Exploring the fabric of our stories one character at a time.

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Are you hiding behind a mask

Halloween is just around the corner. Children of all ages are dressed up in their favorite characters. Some are cute and adorable. Others are scary and grotesque. Silly ones with colors and designs. Girls with pretty dresses and boys with swords and masks. A time to look like something else, pretend you are someone else. A chance to wear a mask from the world. Behind the mask How often do you walk around, going about your day, when you see a coworker or a friend and suddenly you are standing straighter, smiling a little more, or quickly quieter? A subtle …

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What if…I overcome my doubt

Two words that have the opportunity to bring heartache, stress, and despair. Just two small words that can also bring new ideas, change, and hope. How can these two words be so powerful? You are faced with a decision that is too big to make on a whim, when your friend says, “yeah, but what if…” Those words break open a new way of thinking. And sometimes, that way of thinking can lead to uncertainty. DOUBT Your boss comes up to you with a new project that will be presented in front of the owners of the company. They asked …

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The good and bad foods we have

It is that time of the year when the candy comes out. All of the cakes and cookies baked to perfection. Don’t forget the decadent and savory meals prepared for family and friends to feast on. Comfort foods are sprinkled throughout our lives to help carry us through all of those hard times. But did you know there are foods that can make you feel good and foods that can make you feel bad…naturally? Foods of the body I am not going to bore you with all of the medical and chemical descriptions of how our bodies work. But think …

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Are you getting too comfortable with comfort food?

A container of ice cream with a big spoon, a helping of chocolate fudge cake, or gooey cheese pizza full of your favorite toppings. How about a glass of wine, a cup of tea, or a tumbler of your favorite alcoholic drink? A plate of cheesy mac n’ cheese, a bowl full of spicy wings, or a platter of seafood placed in front of you. Do I have your mouth watering yet? How does all of these foods and drinks make you feel? How comfortable are you really when you indulge in comfort food? What is comfort food You have …

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The beginning of the end of this chapter

The summer, beach weather is coming to an end. The holidays are approaching with all the rich food and celebrations. There are points throughout the year that seem to push us to look at ourselves in the mirror and ask, “Am I happy?” Personal image, internal emotions, support from loved ones, and the desire to care are put on display. A deep look into our mind, body, and soul reflected and stripped bare. At the beginning At the beginning of the year, we believe that we need to be better than we were the prior year. It is no wonder …

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How to breathe in from the day

We are coming to the end of September. The focus on suicide prevention stepping to the side…for now. But, with all the talk and ads of suicide, PTSD, depression, and more, I want to turn today into a positive view. A chance to see some more pleasant and happier thoughts. To breathe from the day’s events. Weighing Down I have been struggling with many areas of my life that have weighed on me. Family, friends, work, school, and personal. Strain and stress piling up that there were times I just wanted to shut down from the world. Turn my mind …

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Through the looking glass at the other side

As the saying goes, there is always two sides to a story. Someone is struggling and suffering through life as we know it. Wondering if there will ever be a day where there is no pain, when they can feel happy, at least feel as if they are loved by someone. Walking through each day seeing no light at the end of the tunnel. Thinking that there is no other way for them to go on. Two stories But that story also includes all the people that have once touched this person’s life. The family members that could lose a …

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Can you tell if someone needs help?

Look at the people around you. At their faces and the way they carry their body. Which ones are smiling, with a look of happiness? What about those that are not smiling? Are they sad, angry, or just a content expression? Can you tell which ones may be in need of help? Ones that are sad, depressed, lost, or that they may consider something drastic? You may be surprised on what you find. Can you tell? I go to work and talk with my coworkers with a cheerful tone and a smile on my face (most of the time.) Do …

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Suicide Prevention-Not the End of the Story

Did you know you were loved, but didn’t feel it? Were you ever in a room full of people, but felt completely alone? Did you ever wonder if anyone would miss you if you were not around? Have you ever thought that you couldn’t be a bother anymore? Suicide Prevention Month September is known as the National Suicide Prevention month. On average there are 130 suicides per day. Every day there is someone that is thinking of ending their life story. A life story that should not yet end. Trauma, depression, anxiety, or any other mental health illness, the overwhelming …

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Symbol of strength in life

A mark, design, image, or object can hold enough power to make a person feel and think. Symbols come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Each one in the world mean something different to each person. I found myself floundering in life lately. Shutting down my emotions or going through life with an unfocused mind. So much on my mind, I wanted to find something I could connect to that would help me through this time in my life. Some of my family members have found interest in tattoos and this inspired me. If I wasn’t such a chicken, I …