
A broken doll for your twisted games
Walking alone in the shadow, sometimes she would manage to get out in the light but she would be pushed back into the darkness almost as soon as she did. Each push into the shadows would sting, her hope dimmed but not extinguished.
It isn't simply about dumping our emotional baggage on others. Instead, we will have someone who'll walk beside us, one who can share the burden that no single heart should bear alone.
We will find joy and purpose in even the smallest moments, just like the dayflower blooming for a single day.
Sunset bleeds across my horizon today and shall rise again tomorrow. Another brand-new day for my dreams and hope with endless possibilities.
Maybe I'm not from this world. Maybe I am the rogue alien that crash landed here on Earth.
You are going to believe that you will make it every single time by envisioning every blow and each twist coming your way.
But no one can stop you
My dreams become their playground, nightmares whispering their cruelties.
Did I become so numb that I don't feel your warmth anymore?
Water's touch both delicate and brutal. It can cut with its gentle persistence but crushes with its merciless caress.
I was tossed in the lion's den and there she drew blood from me with her high heels. Was it malice or miscalculation?
Was it a mirage, or did the taste of happiness linger near enough yet far enough to be out of my reach?
The road was long and fraught with peril, but here I am.
Somehow, your problem became mine because you would vent it all on me. Perhaps it's easier for you to do that than to fix yourself.
I envision a departure without fanfare, a final farewell that leaves no trace behind.
We may never know what's in store for us next, but what if we allow fear to hold us back from even trying?
Stepping outside my house feels overwhelming every time. I gather all my strength to hold myself together, hoping to appear composed and avoid disturbing anyone. Sometimes, I wish I could wear a sign that explains my condition, believing it might make things easier for everyone.
This traditional Japanese dish combines udon noodles in a gentle dashi soup, complemented by tender slices of aburaage (sweet, marinated tofu pouches) and topped with refreshing spring onions.
In the darkest moments, the stars shine the brightest against a black sky.
I wonder what the narrative of my life would be like if I had never known you.
I almost wanted to give up. Maybe it's easier for others because people talk about the act of self-reflection like it's the easiest thing to do. Nothing is easy for me.
Why are we obligated to adhere to societal standards dictating what beauty ought to be? Persistent beauty can be discovered in unconventional forms. Everything is beautiful in its own way.
Many choose to remain silent fearing potential reprisals. Those who would dare to speak their truth often face disbelief or even worse additional victimization. Most perpetrators got away by downplaying or denying the abuses because not all forms of abuse come with bumps and bruises.
But that didn't stop them from 'evaluating' me as if I'm in a dog breed exhibition - wrong hair color, my face being too haggard and that I'm too fat.
If you could fast forward to the moment you're on your deathbed and review your entire life from that perspective, would you still want to maintain the charade that you're playing today?
Are you not gonna fight anymore just because you think that no one will fight for you?
People often feel entitled to put themselves on a pedestal and look down on those below them. At the same time, they would require submission from those they've put down for their own benefits.
Life is full of challenges, uncertainties, and difficulties that can shake us to our core.
the shadow still lingers in the memories a past unkind with some wounds that still sting yet those scars is the reminder of the resilient spirit
Somen, or sōmen, is an incredibly thin noodle dish that's ideal for summer as it's served cold. It's a straightforward and fuss-free dish, yet satisfying and perfect for a light bite between heavier meals or on hot sweltering days."
Sometimes, all I need is a good cry but I often have to hold back my tears due to a sense of shame linked to expressing vulnerability.
Poignant words to invoke the presence of a guardian angel to watch over and comfort our loved ones
I feel inadequate but I'm a student of every voice among you.
I wanted to be a supportive person, but at times, people tended to take things for granted and push the limits.
We managed to wake up today with the sun still shining, ever so brightly. The birds still sing, and we are still breathing.
It isn't too much to spare a moment for ourselves.
I feel inadequate and somewhat hopeless. Have I said too little or perhaps too much? Do my wooden expressions, fail to convey the depth of care within?
Easy garlic miso chicken wings with minimal cleanup
No one can understand everything and all that's happening around us. There are things that are beyond our control and worry.
Let's set out on a journey that doesn't revolve around grandeur or worldly gain but rather a pursuit of simple, genuine happiness.
Do we always look forward to tomorrow, neglecting the essence of today? Have we perhaps taken today for granted?
We can't always prevent the pain of others, but we can always offer them our compassion. - Matthieu Ricard
I wish I weren't so helpless; I wish I could do more. I wish I could be there for you.
The road of self-discovery might cost us some friends along the way, yet it simultaneously opens the doors, welcoming new ones into your life.
A once unbreakable bond, forged through trials and tribulations, now lies shattered, torn apart by misunderstandings and false narratives.
Perhaps it was the timing, the distance, or maybe just a lack of chemistry that kept things from progressing physically. But regardless of the reason, the memories of those unconsummated relationships can be powerful and lingering.
What might appear insignificant to one person can have a considerable impact on a neurodivergent, especially when it involves consistency and predictability.
It's easier to be swayed by the discontentment of life, where everything often appears inadequate. Nothing can completely satisfy our human desires and passions.
In their words, I'm just a feral, a mad woman.
Today is not the only time that you have to fight for survival. Have you forgotten how you've come to be? Did you not remember those battles from your past?
My unassuming and modest approach to life’s joys and achievement landed me in hot water once too many times.
I've allowed my biases to guide my actions and decisions.
We are all broken in some way, but our brokenness needs not to define us. We may have to carry the scars of our past experiences, but we each possess the capacity for healing, transformation and renewal.
In a world where skepticism and mistrust have etched their scars deep within a cynical soul, there's still unwavering resilience of hope, shining through despite the relentless disappointments it encounters.
People should respect each other's personal space and coexist peacefully without needlessly causing conflicts or disruptions.
We are fleeting travelers, seeking to etch our names upon the flowing river of existence.
I'm in a constant battle with my inner tempest, where anger and rage threaten to consume reason. Nothing good would come out of it if left unchecked.
Fish sausage 魚肉ソーセージ Gyoniku soseji is a Japanese fish sausage made from surimi. It is sold in a plastic casing as a snack. Gyoniku soseji is similar to the traditional fish cake, kamaboko.
Balancing justice and mercy can be difficult in personal relationships. We desire accountability for actions while also seeking to extend compassion and forgiveness to those who may have caused us harm.
Valuable life lessons I gleaned from my K-Drama binge.
Butter soy sauce rice (butter soy sauce gohan) is a simple meal of white rice topped with butter and soy sauce.
It can be easy to assume that our way of thinking or living is the “right” way, but that mentality only serves to close us off learning from others.
Mabo Dofu, also known as the Japanese version of the famous Chinese dish “Mapo Tofu,” consists of minced pork, tofu, and onions simmered in a thick and mildly spicy sauce.
Simple time saving Japanese meal in a bowl
Simple and time saving Japanese recipe
The rapid growth and contamination-fighting prowess of sunflowers have prompted projects in nuclear disaster zones. They teach us resilience, showing that we can thrive despite adverse circumstances.
Life has a way of nudging us beyond our comfort zone to make way for changes.
From the exuberance of youthful aspirations to the serene wisdom of twilight years, this poem reflects the evolving nature of relationships and the deepening of human connections over time.
Sometimes, we just need to take a step back, give ourselves some space, and allow ourselves the time we need to process our thoughts and feelings.
Karashi, also known as Oni Karashi, is a type of mustard widely used in Japanese cuisine. It's crafted from crushed seeds of Brassica juncea (brown mustard) and is available in both powder and paste forms.
Hanpen is a delightful fish-based paste that comes in a white, square shape. It is made by combining fish, such as Alaska Pollock, with grated mountain yam and seasonings. The mixture is then formed into thin squares or half-moon shapes and gently boiled to perfection.