Published in P.S. I Love You·PinnedThe 8 Most Annoying Things Parents Say to People Who Are ChildfreeParents and people without kids have more in common than we realize — I have known with complete confidence, I do not want to be a mother, since I was 6 years old. Luckily womanhood does not equal motherhood. Parenting is hard! I may not be a parent, but I appreciate how tough it is. I have enormous respect and admiration for all…Childfree8 min read
Published in About Me Stories·PinnedAbout Me — Ali HallWhy walk, when you can run — “Winning the lottery means having an Ali type in your life. You get adventures, growth in skills, a greater capacity for kindness. You’re more dog, more rainbows, laugh more, skip more and are more inspired” Thanks to my life guru, Lan Pham for her kind words. …About Me7 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·3 days agoThe Oldest “Ism” of Our Time May Surprise YouI only learned the term in the last few years, have you ever heard of it? — This podcast will blow your mind! And if it doesn’t, I guarantee you a full refund. One sure way to change the meaning of a word is to add “ism” as a suffix. This suffix creates a word representing a practice, philosophy, or system. Let’s look at some “ism” words. …Pronatalism10 min read
Published in Spread the Ripple·3 days agoWhat Have You Done Today To Make You Feel Kind?Writing prompts for kind writers — With his arm outstretched, he was just about able to fit them all into the shot. But they looked contorted. A forced selfie with equally forced smiles. My partner turned back towards them and offered his photography services. Mum, dad, and daughter embraced each other and beamed. …Kindness6 min read
Published in Know Thyself, Heal Thyself·Jun 18My Cloak of Invisibility Is Weighing Heavy on My ShouldersFading back into insignificance, is that where I belong? — As my brain marinates in its juices, I feel the ocean of oblivion pull me under. Sucking me into the depths of irrelevance. This flare-up of feelings is nothing new. I know it will pass. But for now, I must sit with my suffering. I feel invisible. I am see-through…Self4 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Jun 113 Easy Ways To Stop Living in an Echo ChamberWhat happens when you surround yourself with different ideas and opinions? — I don’t seek your agreement. I want your opinion. I need to hear what you think. Not what you think I want to hear. Constantly agreeing with my views is bland. Yet, sometimes opposing views leave me prickled and irritated. But that’s my problem. …Life5 min read
Published in In Fitness And In Health·Jun 8How to Exercise Safely After Giving BloodDo you know when you can run again after giving blood? — I am terrified of needles. The last time I tried to give blood, I almost fainted at the mere prick on my finger. They wouldn’t let me continue. I’ve since used my training as an excuse. But really, I have no excuse. I can work my training around giving blood…Health6 min read
Published in Coffee Times·Jun 7The Easy Way To Transcend Yourself Through NatureI called for her and Mother Nature turned up in her place — Has a wild animal ever chosen to hold eye contact with you? As she circled me, she held my gaze. I’m not sure who was the more curious of us. Her presence brought a timeless serenity. She washed over me like a meditative trance. Close encounters with wild animals pause…Nature4 min read
Published in Know Thyself, Heal Thyself·Jun 4Sharing My Favorite Poem, May it Ground You and Bring You PeaceHave you a poem that has helped guide you in life? — Is it possible for a poem to serve as a mentor in life? When the tides of life pull me out to sea, and I find myself drifting precariously, I pick up this poem. I read each line out loud. I let the words wash over me and fill me…Poetry2 min read
Published in MuddyUm·Jun 3One Easy Way to Tell if You Have Freakishly Long ArmsAnd 3 things you can’t do with them 🦧 — “If society viewed arms as they do legs, you would be a supermodel”. Is this a compliment? Or did my late Granny really mean: “Oh my Gawd, your arms are like Mr. Tickles, you freak child!” It’s not even the length so much that amuses me. But they just look…Humor4 min read