There are many reasons to read. We read to progress in academics, to gain information, to communicate, and to learn. Reading has a long and illustrious history. Even with or current level of technology, reading is a required skill. However, my favorite reason for reading is escapism. With so much turmoil and uncertainty in the world, ...

At times we may feel as though we are hamsters on a wheel, feeling like we are overwhelmed with work, school or family obligations, etc. It is easy for our minds to become overloaded and neglect self-care. Self-care is vital for optimal mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Much like exercise, self-care is something that needs ...

You walked away without pretense I looked your way  Hesitant   You walked away without recourse  I tried to speak With no remorse   You walked away without a sound For that my heart Can not rebound   You walked away, so far away Before too long The distance great   I will not breathe ...

veins distended and muscles taut the pressure mounts upon my head and my skull caves in black thoughts swirl and unfurl my tongue madness injurious to those closest to me like a viper striking with mindless abandon i can’t stop these whispers from howling piercing my ears prodded like an inhuman experiment i open my ...

No you will not silence me For I have spoken, all my needs No you will not temper me For I have gifted, you with me No you will not raise a hand For I have answered, no demands Yes you may speak in earnest However, I, will give you permit Yes you may recite ...

There is no getting around it: teaching takes energy.  Lots of it.  It takes mental, physical, and emotional grit.  It takes organization, determination, and endless exertion.  It takes wisdom, compassion, and discipline. And that is just to get through the first 10 minutes of the day. Teachers have to wear many hats: teacher, philosopher, advisor, ...

1. sunlight pours  through a curtained window – he sighs 2. she moans: her skin sweats in summer’s heat 3. she rubs  her abdomen and whispers a name 4. a child’s laughter echoes across shuttered doors 5. fires burn, people stand on the side of the road 6. she sobs on my shoulder – the ...

So how does my story end? Is it a happy ending? Or is the truth of reality leading us to a sad realness that can’t be defined? The truth is, I don’t know. It’s day one for me again. Almost like being born for a second time. I’m learning how to cope with my moods, ...

Read Parts 1-7 My forehead prickles as a hand lifts the hair away from my face and my eyelids flicker open. Madison’s rosebud lips bloom into a grin, the corners of her eyes crinkling in the morning light. A lock of red curls falls over her face as she kisses my nose.   “Good morning, ...

Trigger warning: Mental health Now, where was I? Oh yeah, what the hell is wrong with me! Here I am wondering how I got to this place. What are my options? I thought for sure I was going to die! But I didn’t! How could this be? I survived but had no clue what the ...