@zheanders

My Horrible Experience with Sleep Paralysis I'm going to level with you. This post is going to terrify you a little. It's about an experience I had with sleep paralysis. You see, everyone experiences sleep paralysis differently. Some people never experience it, others might sneak in an episode once a year or so — others may live most of their lives under its tyrannical rule of sleepless nights and unsettling terrors. To tell my story, there are a few things you need to understand about me. First, I'm an incredibly light sleeper. If a mouse farts in the other room, I know about it...and so does my dog who was named for her hearing abilities. Second, I'm a stress case. Really, it's shocking how much stress and worry affect my mind and body - even if I try to control them. Last night I had a really strange and horrifying experience in bed. It was really scary, and my first time ever experiencing it (I think). I've had a lot of problems with insomnia for the past year or so, and last night's experience took it to a whole new level! Sleep Paralysis. Imagine being wide awake, looking around and not being able to move. You can't scream, you can't move, you can't blink; even your chest doesn't rise when you breathe. I didn't know what was happening to me. The lack of sleep and stress started to take a toll on me physically. I think I’m going to have nightmares for weeks. It started when I was asleep, and then all of a sudden, I woke up and couldn’t move! It was like my body had stopped working or something. Then it got worse. MUCH worse. I heard footsteps outside my door, getting closer and closer until they were right in front of me… and then they just stopped. The footsteps didn’t move away or do anything else; they just stopped moving, like whoever was making them had suddenly decided to stand there forever. Then I heard this whispering sound that seemed to be coming from all around me but it was too quiet to make out any words. And it sounded eerily familiar, like maybe I should know what it meant but couldn’t quite place it. I tried to scream for help, but even though my mouth was open and ready to yell, no sound came out. After trying again and again with no success, the whispering got louder—but not any clearer—and I felt more afraid than ever before. I started to count backwards from 100. It didn't help at all! Then I tried singing songs in my head, but they were all sad songs and they only made me feel worse! Finally I tried focusing on my breathing like people say will work when you're stressed out but it didn't work either! The next thing I knew, it was morning! Once I realized that, I thought "Oh good, I'm awake!" But then the night's events came flooding back to me. It felt like the first time in my life that I truly understood what it meant to be paralyzed; even though my body was still, my mind was racing faster than it ever had before. As you can probably imagine, this made for a very unsettling day at work. I don't think I'll ever be able to sleep well again! What sleep paralysis teaches us is that we should never ever take our rest for granted. The next time you snooze without fail, the next time you take a nap without a care in the world, just remember this article and know that it could all be taken away from you in an instant. Sometimes it just takes a minor change to your circumstances to throw off your equilibrium and send you into an entirely different state of being. To think that one passing thought, one tossed and turned moment, one fumbled alarm clock can change your entire life it's too astounding to be believed, but it happened to me, and it can happen to anyone else out there. Lead image from Fabiosa ©, 2022 @zheanders. All rights reserved.

The Question of our Earthly Existence When we are faced with the reality of our mortality, it is natural to wonder if there is life after death. We all want to believe that there is something more to our lives than just a few short years on this planet. But how can we know for sure? Is there really life after death? This question has been around for thousands of years and one that many of us have asked at some point. 50% say no: that death is the end. 50% say yes: there’s really life after death. But the truth is, nobody really knows. Nobody has ever come back to tell us what it's like on the other side, and no one knows how to prove an afterlife exists. I know what you’re thinking: why write an article on something we can’t prove one way or another? The world has always been curious about whether there is life after death. We’ve all questioned our life’s purpose, have moments of wonder in the big bang’s aftermath, and asked ourselves whether there’s more beyond what we see. In all honesty, I believe it is a part of human nature to question our mortality. At times we face questions with logical answers while others are met with disagreements, confusion and skepticism. The topic of life after death is one that has captured the minds and hearts of millions across the globe for many years. Whether it is a deep-rooted religious belief, a curiosity or even something we’ve been thinking about but never felt brave enough to ask. Imagine yourself on your death bed. There’s no more life. The medications and machines are all shut off. The doctors have left, and your family and friends have said their goodbyes. But wait… Is it really over? Many people report from near-death experiences that they saw a bright light and believed they had died, only to return to life hours, days or even months later, only to share a message of love and spirituality with those who would listen. I used to wonder the same thing until I realized how insignificant our lives were when compared to the vastness of the universe. There is so much we don’t know and cannot see beyond our planet. We have yet to develop or even see technology that might be able to help us uncover other worlds similar to our own, or what lies beyond life. Life can be confusing and scary. Especially when you're facing death. No one wants to think about the end, but if you have to, it's important to know what to expect. What happens after death? Is there really life after death? Just like we don't really know the answer to that question, we also don't know what people do feel when they die. But from talking with people who have almost died and come back, a lot of them report feeling a sense of calm, peace, and safety upon dying. Some even report feeling transported to some kind of place that feels like home—a heavenly space where loved ones are present. However, scientists will tell you that there's no way for us to know for sure whether there is life after death or not. The most we can do is look at the data and make an informed guess based on evidence we've seen so far. But many people still believe that they can provide evidence through religious traditions, near-death experiences, and many other ways. As a member of a Christian faith-based organization, we believe in life after death as a fundamental part of our beliefs. We think that life is eternal, and it continues after death—that there is another world beyond this one where God lives and where everyone gets to live forever with him. In addition, the fact that there are so many religions which have different ideas about what happens after death suggests strongly that there must be something more than just this life. For example, Christianity teaches us there will be judgment day when all people will face God’s wrath or mercy depending on how well they lived their lives while alive; other religions such as Buddhism teach reincarnation, which is the belief that you will come back to life in a different body after you die. In Hinduism, one's karma determines whether they will be reborn as a human being or an animal; this depends on how well they lived their previous lives according to dharma (the law).  Also, some religions believe that souls are reborn over again until they have reached a state of perfection so they may ascend into heaven as pure beings. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on what happens after death, and no one knows for sure. However, most people will agree that death is a part of life and that we cannot escape it. Many people have their own ideas of what happens after death, and they might even claim to have evidence to support their claims. Whether you believe in an afterlife or not, whether or not you believe in God or any other kind of deity, what really matters is that you believe in yourself. Even though we don’t have any idea on what happens after death, there is one thing that we 100% surely know. And that is: No matter what happens when we die, we can only live in the here and now. Our time on Earth is limited, so we should make the most of it by following our dreams, telling the people we love that we love them, and never giving up on our goals. We have the power to keep moving forward. And yes, it will be hard sometimes. But there are people around who can help you pick yourself up when you fall down and feel like the world has ended. The days ahead won't always be easy; they'll probably be terrible sometimes. But they will get better, as long as you keep showing up for yourself and for those people who need your love and support just as much as you do theirs. Lead image from LetterPile © 2022 @zheanders . All rights reserved.

What is more important than love? This is a question that plagues us all. We're often told that our life's goal should be to find love, and not just romantic love, but also the platonic love of good friends and a loving family, as well as self-love. But even if we’ve found all those things—or aren't particularly interested in finding them—we might still feel like there's something missing. I'm always asking myself: *What’s more important than love?-*because I think it's worthy to know what my priorities are. There are a lot of things that drive us. Relationships, money, power—all things that we've been told are important to have in life. But there's another thing that drives us, and it's even more important than these other things. Love has inspired countless songs, movies, and international in-laws. But while we're all looking for love in our lives, there are other things that matter just as much—or even more. It's not love. I love my family and my friends. But for me, the most important thing in life isn't love. Don't get me wrong—love is an important part of our lives. You see, it's not just about how much we have of these things: money, power, or love; it's also about what drives us. These are the things that push us to do better and be better. They motivate us to get out of bed each day and take a risk on something new. They give us the courage to express ourselves or learn a new skill set or move to a new city. In short: they drive us toward contentment. And for me? Health is at the top of my list. The life of a human being is short. If you don't stay healthy, you're not going to get to enjoy it. And when it comes to my health, the most important thing is having someone by your side who cares about it. For all the people out there who have different ideas about what matters most in life—I want to remind you and make sure that your health must be at the top of that list. If you don't have a good health, there's not much point to anything else. After health comes happiness—or joy, if you prefer—because it makes everything else worth it. The things that make me happy are what make life worth living for me. That might mean doing things that aren't strictly healthy, but I'd rather live a full life than one where I'm always worrying about my health. No matter who you are or where you live, if you're happy and satisfied with your life, then all is right with the world. And then there's faith. Faith in myself and faith in God. Having faith in your own ability to do good things is what gives life meaning. If you have faith, you can believe that everything is working out the way it ought to be, and since you can't control everything, there's no point in stressing out over anything. The point in this article is, everyone has different ideas about what's most important in life. There are so many answers! And they're all so different! Some say success is the best thing out there. Others say health. Still others would argue that happiness is the biggest priority, or faith, or family or love. So which one is right? Maybe they're all right. Maybe there isn't just one answer at all—maybe there are as many answers as there are people in the world to give them. This might sound like a weird question at first, but it's actually a pretty interesting one. And maybe that's okay: to leave the question open-ended, knowing that people will always have different ideas about what's most important in life. The truth is different for everyone, but one thing's for sure: with all this stuff competing for our attention and time and energy, it can be hard to keep track of how much time you're spending on each one. While people may disagree on what's most important, as long as they aren't hurting anyone else or themselves, there's no right answer. So… what's most important to you? Author's Note: I just want to take @Mictorrani for becoming my very first sponsor in this platform. Your sponsorship means a lot to me. I'll do my best to write article that everybody will enjoy. Thank you! Lead image from Dribbble ©, 2022 @zheanders . All rights reserved.

Hello everyone! I just want to share how happy and grateful I am because @Mictorrani became my very first sponsor here in this platform. I've only been here for a week and I already had this great blessing. I'm so happy right now!

Hello everyone! Happy Monday! Wishing you all a prosperous and joyful week!

Which of these 7 Millionaire Habits are you Missing? It's no secret that becoming a millionaire is a huge feat. It requires hard work, dedication, and a dash of good luck. If it were easy to become a millionaire, we'd all be millionaires, right? So you want to become a millionaire? Good for you. It's an excellent goal, and one that's certainly achievable with enough hard work and discipline. But how do you get there? Do you need to be a risk-taker? Do you just need to trust your gut? What are the things that millionaires have in common, anyway? Do you have to win the lotto or invent a new product to become a millionaire? Not at all! I’m here to tell you that there's no magic formula or secret lifestyle that millionaires have that makes them successful. I've looked at studies, research, and interviews from actual millionaires themselves, and I've compiled the top 7 millionaire habits that make all the difference. Read on to learn which of these habits you could use some help with in your journey to becoming a millionaire! **They're risk-takers.** Self-made millionaires aren't afraid of taking risks -- especially when it comes to their money. They aren't afraid to take chances, even when the odds are against them. They know that they likely won't get rich off of investments unless they take an occasional risk and the fastest way to get ahead is by taking smart, calculated risks rather than playing it safe all the time. Figure out what kind of risks you're willing to take and then make them happen. Whether it's investing in real estate or starting your own business, learn to take risks and reap the rewards! **They trust their gut.** It's important to think things through as much as possible before making big decisions—but research has shown that one of the most important things millionaires have in common is this: they trust their gut, and they don't let fear stand in their way. Millionaires are confident individuals who trust their instincts when making decisions. They don't second guess themselves or rely on other people for guidance. Sure, it's important to listen to advice from those around you, but don't be afraid to go with what feels right for you instead of what someone else tells you is best! **They work smarter, not harder**. Millionaires are busy people, but they take their time to make sure they don't have to spend more hours than necessary working. They automate tasks that can be automated and outsource what they can't. **They know their money and wealth potential.** Millionaires know how to assess their financial situation and plan for the future. Be sure to sit down with your finances every month and evaluate them. How much do you have saved? Is this enough? How much are you spending? Where could you save some cash? It's hard to make a million if you don't know what you're capable of! If you want to reach that potential, you have to focus on doing the right things with your money: don't waste time trying tactics that aren't going to work for your lifestyle or budget. **They have a plan to their money and stick to it.** The top thing millionaires do is get their money invested early on. The earlier, the better! You want your money working for you -- not just sitting in your checking account wasting away. It sounds simple enough, but so few people actually do it. If you want to build wealth, you need to have a plan for your money, and stick to it. This means setting up a budget and living by it. While expenses can often change from month-to-month, having a base plan that determines how much you will spend on what is crucial. **They set goals for themselves. They tend to focus on the big picture.** The best way to achieve something is to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish. So many people just drift through life with no goals they're actively working toward -- but millionaires are different. They know exactly what they want and they focus on achieving that goal. Your goals should be both long-term and short-term: long-term goals will help you keep the big picture in mind, while short-term goals will keep your vision fresh in your memory so you can make small decisions every day that keep you on track with your ultimate goal of becoming a millionaire. You can't expect to do a few things here and there and suddenly be a millionaire: it's going to take time, effort, and dedication. But if you're willing, that dream can become reality. **They increase their income and don't just cut expenses** So many people think there's only one way to save money: cut expenses. But while budgeting and spending less is important, so too is earning more money. Millionaires aren't just defined by their large net worths, either -- they also have multiple streams of income, often from diverse sources. Instead of living frugally, they focus on making more money while spending wisely. Okay, so we know it's a little hard to believe that these kind of results are available to just anyone -- but they really are if you're willing to put in the work and make some changes. I think the key takeaway is this: success isn't an accident, but it's also not a random act. Instead, it's something that can be achieved through some combination of preparation, hard work, and persistence. The same could be said of becoming a millionaire -- you won't get there by chance. But if you're willing to put in the necessary time and effort, pursuing these seven habits will help you towards your goal of becoming a wealthy individual. And just remember, sometimes taking small steps on the road to achieving your dreams is better than taking no steps at all. Do you have what it takes to become a millionaire? If so, good for you -- and we hope that these tips will serve as a helpful guide on your journey. And if you don't? Well, then these should still be useful in helping you save up for that down-payment on a house or a trip around the world. Once again, be patient and realize that this takes time. Start small and build your way up. And lastly, keep your eyes open for chances to earn more income -- they present themselves every day. Lead image from Making of a Millionaire © 2022 zheanders. All rights reserved.

'Cause You had a Bad Day Hello everyone! What’s up? How are you today? Do you ever wake up and just feel tired of life? When things go wrong, how do you react? How do you feel? What can you do to change your circumstances and get back to happy? `While reading this article, you may want to listen to this song by Daniel Powter “Bad Day.” Enjoy!` https://youtu.be/wNZc5l8RNFg You know what? I get it. Today sucks. Well, we all have a bad day. Maybe you even have one too right now. Maybe it's the work, or maybe it's just the upcoming events. You don't want to see anyone or anything. I know, because I’ve been there. It's okay to feel upset about it. But it's also okay to take a breath and look at the big picture. Today your day isn't so great, but that doesn't mean your life isn't good. Maybe you can take some time to remind yourself of all the things you're grateful for in your life—the people that love you, the things that inspire you, the experiences that brought you joy. If you're reading this, right now, maybe you've had one of these bad days. Sometimes life just happens, and it goes bad. It happens to everyone, and the first step is realizing that. Because when you realize that you don't have to be ashamed and can talk about how bad things are going, it makes it a bit easier to deal with your problems. The next step is being able to know that it's only in the moment and will pass. Finally, you have to accept that it's not going to happen again tomorrow, but many good things will happen that you might feel bad because of what happened today, but you need to accept that the past isn't going to affect the future. There's a lot of pressure to be perfect these days, and it's easy to lose sight of the fact that we're all in this together—and that none of us are perfect. What if we just let ourselves off the hook for a minute? What if we stopped trying to be perfect and started just trying to be happy? What if we stopped trying to be perfect and started just trying to be kind? What if we looked at our lives as an adventure instead of a series of obligations? What if we took the time to dream instead of getting stuck in the cycle of doing? I’m not saying it's going to be easy. But take one step at a time and see where it leads you, okay? Life is too short not to have fun with it! You know what? It's okay. Don't panic. These things will work themselves out—it's just a bad day! You're not alone in feeling this way. Everyone has these tough days sometimes—and even though it can feel like you're the only one who has them, everyone else does too! The world does not revolve around any one person's bad day, so take a moment for yourself, breathe deep, and remember that tomorrow is another day. Today is just one day, and no matter how bad it gets, tomorrow is a whole new day. You can start over, you can make something better, you can let yourself be sad for a little bit and then come back stronger than ever. The thing about life is that we all have good days and bad days—sometimes we have more of one than the other, but they always do exist on some level. The problems we face in life aren't constants; they're variables. They shift and change. There's no situation that is permanent; everything changes, and nothing stays the same forever. So please don't worry about how things are right now; they'll be different tomorrow. There are people who love you. There are people that need you. You have value to bring to the world and meaningful things to pursue and contribute to every day—no matter how crappy this one is feeling right now. Having a bad day does not make you a bad person, or that you're less worthy of things like love and respect. You matter because you're here. Your thoughts matter, your voice matters, and your feelings matter. If you're feeling like your bad days are outweighing your good days lately, there are people who want to listen to you and help you work through it: family members, friends, support groups in your area… even just reaching out here on this platform can help! And if you need someone to talk to right now, I’m here for you—even if we don't know each other yet.  Sometimes getting things off your chest is all we need to snap back into track. Just let it out! *Lead image from Believers Church* ©, @zheanders 2022. All rights reserved

The Art of Remembering... and Forgetting When we think of remembering, we think of it as a positive thing. We remember happy times and we want to preserve those memories. However, there is a dark side to memory when it keeps us from moving on and if the memories are painful. On the other hand, we often associate forgetting with negative things like dementia, Alzheimer’s, or the inability to move on because we can’t forget certain events. For many of us, memory is a big part of our sense of self. It’s how we identify who we are and what we have done with our lives. We remember the good and the bad, but often, remembering is a positive thing. That’s why we dwell on the memories when they are good ones—because it makes us feel good. But our memory isn’t perfect and we only remember things selectively and not necessarily accurately, even as we believe we do. Memories are often also distorted or even false, especially as time goes by. As we age that can rob us of our identity and who we are to others. Memories can be burdensome things when they make us remember people who have let us down or hurt us deeply. We often struggle with whether to keep these memories, and so we try to bury them, but they always resurface. It feels like there’s no escaping the pain that comes with remembering. If only we could find a way to truly forget what has happened in the past—to forget those who’ve wronged us, to forget our mistakes and failures, to forget the people we’ve lost. **So what happens when our memories fail us?** The answer to that question is not a simple one. Our memories are the most important thing about us; they make us who we are and define our lives. We all have a memory that fails us every now and again, but when it's a memory that really matters, you might wish you could just forget about it. When we lose a memory, what do we lose? When people lose their memories due to trauma, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, they also lose a large part of their identity and who they are to others. Memories can be painful, and sometimes that pain is so great we wish to forget them. But how can we do that? If a memory has been burned into our minds for so long, is there any way to erase it? It’s important to remember that our memories are not perfect. When we navigate life’s challenges, it is helpful to understand that our mind may not be an accurate recorder of events or feelings. **What shall we do if that’s the case?** It can be disheartening to realize this, but at the same time it is empowering. Our memories are malleable. We have the ability to shape and mold our memories, just as we would a piece of clay. This means we can create new experiences and new associations with each memory. If you rely on your memory for everything, you might feel lost or confused when it fails you or changes. But if you see your memory as something which is constantly changing and evolving, then you will have more control over it. We all need to learn how to forget sometimes. We need to learn how to let go of the past if it hurts too much. When that happens, remember that you still have your future. **Would you choose to keep the painful memories or to forget?** We usually think of forgetting as undesirable—the opposite of remembering. When someone forgets an important date, or forgets where they parked their car, most of us would probably describe them as “scatterbrained” or “unreliable.” But is this really true? In reality, being able to forget some aspects of a painful memory can be just as useful as remembering others. I think the important thing to remember when discussing the art of forgetting or choosing what (not) to remember is that it's a continuous process—we're always forgetting and remembering things, on a daily basis. It's just a matter of how we go about doing it. With that in mind, my best advice for someone seeking to understand "the art of forgetting" would be to simply pay attention to their surroundings. After all, almost everything can be forgotten if you choose not to remember it—but we need something to distract us from painful memories in order to move on. And whether you want to admit it or not, there's no shortage of things in this world that warrant our attention. Life is full of memories. Some will leave you devastated and others will warm your soul. These memories are things in our past that have happened to us or we have done. They will always be with us and they can do much to define who we are. Some people choose to remember the good things that happened to them so they have something to look back on. It's up to you as a person how you want to use your memories, whether it's forgetting them or keeping them at a distance just so you can look back on them for encouragement. The art of remembering is important because it allows us to reflect on past experiences with those close to us. The art of forgetting is just as important as the art of remembering—it gives us hope for future happiness. The art of remembering and forgetting fixates our minds on past experiences, but both are necessary. As we expand our capacities to remember, we must also work on the ability to forget. But, even if it's not possible to forget all of your past experiences, you can find peace in accepting them as they are—memories that shape your life today and tomorrow *Lead image from Carson Hearing Care*

Good day fellow readcashers! How are you today? I hope you're all good!

There is a Difference between Being Happy and Being Distracted from Sadness Date: 2022, April 8. Friday. @zheanders Hello everyone! How are you? I hope you're all doing fine! I just woke up and guess what, I'd decided to share with you an article. I hope you'll enjoy it! Maybe you'd often wonder whether you're happy or distracted from sadness. Am I right? Oh I know you’re thinking about that now. You know what? I've been down in the dumps for a while now, and this week I realized something important: there's a difference between being happy, and being too distracted to be sad. We all know those people who are happy no matter what the circumstances. They seem to remain content, forever joyful, and without a care in the world. But then there are those of us who tend to live with a more muted disposition. For whatever reason, even if we're happy about our surroundings, we find it challenging to remain fully immersed in happiness. Yes, being happy and being distracted from sadness don’t mean and feel the same. Sometimes, it's easy to mistake happiness for distraction. Sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking that if we're distracted, we'll never have to feel the pain again. But there's a difference between being happy and being distracted. To be distracted is to run towards something, to think of the next thing, or simply to numb ourselves from feeling. True happiness is when we are peaceful, when we accept what is, when we let go of wanting anything different than what is happening in this very moment. Sylvester Stallone said, **"Happiness is like a kiss…you must share it to enjoy it."** Truer words have never been spoken. What you think is going to make you happy just won't do the trick. At least not forever. Sure, that new shirt might sound great right now, but if you're only buying it because you've had a bad day and need something to distract yourself from your problems – how long will it actually make you happy? We’re all in search of happiness, yes I also feel that way, but it can be reallly hard to pin it down. One thing that’s easy to understand is the idea that being happy is not the same as being distracted from sadness. When you think about it, most of life is just distracting yourself from sadness and pain. We live in an age where we are constantly faced with ways to distract ourselves: video games, social media, all kinds of online content, and even just reading the news. But eventually all those distractions can become kind of… exhausting. We're tired of scrolling through our feeds, tired of playing games, tired of watching shows we don't even care about in order to kill time. So often we do what we can to make ourselves feel better, whether it's eating some ice cream or watching a funny movie—anything to take your mind off the pain and suffering that seems so inescapable. But there is a difference between feeling happy—even if only for a moment—and being distracted from sadness. I think this concept is incredibly important, especially considering how often people use distractions like drugs and alcohol to escape their sadness. If you really want to be happy, you have to figure out how to do it without using substances or other distractions that might hurt you more in the long run. I'm not saying that the two are mutually exclusive, or even that they're necessarily at odds. I am saying that they're not the same thing. A lot of times people say, "I'm so happy!" And then you find out that what they really mean is, "I'm distracted from sadness." It's okay to not be happy! It's okay to be sad! The more we can admit what we're feeling, the better off we are. It helps us connect with people and it helps us get back to happiness faster. There's nothing wrong with distracting ourselves from our pain by engaging in something fun. Sometimes it can help us cope. When we're dealing with something really difficult—like the death of a loved one, or a diagnosis we weren't expecting—it can be hard to just sit with that pain and let ourselves feel it. But sometimes those things are not necessary. As much as I want to avoid feeling the sadness when a friend dies, if I don't let myself feel it, then I won't truly mourn them. I won't learn how to live without them here. I know it's hard to be honest about sadness when you feel like everyone around you is only posting about happiness. But know this: That's just social media. That's not real life. In real life, everyone has ups and downs and in-betweens. Talk to your friends, talk to your family, talk to a therapist if you need one—and remember that all feelings are allowed! It's not always about trying to cheer yourself up. Sometimes we have to make an effort to step away from whatever is distracting us so we can work through what happened, no matter how painful that might be. That's all for today! Thank you and have a good day everyone! Keep safe always! Lead image edited in canva Copyright, 2022 @zheanders All Rights Reserved.

Silence contains all the answers in the world 2022, April 7. Wednesday. @zheanders `"The heart of a great life is a heart of silence."` Hello everyone! How are you today? Are you happy? Or sad? Or confused? Do you have many questions in your head right now? If yes, don't worry. I know what it's like to feel like you have a question that needs answering, and to feel like no one can help you find the answer. I've felt that way too often for it to be a coincidence. I've felt that way so much, in fact, that silence contains all the answers in the world—and I want to share them with you. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be easy to get caught up in the noise. But if you look hard enough, there is silence everywhere. And in that silence, the answers to all your questions are waiting for you. Silence on a busy street corner. Silence at the library. Silence at the coffee shop with your favorite barista. When we listen in the quiet of the morning with our loved ones, and they tell us who they are and what they're thinking. When we walk through a forest and hear nothing but the crunch of fallen leaves beneath our feet, while every other sound is muffled by the trees around us. When we sit on the beach in the evening as the sun sets, and watch as it disappears into a sea of silence. Silence can take many forms, but it exists everywhere—and all you need to do is take a minute to listen, and the answers will come. I know you want to break the silence—to scream, to shout, to pour out all the pain and hurt and confusion that's been building up inside you. But I'm here to tell you: don't. Instead, let it sit. Let it fester. Let it simmer. Let it grow. And then there are times when silence seems like an impossible dream—when we have to watch as someone suffers far away from us; when we find ourselves in a room surrounded by people, but alone with our thoughts; when someone asks us to speak up about something important, but we can't find the words. It's not a good feeling, by any means, but you need to let it happen. Because that's how you learn what silence is really made of—it's made of the answers that are always there, waiting for you. It's full of the strength you've been searching for all along, and don't even know where to look for. In silence, we are whole. In silence, we are at peace. In silence, we can listen to what others are saying and hear what they're not saying at the same time. We can feel the truth underneath their spoken words and our own unspoken thoughts. But remember that silence is not just the absence of sound—it's a presence of its own. It holds all the answers for you in this world, even if it doesn't make sense right now. Just listen, and let yourself drift through it. So stop looking. Stop trying to find what's already right there in front of you: answers, strength, and light at the end of your tunnel. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is shut the world out. Whether it's because you're trying to clear your mind and find some inner peace, or because you just need a break from the cacophony of life, shutting down and tuning out is sometimes the only way we can really get in touch with what matters most. No matter where you are, no matter what's going on in your life today, remember that silence is still there. If you listen closely enough, it will tell you everything you need to know about yourself and your place in this world. I've never been good at silence. Whenever there's an awkward silence, I can't help but fill it with the sounds of my nervous breathing, the cogs in my mind turning as they attempt to come up with something witty to say. But maybe that's always been the problem. Maybe there's no need to say anything. The truth is that the world only goes silent when we stop listening. But there's a reason for it: silence contains all the answers in the world. Let's get quiet for a second so we can hear them. That's all for today! Thank you for reading my article! Keep safe always!

Every Villain is a Hero in their own Story 2022, April 6. Wednesday. @zheanders Hi everyone! I hope you're all doing fine! I just want to share you something that's troubling my mind lately. And it is all about villains. Before there was a hero, there was a villain. Before there was a villain, there was a hero. In every story of a villain, there is a hero. And in every story of a hero, there is a villain. When we think of heroes, we probably think of someone who's strong and brave, someone who protects others and always sees the good in people. And when we think of villains, we probably think of someone who's selfish or greedy—someone who would do anything to achieve their goal, even if that means hurting others. But what if you've got it all wrong? What if a hero is actually a villain, and a villain is actually a hero? I've always loved villains. I think it's because even though they're the bad guys, I'm always rooting for them to win in my head. Don't get me wrong, superheroes are awesome. But I guess it's just easier to relate to someone who is doing something you don't agree with than to someone who is going on a grand adventure to save the world. Why is that? Is it because no one lives life in black and white? No one is purely good or purely bad? Or maybe it's because the villain has their side of the story to tell. They don't always think that they are doing something wrong. Even if you don't like what they are doing, understand that it comes from someplace GOOD. It's easy to think of villains like this as being purely evil, but it's important to keep in mind that their motivations for their villainous deeds aren't always bad. A villain has as much brilliant logic as the hero does to make them come to the conclusion to do what they do. The villain and hero share the same goals at least one level deep. Heroes try to achieve their goal versus the villain trying to stop them from achieving that goal. “Bad guys” don’t know they are bad guys because humans only see things as right or wrong; black or white; good or bad based on our own personal experiences and beliefs. The thing about villains is that they have their side of the story—and it doesn't always make sense to us, but it does (to them). They're not always trying to be bad guys; they're just trying to achieve their goals and believe in themselves. Isn't that what we're all trying to do? We don't always agree with their methods, but there are always reasons for those methods, even if we don't know them yet. And if you really think about it, these villains aren't all that different from us—they're just following a different path and making different decisions about how best to achieve their goals. But sometimes it's tough to understand how someone can be so wrong! How can you relate to someone who is making such terrible choices? And what does it say about us when we can relate to someone who has done so much wrong? The truth is, heroes and villains share more than we might realize. In fact, they probably have more in common than they'd care to admit! They both want something, and they're both willing to do anything necessary in order to achieve those. Think about your favorite villains – why you like them! They're probably not entirely bad. And even if they are, maybe you like them because you sympathize with the parts of their personality you do NOT have in common with them. Maybe you see a part of yourself in those "bad guys". I mean, let's be honest—they don't know they're bad guys anyway! We're all just trying to figure life out for ourselves. This gives you insight into yourself and your values in life because every character has a story; it's up to us to decide which side we believe in when we read it. And so you realized that maybe, just maybe, you’re not a bad person. Maybe it's okay to be angry when someone cuts you off in traffic, or leaves a mess on the subway. Maybe we all have a difficult time chasing down our personal demons, and that's what makes us different. And maybe, other people aren't out to get me—in fact, they're going through their own storm and they need my empathy. If we keep our hearts open and extend some compassion, maybe they can do the same for us. Perhaps there is something larger at work here; perhaps our similarities are more profound than the differences between us; perhaps if we can see our shared humanity we can live peacefully with one another despite our surface-level disagreements. That's all for today! Thank you for reading my article! Keep safe always!

When Love Blooms in Summer: A Short Love Story It was 1992, the summer of love when Teddy met Abby. Spring had come and gone and summer was in full bloom. The sun shone bright each day, however the heat was becoming unbearable. Teddy was a young farmhand at a ranch in their province. He was as hardworking as they came and was never seen without a smile on his face. On the other hand, Abby was the new girl on the ranch, fresh out of high school. Even though this was her first job she seemed to take to farming like a fish to water, catching Teddy's eye right away. One hot summer day, Abby and Teddy were working on opposite ends of a field, doing their usual work, when Abby spotted Teddy working under the scorching sun. Teddy wiped his sweaty brow with his forearm as he continued working. He thought about how nice it would feel to take a break from work and decided to walk towards Abby where the only shade is available. As he got closer to Abby he noticed how beautiful she looked, especially with all that sweat on her forehead. He couldn't help but smile at her and say hello. There it was, the sound of distant hooves against the soil and all he could hear was her, his heart beating fast as she got nearer. Her wheat-colored hair, cascading from underneath her bonnet bobbing left and right with each step she took. Everything just felt right. Abby returned his greeting and offered him a glass of homemade lemonade to cool him off. Teddy smiled at her, thanked her and drank it all in one gulp. His smile grew as he realized how sweet it tasted—and it was love at first sight for both of them. As days passed by, they started talking about everything under the sun: their dreams, their families, their lives back home and so many other things that came into mind whenever they are together. When they talked, it was like they had known each other all their lives—like they were two old friends picking up where they left off. It was as refreshing as a spring breeze in the middle of spring. It was like fate had decided to intervene because they started talking and then eventually became friends. Teddy had helped her with the farm for six months and he'd been a blessing from heaven - she had thought to herself many times. He did all the heavy lifting, took care of the chickens and the pigs and was always willing to do whatever was needed and never complained. She was especially happy when he walked her to her house after they finished working, every day. She looked forward to this part of the day as she hiked out in the scorching hot farmland, thinking about how wonderful it would be if Teddy asked her out on a date. They grew closer over time and soon became inseparable. Until one day, Teddy asked Abby if he could court her and Abby happily agreed. Two years later, Teddy asked Abby to marry him. They've lived happily ever after in their farmhouse and are still married today. They have been married for 40 years now, and there love is stronger than ever. It was love at first sight when they laid eyes on each other on that hot summer day. After all that they've been through, they're still together and married without any major issues. God must have something in store for them and their lives. To this day, a white picket fence encircles their farmhouse, providing a perfect home for the two of them. And it will be part of their story for the rest of their lives. This short story is a product of my own imagination. I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing it. If there's one thing that I've ever learned from doing this story, even though I'm still new, is that everyone has a story to tell. All you have to do is ask and you will eventually find someone who will be glad to share it with you.  *Thank you and keep safe always!*