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ohdeersthings · 1 year

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Soft as Clouds

Neteyam x F!Reader

Summary: You weren't well known in the clan, and when you become friends with Tuk, no one believes her.

Warning: Straight up Flufff

When you were growing up, you found yourself wanting to linger in the background more than insert yourself into the everyday activities of those your age. Like now, you were currently lounging in a tree, eyes facing up at the clouds as they moved by at their own pace.

You were a gatherer for the clan, not that anyone knew. You would rise before the sun to go out and gather the sweetest, most bountiful food your clan had ever tasted, leaving it in the baskets by the main fire circle. The fruits were always plump and juicy, herbs and spices nicely placed in pouches for easy access.

You wanted to begin early to end early, opting to stay out of sight of others. Now, some knew of you, the elders for example always took a small notice on how you were much more reserved than others your age. Your parents of course knew you, but you were a failure of a child in their eyes. At your age you should've been chosen for a mate, or made a mark on the clan in some positive way, but you didn't, so they turned their attention to your more 'promising' younger siblings.

You never cared, preferring your more modest lifestyle of peaceful serenity.

"Whoa! What are you doing up there?"

But Great Mother had other plans for you.

You gazed over the side of the branch you were currently laying on, brushing your hair that had fallen into your eyes away, spotting a young girl in the forest floor below you.

This was not just any girl, oh no, this was Tuktirey, Toruk Maktos youngest child.

You let a small smile slip on your face as you slowly began a decent, swift and agile, like that of a cat.

You knelt infront of her, your eyes meeting hers that were still so full of child like wonder, "what are you doing here small one?" Tuk giggled, looking side to side as if looking for something, or someone.

"I was following my brothers, but I guess I got lost," Extending a hand to Tuk, "Well, let us get you home then," her small fingers wrapped around yours and you both began your walk, going back down the path you had made from the times you ventured out here.

Tuk couldn't help but wonder why she had never seen you before, yet she thought you were very beautiful. The aura that surrounded you was so soft and peaceful, it made her feel instantly safe.

"Why do you come out here, it's very far from home? Are you a hunter or a gatherer? Your hair is very pretty, can you do mine like that? Wait! What's your name?" Tuk rambled out, skipping beside you. A chuckle escaped your lips, you liked Tuk, she was very silly.

You stopped and knelt down beside her, her yellow eyes stared into your soft green eyes and she couldn't help but think you held the forest in your eyes, "My name is (Y/n), I much prefer to gather, and I think your hair is fine just the way it is, simply because it's yours,"

You couldn't help but boop her nose, her nose scrunched as she let out a laugh. You smiled, "now, what is your name?" Tuk felt like you already knew, but she puffed out her chest proud, "My name is Tuktirey, but you can call me Tuk!"

"Such a pretty name," you gasped, standing up and resuming your walk to the village. Tuk swung your intertwined hands back and forth, both of you finding comfort in eachother.

When you had finally happened upon the village, you could hear everyone in a state of panic. Tuk groaned, her ears pinned back, "I think they realized I was gone," you knelt beside her, both of you hidden just out of sight with the plants, "then maybe you should appear,"

Tuk hugged you, you wrapped your arms around her to return the embrace. "Will I see you again?" She asked, pulling away enough to see your face.

"Of course, I quite like you," you smiled, slowly giving her a nudge to the panicked clan members.

When Tuk had emerged out of the brush, the panicked cries turned into one's of relief and joy. Many ran over to embrace her, but by this point you had already vanished without a trace.

"Tuk! Where were you, we were worried sick!" Jake exclaimed, sweeping his youngest into his arms and giving her a extra tight hug. "I tried to follow Neteyam and Lo'ak but I got lost, but it's okay!" Tuk laughed, "I found (Y/n) and she helped me get home!"

Jake and Neytiri exchanged a look, as did some of the other clan members. Your name was no familiar, almost positive there was no one in the village who has that name.

"Tuk, what are you talking about?" Neytiri wondered, taking her child from her mate and settling her on the ground in front of her, "There is no one named (Y/n) in the village," Neytiri began to examine Tuk for a head injury, but Tuk pulled her head away in annoyance, "I know what happened, (Y/n) helped me, she's right,"

But when Tuk turned around to where you had been, you were gone, "she was right here," Tuk cried, but her parents chalked it up to fatigue from being lost all day.

"Come, you must eat and rest," Neytiri pulled Tuk along by the hand, which Tuk did almost sulkly, glancing back one more time to see you emerge and give her a wink before disappearing behind everyone's backs. Tuk grinned, now happily walking with her Mom.

~.~

Weeks had passed and Tuk now snuck off any chance she had to find you, sometimes waking up early to join you on your gathering. You were like another big sister to her, you were so soft and gentle with her, it almost reminded her of her own mother. You would show her the best places to gather fruit and herbs, show her how to move silently through the forest so not to disturb it.

In return, Tuk gave you simple companionship. You always thought it was fun being alone, but Tuk gave you a shining light of what having someone around could be like.

When Tuk would return from wherever you two had disappeared to, she would tell her family all about it, now causing Jake and Neytiri to worry that she was making up stories to make herself feel important like her siblings.

"Ma Jake, I'm beginning to worry about Tuk," Neytiri spoke one day when she watched her youngest venture off into the brush before she could stop her, "it is not safe out there but yet she continues to go, we must stop her," Jake could only hum in agreement.

"What's the name of the person she speaks of? (Y/n)? Are we sure she's not a person in the clan?" Jake questioned, Neytiri feeling her shoulders sag in exhaustion cause she had asked any gatherer, hunter or healer she could think of and no one knew about you.

"Maybe we should send Neteyam with her one day? Make sure she's really safe? See what he can find out?" Neytiri fired off question after question, Jake taking her hands into his as he calmed her down, "That's sounds like a great idea, if there's anyone who can find out it's him, come, let's find him,"

They both set off to find their eldest, who they were sure was going to throw a fit hearing about their plan.

~.~

Tuk panted, running up to a clearing where she saw you relaxing by a small pond, toes and feet floating in the clear water. "I'm here! What are we going to do today?" Tuk skipped over, taking a seat next to you as your turned your gaze to her, a smile coating your face.

"What would you like to do?" You asked, Tuks face scrunched up in thought before asking you, "Could we go for a swim next to the waterfall?" You thought about it, before nodding. It was very close to the village, but you were looking forward to spending time with Tuk.

"Awesome!" She cheered, pulling you up off the ground and began the walk, with you giggling behind her.

The water had been very liberating of any stress or thoughts that plagued you. You sighed in bliss, leaning back to float in the water as your eyes gazed up at the clouds, the soft white making you forget everything.

Tuk had jumped in, splashing you and causing a laugh to erupt from your stomach as you flipped over, watching the young girl giggle and continue to splash you with water.

You began a water assault back, both of you not even paying attention to how loud you were being which caught the attention of Neteyam nearby who had been searching for Tuk under the instructions of their parents.

"Tuk!" He called, walking into the rocky terrain that held the waterfall where he saw Tuk soaked and wading waist deep in the water, her breath heavy as though she ran for miles, yet a smile plastered her lips.

You were no where to be seen, ducking under the water to find a rock that had caught your eye.

"Tuk, it's time to come home, let's go," he helped her out of the water, not noticing you surface up to your shoulders in the shade of a tree that grew on the nearby bank.

Your hair had rested on your face a little and your shoulders, the shade making your eyes almost glow as you analyzed Neteyam. He was your age, currently training to be the next clan leader and yet here he was, fetching his sister.

Tuk through a glance over her shoulder to see you in the shade, throwing up a quick wave goodbye and taking off in front of her brother.

Neteyam had caught her look and couldn't help but turn back, catching a quick sight of you.

A beautiful, young woman who was lounging in the water covered by shade. Your eyes are what caught his attention the most, but just as quick as he'd seen you, the next second he blinked in shock before opening them to find you gone, the water only rippling from where he saw you, well, where he thought he saw you.

Neteyam was now becoming a quick believer of Tuk's stories.

~.~

Now that Neteyam had caught a glimpse of you, he started to see you everywhere. Although, it was out of the corner of his eyes, because when he would turn to see you, your figure was gone, the place he had seen you now empty or void of anyone or anything.

He had told his parents that he didn't see anyone with Tuk, but that was only because he feared how crazy he would sound. Seeing someone who wasn't entirely there and then them being gone the next second. They'd send him straight to the Sky People for evaluation.

Neteyam had followed Tuk out of the hut one late afternoon, Tuk turning to him confused since he has never followed her before, "What are you doing?" Neteyam just smiled, playing an act to follow his parents instructions, "Well, I've missed hanging out with my favorite littlest sister," he roughed up Tuks hair, causing her to hiss and push his hand away, "so I figured we could spend the rest of the day together,"

Tuk glanced sideways towards the path, a bit unsure about how you'd reac to Neteyam coming along, "I don't know, you probably wouldn't be up for it," Neteyam raised an eyebrow, his thoughts consumed on what a child would be doing that he himself couldn't or wouldn't wanna do, especially so late in the afternoon.

"Well, if you're sure," Tuk grinned, taking off down the path faster than Neteyam had expected, "Tuk! Wait for me!"

~.~

You had been lounging in a tree again, this time basking in the setting sun's glow. You felt so warm, the lights rays bringing a sense of belonging to your being.

"(Y/n)!" Tuk exclaimed, running into sight as you glanced down at her, your lips showing your usual soft smile that you saved for her.

"Neteyam is following me, come on let's hurry!" Tuk tried to rush you, but you only laughed, "Why are we hiding from your brother?" Tuk felt her cheeks puff up in annoyance, "Come on (Y/n)! I don't want him to find you!" It wasn't often Tuk would throw a childish fit with you, so you knew this must be important to her.

You quickly climbed down, taking her hand and pulling her out of sight just in time for Neteyam to come around the corner. He stopped and took a quick look around, running a hand through his braids aggravated. "Come on Tuk! Mom and Dad don't want you out here by yourself,"

Neteyam continued on through, running right past where you two hid in a flower bush before emerging a minute after he disappeared.

Tuk laughed but quickly stopped when she saw your disappointed face, "I'm sorry," she mumbled, kicking the dirt with her ears pinned down.

"Let's walk and talk," you took her by the shoulder softly, "Is there a reason you keep running away from your family? I understand you want to be friends, but surely I'm not worth worrying your family over?"

You led her down a path as Eclipse began to set in, the forest coming to life with lights and sounds. "Well, I thought you might want to be kept alone, like how you were before we became friends," Tuk answered, but you knew better, "but?" You pushed, Tuk groaning before replying.

"Well, Neteyam has his hunting parties and future clan leader responsibilities, Kiri has healing and grandma, Lo'ak and Spuder go on treks through the forest, I just wanted something that was mine for a while," while a bit childish, you could see what she meant. It was nice to have something all your own, even if it wasn't necessarily yours to keep or own.

Tuk kept her eyes trained on the ground in front of her, hands rubbing together embarrassed. Tuk thought that you would be upset with her, but she was shocked when she felt your hand rub soothing circles on her back as you continued to walk together.

"Do not feel bad, sometimes we wish for things that cannot always be, but if it makes you feel better, you will always be my first and best friend," Tuk felt giddy knowing that you felt the same as she did. You truly were a big sister to her.

"I think it's time we returned for the night," you told her, Tuk nodded, feeling a little tired. "Come," you picked her up, her arms wrapped around your neck and head rested on her shoulder.

You smelled of flowers and mist, a calming scent that soon had Tuk drift off to sleep. Which means she couldn't return to her parents on her own, meaning you had to face the leaders of the clan.

Entering the village, you took notice that many had already gone to dinner, leaving a clear path straight to the leaders tent, where you could hear inside Jake Sully, the Olo'eyktan and Neytri, his mate and Tuks mother frantically asking Neteyam where Tuk was.

You held Tuk up with one arm, softly clearing your throat to make your presence known as you lift the drape, all three coming to a freeze as they saw you, a stranger, with Tuk fast asleep in your arms.

You dipped your head in greeting, eyes over looking the two males and straight to the female who quickly walked to you with fear and concern for her baby. "She is alright, just sleeping," you whispered, not wanting to wake up Tuk as Neytiri gently slipped her from you.

Neytiri nodded a head in thanks, though her eyes held confusion. Your eyes slipped over Jake Sullys form, a small gesture of hello from another head nod before you allowed your eyes to stay trained on Neteyams shocked yellow.

'She is real,' is all Neteyam could think as you both played a stare game, you breaking it off with a soft smile before disappearing. He found the sudden ability to move, dashing to the drape only to pull it back and find you gone, like a phantom.

"I think, that's (Y/n)" Jake mumbled, his mind wracking to find any sense of familiarity of you, but found none. Neytiri felt a small rumble from Tuk, glancing down at the small girl to find her awake and giggling softly, "Told you she was real,"

~.~

Neteyam couldn't get you out of his head, now actively looking for you, but you weren't anywhere to be found. Tuk had told him all about you, and this time he listened, but she wouldn't tell him where you go.

"(Y/n) doesn't like to be sought after, you can only find her when she wants you to find her," Tuk laughed like it was the most simplest thing in the world, but it just made Neteyam frustrated.

He knew so little about you but felt a strange need to be near you, hear your soft voice again and find out more. Call it a crush, infatuation or even obsession, he just wanted to see you again, even if for a last time.

It was only when he took a stroll through the brush on a warm afternoon, that he found you. Only you were laying patch off soft moss, eye shut as you looked at piece with the world.

The world itself seemed to be happening around you, each breath you took was like a breeze from Eywa herself. Insects and small animals passed you by, as if you were just one with them.

Neteyam had approached you slowly, footsteps light as he observed your face. It was beautiful in his eyes, your soft lashes caressing your cheeks, lips parted ever so slightly with each breath you took in. Your hair seemed to flow around you in the vast green foliage.

He was too lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice you open your eyes and look back at him. Your green eyes traced his features as well, taking in the rough yet handsome face he was gifted with. He truly was his mother's child.

When he saw your green eyes staring back at him, he fell back from his squat in shock. You softly hummed, a smile so small but just for him.

"What are you looking at?" He coughed, his face feeling warm from your stare.

You sat up slowly, his eyes glancing at how your body was bending, hair falling over your cheeks to frame your face.

Eywa help his sinful thoughts.

"Oh you know," you drawled, "The clouds,"

~.~

#avatar #avatar the way of water #atwow imagines #avatar: the way of water #atwow fanfiction #neteyam #neteyam x reader #neteyam x metkayina!reader #neteyam x omaticaya!reader #neteyam x y/n #neteyam x you #neteyam x drabbles

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fearfylsymmetry · 27 days

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less of an ask and more of a compliment i love the way your tags are organized…”decay as a commodity” “bodies shifting in narrow spaces” etc is it your own original work or quoting from a song/poem/or something?

helloo angel and welcomee to the show, its always such a joy when people appreciate my silly little tagging system. they're all just random sentences i thought up ages ago, , just to make sense of the mess in front of you etc y'know how it gets love. i couldn't really get behind tagging things as "art" "people, faces places things" etc. i needed to inject a bit of flavour to the whole thing (let this not be read as a subtle jab towards any new york based tumblrinas , we're above that c'mon now). i wouldn't say these little phrases are "personal" by any means but they have been motifs i wanted to actively explore in the art i make so no harm putting them up here i guess haha

for posterity's sake i thought i'd just copy an explanation of my tags from an old ask

decay as a commodity : okay so i envisioned this as a way to just summarize modern living? i think of a whole blueish neon color scheme with this one. my line of thinking was,, with the world slowly rotting away and living becoming so expensive and exhausting, whats the one commodity we all share? wouldn't it be decay? aren't we all slowly fading together etc etc. i use this for images with cooler muted tones and anything with a futuristic vibe,, along with some grimey, monochrome photography

the setting dawn: this is the polar opposite of decay, i think of it as "hope beyond hope" a la Prior Walter's line in Angels in America. i know "the setting sun " might sound more natural but i think of it as,, dawn , when the sun breaks through - in this short period the world starts to wake. qs the dawn sets the day kicks in, with all its routine misery. Dawn i think, is the only time the sun is kind to you, because its still hidden away at least slightly. But the day truly starts and itbeats down on you. And yet we continue to live, past the boredom and the pain, we live past hope, past the quiet comfort of dawn. I use this for pictures with earthy tones and things on the more uplifting side

bodies shifting in narrow spaces: this has some overlap with the decay tag, im not as organized as i need 2 be. i use this for figures & portraits ill want to draw or just really any photography i like that features a human presence. think of it as people so dependent on an outside gaze they constantly try to reinvent themselves, or just, everyday people, getting less and less time to live, having to work and forcing themselves into relationships with any real connection

original sin and other contingencies: im trying to fit this in for more risque photography and maybe things on the more gory side. how do i explain this.. okay so... when there's nothing left to do you'll always have sin to turn to just yo keep yourself occupied, along with other methods/contingencies u get the jist

linen that lingers: my fashion tag nothing more 2 it

the canvas as testimony: for art that is made for the gallery or art that is held in higher regard i guess, more high culture. it includes painting, sculptures,along with architecture,, but maybe i should make an architecture tag. i think of the things here as more personal efforts

motion on a still surface: for art that is energetic and really pops off the page. includes comics, manga, fanart, animation. stuff here may be more low culture but really its not. i just differentiate these art tags as ,,one is stuck to the canvas whatever that canvas may be, while the other leaps off the page

word on a wing let me soar: books, poetry, articles, journals , all words that i adore

a conversation with the self: i wanted this to be for things that are very personal to me but i just use my other tags

angels in descent: my little funny haha tag for yknow ,,, funny haha. yknow the "devil's rejects" the movie? like its a way of saying people so horrible no even the devil would take them. okay so i thought " god's rejects " but that's lame. so i landed on this, like idk...imagine angels falling from grace

arcade shuffle: for my little viddy games lol. sorry for being a #gamergirl but yes it happens sadly ,,moving on

jet jump jive: for songs

at the pictures: for movies,, like imagine im going "cant talk im at the pictures wheee ^_^"

there is such a great distance between now and later: to track my art and writing progress but i barely use it cause it barely draw or write these days i blame the wave of despair that washeth over me

proof of concept: photos i took but there's like almost nothing here

misc that are just funny 2 me like i do it 4 a little chuckle i deserve it:

screw it posting hole - for hole the band

bowies in spaaace - for bowie, after the flight of the concords song cmon its a little funny at least cmon now

twink speaks- for twin peaks lol

#this all feels very self-congratulatory i apologise my love #but everytime i get the chance to talk i never shut up #oh well i still love and try to be loved in return #but never equal measure #scales are a precarious thing you never know when you'll find yourself on the wrong side of balance #soft whispers under moonlight #long post

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femmefatalevibe · 9 months

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Hi! I have a hard time owning my feminine energy, especially within romantic relationships with men, because I’m not having children. So if I’m not going to be the one carrying and raising children, then it’s hard for me to see the equality between the 2 if I still want a soft life. Does that make sense? Can you shed some light on that?

Hi love! Personally, I don't see any validity in this take as it sounds inundated in the patriarchy and patriarchal language. The equity of men and women in a relationship has to do with their individual capabilities to emotionally support themselves and their partner through different life situations/stages and communicate with each other effectively to ensure both partners' needs are being met, boundaries are respected, and preferences are attended to out of delight, not nagging or manipulation, all while learning to work together as a team to ensure your individual life needs are being met (bills/finances, jobs and career outlook, family planning and relationships, lifestyle habits, socializing needs, etc.).

What works for every couple is different. If both parties are happy with an arrangement and it does not place one party in a position of power over the other (like financial abuse or emotional blackmail), you are in a mutually-beneficial, therefore, equitable, relationship.

I don't know exactly what you mean by "soft life," as they're many interpretations of that phrase nowadays, but a mutually-beneficial relationship is an equitable relationship. Women are not defined by their wombs or homemaking capabilities. If you choose to take on these roles enthusiastically and in a way that doesn't leave you physically, emotionally, or financially vulnerable to be controlled by your partner, more power to you.

I believe that embracing your feminine energy in romantic relationships involves implementing the following practices:

Allowing yourself to embrace the fun, creative sides of yourself and share them with others. Get dressed up in your full glam for your date nights, wear the seductive perfume and lingerie at night, make the ravishing homecooked, candlelit dinner, etc. if you desire to create beautiful shared experiences. All because YOU want to do these things, and it genuinely makes you feel good to express this creative side of yourself.

Embrace your emotional side and the ability to be vulnerable about your feelings. Once someone passes your vetting process to the point of partnership status, learn to let go and express your emotions with this person. Nothing is more satisfying to the soul than feeling safe enough to be your authentic, vulnerable self, especially after a long day of performing with a hard exterior or other experiences that make everyday life frustrating (annoying coworker, demanding work project on deadline, traffic, the grocery store being out of an item you needed, etc.). Invite deep conversations, the right to cry, laugh, express authentic joy and excitement about things you fear others might find silly or mundane, and share your fears without worrying about being judged.

Learn how to get out of your own head and get your sexual needs met. You do not owe any man any sexual acts or a performance. Sex and surrounding intimate acts should be mutually pleasurable and gratifying. Speak up for what you want. Allow the attention to be solely focused on you at times. Don't worry about how you're perceived in bed for enjoying yourself. Any man should know he's lucky to be there.

Enjoy your interests freely (and frequently) without apologizing. Don't allow someone to put you down for loving certain activities, hobbies, entertainment, etc., especially more feminine ones (such as reality TV or caring about certain music/home decor/food preferences, etc.). They're not silly because the patriarchy doesn't give them the gold star of approval. All interests that don't harm others and bring you joy are valid.

Celebrate your uniquely feminine traits, routines, and habits unapologetically. PMS, menstrual routines and energy level fluctuations, greater needs for sleep in general, strict skincare routines, nightly rituals, hair removal and nail routines, need to turn down the AC, introduce certain sex toys into the bedroom, drink less alcohol, eat differently, workout differently, the time needed to gossip with your friends and go out to chat with your women friends weekly, etc. Remember that your preferences or needs are not lesser than because of your biology. In the context of a cishet relationship, this often means learning how to not feel inferior for being biologically female as well as some socialized traits like our engrained bias to maintain broader social networks, take more pleasure in putting effort into our appearances, etc. (generalizing here, I know, don't worry).

Know this was a long reply, but I think it's super important information to keep in mind. Signed, a fellow child-free-by-choice woman who doesn't want to deal with the stress of anyone else's B.S. either (especially a romantic partner, what a mood-killer).

Hope this helps xx

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journey-to-balance · 2 months

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Beyond Valentine's Day - Romancing the Every Day

I admit it - I am a hopeless romantic. Yellow roses, antique French lace and hand-painted Limoges porcelain all make my heart flutter. I love the grand "big deal" surprises, like a trip in spring as much as anyone else, but I think it's the small, day-to-day gestures that transform our lives and leave a lasting imprint on our hearts.

I think a romantic lifestyle is a state of the spirit, the daily appreciation of the beauty all around us. This means cherishing what we value most in our lives: love, joy, beauty, family and home. Our home becoming our haven, a sanctuary away from our fast-paced world.

Living a romantic lifestyle means having fresh flowers on the kitchen counter at all times, even if it's just a few decorative branches snipped from the garden in the twilight of autumn or during the barren days of winter, a single rose by the bed, and candles at dusk and at mealtimes. I'm a hold-out-for-old-fashioned-elegance woman. I believe in heirloom or thrifted silver and nice dishes for dinner, tea poured every day in porcelain cups, and reading by the welcoming coziness of a warm fire.

Carving out our own space, filled with laughter and our own rhythm - what could be more romantic than that? There's no rush, no keeping up with the neighbor, nor societal pressure, only what feels authentic and true. We celebrate the 12 days of Christmas, and consider our trees guiding lights during the stark, gray, winter hours. There's no arbitrary man made new year celebration prior to a natural spring, no new year-new me lists, no pressurized goal posts or expectations. In fact, I never know when I will be stimulated by new ideas or inspiration. I do know that it always shows up when I show gratitude to the mundane - the warmth of the sun, the freshness of the air, having access to books and music, or even how the light hits the bark on trees when we are walking in the woods with our dog.

I guess what I am trying to say is that, for me, living a romantic lifestyle means being at peace and in love with my Creator. In many ways, romanticism transcends physical objects, and becomes more of an ideal. More than travel, gourmet food, fine décor, and antique trinkets, it means making the imperfect refuge we call home, a special dwelling. Romanticizing the every day means creating a nesting place, a meaningful haven for ourselves and our families, focusing on rearing children to become warm, well-cultured, principled adults.

There's nothing mystical, no real secret to romancing our everyday. All that is required, is that we begin to look at our days through a lens of joy, and gratitude for what we already have, actively expressing appreciation and enthusiasm for simple things, not afraid to share one's excitement in honest and true ways for this one singular existence and limited time here on Earth.

I over romanticize life, I glamourize life.

I will forever sing to the birds, whisper to the moon, dream aloud to the stars and celebrate in prayer. I will forever rejoice in my existence and not take a single tear for granted, and neither should you.

Valentine's Day is Every Day. You may think me silly, think me looking at the world through rose colored glasses. I... I view this as my life's philosophy. And with that, I bid you well, and send you my love.

Respectfully, Maritza.

Our Journey to Balance

#our journey to balance #reflections #self love #awareness #joy #healthy living #inspirational #dark academia #writers on tumblr #light academia #valentine's day #romantizing life #cultivate gratitude #gratitude #romantic academia #love #essays #essay #philosophy

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uhardite · 5 months

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things i want to manifest for 2023-24 ˖ ࣪ . ࿐♡˚.

── by 2023, im referring to the remaining months

hot chocolate, hot showers, light cardigans and heavy blankets kind of weather

clear, soft, textureless skin, no dry or dark or rough patches

disciplined, focused, fruitful studying

scoring over 80% in every single AITS, Mock Test, Part Test, Test Series, Speed Test, etc as well as in JEE Mains and JEE Advance, with my own knowledge and capability

scoring above 95% in all subjects in my 12th boards as well as prelims

all the toxic people leaving my life

attracting even more good people and good friends in my life

figuring out an well-detailed life plan for 2024 and sticking with it

figuring out an effective everyday routine that keeps me happy, healthy and productive

achieving everything i ever wanted or dreamed of

becoming a better person, in terms of interpersonal relationships as well as in my relationship with myself

getting my lifelong best friend

getting the love of my life, my exact type

having a wardrobe that sparks joy for me

finding more activities and hobbies that spark joy, working on them regularly

having a strong, toned body, better posture and flexibilty, increased endurance and stamina, enjoying working out every single day

having a circle of friends who i can have a lot of fun and make memories with, who have the same interests and values as me, who always cheer me on and help me become better, and are always there whenever i need them

having a healthy diet that satisfies me, makes me happy, and gives me energy

having perfect, long, silky, frizz-free, dandruff-free hair that can be styled any way i want it to

getting the perfect layered haircut that suits my face and my hair type and makes me look amazing and feel confident wearing it down or any way i want to

finding the perfect makeup that suits my complexion and skin type and makes me look like myself but better

having a good sleep schedule that doesnt make me feel drowsy or tired

having an environment that enriches me, pushes me to grow, makes me happy

getting into the college of my choice

having the sweetest and most fun roommate in college

buying and loving the skincare, the clothes, etc that i always wanted

being good at everything i choose to do

having the exact love life that i always dream about

having a really good impression on my classmates, teachers, etc

an old draft, and i figured i should post it cuz why not <33

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crewmannumbersix · 2 years

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ok but steddie/ronance dirty dancing au

steve and his parents always go to the same place in the summer, because it’s a chance for them to “be together as a family” but his parents are always leaving for work stuff, leaving steve at this godforsaken camp by himself

at least he has nancy and her brother and his friends, who have become steve’s make-shift family at this place, at least he has robin, his favorite staffer who has also become his best friend... maybe it’s better that his parents are gone so he can just hang out with her and nancy and the kids after all

and this year there’s a new music teacher, who all the kids are obsessed with and steve’s not jealous, really he’s not, but seriously the guy can’t be THAT cool, dustin

but then robin invites nancy and steve to a staff party and the camp “band” is playing, including robin, one of the other activity leaders steve remembers being named chrissy, and the new music teacher, eddie apparently, who steve finally gets more than a fleeting glance at and oh no... he looks so good playing that guitar and singing and laughing with robin and shut up nancy he’s not blushing oh no he’s coming over fuck fuck

and they have some awkward (on steve’s part), slightly adversarial (on eddie’s part) meeting and robin’s like eddie chill out this is steve my best friend and eddie’s like ugh rich people

and the camp band is getting ready for this battle of the bands thing at the end of the summer and it will win them a lot of money and they’re practicing in between their jobs, but then chrissy gets pregnant because of some jackass rich boy at the camp, jason, and oh shit they’re down their lead singer and they already only had one guitar and drums shoot shoot!!

steve was the one to find chrissy crying after jason was a shit, because he was hiding from the children to get just a moment of peace, a moment of not being a babysitter, and so he overhears the whole thing and is like.... i can actually play guitar and i’m not awful at singing? and nancy actually plays the upright bass, but she could probably figure out bass guitar cuz she’s a genius?

and at first eddie is like hell no not the rich camp attendees we can do this on our own but robin’s like, oh eddie come on steve’s actually a good person and surprisingly good at music and he’s offering to help and also i have a crush on nancy so this is a GREAT opportunity to spend more time with her please please

and eddie’s like ugh fine but i have to work everyday with steve to make sure he gets my songs right it took forever to make sure chrissy had the vocals down, and you have to work a lot with nancy to help her get ready to play a bass guitar and robin’s like oh no how ever will i survive....

and then eddie and steve spend all this time together practicing and eddie realizes how sincere and sweet steve is, how much he cares about the kids, how open he is to understanding eddie’s music, how much he actually pays attention and values what eddie says

and steve realizes how brilliant and fierce and brave eddie is, how he’s not afraid to be himself, the consequences be damned, how everything in his life should have made him mean and angry, but he’s just so kind and soft and full of joy

ANYWAY shenanigans ensue, they all fall in love, they kickass at the battle of the bands or whatever, and NO ONE PUTS STEVIE IN A CORNER!

#steddie #stranger things #steve harrington #eddie munson #steve x eddie #eddie x steve #ronance #robin buckley #nancy wheeler #robin x nancy #steddie fic #stranger things fic #anyway i absolutely do not have time to actually write this right now but.... maybe some day #in the meantime if ANYONE ELSE wants to write this or draw it i will kiss you on the lips (consensually)

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riftwalker-limbro · 11 months

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I know I sent you numbers last night. I doubt I was the only one. I don't care, I'm dumping more rotations on you bc i need to know and it's Topical (get excitedly listened to idiot)

Does Pride exist in your verse in any capacity? If yes, how is it celebrated? And how do your OCs specifically celebrate?

you were in fact the only one and i am mentally sending you a very tight hug about it

you're tormenting me with my own limited drawing abilities so fucking much. do you even know.

well, you know that my verse is enormously self-indulgent. therefore, this post is going to be enormously self-indulgent by definition as well. if i manage to do this right it is going to be sickening levels of wholesome. you've been warned

first,

general setting exploration.

i think that all the -phobia nonsense is, well, nonsense, so i think that people in my verse should have gotten over all of that and instead everyone's just chill with each other in that regard. there's still other kinds of discourse but none like that anymore.

therefore, the part of pride's purpose that's "this is a riot, we're here, get used to it" is fulfilled. instead, in my universe, i think it'd be fun to make it more of a kind of.. celebration of all kinds of love thing. like valentine's day but less individualistic, more just the concept itself and all of its variations on the same level. idk i don't celebrate valentine's day myself or know anything about how others do bc it's just. Not That Big except for corporate nonsense around me

it should still be celebrated with parades and rainbows and music and joy and flag-waving and hugs between strangers and just-being-together because i've only ever been to a parade myself once and the atmosphere was fucking incredible. trying to recreate that vibe here with the extreme limitations of the written word is not doing it justice. i think that pride month would still be a thing and people could wear rainbow-colored things to everyday activities and functions. you know where i'm going with this

and now

the fun character-specific stuff.

(disclaimer after side-eyeing this section for half an hour: this was Harder Than I Thought what the Hell. so it doesn't explore Everyone. this is going to be on the brain for the rest of the month though.)

the one who popped into my mind immediately is verica, pre-warframe - she'd sponsor her own whole float and just spend the whole parade making music with her band on it. once she meets pule and jay they help out too - pule's running around the float and handing out freebies/snacks; jay's doing something more behind-the-scenes, probably driving the float. another image in my head immediately is either or both of the academics wearing inconspicuous rainbow items to their respective lectures/lab hours/meetings during pride month. they now both own several pairs of rainbow socks for specifically this. maybe a (bow) tie. it is so unfair that i'm completely out of drawing juice right now. i am mentally screaming at my drawing tablet

during warframe era... hm. having trouble coming up with anything for parades beyond "they would go to at least one a year with the full hyena squad" but they absolutely have rainbow paints and ribbons on board for the whole month. oh, and if only there was someone with a perfectly blank canvas of a hat somewhere. that he conveniently leaves off when he sleeps.

other assorted thoughts..

pule should get a shitty rainbow-colored paper crown.

verica should be able to make the little feather thing on her helmet change colours if she thinks about it really hard.

bruiser would go for the full body paint job. yes this is as chaotic and fun to apply as it sounds

kali learns verica's trick for Rainbow Fire. if this was a setting where people would still be nasty about it this would be an incredibly useful trick in addition to being obviously awesome

ohhh what if helver learns to do some kind of flame choreography for this specifically. i think that would be cool

#oh this turned into mainly the deimos squad jhgjg oops #today was a Day i've got limited brainworms to work with #ehhhh should i tag everyone. nah i'll just do #deimos triad #rift lore

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masonalexanderparkconfession · 1 year

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I've been going back to read some of your fics and I love the way you write its so poetic I seriously can't get enough. If I may could I ask for A desire x reader fic?.

Desire and reader have known each other for awhile ad like each other as well but are too stubborn to admit it. Until one day when Desire comes to visit reader at their house and finds reader on the couch with their head thrown back R says they had a rough day just wants to relax. Desire ask what they can do to help, Reader just looks at them before grabbing them by the hand and making Desire sit on their lap and starts kissing them.

I apologize if it's too long I send this in to someone else but never heard back idk if Tumblr deleted it or they just didn't want to answer it not really sure

Hello again! Thank you for your kind words and compliments, they really made my day! <3 I hope you will enjoy that fic!

You were exhausted. It was difficult to describe exactly the events of the day. They seemed to fade away, melting in your memories as you hadn't the energy anymore to think about them - was today the only culprit, though? Or was it only one more, one too many days followed by others, weeks or even months which had leaded you back to your house?

Looking back to this past year, you wondered when it had started exactly. When everything in your life had gathered to beat you down. Thankfully, you also had been granted the wonderful chance of meeting a being you wouldn't have dared to desire for. A being, whose memory seemed to keep you afloat, in the overwhelming dark sea.

A part of you knew you were overreacting, that your mind was being dramatic. You've had your downs, yes, but you've also had the small joy of everyday, the beautiful glimpses of hopes and of awe, the unexpected chances you sometimes hardly noticed. Still, you cared not about being fair with life - for it hadn't been fair today. You were tired - too tired to cry this out - emotionally drained, empty even, and you were allowed to be petty about it. To complain, and dwell, and not try to make it better.

The being would have made it better.

Them, too, was a reason for you to complain at this instant. Because your heart was aching with love it carried, and that you never expressed. It was not that you thought it was not shared - it was rather clear their gaze on you wasn't offered to anyone else.

And while you couldn't begin to understand them entierly, in their whole supernatural existence, you knew enough to see they were making genuine efforts at times to make you happy, even when it involved actively going against their own interests.

(Except that one time they used you having a flu as an excuse to avoid a family gathering. They wouldn't convince you they were more than happy to cancel these plans.)

And it wasn't that you didn't trust them, even if a part of you was aware of how dangerous it may proves to be in the future. This part, which had heard the tales of the being, and had witnessed what their abilities caused to the heart of humanity: Greed, corruption, jealousy...

But you trusted they liked you. And you liked them back. The thought of admitting it aloud, though, was frankly terrifying. An army of "What if" overwhelmed you whenever you brushed the idea of telling them, and an another, prideful and childish voice, was stubbornly whispering: "Why me?"

Why should you be the one to take that step forward? You, human and fragile, while you have everything to lose in it. For you think they share the feeling, but can't be certain, while they have that absolute knowledge. How unfair is that? Because with their abilities, they must be aware that you desire them. It should be them who speaks up first. It should be.

It couldn't be because it was too soon. You had met them earlier in the year. (During a reception the friend of a friend, who had helped you moving in your house, had thrown. You exchanged a glance, and you ended up talking the night away, having no memory of the party but their eyes and the sound of their laugh.)

Ever since, you hadn't spent a couple of days without seeing each other. After a few months, they had even confessed to you - or bragged - about their true nature, and while you obliviously hadn't believed them at first, they had given you proofs you couldn't deny.

Admitting they liked you would have been nothing, after giving you their identity, their name and their function. But they did not. And you waited, when they sneaked in your house in the evening (it had become a habit), when they listened patiently to your stories, when they stroked your hair gently. You waited for the words to leave their beautiful red lips.

None came.

"I was going to ask if you've had a good day, kitten, but it's clear that you hadn't."

The purring voice did not surprise you. You stretched in your sofa, barely glancing in their direction.

"I've had a rough day. I just want to relax."

There was a silence. You felt them moving behind the sofa, circling it until they were facing you. They placed their index finger under your chin, gently nudging you to lift your head - to see them. And despite all the swirling worries in your head, seeing them was enough to mute the thoughts, and to bring a smile on your lips.

"What may I do for you? Tell me how I can help."

"Oh, Desire."

And looking into their eyes, it was suddenly very easy. Life was. Your heart felt light. They were grinning, with fondness, caring for your well-being, and it came to you naturally. For, who cared about the right times? The fairness, and the just? The disappointing rewards of patience, and the obedience of the stability? And maybe, it was because you were done, because the day and the past weeks had been too much, because you couldn't bring yourself to care for the consequences, or for your ego anymore. But maybe, it was also because you had understood why they had been waiting for you to take the first step.

The lesson of desires was to take it all, and right now. To live for the thrill. Nevermind, and to boldly exists into the moment - for they were a creature of the moment.

You took the hand which was under your chin. Your laced your fingers together, and tugged. It took no words for them to sit on your lap, but they seemed amused for a flickering instant.

You kissed them. Because it was what you wanted. What you desired, and so did they.

And when you parted, your heart beating wildly, the adrenaline having erased the exhaustion, you heard them chuckling:

"Finally."

#mason alexander park #mason alexander park imagine #mason alexander park confession #desire of the endless #desire #sandman #the sandman #headcanon #adryanscott

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thoughts4all · 1 month

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Day 476: Purpose In life

I think my purpose in life is to bring joy to the world. I think this was God's plan for me.

God's plan:

As a child I wished I has a best friend. Till this day I never had a one best friend. I had a group but never one guy I could call my best friend.

To have a best friend you would need to hang out with them outside of school. I did not. After school I stayed home and played computer games. The act of wanting to hangout with a school friend after class was just something I never did. Now it is kind of the same. My default is to come home and hang out by myself after school is over. I wonder why I am different. Why don't I crave one on one hangouts and just want to play computer games?

Maybe I shouldn't try to change. Or yet. Maybe I should embrace that I don't want to hang out one on one. God made me different in this aspect. I shouldn't want the same things everyone else wants. Maybe I don't need to have a best friend. Maybe I don't need to start hanging out with people one on one.

Realizing God's Plan:

Step out of your daily life. There are probably steps to step out. Try to see the bigger picture. Not just ur struggles right now. Hunger, horniness, stress, procrastination.

Active vs reactive. I have lived a very reactive life. I have been reacting to life that happens to me. I didn't realize being active is an option. I can choose how my life is going to go. I can choose the struggles I will face. I can choose my state of being. I can choose what to do. What little things I want to work and improve on.

Retrospective. I need to practice more retrospective. See how I have been progressing over the days, weeks, months, years. I don't review and compare how I have been doing over time and I should. I just try to do good everyday. However, keeping track is more effective and probably less stress but its more accountability.

Why Following God Works:

Following God makes you chase less things. Then over time it makes you want less things. "Happiness, clarity and peace comes from wanting less". Sins are things we can never get enough. You'd always be wanting more. Hotter girl, more girls, more money, more luxury, more power. If you are always wanting more you can never be happy.

What I Learned About Love:

There is a difference between the action of loving someone (non-romantically as well) and loving them simply because they are around. Active vs passive.

Loving someone is being okay with withholding the truth to protect them. You are okay with them being mad ara you in return for their best interest.

With people you mutually love, you can exert your own influence on them to prioritize your experience together. For example, you can ask them to shiftaround their schedule to go to this fishing spot with you.

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tallmantall · 4 months

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James Donaldson on Mental Health - Common Mindfulness Questions Answered

Mindfulness is a hot topic right now and for a good reason. Mindfulness has been shown to have a range of benefits and can improve your physical, mental and emotional health. Whether you want to practice mindfulness to help you deal better with stress or to help you live a more positive life, you’re likely to have lots of questions. If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub #James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy Link for 40 Habits Signupbit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com Here are some answers to the most common questions people have about mindfulness. - How do I do it? The short answer is that you can practice mindfulness and meditation in the way that suits you best. Some people enjoy traditional meditation, sitting in silence on a cushion. Other people use guided meditations on their smartphones or computers. It’s important to integrate mindfulness into your everyday activities, taking the time be genuinely aware of the present moment. You can even practice mindful walking. The best way to practice mindfulness is the way that feels right to you. - How do I breathe properly? You may feel like you should force your breath into some pattern or control it in some way, such as trying to slow it down. But that’s not necessary. It’s best just to feel and experience your breath. As you begin to relax, your breathing will naturally slow down and regulate on its own. Try not to judge yourself for not doing it ‘right.’ Don’t try to control or channel your breath, just keep observing and allowing. Simply let the breath breathe you. - How do I stop my mind wandering? If you find a way, let me know! It’s natural for your mind to wander or be distracted. Our mind thinks. That’s just what it does. Even highly-experienced mindfulness practitioners have wandering minds! Everyone does! Most of us spend our days worrying about the future or brooding over the past. We don’t often stay in the present, but it is the way to inner peace and calm. Be kind to yourself and don’t judge your mind for falling back into familiar patterns of thinking. Bring your attention back to the present and use your breath to keep bringing your attention back to focus on the here and now. - How do I find the time for mindfulness? This one’s easy! You don’t have to set aside special time to bring mindfulness into your life. In fact, you can enhance your formal meditation time by integrating mindfulness practice wherever you are. You can use these prompts throughout the day to return your attention to the present moment and take some deep conscious breaths: - In the shower - During your daily commute - Waiting in line, or for an elevator, or for a meeting to start - Before you start your car - While you’re booting up your computer or opening your inbox - While you’re waiting for your coffee - Before answering the phone Take advantage of all these ‘lost moments’ in your day to turn them into mindful moments! Read the full article

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kewcreation · 11 months

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Introduction

Art and Sobriety

I remember the day I picked up my camera because I needed something to do with my hands at my first family event sober. Anxious without a drink in my hand, I turned to something I knew I was comfortable doing. I didn’t know at that moment the impact of capturing group shots of my family members would spark the next chapter in my life.

“You really should think about a career in photography."

As a child I was surrounded by art; we had paintings by my Grandad, Tony Kew, in every room. Early on I had an appreciation for the beauty of the human figure. I’d look at his paintings and I wanted to be just like him, and I still do. I enjoyed the arts and I would receive approval from my peers.

Addiction began at a young age for me. I was in a military family with undiagnosed mental illness. High school was isolating as I was in alternative education. I graduated from adult high school at age 20, and went to college for general arts and science. I took interest in psychology with the idea of becoming a psychologist, meanwhile I was struggling with my own mental health and substance abuse. I was not creating art at this time.

My Mom was diagnosed with cancer when I was in college. This took a toll on our family, and my addiction worsened. Scared for my Mom’s life I began to spiral behind closed doors. I dropped out of college.

My Mom recovered, and I started volunteering in pediatrics oncology as a way to give back. I finished college, and then started a position in patient transferring soon after. Working in health care taught me many things, including the value of health and wellness. Accompanying the sick put my life into perspective, but I was still in active addiction. I had a burn-out resulting in fatigue and chronic pain, a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. I did not know what my next steps were, but sobriety had to be the start.

My sobriety journey has been a challenging one, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. Sobriety has given me a new perspective on life and has helped me see the world in a different light. I’m more present, focused, and more in tune with my emotions. I’ve learned to appreciate the small things in life and to find joy in the everyday moments. Sobriety has also given me the courage to pursue my dreams and to take risks that I never would have taken before. It has given me the strength to face my problems head-on and to deal with them in a healthy way. Most importantly, it has connected me to my roots as an artist.

After 7 months of sobriety I was diagnosed Bipolar Type 2. Receiving this diagnosis was the start of self acceptance and self forgiveness. It is something I will have to manage for the rest of my life, but with my sobriety, art, and loved ones, I am blessed.

I have done a lot of counselling and have attended many support groups. It wasn’t until recently I thought about using art of a tool of healing. Through art, I’m able to express my emotions and experiences in a way that words couldn’t. My inspiration comes from a variety of sources, including music, nature, and the people around me. I enjoy many mediums, including photography, drawing, painting, writing, and bass guitar. There is a feeling of comfort with room for improvement and growth, which sparks ambition in me. At 26 years old, I am currently enrolled for photography in college, and I am 16 months sober.

My dream is to capture my and the overall human experience through multi mediums.

My hope for this blog is connection as well as creative expression. This is a safe space to share my work along with some thoughts. I hope there is some inspiration for you.

Much love,

Hannah

This post is dedicated in loving memory of Justin Blacklock. Loving son and brother, you will be missed.

#alcoholism #sobriety #addiction recovery #substance abuse #art #artists on tumblr #healing #self help #self improvement #photography #bipolar #mental health #burnout #coping

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quentinn11 · 11 months

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Dear Diary, I don't have the strength to live… again.

I feel bad… again. It's like that all the time, only for short periods I'm fine. Today I have no motivation… again, I'm sad… again and I don't know why and what's a cure for it. All I want to do is sit and stare blankly at the wall. I have no strength to do anything around myself, and the feeling of freezing gives me relative peace. I probably would have allowed myself to spend the whole day like this if it wasn't for Her. Because I know that I give her the only joys in this life, she motivates me to get up because I want to give her at least a substitute of what she deserves. But she gets too little. Sometimes I don't really look at her, I don't know why .. maybe I don't want to give her hope that I will find time and strength for her. I know what I should be doing and I don't do it because I don't have the power, I don't have the motivation, I can't get myself together, everything is too much for me. I'm tired of the fact that I don't have the strength all the time, that I lack motivation, that everyday activities require an above-average effort from me. Washing hair, doing dishes, tidying up, vacuuming, preparing a decent, wholesome meal. And what to even talk about realizing myself, my passions, dreams, hobbies. I would like to feel good, have energy to live, use my potential, but my body and my mind do not allow me to do so. I don't want to socialize with people, I don't want to talk to anyone. I mean I want to… but it takes so much effort and I don't feel safe and comfortable in it. I want to drink alcohol in the worst possible way, because alone and to improve my mood, to feel happy and motivated, even if only for a short time. Then I have the strength to dance, clean, cook, talk to people. Why is it like that? I wish I knew the recipe so I could produce the same effect without destroying myself. Maybe I should go back on meds? Maybe my brain can't produce happiness and motivation hormones on its own. But why not?! I don't want to stay like this for the rest of my life, I don't want to go back to medication… I don't want to lose the only thing that complements what I'm really good at. Ahh nevermind, not today's topic. Today, the point is that I have no strength and motivation again. With such an ever-repeating state of affairs, I will never achieve anything in my life. I'm not going to be a good partner either, because it's fucking exhausting, and not just me. I wish I had a healthy mind.

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bloodymadonna · 1 year

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Life Appreciation Manifesto

A recurring theme in my Tumblr posts that I notice is life appreciation. Life appreciation is an important thing because it allows us to reflect on our blessings and to enjoy more moments. It allows me to take more time into consideration, as I see how every moment has its own effect on me. Taking a second to be grateful for the things I have and my experiences has given me a newly shaped sense of what life is.

In the assignment named abstract images, where we were assigned to talk about what we saw from our chosen picture. I chose “Constellation: Toward the Rainbow''. This image shows a bunch of drawings floating in a gray space-like thing. I chose this image because it has an art style that reminded me of my childhood. As a kid I would spend a lot of time drawing with my little sister and the pieces reminded me of those times. From this one image I was able to look back at moments shared with my sister that I hadn't thought of in years, and appreciate how they and she shaped who I am. It may seem as just another activity in my childhood, but this instance has made me see the importance of our sibling bond.

When reading my responses on the photographer's eye assignment I noticed that the pictures I chose to describe were of genuine happy moments. Although they may seem like regular everyday occurrences, they brought me an infinite amount of joy. Being able to feel happiness without comparison is what makes all the difference. People usually think of things they can do and places they can go to in order to be happier, but this habit will stop us from reaching that goal. It’s important to see and be grateful for the things that bring us happiness everyday, which is what I notice I wrote about. I wrote about my dog Hollie, some of my family, and about my girlfriend. Every one of them affects and shapes who I am. I recognize how fortunate I am to have these things make up my life. Looking back I thought the post was just about Joy, but I see how my thoughts ran deeper.

The next assignment I will be discussing is the Representative Work assignment. In this assignment I wrote about the Trinity Church and why it interests me. The church is located in New York which is my dream place to live. The church has a geo gothic look and reminds me of the dreams I want to pursue. Its style and location go hand in hand with me wanting to be a fashion designer and wanting to continue my studies in New york. The instructions were to describe an image and I noticed I was able to relate this back into my life. It puts things in a new view for me, as I can appreciate the future I see myself in. Being able to have these goals and knowing I can pursue them is an opportunity I'm very grateful for. Instead of looking at this image yearning and imagining how hard it would be for me to accomplish what I set, I appreciate what life has in store for me.

After looking through my past submissions, I learned more about what I value the most. Even if the topic instructions did not mention the requirement of relating the post back to me, I somehow found myself able to recognize my relationship with it and see my appreciation for it even more. Everyone should learn to appreciate their lives and whatever they consist of. Even if you don’t think you have the best one, being grateful for what you have and other specific things can heavily influence your way of thinking. Instead of negatively describing your life, you will more than likely have a better outlook on everything after being mindful. (653)

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tasmiq · 1 year

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Jumu'ah Khuthbah: 2 December 2022

As we ready ourselves for the live and blessed presence of Shaykh Taner and Shaykha Muzeyyen (Anne) in a matter of days in our shores, Subhana'Allah! Alhamdulillah that we've made it into our eery post-COVID world. All the more richer as a spiritual community that managed to thrive in spite of the sense of loss and rightly enforced physical distance.

#1. Shaykh Nishaat reflected on how we draw closer to Allah with a mutual relationship of love. In fact, it is in our everyday lives, that we draw closer to Allah. Our trials make us realise who we are, Subhana'Allah as my post-accidental reality is doing. We overcome our negative trials by persevering in our desire to be with Allah. Through drawing nearer to Allah by striving against ourselves sincerely, we realise our true fitrah (nature).

#2. We were reminded through Shaykh Taner about the need to foster a better relationship with people. Relationships are often soured because of miscommunication and muddied by holding onto presumptions. Instead we should hold onto patience and do an activity together as the key to infuse these relationships with purpose in pursuit of a common goal!

As personally experienced with your Mimi in preparation for the shared joy of your Aunty Tash and Uncle Peter's wedding, and Maryam Bhen in decorating for your Abbu's birthday. I learnt that she takes notes from me, on how to love her own husband 😊

#3. The next blessing was an appeasement of my worries and seeing a reward for converting my stress therein, into the Positivity Prayers - seeking collective guidance!

We found out that my post-accident rehab team are closing down their Durban branch, but my breath of fresh air of a new Physiotherapist from Johannesburg will go private and remain in our service and close to her mother in KZN, Insha'Allah, Subhana'Allah and Allahu Akbar! I am seeing the collective power being offered through the Positivity Prayers. Shukran Ya Allah (gratitude to Allah) that an important basic daily due of our Tariqa, has such far reaching and deep power!

#4. Was again a Shaykh Nishaat piece of wisdom where he spoke about how our Zikr is performed in a sequence of how to hold on to Allah. Again, my pressing Tasbih (remembrance tool) as our Istinja container (for the cleaning and purification process after passing our excretory functions) being noticed by my non-Muslim star of a Physio. Alhamdulillah for the opportunity to clarify both our understanding of a fundamental, daily practice in our lives!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasbih

Shaykh Nishaat continued to remind us that everyone in the silsila (spiritual lineage) is representing Allah in the manifested world. When we sing ilahi (devotional music), we remind ourselves what we have as the proverbial rope to Allah. Here, Jalaluddin Rumi (Allah bless his secret) was quoted as saying that a spiritual journey that would take several years, will take a fraction of its time because of our spiritual guides. Alhamdulillah!

#5. Ultimately we have various levels of nafs (ego) that are worked on proclaimed Shaykh Nishaat. Us human beings are given the choice to glorify Allah through Zikr with our freewill, which other creations don't possess. Again gratitude to Allah for seeing the depth of our ocean of devotion, where the deeper you go, is its depth realised!

Now we pass over to your Abbu's Arabic Khuthbah, with gratitude that the next time insha'Allah we will be in the presence of our spiritual mentors!

Alhamdulillah × infinity

...that we made it into our almost post-COVID world!

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