#Because we understand our situation better than anyone else and know the hardships and solutions to get out of them

[sastielsfandom]

Apparently some people don't know this but don't force your help onto others and basically kidnap them because you think they need your help and aren't doing it how you want them to.

Like if someone agrees to stay with you for the weekend because hotel prices are incredibly high and they can't afford it, don't strand them at your place for nearly a week where they have no electricity, service, or internet. Especially when they have important things to do for their livelihood that can change their lives for the better. Such as meetings and calls they have been waiting for because they're income sources that they need.

And they were already screwed over by getting kicked out of a shitty apartment from shady people that gave them less than twenty four hours to put down three grand to possibly stay there for six months. Saying you weren't compliant, even though you went above their expectations and did their job for them because they weren't meeting your families needs and were delaying stuff the way they were doing it. And it had a lot of problems like electricity not working in like the apartment, plumbing being a nightmare nearly every day. At night it sounded like the purge and it was genuinely scary especially when people would pound on your door multiple times a night.

Like don't play the savior and screw over the people you were supposably helping because they aren't acting the way you want them to and they're getting upset at you purposefully setting them up for failure so you can "help" them further.

You know, just a general thing and not something that we just had to deal with at all. And are still currently dealing with because we have to undo the "help" we received.

[rutilation]

Does mulching a prisoner of war into shiny little woodchips before burying them alive indefinitely count as a violation of the Geneva Conventions?  Asking for a friend.

(Hi guys, I’m back, and I brought 4,400 words with me.)

First of all, my apologies for the nearly five month wait.  Ever since last spring, I haven’t had much time at all to devote to writing and I’ve only been able to work on this essay in small increments.  And yet, despite the fact that I don’t have the time to do so, this essay somehow turned into a bloated treatise on the failings of gem society.  Truly, I am a slave to my obsessions.

I’ve refrained from reading chapter 80 because I just know that if I do, it will insinuate itself into my brain like a tumor and I won’t be able to concentrate on finishing this essay.  (That said, I did happen to see someone on twitter make a joking reference to third impact in regards to said chapter, so I am certainly Afraid.)  Though my takes may be ice cold by this point, I hope that there are some nuggets of insight to be found in this.  With that said, here are my thoughts on chapters 78 and 79.

While the past two chapters have certainly been…hard to read, I think that their contents have been a long time coming, primarily regarding the parallels between Phos and Kongou, and the uglier undercurrents of gem society reaching their logical conclusion.  (And I gotta say, this display of—for lack of a better term—inhumanity on the part of the gems jives quite well with all the Shirley Jackson I’ve been reading lately. When I get tired of one display of flagrant mob violence, I can quickly flip to another.)  

And then there’s the matter of the gems on the moon…  I remember that when I first got into hnk, which was right around the time when Phos and the others left for the moon, everyone was afraid that Phos would go off the deep end and the gems stuck on the moon would end up as collateral damage in Phos’s quest for vengeance.  But since Ichikawa is too powerful us, she said “what if it was the other way around, and Phos is the one getting thrown under the bus while the moon gems start a death cult?”

So there’s a lot to talk about, but let’s address the earth gems first, because these characters sure do live in a society.  (In order to make my prose more tolerable, I encourage my readership to take a shot every time I write the words “gem society.”)

First of all, I’ve seen a number of people interpret Kongou’s line about the gems forgetting Phos very literally, and assume that the earth gems all have Phos-specific amnesia. I highly doubt this is the case, and he probably just means that Phos is now out of sight and out of mind.

As bleak as the situation is, I think it’s been a long time coming.  From the beginning, one of the major philosophical elements of the story has been how the gems’ desire to give meaning to their long lives has compelled them to create a society in which only those with a concrete purpose have value.  The characters see themselves and each other as instrumentally but not inherently valuable.  With so much of the story focused on how this ethos hurts those individuals who aren’t seen as useful, how much it fosters shame and self-hatred, and how much it makes the gems unable and unwilling to help each other through hardship and depression, it makes sense to me that this inhumane mindset would eventually boil over into something truly cruel, and thus the other shoe has finally dropped.  In a strange way, I have more respect for Rutile’s attitude towards the situation than I do the rest of the earth gems (sans Euclase, who I’ll get to in a moment.)  Rutile is treating Phos like an enemy that must be vanquished, whereas the others are treating Phos as a kid treats their dirty clothes when they don’t want to do laundry—by shoving it in the back of a closet and trying to forget about it.  The former strikes me as less dishonest and dehumanizing than the latter.

Even before chapter 79 made it official, I had a gut feeling that the timetable for figuring out what to do with Phos was nonexistent.  I’ll be generous and assume Cinnabar was being sincere in the moment when they implied that they’d put Phos back together eventually.  But just like how everyone ignored Cinnabar’s suffering because there was no compelling incentive to do anything about it, or how they all turned a blind eye to the Kongou/Lunarian situation for millennia, I figured that Phos would end up as another problem they wouldn’t bother solving. (Regarding Cinnabar, while I hope they’re still on good terms with everyone after the time skip, I would not be the least bit surprised if the earth gems started ostracizing them again once it became apparent that there would be no new attacks from the moon and thus no further reason to tolerate their mercury.)

(Bort, please stick up for them.)

And to be clear, this is a problem that the earth gems are refusing to solve in exchange for a short-term sense of security.  If Phos and Kongou had been allowed to hash things out, and this stalemate hadn’t festered for 220 years, then maybe the moon gems wouldn’t be entertaining the idea of starting that aforementioned death cult.  (Tbh, this mostly applies to 84, Yellow, and Dia, since Cairn has been their own personal death cult since chapter 33.)  Even leaving aside how bad things have gotten already, if this state of affairs had continued to drag on, I think the situation would have gotten very ugly the second Aechmea got tired of waiting.  While playing fruit ninja or whatever with Cairngorm, he says something to the effect of losing a battle here or there isn’t important as long as you win the war in the end, which I’m pretty sure is meant to communicate to the audience that Aechmea is playing the long game.  And since he hasn’t done anything in the interim other than reluctantly and incrementally humor Cairngorm’s pet project, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that he’s biding his time specifically for Phos, and that he’s counting on them eventually being reawakened.  In that case, what would have happened if Kongou had been too meek to interfere, and the gems succeeded in getting rid of Phos for good?  If Aechmea eventually gave up on his current scheme, scrapped working with Phos, and came up with a new plan, I’m betting things would quickly devolve into heinous war crimes since he’s only played nice so far in order to keep Phos on his side.

In chapter 78, we get to see two instances of the most common nugget of gem wisdom: only act when you’re guaranteed to succeed, and never take risks.  It been a common refrain, with Antarc, and more subtly, Dia being the only gems aside from Phos to push back against that sentiment.  And to be clear, I’m not saying any one of these iterations necessarily are bad advice, but it’s become increasingly obvious that it’s the only acceptable mode of dealing with problems in gem society.  More on that in a minute.

So, uh, regarding Euclase, here’s an exclusive picture of me, after I’d spent months writing: “Gee, this Euclase character seems pretty shady, but I have faith in Cinnabar, Bort, and Jade to act humanely!’

That said, I think I got at least one aspect of their characterization right in my Euclase-focused essay—that they have a greater comprehension of their mortality than most.  Unlike the other gems, they’re not childishly naïve enough to believe that ignoring their problems will save them; they understand that death is always around the corner, and that the (mostly) tranquil life the gems lead requires constant maintenance.  Simply sliding down the path of least resistance will come back to bite them all in the ass later down the line, and Euclase knows it.  That’s probably why they at least went through the motions of asking Kongou to pray every day for two hundred twenty years.

This is a bit of a tangent, but regarding my earlier point about the gems not commiserating at all, Peridot and Sphene come across as anomalies in that they helped each other through their grief over their lost partners, but that doesn’t seem to happen all that often.  As we see in the aftermath of the winter arc, it seemingly did not occur to any of the gems who had lost friends of their own to try and help Phos through their grief.  And I think it’s likely that they weren’t given much comfort in their hours of need either.  Yellow bottled up their grief, Alex and (presumably) Red Beryl threw themselves into their work to the point of obsession, and Ghost seemed to have largely withdrawn from everyone else.  But none of them really healed or helped anyone else heal.  Despite their society placing a high value on interdependence, the gems are truly alone when they have to reckon with complicated or inconvenient emotions.

It may be hard to remember, but Phos was once influenced by all these toxic mindsets as well.  Recall Phos’s conversation with Benito in chapter two: it implies that Cinnabar did live with the other gems during Phos’s lifetime, recently enough that Phos expects to find them in their room.  From this we can infer that our kindhearted Phos never reached out to the clearly lonely Cinnabar while they were actually around, and didn’t even notice when they left the school for good.  They may have had the potential for kindness from a very young age, but it was only when they were hit with with the stark truth of Cinnabar’s suffering that they snapped out of the fog of apathy that seems to surround the gems.

In fact, it almost seems like the struggle to drag the gems kicking and screaming out of their comfort zone is a macrocosm for what Phos had to grow out of at the beginning of the series.  You’ll recall that once upon a time they were lazy, wanted easy solutions to their problems, and had no faith in their ability to effect change.  In fact, I’d go so far as to say that in the eyes of gem society, the problem wasn’t really that Phos was lazy, it’s that their laziness manifested in the wrong ways.  They were supposed to be fastidious and reliable about things like crafting, or fighting, or writing reports, but apathetic towards anything that requires more nuance or imagination than that, kindness or cruelty be damned.

All this is cast into even sharper relief if you think back on the arc with Ventricosus.  She was in far more dire straits than the earth gems are now, and had a compelling incentive to throw Phos under the bus.  But in the end, that wasn’t a line she was willing to cross.  Her final line: “If we’re not willing to change our ways, we’ll end up just like the Lunarians,” seems quite portentous in retrospect.  I don’t think Ichikawa is positing that being immortal makes you a sociopath, otherwise characters like Kongou, Yellow, and Padpa wouldn’t be such cinnamon buns.  But I think she is insinuating that someone who refuses to change is dooming themselves to a state of perpetual immaturity, and that being truly kind requires growing up a bit.  It’s a harder for someone who knows they’ll die one day to remain in a state of arrested development than it is for someone who could indefinitely procrastinate on growing up, and just focus all their mental energy into making paper or whatever for all of eternity.

And this seems as good a point as any to stop harping on gem society and start talking about the gems on the moon, starting with my muse, my most problematic of faves.

I brought up in my chapter 77 essay that Aechmea may not be willing to divulge what he was about to tell Cairn, and that was exactly what happened.  Since he’s only willing to share this mysterious information if he literally would not be around for the fall out, I’m guessing that whatever this secret is, it’s not benign.  And while Cairn has probably put it out of their mind by chapter 79, it’s clear that it’s bugging them before the time skip.  I smell a shocking revelation brewing and I dread to imagine what could possibly top mind-control eyeballs.  Make no mistake, I’ve devoted an embarrassing amount of brainspace the past nine months or so to contemplating what it will look like when the other shoe finally drops for Cairn’s character arc.  (Is there a German word for the ambivalence that arises from wanting to call future plot twists for bragging rights, but not wanting to look like a dipshit if your predictions are wrong?)

Their line from chapter 78 that I alluded to earlier in this essay is rather interesting to me, because although they’re referring to Phos, they might as well be talking about Aechmea.  They exhausted themselves to their breaking point trying to look after someone who didn’t take care of themselves, but they’ve nonetheless latched onto someone who is also seeking self-destruction.  And as I pointed out earlier in this essay, this line also serves as yet another iteration of the defeatist sentiment that the gems often espouse.  But, for a while, it had seemed like Cairn was moving away from that.  The decision Cairn made in chapter 67 was certainly…fraught.  But, one can’t deny that it wasn’t a brave one on their part, to leave behind everything they knew and cared about for a shot at living authentically; the only problem was that they undercut that step forward by returning to their chronic doormat tendencies.  And again in chapter 70, they took a risk by sneaking off to earth knowing that Aechmea would pitch a fit later.  But ever since chapter 75, they’ve been backsliding.  As said chapter pointed out, their wish has shifted from wanting freedom to wanting what amounts to eternal codependency.  I also find it interesting that Cairngorm apparently hasn’t bothered with getting a new name, and is just copying Aechmea’s shtick of going by his title.  They’ve gone from sharing a name with Ghost, to having their own name, to not having a name at all.  In conclusion, my child is a god damned mess.

I know I said I was done talking about gem society, but I guess I’m not.  Going back to what I said in the last paragraph, about Phos not taking care of themselves, that’s been a reoccurring element throughout the series, and in my opinion, it was a significant contributor to the breakdown of Phos’s relationships.  The reason Phos never just tried to make friends with Cinnabar—which is what the latter really wanted, and only focused their efforts on following through on their promise, was because Phos’s self-loathing runs so deep that it doesn’t occur to them that anyone would actually want their company for its own sake. Chapter 14 is the most direct allusion to this in my mind.  Phos clearly wants to talk to Cinnabar, but instead they hide away and mutter that they’d have nothing to say to them.  And as I touched on a moment ago, Phos’s self-destructive tendencies wore down Cairngorm over the course of their partnership.  

But, here’s the thing: Phos’s self-loathing isn’t some immutable part of their nature, it was instilled in them by their society from the moment it became apparent that Phos couldn’t slot neatly into a role.  This is very apparent in the early chapters, in which no one ever misses an opportunity to remind Phos of their uselessness (except Dia, bless their heart.)  Back then, they pretended to not care about it by way of snark and bravado, but in truth, I think it warped their self-perception in an incredibly negative way.  

There’s also something that illustrates this which has been on my mind for a while, but I haven’t had the opportunity to talk about it.  When Phos was trapped by their arms during Antarc’s fateful capture, the insult they yelled at their arms to get them moving is the same one that Bort lobbed at them a few times in volume one.  I usually see different translations of the word between the two scenes, but to my non-Japanese-fluent ears, it sounded like the same word to me when I watched the anime.  It was a striking way of implying that this moment of personal growth had been seeded with something more insidious, that their self-loathing is a taint that has followed them across their many incarnations.  I’m not the first one to point this out, but there’s always been a certain tension within the text regarding Phos’s changes.  On one hand, their courage to change is framed as admirable and heroic, but on the other hand, they’re also hurting themselves because of social pressure to avoid being useless, which is kind of awful.  I think the narrative resolves this tension by making Phos’s quest for validation something which would eventually lead them to try and tear down the status quo that they hurt themselves for in the first place.  

Okay, back to the moon gems.  I’ve reread the part of chapter 79 focused on the moon several times, and it just feels more ominous with each iteration.  What exactly was their idea of administering therapy for Yellow?  Why is Amethyst on board with Cairn’s death bullshit?  Why is Dia okay with it?  Why did they stop fixing the dusted gems?  And most concerning, where are the other three gems—especially Alex who would probably be extremely opposed to halting the gem restoration?  It feels as if there’s something terrible just out of our field of view and chapter 79 is dancing around it.  (But hey, my intuition was wrong about Euclase so maybe when I read chapter 80 Ichikawa will tell me that Alex, Goshe, and Benito were at moon-disneyland the whole time, and that Aechmea is a real swell guy, actually.)

(No, I’m not bitter in the least.)

I also find it interesting that in chapter 79, Cairn is espousing a lot of the same sentiments as poor Yellow, but since they can mask the dysfunction better, they’re treated as an expert rather than a victim.  In reality, both of them are in serious need of a therapist, which is apparently non-existent in the post-post-apocalypse.

And finally, Barbata continues to be the truest audience surrogate.  I find it interesting that he clearly doesn’t approve of all the bullshit going on, while at the same time being too reticent to do anything about it, aside from some side-eyes and passive-aggressive comments.  Perhaps there will be some payoff to this down the line?

At this point, let’s talk about Kongou, because both his actions and his role as a sort of parallel to Phos in the narrative are fascinating.  I think this is the first time in the story that he’s really done something proactive.  I touched on this in a cursory character analysis I did for him, but to reiterate, the impression I got from his at times obtuse and contradictory behavior was that he had completely given up on trying to solve the Lunarian problem long before the series had begun, and that the only thing cutting through his despair and compelling him to get up in the morning and not just “meditate” forever was the prospect of spending a little more time with the people he loves, even knowing that he couldn’t protect them in any way that mattered.  But watching Phos’s struggle reignited a tiny bit of hope in him, enough that he wanted them to succeed in their efforts, but not enough for him to believe that he himself could make a difference.  To me, that seems like the only explanation that accounts for both his obstinacy when Phos directly confronted him along with his casual acceptance of the path Phos has been walking.

So for him to go behind everyone’s back to fix Phos is quite the departure from his usual passivity, and it tells us that he’d rather subject himself and everyone else to Phos’s brand of chaos than endure stasis that comes with their absence.  And it really does seem like the world enters a stasis along with Phos whenever they end up comatose.  Nothing moves forward, and the only thing to mark the passage of time are small deteriorations: Morga and Goshe are captured, and Cairn quietly becomes suicidal, and this time around, Yellow gradually loses their mind, the Admirabilis that Phos tried to spare overcrowd the tiny waterways they were released into, and the gems on the moon stop caring about whether they live or die.

For a while now, various characters both gem and Lunarian have called Phos their hope, or their savior, or some variation thereupon, and with each new iteration, the sentiment feels more and more ironic.  Time and time again, Phos rises to the occasion only to buckle under pressure, their noble intentions haven’t gotten them good results since, like, chapter 10, and everyone who at one point had faith in them is completely done with them.  And at the end of it all, they don’t have it in them to ask Kongou to pray on anyone’s behalf but their own, as if they’ve become so exhausted that they don’t have the energy to be kind anymore.  And just to rub salt in the wound, their ambiguous phrasing makes it unclear whether Phos is asking to Kongou get rid of the Lunarians or themselves.

All of this seems to mirror what Kongou is implied to have gone through.  He was created to save the souls of humanity, but was ill-equipped for the task, and he’s spent god knows how many millennia dogged by his failure to deliver.  Aechmea’s line in chapter 55 about how his human creators didn’t bother to think about what would happen to him after everyone was gone, in my mind, parallels how Phos has been abandoned by the people who once supported them once they became too much of an inconvenience.

So now that these two failed saviors are finally confronting each other with no lies to hide behind, and nothing to get between them, what’s going to happen?  I get the feeling that chapter 80 is going to give us some long awaited catharsis, for better or worse.  (Please Ichikawa, make things a little better for once.)

On a related note, I’m hoping this possible catharsis might clarify something else for me.  For all that the series is steeped in Buddhist symbolism and philosophy, I’ve never been able to tell what Ichikawa actually thinks of Buddhism.  On one hand, the assumptions that life boils down to suffering and that the self is ephemeral and illusory are certainly present, but on the other hand, the characters who lean most heavily on the Buddhist aesthetic are villains, the characters most invested in reaching nirvana are portrayed as…let’s say misguided at best, and as I’ve already noted above, our two would-be Buddhas are chronically ineffectual.  If I had to take a stab at it, I’d guess that the aspect of the philosophy that she takes issue with is the idea of relying on a savior figure and the idea that there exists a nirvana that could save anyone from samsara.  But if the Lunarians’ wish were a complete pipe dream, then Shiro et al wouldn’t have already disappeared?  Unless that was a misdirection and their souls were actually reincarnated?  Idk, I don’t have enough brain cells to parse The Most Viable Interpretation at this juncture in the story.

Lastly, assuming Phos doesn’t ascend to nirvana via pure rage next chapter, I think their next replacement is going to be imminent.  All of Phos’s other changes have been accompanied by death and birth imagery: they lost their legs out at sea, which is where inclusions are said to emerge, they lost their arms and their head at the site of their birth, the time they spent comatose evoked the image of a shrouded corpse in a morgue, their first trip to the moon in which they got their new eye apparently lasted the length of a Buddhist funeral, and now, they’ve literally been buried.  (On a side note, it’s interesting that there’s a lot more death imagery for their later transformations, while their earlier changes alluded to birth.)  I’m not the first person to point this out, but it seems likely to me that Rutile made good on their threat to throw Phos into the ocean, and discarded whatever pieces they were assigned to bury.  And indeed, there seems to be a gaping hole in Phos’s torso.  I still think Padparadscha is the most likely candidate for a replacement—the red stone from the lotus sutra has been alternately described as ruby, carnelian, amber, or coral, and Padparadscha is the closest we have to any of those—but who knows.  Ichikawa might even decide to stop short of all seven treasures in service of some greater thematic purpose.

And with that, this belated essay is finally done.  Except it isn’t.  This is a complete tangent, but I recently looked up the one and only region where gem-quality phosphophyllite was briefly mined, a mountain in the Bolivian Andes called Cerro Rico.  Hundreds of thousands have died there since the 16th century while mining silver, and that figure may be lowballing it, as some scholars think the death toll is actually in the millions.  It is colloquially known as “the Mountain that Eats Men,” and the miners pay tribute to this fellow in hopes of avoiding cave-ins and pockets of toxic gas, but are otherwise doomed to die young from silicosis.  According to a forum post I found belonging to a mineral collector, the mineshaft where all the phosphophyllite came from had to be walled off with a concrete bulkhead because the poisonous gases that accumulated in the tunnel had killed a number of miners.  The idea of gem mining already conjures up images of exploited workers in abject conditions, but I must say that Maneater Mountain exceeded my expectations.

Okay, now I’m actually done.  I’m going to get some sleep on account of the fact that it’s 2 AM, but afterwards I shall read the new chapter and repeat this whole grueling cycle over again, but like, in a timely manner.

[abkdkzine]

Important Message About Recent Concerns

Hey there! Thank you so much for tuning in. This is Mod Ari. I want to apologise in advance because I wrote most of this around 3 AM and didn’t finish most of it until around 9 AM on Wednesday, so I’m afraid I may not be as articulate as I probably would have been hours beforehand. Since then, I’ve been trying to sort out all of the information I’ve gathered from people as well discuss everything with my mod team. I also apologise because this message is going to be very long. But, I come to everyone to address a concern that has been present since the very beginning of this project, and that is the presence of our finance mod Fiama/Fif.

Now, before I delve deeper into this topic, I want everyone to know that the issue I spoke of in a Twitter post I made a while ago isn’t exactly a true issue because it is more of a heavy concern found among a few people. I hope to defuse that by the end of this long message. The real issue is that I have failed to communicate to everyone about my decision to let her stay and that I have let these concerns grow until people have become uneasy with our zine’s management. In this message, I will discuss about the steps my team and I has taken in order to (hopefully) clear everyone’s doubts. Please bear with me and know that I speak with certainty, utmost honesty, and with respect to many people’s feelings about the matter.

First of all, I want everyone to know that this zine is the first one I have ever started on my own. I dove into this project while only being in the BNHA fandom for around 7 or so months, absolutely enamoured with the KatsuDeku relationship, and with no online zine modding experience other than being an artist in a few. The only experience I have comes from real life volunteer work as well as from my part-time job, so I opened moderator applications in hopes of getting some help and advice while being open to letting a few newcomers learn with me. But please do not think I was not capable of organising small projects and reviewing finances before this project because I was and I am. I learnt a little bit of financing from my own mother who is excellent at budgeting (as she has been through many hardships as a result of living in poverty), from my schools and classes throughout high school and current college career, and retail job (which is also where I learnt how to ship lots of packages and keep up with orders). It just never hurt to have another person, or a few others, who have previous experience help me along the way because zines are run very differently and I didn’t know how financing in zines usually worked. So, I joined other projects as moderators to see if theirs were done similarly and I wasn’t disappointed.

If I recall correctly among all of the mod applications, only two people had experience with handling finances, so I chose the one whom I thought was the better choice, which was Fif. Now, please remember that I was very new to the fandom especially in this ship (wherein back then, I only knew a group of people who I was comfortable talking to, and now I know whole communities!); and so at the time, I had no idea about who Fif is and the history she has with the zines listed in her application. This is relevant because when I revealed that she was a part of our team, two people immediately came to me and warned me about the zines she used to be a part of, what her behaviour is said to be like, and what is said she has been known to do.

I humbly ask everyone to understand that I was blissfully ignorant to the happenings within the zine scene because I was brand new to it all, but please know that I still heeded their warnings with high regards and proceeded to tell my editor/beta mod, Maj, about it (who was the first person I appointed as a co-mod and is a dear friend whom I know I can trust with everything). Both of us became cautious, but because I wasn’t sure what to believe (and I partly wanted to see for myself if the behaviour they warned me about is true), I allowed Fif to continue being in my team—but not without strongly reaffirming my position as the head of this zine. I asked for everyone’s cooperation with as much honesty as they can give me, and I told them they will receive everything I have to offer and more in return.

I believe it was at that point that everyone developed a sense of respect for one another because while we work in different areas, we all have the ability to interfere with each other’s works without needing immediate help from other people. We all had initiative and enough individual skill to make up for someone else’s errors. From then on, we communicated very often, and everyone follows the tasks I give them. We’re an efficient team with good communication, but the only unfortunate situation that had us scrambling about is that our schedules started to get out of sync due to us all being college students, which has caused us to delay completing the feedback emails (of which I personally apologise for because I am in charge of writing them).

The reason why I let Fif stay is because she has done nothing suspicious or has said (or done) anything to affect this fanzine in any way to make me believe that she is everything that people have been warning me about. I say this with complete honesty: I have seen nothing but genuine intentions on her part, and while I find it true that she is sometimes inactive, I never expected her to do any of the work I had already assigned to the rest of my team and she has always communicated to us all about the reasons why she has to be away for certain periods of time. She’s done as I have told her, answered anything I asked of her, gave her opinion when I needed it, completed the financial sheet decently, has explained to me her thought processes, let me review and check the numbers on my own, and that is all I needed from her. The rest is under my and the other mods’ control. Madin, Maj, and Grim can all attest to this, and if need be, we will provide evidence to anyone who does not believe it to be true. But after a long discussion with all three of them, we have come to a conclusion with an extremely difficult decision.

Fiama will no longer be a part of our moderator team. We have asked her to leave our project, not without remorse, and she has been removed from the server and all of our accounts.

I’ve thought about the necessary precautions in case we decided to keep her, with all the initial warnings in mind, but recently an acquaintance of mine who I also co-mod with in another zine has come to me about his experiences and is extremely worried that this zine will also be affected by so many possibilities. He has given me enough information about the zines Fif used to be a part of and how they were all handled, so I respect his opinion very highly because he was in the direct line of fire when Hallowzine happened. 

A few of our contributors has also expressed their worries to me, and now that a potential customer has also done the same, I wanted to assure everyone that we have already discussed our decision with Fif herself. The information I gathered from my own research and from talking to a few sources held enough weight for all of us to become reasonably wary. So, I have communicated my own suspicions to Fif herself, and she undoubtedly understands, and I hope that everyone currently reading this message does as well, that I do not tolerate malicious intentions of any kind and that I am a woman of my words—that while I may be an amicable person, I am not weak and I will always persist in my decisions.

That being said, I want to give everyone some insights, and although small as it is, I hope it brings anyone who reads this message a sense of comfort that we are running our zine as smoothly it can.

For starters, I had established in the beginning that I will be the one handling money in this project. The payment systems I have created are both connected to my personal bank accounts, but I am allowing my entire team access to it so that they, as well as everyone else involved in the zine, can have the reassurance that I do not hold any malicious intent with the money sent to those accounts. However, if anything suspicious happens to the money at anytime during the pre-orders period, rest assured that anyone in the team or I will be closing the accounts immediately and freeze this project momentarily until we find a solution to whatever issue that may arise. I highly doubt that any of my moderators have the desire to steal money for personal and evil purposes, but I want everyone to know that I can be trusted too.

Secondly, I have contacted an acquaintance and a colleague from my part-time job, both of whom are accounting majors, to help me look over the financial sheet. My acquaintance and I have reviewed it together a few days ago, and we did not find anything suspicious or wrong with it; and before that, I had reviewed it several times myself to see the progress made on the sheet. My friend has done so as well yesterday and shares the same thoughts. So, I believe it is safe to say that the budgeting is done correctly, but because we have officially removed Fif from the project, we will have to make slight adjustments to the sheet. It is still under discussion, but one of the options I presented to my mods is that we can invite my acquaintance and help us out for a bit, at least to re-organise the sheet. It’s only an option however because we have yet to see if she’s needed or not. As previously mentioned, the team and I are all capable of handling the job ourselves, but we’ll definitely give out more information about what we’ll decide on doing.

Lastly, in an ask I had answered previously, an anon wanted to know if there were any funds saved for emergencies or for the contributors, and I want to relay what I said in here too: I have $800 saved up for this project, or more specifically for the contributors, but I can and will use it to cover anything lost should there be any unfortunate events in the future. This $800 is my investment and testament as to how seriously I treat this project, and I know that the rest of my mods (as well as close friends) will do their best to pitch in with anything they can offer.

In the end, we have done all we could to ensure the safety of this project, our contributors, and our potential customers. I support the absolute validity of all their concerns just as I fully respect everyone’s opinions. The rest of the team has their own reservations about Fif’s zine history, but we were absolutely prepared and had precautions set just in case we decided to let her stay. Either way, even without her aid, Wanderlust will continue to run strong because I believe that the team I chose is capable on their own feet and are versatile enough that I believe they can handle everything even without my presence in this project. 

It shakes my morality to the core knowing that Fif did not do anything wrong during the course of this project, that it is not entirely fair of me or the rest of the mods to do so; but we will always hold the safety of our contributors and future customers with the highest priority.

To end this long and arduous note, I can only humbly ask everyone to place their trust in us—in Madin, in Maj, in Grim, in ME. Because while I know we have our own faults to improve on, being in this team has already helped teach us things we need to know in any future projects. We will continue to be as transparent and honest as we have been since the very beginning. We’re just so, so sorry that this has and is causing so many people to doubt us, but I cannot blame anyone for it. I can only place that blame onto myself for not knowing her background when I should have been more responsible and researched it. For that, I want to apologise for ever causing such a feeling to surface. To the people who has seen and felt the consequences of the fallout regarding Hallowzine or any other zines that ended in a similar light, I want to apologise as well because I’m sure that those situations must have been incredibly difficult to deal with, and it must have been uncomfortable knowing that the possibility of history repeating itself again was plausible.

I hope that you all may have the heart to forgive my oversights and that you do not place any blame onto my team. Know that I will take full responsibility and accountability in the event that our project fails for any reason—however, I am absolutely certain that it will never happen because I trust my three co-mods with all my heart. It’s only up to you now to decide whether we are still worthy of your trust, and whether I am worthy of that trust. 

I’ll end my statement with this: Wanderlust will remain strong so as long as I or the rest of my team are here to run it. 

If there is anything else we can do to reassure you, please let us know and we’ll try our best to address this.

In behalf of my moderator team and with great sincerity,

Mod Ari

[theliterateape]

Acknowledging Privilege and Bias Without Shame

by Don Hall

"I've read your shit. I know you don't understand that looting and property destruction is a legit form of protest. What you don't get is that in a society with so few having so much, stealing from the rich is completely justified."

"OK. What's the definition of 'rich' then?"

"Oh, don't play. You know what rich is."

"I do but the thing is, if we sanction and justify you stealing from someone you determine is richer than you, aren't you also richer than someone else? Do you have a car?"

"Yes, I have a car but I'm certainly not rich."

"You're richer than someone who can't afford a car. So, by the logical argument you make, a homeless dude has a legit justification for stealing your car. From his perspective, you are far richer than he is so you're cool with that?"

"So you believe we should just shut up and take what we're given?"

"I didn't say that. I believe in the power of protest to elevate awareness of issues. Even believe in property destruction as a means to that end. Theft isn't protest. It's theft. Adding criminal activity to protest weakens the message and muddies the intent."

"That's your privilege speaking. Check your privilege, brah."

Perhaps it is my privilege speaking. The problem with his use of the charge is that, whether it is my privilege speaking or not, that fact has little to nothing to do with whether or not my statements are true or valuable.

The problem lies in the obvious lack of guilt I have for any privilege I may have. That's what really pisses some folks off. I'm not tribal by nature and thus accept no part of responsibility for things white people do or have done in the past.

This is not an endorsement of slavery nor a dismissal of its impact today. Not an endorsement of misogyny nor a dismissal of its presence today. It is, as they say, my lived experience.

My lack of guilt over my whiteness is not an absence of empathy. It is likewise not a refusal to acknowledge a certain amount of privilege I have had, unearned as they say, in my life. To the question "I Acknowledge My White Privilege, Now What?" I've found the answers to be fundamentally confusing, semi-religious, and amount to "You Should Feel Really Shitty About It."

It’s possible to recognize that in-your-face racism exists in the United States and to also believe that the “white privilege” framework is misleading and a counterproductive way to discuss it among intelligent humans. In fact, the harder the DiAngelo model of self flagellation is pushed, the less traction for actually finding meaningful solutions to racial disparities in both outcomes and equality of opportunity is gained.

Thomas Sowell summarizes the current situation this way: “If you have always believed that everyone should play by the same rules and be judged by the same standards, that would have gotten you labeled a radical 60 years ago, a liberal 30 years ago and a racist today.”

The whole “white privilege” polemic inevitably butts up against the fact that many white people cannot be described as privileged in any way: these are poor, uneducated, struggling Americans at the bottom of the society. And it really pisses them off to be told how privileged they are when they can't even afford to take their kids to a doctor or move to a better neighborhood.

Under tried-and-true, full-on white supremacy, being white provides benefits with no regard for class disadvantage. White trash in the Jim Crow South still had social capitol over a black professional. He could push blacks around with impunity and over whom he would almost always be favored by cops, courts, and public officials. To ignore that, in 2021, we have significantly progressed past that state of mind is to pretend we're still living in a Cool Hand Luke world.

How does white privilege deal with class impediment? As the resource page on “Whiteness” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture puts it: “Being white does not mean you haven’t experienced hardships or oppression. Being white does mean you have not faced hardships or oppression based on the color of your skin.” 

I'd argue that no one should face hardships or oppression based on the color of their skin. Or for their gender identity. Or for their cultural background. Or for their religion. Pretty much, I'm against oppression in general and hardship is just the way of the fucking world regardless of how one identifies.

I'd also argue that as racism and the hatefulness of white supremacy decreases every year it is important for the racism industry to discover more and more strains of racism each year that were previously considered not racism or else the racism industry will go bankrupt. I mean, there's a lot of cash in writing books about racism, in the implicit bias business, in the constant drumbeating of racial animus.

Lose the white guilt over privilege and the sins of the past and the wellspring of money dries up. I'm 100% in favor of black-owned businesses but I wouldn't dine at a restaurant with a requirement that I lash myself with a tiny whip in order to get a table because of my lack of melanin.

Glenn Loury made an interesting point about this recently. Yes, at some point in the not-too-distant future, white people will cease to be the majority in America. But white people will still be by far the largest minority. If 49% of people are white and, say, 15% of people are black, how does anyone imagine this race war is going to work out?

But this ignores a much more important point; “white people” aren’t ganging together to maintain some mysterious power over black people. If that were really happening, white people would easily overwhelm everybody else by sheer weight of numbers.

There are white racists in the corridors of power. Agreed. Some of them are actively trying to keep black people down. Absolutely. None of them are exercising their "whiteness" by smiling at black people in Whole Foods but DiAngelo would have us believe differently:

"I have heard Black people talk about the awkwardness of white people 'over-smiling. A friend described going to Whole Foods and feeling exhausted by the pressure to validate all of the over-solicitous white people making a point of smiling at her when she just wanted to get her errands done and get home.

She understood that the act was meant to convey acceptance and approval, but what it actually conveyed to her was a way for white people to maintain moral integrity in the face of racial anxiety. Over-smiling allows white people to mask an anti-Blackness that is foundational to our very existence as white. Our fleeting benevolence has no relation to how Black people are actually undermined in white spaces. 

Some Black friends have told me that they prefer open hostility to niceness. They understand open hostility and can protect themselves as needed. But the deception of niceness adds a confusing layer that makes it difficult to decipher trustworthy allyship from disingenuous white liberalism. Niceness masks controversy and suppresses difference."—Robin DiAngelo, Nice Racism: How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm (2021)

If smiling at black people is a mask for anti-black racism, well, there simply isn't a cure is there? What a game of race-baiting grift to define a heinous but completely normal trait in most humans (fear and distrust of the Other) as indelibly owned by one skin color and inked in their souls in the same mystical manner as original sin.

The question at the heart of my persistent inquiry is this: what does this paradigm created on the back end of legit Critical Race Theory by shysters like DiAngelo and Kendi do to repair the relationship between our cultural differences? From my vantage, it repairs nothing and divides us up even more, effectively turning the clock back to a much darker time.

As I say, I acknowledge my privilege and bias and have no shame for it as these things are beyond my control. I cannot and will not accept responsibility for any of my ancestors who owned slaves any more than I accept sentencing for the crimes of the Dalton Gang (which, I'm told, I am related). 

I can, however, ignore the noise of public call out and simply do what I can in my daily grind to perpetuate a Universal Ethics that posits we are all exactly the same and until we start treating each other as such, we'll remain perpetually locked into these culture wars at the expense of forward momentum.

Everybody counts or nobody counts.

[viralfeednova]

5 Ways You Can Develop Unbreakable Mental Resilience

Building unbreakable mental strength was my ultimate goal for many years. Even as a girl, I knew that with emotional toughness in place, nothing can permanently break me. I set myself up for a task. My mission was to find ways and tools which I can use to become mentally and emotionally strong, in control and ready to face anything. If you think that’s easier said than done, that’s two of us. In the beginning, I experienced lots of failures and errors since I didn’t understand that being tough or looking tough are two different powers. I was trying to build this image of a “street fighter” which wasn’t working because it didn’t come from within. My second task was to share my experience with anyone I met. I understood that with proper tools and perspective, we all could build ourselves into resilient and strong individuals. That’s why I want to share with you 5 ways you can develop unbreakable mental resilience and gain control of your life: 1. Increase your tolerance for pain If you want to effectively train your mind in becoming resilient, you need to increase your tolerance for pain. You do it by letting go of how things should be and accept what is. No expectations, no feeling of entitlement. It’s a perspective matter. When you feel entitled to something better or easier in life, you are putting yourself in a position where your expectations don’t have to be met. This situation causes hurt and loss of control. When you are at peace with the ups and downs of life, knowing that some fights are involved, you are gaining more control over how you feel and think. Your tolerance for adversity increases since you are focused more on a solution than on the presence of your pain. “You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.” – Shonda Rhimes 2. Create a powerful support system Most of my life, I believed that I can handle everything on my own. I wanted to become the strongest among all my friends and family, always independent, never needing help. Soon, I found out that this was a terrible idea while trying to develop emotional resilience. The truth is that we need each other, we need our support network Part of developing mental resilience is knowing when to ask for help and bury the ego. There is strength in admitting that you feel vulnerable and need someone’s hand. Feeling love and support is the best medicine while dealing with hardships. Your role is to choose who you let close to you and who you can trust. Based on my experience, it isn’t hard to figure it out. 3. Take responsibility for your feelings You and I know that blaming is easy. It takes a weight off your shoulders, it eases the pain and it creates excuses. But it doesn’t build mental resilience. You need to learn how to take responsibility for your feelings when someone else hurts them. There is a difference between those who are at fault and those who are responsible. Let’s say that your partner cheated on you which broke your heart and caused you pain. It’s your partner’s fault, but it’s your responsibility to deal with it. I know, it may sound unfair, but this is the only way you can build your emotional toughness on a feeling which scares you the most and that’s pain. 4. Learn to be alone Some of us are pretty scared of being alone. That’s why we keep the TV on even when we don’t watch it, scroll through our feed 45 times a day or always seek some company just to maintain the noise. Spending some time alone allows you to think clearly, without distractions and on a much deeper level. I am not suggesting that you isolate yourself from others, but time alone, combined with only 5 minutes of meditation, will help you in gaining better control of your feelings and overall mental state. Schedule your alone time. Reserve 1 hour, twice a week just for yourself, your thoughts and feelings. If you haven’t tried meditation, there are tons of videos online which will teach you the basics.   “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” – Vince Lombardi 5. Love those who hurt you Two weeks ago, I read an article about letting go. According to Buddha’s teachings, the best way to let go is by loving those who hurt us. At first, it pissed me off. I thought to myself, “This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever read in my entire life.” Then I took a deep breath, stepped out of my ego and admitted that it made sense. Think about it this way, when you truly let go, when you forgive, you are gaining more control over your feelings and mindset. And that’s one of the most important things in building mental resilience. You take away the power of someone else who gained it through hurting you. Once you overcome the feeling of anger and the need for retaliation, the action of the other person won’t control you. Conclusion Having the right perspective on pain, surrounding yourself with people you can trust and taking responsibilities for your feelings are basic components of your inner toughness. The best thing about it is that even when you fail, you will manage to recover pretty quickly because you are built this way. Don’t focus on your ego, it’s one of the most common reasons which stops you from growing. Have faith and accept the fact the everything in your life has a purpose. It’s how you choose to use it which defines who you are. How do you build mental strength? Comment below! Read more: addicted2success.com

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[pokemaniacal]

Pokémon Moon, Epilogue: Responsibility

Beneath the crystal dome at the summit of Mount Lanakila, all is serene; all is peaceful.  The dome sparkles in the midday sun, the air is still, pure white clouds drift softly past the mountain below, and the inlaid Pokéball design on my throne pulses gently with a warm azure light. “…sweet Arceus, I’m SO BORED!”

Around one o’clock in the afternoon, my scheduled challenger shows up. “Finally,” I complain.  “What took you so long?”  Hau rubs the back of his neck in embarrassment. “Eheh… Gramps pulled some new move we hadn’t seen before.  Almost didn’t get past him this time.  Raichu came through for me, though.”  The electric mouse Pokémon hovering at his side crackles at him affectionately, and he pats it on the head. “And what did you learn?” I ask expectantly.  Hau sighs. “Even Kahunas are always learning and perfecting new techniques,” he replies in the sing-song voice of a bored child reciting the moral of a story. “Good.  Now… shall we?”  He grins. “I’ve made it this far and I’m not done yet!  After all, there’s still a trainer standing right in front of me that I’ve got to overcome!”  I grin back. “That’s the spirit!  Now hurry up and get me out of this mess!”

I suppose I didn’t really expect him to win this time.  Hau’s progress has been impressive, I have to admit, but I still don’t think he understands the gravity of what he’s asking for.  As if to symbolise the new level he achieved in defeating his grandfather, he’s added a Crabominable – Hala’s signature Pokémon – to his existing team of Raichu, Flareon, Komala and Primarina.  There is a nagging inelegance in his style, his Pokémon have not perfected all of their techniques, and there is still the barest hint of hesitation between his thoughts and their actions.  I could lecture him about all this, but the fact is, he’s already on the path; he and his Pokémon are going to keep advancing regardless of what I do.  Every time we battle, Hau comes a little closer.  For now, though, he’s still a long way off, and his Primarina’s valiant last stand against my Decidueye ends in defeat.

“Seriously!?” Hau blurts after we have recalled our Pokémon.  “This is really frustrating, you know?  I seriously tried my hardest!”  I smile at him. “I should hope so; I don’t want to be Champion of this backwater one day longer than I have to!  You are getting better; I promise I’m not just saying that.” “Yeah, yeah, I know.”  He returns my smile.  “And at least I had a blast going all out against you.” “Likewise!  Now…”  I wander to the edge of the arena platform and sit down, legs dangling over the edge, then pat the ground next to me.  “Come on; time for this week’s lesson.”  Hau obediently sits down alongside me.  A thought strikes him. “Say, d’you do this after all the challenges you get?” “No.  Just with you.”  He looks at me in surprise.  “Sooner or later, Hau… maybe sooner than either of us realises… that’s going to be your chair.  I want you to be ready.  I owe you that.”  Hau shakes his head. “This is so heavy, man…” “Being the Champion is.” “Sooo… what are this week’s words of wisdom?”  I stare out at the crystal dome in silence for a while. “We’ve tangled with some more Ultra Beasts since the last time I saw you.” “With that… international police guy, right?  Look-?” “Don’t say it!” I cut him off.  “Don’t you dare say that smug prick’s ridiculous code name; I refuse to dignify it by using it.  Also, I think he can hear whenever anyone in the world says it.”  I glance shiftily from side to side to stress my point. “Uh…” Hau hesitates, confused.  “What am I s’posed to call him?” “…I have a few suggestions, but I think I’d get in trouble with Hala if you ever repeated any of them.  Mr. L will do, I suppose.”  I frown thoughtfully.  “Watch out for that one.  He likes to treat Champions as his own unpaid interns.” “I’ll… remember that.” “See that you do.  Anyway, yes.  We went on several more missions for him and his superior, hunting more of the Beasts that appeared when Lusamine opened that wormhole at the Aether Paradise.”  Hau shudders. “Man, those things give me the creeps.” “That makes two of us.” “It wasn’t more of those scary floating mind-controlling ones, was it?  Just seeing one of them was enough for a lifetime!” “No… no, different species.  A humanoid insect faster than the eye… a bundle of raw nerve cords full of electricity… some kind of biomechanical rocket… and a huge, devouring mouth, consuming everything around it.”  Hau cocks his head, trying to picture them and clearly failing.  “I… could bring one for you to meet, but I’m not entirely certain that would be safe.” “Oh, no no no, that’s fine!” he replies hurriedly, then realises the significance of what I just said.  “Wait… you could bring one?” “That’s right.  My “assignment” was to capture all of the rogue Ultra Beasts in order to prevent them from causing any harm to Alola’s fragile environment.  So that’s what I did.” “Capture!?  Well- well, you’re gonna put them back, right?  Back… y’know.  Where they came from?” “That… may not be so straightforward.  The technology Lusamine used to open her Ultra Wormhole is useless without Nebby, and he seems… reluctant to open another one into Ultra Space.  I’m not sure I can return them to their own dimension.” “Wh- what are you gonna do with them, then?” “Funnily enough, Interpol had no specific plan for that stage of the operation.  What’s more, all the accounts of their previous responses to situations like this are supposedly classified… although, frankly, I doubt they would be much help.”  A thought occurs to me.  “What would you do, Hau?” I ask pointedly. “Me?  Why’s that matter?” “Because the next time this happens, it might be on your watch.”  His eyes widen in panic.  “Take your time.  Try to cover all the angles.  What choices can you think of?” “Um…” Hau hesitates.  “Well, we can’t let them go, can we?  That just puts us back where we started, with a bunch of Ultra Beasts running wild in Alola.” “Mmm.  Quite.” “But…” he continues, thinking out loud.  “Maybe… somewhere else?  Couldn’t there be some other region really far away… somewhere they could live in peace?” “Interesting idea.  I did ask Wicke about that – with Lusamine more or less out of commission, she’s the closest thing any of us have to an expert on the Ultra Beasts’ behaviour and physiology.  She’s looking into it, but she’s not optimistic.  Their metabolisms are wildly inefficient under typical Earth conditions, so they have to eat ravenously just to keep their powers from fading, which wreaks havoc on the local food chains, and the unfamiliar environment provokes a near-constant fight-or-flight response that places them under incredible metabolic strain…” “…huh?” Hau asks in befuddlement.  I remember I’m not supposed to be teaching him Pokémon ecology. “Uh… the point is… we haven’t found any good options.  Not on Earth, anyway – and at the moment, Earth is the only available planet.”  I shrug. “Could you build a habitat?  The Aether Foundation had that awesome indoor Pokémon preserve, yeah?  They could build another one for the Ultra Beasts, to be like their home!” “Mayyyyybe…” I say hesitantly.  “At the moment, Gladion is the acting President of the Aether Foundation, and his partner Pokémon was born to be a “Beast-Killer”… so… I’m not so sure how enthusiastic he’ll be about devoting most of the Foundation’s remaining manpower and resources to building a reservation for the Ultra Beasts.” “Aue, you’re right!  I wouldn’t wanna have that talk!” “I mean, I’m definitely going to talk to him about it!” I add quickly.  “It’s just… going to take some persuasive nuance.  That, and there’s still so much we don’t know about Ultra Space.  It’ll take time to gather data – but we have Professor Burnet, and we have Wicke and the Aether Foundation.  In the meantime, though…” I trail off and shrug again. “I… I guess you could put them in stasis, right?  Like all those Pokémon Ms. Lusamine had in her lab…?”  He shivers at the thought.  “You couldn’t leave them in there permanently… I don’t even like the thought of doing it at all.  But at least it would give you more time to find a new place for them to live, or a way to send them home.”  I nod. “Always be suspicious of “temporary” solutions to hard problems.  They have a tendency to become permanent when no-one’s looking.  But yes, that’s a decent idea.”  Hau nods, and thinks in silence for another minute. “You said you… captured them, yeah?  Like Pokémon, in Pokéballs?” he asks. “That’s right.  Using the Beast Balls that Lusamine developed to catch Nihilego.” “So the Ultra Beasts are Pokémon then?”  I pause. “Hmm.  What do you think?” “Uh… well… they sure aren’t human, right?  So… they must be?”  He thinks it’s a trick question.  Can’t blame him; I ask Hau a lot of trick questions. “Not every living thing that isn’t human is a Pokémon,” I remind him.  “Think of the plants, think of bacteria… the Pokérus, whatever that is…”  I reach into my backpack, pull out an empty Pokéball, and turn it over in my hands pensively.  “According to Wicke, ordinary Pokéballs have trouble recognising the Ultra Beasts as Pokémon.  Their physiology is too different.  That’s why Lusamine ordered the Foundation to create the Beast Balls.” “But you can catch them, right?  And they use Pokémon moves, and they have Pokémon types.” “Yeah, but should we define what is or isn’t a Pokémon based on the relationship it has with humans, and how it fights our battles?  That’s kinda self-centred of us, isn’t it?”  Hau hesitates, but then shakes his head decisively. “Pokémon training isn’t just about what Pokémon do for humans!  It’s about having fun, and being friends, and eating malasadas together on the beach!  You’ve gotta reach out to them, give ‘em a chance to make friends!  Maybe then this world won’t be so scary, and they can live here and be happy!”  I chuckle. “Ever the ray of sunshine, aren’t you?” I say drily.  “Friendship alone can’t overcome the hardships of living in an alien dimension, Hau.  But I suppose it could make it easier.  And much as I hate to admit it, if anyone’s going to try it, I probably have the best chance.” “What, because you’re such an epic trainer?” Hau asks, a hint of scepticism in his voice. “Heh.  I wish.  No, it’s… something else.  Because of our… unique experiences… Lillie, B, Guzma, Lusamine and I are something that Interpol calls “Fallers” – people who’ve spent time in Ultra Space and lived to tell the tale.  We have what you might call the “scent” of the Ultra Wormholes on us, something that the Beasts can sense.  They think we’re a way home.”  Hau looks baffled at first, but then I see a lightbulb go on in his head. “If you remind them of home, you can keep them calm!  You can help them adjust to living on Earth!” “Hypothetically, yes.  It’s worth a try, anyway.  I haven’t actually attempted to communicate with any of the Ultra Beasts in my… care… just yet.” “What’s the worst that could happen?” Hau asks, with the cavalier attitude of someone who has absolutely no idea what the worst that could happen is. “I’m not sure,” I admit.  “But… there was the matter of the Interpol task force’s leader.  The Hoennese woman.”  The change in subject makes his eyebrows go up in confusion. “Oh, right – you said you thought you knew her from somewhere?  Did you find out anything else?”  I shrug. “Well, it was her, all right.  Anabel, Salon Maiden of the Battle Tower, at one point the third most powerful trainer in Hoenn, and rumoured to be a gifted psychic.  Only she disappeared years ago, and as far as I know she’s still listed in her home region as a missing person.”  Hau wrinkles his nose. “Did she run away to join the International Police?  Fake her death or something?” “Not a bad guess, but no.  The truth is… stranger.  Apparently, she is also a Faller.  She disappeared when she ran afoul of an Ultra Wormhole, and was found by Interpol agents on Poni Island, suffering from amnesia.  They figured out what had happened to her when they detected the radiation signature of the Wormholes on her body… but they never told her that.  She has no idea what happened to her.” “That doesn’t sound right at all!  How can they keep that from her!?” “Well…” I begin hesitantly.  “I’d like to say it’s because her own Interpol superiors are concerned about bringing back her traumatic memories, or something… but to be honest, I think they just consider her more useful as an operative specialising in Ultra Beasts if she doesn’t know about her status as a Faller.  Easier to use her as bait.”  Noticing a look of horror on Hau’s face, I explain further.  “These are not nice people, Hau.  They’re on our side, and they’re miraculously competent, with… a certain notable exception.  But they are every bit as ruthless as Lusamine’s Aether Foundation, and they will use you if you let them.” “Aue… this is making my head spin,” he complains.  “And you still haven’t explained what Anabel has to do with you trying to train the Ultra Beasts.” “Oh!  Right.  Yes.  Well… The way the Ultra Beasts react to Anabel, as a Faller, makes me… more than a little nervous,” I admit.  “They were extremely aggressive towards her – as if they thought she was guarding or blocking their way home.”  Hau’s face falls. “So maybe they’ll blame you for them being stuck in Alola, eh?” “And react accordingly, yes.  And there’s something else, a sort of… mental fatigue that Anabel seems to suffer from being around them.  It could just be to do with the length of time she spent in Ultra Space, or even a result of her natural psychic potential, but considering the way Nihilego was able to influence Lusamine…” I realise that I’m speculating more wildly than usual, and shake my head clear.  “I don’t know, but like I said, the idea makes me… nervous about talking to them.” “So trying to train them like Pokémon isn’t a sure thing either…” he decides, summing up the last minute or so of conversation.  I let the silence linger for a while, hesitating to bring up my last point. “There’s another possibility you’re not suggesting.”  Hau just stares in confusion. “I give up, cousin; what’s the other option?”  I look away, close my eyes, and sigh. “Destroy them.”  He stifles a gasp. “What!?  No!  We can’t!” “And why is that?” “They’re still living things, right?  And they’re far away from home and prolly scared of us as we are of them!  It’s not fair!” “All true.  But they’re also dangerous, powerful entities that don’t belong in this world, have already done noticeable damage to every Alolan ecosystem they’ve touched, and could kill Arceus knows how many Pokémon and humans if they’re left to roam.  What if we can’t contain them?  What if we can’t teach them to live here in peace?” “Maybe we can’t, but we have to try!” he protests. “And if we’re wrong, or if we fail?  Who bears responsibility for what the Ultra Beasts do next? “I- I don’t know, but-!  But it’s not their fault either!  Lusamine brought them here; they didn’t ask for that!” “And the people and Pokémon of Alola didn’t ask to be put in the path of a confused and angry extradimensional monster with the powers of a god!  Are you ready to take responsibility for that happening?” “I- no, but- but we can’t kill them just for being lost in our world!” “And would you really stand by that, if your home were in their path!?” “I- I- I…”  He’s visibly upset; his eyes are starting to water a little, and he turns away and wipes his sleeve over his face.  I try to soften my expression, and gently rest a hand on his shoulder.  Hau blinks and looks back at me. “It’s that sort of thing, Hau,” I tell him softly, “that will make you a better Champion than me.”  He blinks, puzzled.  “I considered it.  Interpol considered it.  You wouldn’t.” “You wouldn’t… like… really do it though, would you?” Hau asks.  I pause. “…I might have.  If the other choices had all proven… infeasible.”  I shake my head.  “Do you understand now why I didn’t want this job?”  Hau looks out at the sky past the crystal dome. “…I think so.” “Do you still want this job?”  He says nothing for a long time. “Yeah.  Yeah, I do.  I wanna make a difference in people’s lives.  I wanna protect people and keep Alola safe and happy.  And… I wanna be strong.  Strong enough to do what’s right when it matters… and strong enough to admit when I’m weak.”  I close my eyes and smile.  I think he’s starting to get it.  It won’t be long now. “Responsibility,” I say, leaving the word hanging in the air for a few moments.  “When you have power, no choice is easy.  You can cross terrible lines to protect the people and places you love, or you can risk everything and everyone in the name of doing what’s right.  It’s not up to me to tell you what’s right, but either way, you have to own your choices, because it’s those choices that make you who you are.  When you hide from your responsibility, you hide from yourself.”  Hau frowns. “What does that make you?” he asks.  I laugh. “A coward.  Always have been.”  We sit together for a while, watching the clouds drift by.

“Anyway,” I say, breaking the silence.  “That’s enough about me.  How about what you’ve been doing?  You’re still helping Hala retrain the Team Skull grunts, aren’t you?  How are they?” “They’re all doing really well!  They’re taking to this whole rescue team deal way better than I ever woulda thought for such a bunch of troublemakers.  We ran a practice mission out on Ten Carat Hill the other day and they totally aced it!  Cool under pressure, and awesome team spirit!  I guess they just needed someone to give them a second chance!  One of them in particular.” “Oh?  Who’s that?” “Oh, you know, no one special.  Just your boyfriend,” Hau says teasingly. “He’s not my boyfriend,” I tell him crossly.  “I owe him a drink, that’s all.” “Really?  ‘A’ drink?” Hau asks sceptically. “Well… okay, maybe I owe him two or three drinks, after my coronation party…” “Try six or seven!” “I guess things got a little out of hand…” I concede. “A little?  You challenged Tapu Koko to a fistfight and broke every bone in your hand trying to punch out one of the old basalt idols!”  Hau laughs.  “That was the best part of our whole journey, hands down!” “Yeah, yeah…” I grumble. “And the way B fussed over you for days afterwards…” “Yeah, yeah, whatever.” “Did you know he even asked my gramps to teach him first aid?” “You are making that up.” “Trainer’s honour!” he declares, putting his hand on his heart.  “It was actually really cute.”  I roll my eyes, sigh in exasperation, and try to give him another surly grumble, but end up smiling in spite of myself. “Well, should I pencil you in for next week?  The usual time?” “You bet!” Hau replies.  “So watch out – me and me awesome team are definitely winning the next one!”  I smile at him, and offer my hand to shake. “You’re this region’s future, Hau – may the Tapu help us.”  He takes my hand. “I won’t let you down!” And the funny thing is… I believe him.

[ramajmedia]

Once Upon A Time: 10 Hilarious Memes Only True Fans Understand

We might have finally closed the book on Once Upon A Time, but that doesn't mean fans have completely forgotten the show that gave our beloved childhood stories a whole new life. The premise of the series was brilliant, and even though it went through some troubled times and some questionable plotlines, we're happy to say it holds a special place in the heart's of every true fan out there. After all, how can anyone remain indifferent to a show that brought back all the characters we grew up with?

Related: 10 Once Upon A Time Characters Sorted Into Their Hogwarts Houses

Many people will agree that it was more than the time we said goodbye to the magical world of Once Upon A Time. But even though that's true, we aren't prepared to completely put it to rest. Fortunately, there is more than enough room for a couple of rewatching sessions. And, of course, memes! Let us all remember the magic and laugh at the same time while we take a look at ten hilarious memes only true fans will understand!

10 Mr Grey AKA The Huntsman

Way before Jamie Dornan was making half of the world population go crazy with his role as the enigmatic Mr. Grey in the much-anticipated movie Fifty Shades of Grey, he was gracing our small screens. His role as the huntsman was short-lived, but it made enough impact to make some fans really mad when he died.

Considering that the show lasted seven seasons and he didn't even make it past the first one, we say there's a good reason to be mad. It's not like his character was vital to the story or anything. He didn't even have that much dialogue. But he. Was. So. Hot. it just seems a little bit unfair, but maybe it's time to get over it. Or not.

9 Does My Hair Look Okay?

Yes, yes - we know she wasn't actually checking out her hair for fashionable purposes. The girl just wanted to make sure she was in the right reality. You know, as opposed to the one with unicorns and women with tails. But it's still pretty funny to assume that the first thing Regina would do after waking up from a dark curse would be to check her haircut.

Mostly because that is so Regina. Both this Regina and Regina George. Maybe it's a name thing? Either way, say whatever you want about the woman, but one thing is for sure - she has her priorities right!

8 Pun Intended

Remember Peter Pan? Not the cutesy, lovable child our parents used to tell us stories about. Rather the one who was Henry's great-grandfather, Bae's grandpa, and Rumpelstilskin's dad. If you think your family tree is messed up, watching Once Upon A Time will probably make you thank the heavens for what you got in the cards.

Related: Once Upon A Time: 10 Hidden Details About The Costumes You Didn't Notice

Either way, Peter Pan was an idiot. He was a full-blown villain, that made for a very confusing, albeit very entertaining third season. It's like he actually made this joke, but you know what? He might as well have because it's not exactly out of character for him to be extremely annoying. Do us a favor and never leave Neverland. Thanks!

7 Who Wore It Better?

Rumpelstiltskin was one of those characters you both love and hate. You know, sometimes you love to hate him, other times you hate to love him. And that friends, is a great example of both amazing writing and a fantastic performance. Even though everyone is Storybrooke managed to be some measure of messed up, Rumpelstiltskin takes the cake.

But one thing's for sure, the man knows how to be stylish. Even when his skin is green and full of weird marks, he still delivers some iconic fashion moments. Even more iconic than Prince Charming himself who, let's face it, is a tad bit boring. Maybe hire a stylist?

6 I Have The Perfect Solution For You!

If you've never been slightly obsessed with a television show before, chances are, you're not human. Slightly is already a very tame term, considering just how overboard some fans can go when it comes to defending their favorite series. Or talking about it. Or loving it in general.

Related: Once Upon A Time: 10 Best Costumes On The Show, Ranked

The thing about Once Upon A Time fans is that you can't rest assured they are all very peaceful souls. They just happen to enjoy a sprinkle of magic in their lives, and that a-okay. Just be careful not to insult the show too much. After all, you never know when a poisoned apple might make its way towards you...

5 Go Emma!

In all honesty, our hearts will always go out to Emma. Jesus, the woman has been through some serious hardships in her entire life. Not only did she have to give up her child for adoption, she has to deal with him coming back years later. Along with the revelation that she is Snow White and Prince Charming's daughter, of course!

However, through it all, Emma has somehow managed to stay sane and thrive. She eventually accepted her fate and found a middle ground to co-parent Henry with Regina. Plus, how much cooler can a mom get than Emma Swan? That's straight-up impossible, so congratulations to our good boy Henry!

4 Hey, I Just Met You...

How many variations of this song have we all heard by now? Probably thousands. But we're willing to argue that none of those hit the mark quite as this does. Where else could you find such a perfect situation, that it's both implausible, tragic, and hilarious in its ridicule? Leave it to Once Upon A Time!

Related: The Myers-Briggs® Types Of Once Upon A Time Characters

Let's all take a second to make sure we show Emma Swan enough love and appreciation. What would any of us do if we heard and witnessed the things that she did? Probably consult several therapists. Not Emma though! She embraced all the craziness around her, and thanks to that, we got seven awesome seasons.

3 Bae?

Call your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife. You can even call you pets. Just be sure to let them know that they are officially canceled because the one and only Bae is in town! Remember him? Henry's father, Emma's first love of sorts, Rumpelstilskin's son before he went all dark mode?

We would truly like to know if the name choice was intentional or not. Probably not, considering that at the time the expression "before anyone else" still wasn't mainstream. But it's just one of those rare instances int he universe where everything aligns so perfectly...and it's all in a name!

2 Just Shut Up, Snow

It's probably one of the longest-running gags amongst fans of the show. Snow White is a lot of wonderful things, okay? No one can deny that she loves deeply, fights for the well being of others, and is braver than most heroes out there. Plus, she's at the center of one of the most beautiful love stories ever depicted on television.

But the woman can't keep her mouth shut. To the point where it's detrimental to others, and to the point where it actually brought about her own near destruction. For the love of all that's holy Snow, put an Apple on it. Or just kiss Charming. Anything but letting sounds get out of your mouth.

1 BuT I'M a MoNSter!!

Rumpelstiltskin is the ultimate sad boy. It's not like we can't sympathize with him, he did go through some pretty horrible things. But wasn't there a better way to deal with it? Either way, that's beside the point. What matters here is that he actually thinks no one can love him, even when someone does. Clearly.

Do you know who really does love you, Rumpel? Despite every horrible thing you did throughout the course of the show? Your fangirls, Rumple. Your fangirls love you. Three clicks on the Internet are enough to prove it- - maybe consider bringing that self-deprecating tone down a notch?

Next: Once Upon A Time: The 5 Best Relationships (& The 5 Worst)

source https://screenrant.com/upon-time-hilarious-memes-fans/

[kyberled]

Numbers 30-34 for the OC Questions!

Interview my OC about questions that has no easy answer.

30. Do we live in a world of parallels? Can there be no hope without grief? No happiness without suffering? Or is a utopia possible?

“I think there have to be opposites. Maybe it’s my hubris speaking, but, as a Jedi, we’re taught to see the value of balance. There can’t be light without dark, nor dark without light, and, if we’re being honest, is constant, unending happiness really utopia? If you’re in a constant state of euphoria, wouldn’t you just get used to it? It’s like the planets we go to that have barely any water. I’ve heard the people there talk about how grateful they’d be to have to have easy access to clean water, and then we go back to Coruscant, where clean water is everywhere– Or, well, it used to be, before the Senate diverted funding from the infrastructure - and nobody bats an eye. Nobody seems to care that you can turn on a sink and flood your house with drinkable water, if you want. … In the upper levels, at least.”

“If you’re always surrounded by a good thing, it stops seeming so good. You get used to it. So, if you were always happy, would you even notice? I feel like you wouldn’t - it’d just be normal. It’d be the average, the baseline. Boring. Being able to be sad makes being happy better. It makes it more precious. And, besides, being cheered up after you’re sad makes the happiness– Stronger, I guess? More enjoyable?”

“Though, I do think the word ‘suffering’ is a bit strong here? I mean, maybe the thing that makes your day bad is your train is a bit late, or your favourite cafe is out of the best blend of caf. And then what cheers them up is they get to pat a cute animal. And you know what? I’d be happy that they get to have a life that safe. That means we Jedi are doing our jobs right. But I wouldn’t really call that suffering. Inconvenienced, maybe? But, it’s not suffering…”

“So, I think having opposites is important, but we don’t have to live with suffering. Hopefully, people won’t.”

31. What is more important to you? Being respected and praised by your elders or being looked up to and championed by those younger or of the same age?

“Well, why should those be mutually exclusive? I mean, Gramps is like a superstar with the younglings and padawans, and the Council seems to adore him; Same with Master Shaak, and Master Koon, and Master Yaddle, and Master Koth, and most of the Council, actually. If they can do it, why not me?”

32. If you could choose to remove certain feelings such as anger, confusion, sadness, would you remove them?

“I would– Well, actually, I don’t know, I… … I want to say that I would get rid of them, but that just seems like cheating, doesn’t it? I mean, it’s difficult to master your emotions, and I know how awful it is to try to let go, but- It’d be a lot easier to just erase those emotions, yeah, but you wouldn’t learn anything. Not about yourself, not about how to deal with hardship, nothing. And, on a different note, sometimes these emotions can be useful. Maybe not when it comes to manipulating the Force, or, maybe ‘yes’ to the Force? I’m still learning the ins-and-outs of Vapaad, so, I’ll have to ask Master Windu about that. But, in terms of diplomacy and negotiation, even if you yourself shouldn’t get angry in that moment, being able to feel and understand what some side might be going through, to understand why they need a Jedi to help them solve their problems, to- To be able to empathise, that’s valuable. And it can also help you figure out what’s actually right in a situation. Logic and morality often don’t line up, and being mad can help. It makes you stop and think, ‘why am I upset about this?’ And that lets you find the root of the problem.”

“Like– As an example, I’ve been told - Usually by politicians or civvies, but some odd Jedi, too - That it makes most sense to send the Clones into battle as essentially blaster fodder, since the factories are putting out so many of them. And I think to myself, why am I so mad about this? And the answer is ‘because the men are people, same as anyone, and this person I’m speaking to right now is essentially a sentient pile of refuse’. I don’t find it at all logical to throw away anyone’s lives, but especially not our own men, just because there are a lot of them– But, this is getting off-track. The point is, whether or not it’s logical, because we’re able to feel anger, or whatever, we can pick out the moral issues with a problem, and work around them to come up with an even better solution. I mean, you’ve seen General Skywalker’s and General Kenobi’s success rates, right? They value the lives of their men. They have some of the lowest casualty rates of any of the Order, and the highest success rates.”

“Anyway, it’s also like I said before - It might seem nice to only be happy forever, but, in the long run, you’d just get used to it. It wouldn’t be good, it’d just be– Empty.”

“So, I guess, I’d like to hang on to my emotions, please. 

33. If you could wipe certain memories from your head, would you? Why would you? What memories?

“I would. There are some things that do me no good to hand on to, and dreams I would rather not have. I’d really like to be able to forget the incident with the brain-worm-parasite things from Geonosis, since that doesn’t help me at all, and… And I don’t want to remember it, any more. Most bad memories have some use, even if they’re painful, and you can learn from them, but this one just- I just–”

“I don’t want to hear it moving, any more.”

34. What path appeals to you more? An exciting dream that leaves you possibly penniless and alone or a drab existence where you have steady success.

“How would it be drab existence if I’m always succeeding? I mean, to succeed as a Jedi, that’s usually indicative of some kind of excitement. If you mean it’s ‘drab’ in that we’re able to solve problems through dialogue and discourse instead of fighting, which, I guess is more exciting, then, sure, of course, I’d prefer that option. If it means that the war ends, even better. See- As a Jedi, my failure is not an option. If I can’t succeed on missions, that impacts not only me, but also my men, my master, any other Jedi or troopers who’re on the mission with us, the citizens we’re protecting, and so on and so forth. I can’t afford failure, so it’d be selfish and nonsensical of me to choose exciting failure - Especially since that’d mean I’d probably die, in the end.” 

35. Is every person in this world wholly unique or can they be categorized? Can they be grouped and mentally dissected? Are you just another sheep in another flock or are you the sole unique soul?

“Again, why are those exclusive? You can be unique while still being similar to others. It’s the lump sum of all your traits combined that make you special. I mean, it’s not like there’s only one person in the galaxy who knows how to cook, or has brown eyes, or speaks more than one language, or can even use the Force. Yes, we all fit into categories, but I think we’re the only ones who fit into all the categories we do. Like– Let me give you an example. I’m a human, and that’s something I have in common with a lot of people, but also makes me different from a lot more. On top of that, I’m a Force-sensitive. That sets me apart from some humans, but is something that I have in common with non-humans, too. But when you combine the two into the category of Force-Sensitive Humans, that’s a lot smaller group than either just Force Sensitives, or just humans. Then add to that, that I’m a Jedi. I’m a Force-Sensitive Human Jedi, which is an even smaller group, even though being a Jedi is something I have in common with a couple thousand of the rest of us. Some other groups I fit into could be ‘male’, ‘dark hair’, ‘wields a purple lightsaber’, ‘Jar’kai practitioner’, ‘Coruscanti native’, ‘senior padawan’, the year I was born, what my favourite food is, what my areas of specialised study are, what battles I’ve fought in, what languages I speak, what my hobbies are, and so on and so forth. None of those things are specific to me, but, if you lump them all together, into a male, Force-Sensitive human Jedi, senior Padawan, who specialises in weapons mastery and healing, born on Coruscant on the third day of the fourth Galactic standard month and so on and so forth– That’s when you become unique.”

“And, for the record? I don’t think it’s at all a bad thing to be like everyone else. ‘Sheep in a flock’, as you said? If I had to choose, I’d rather be with people who I have something in common with, someone I can relate to, than people I can’t. Why do you think us Jedi hole ourselves up in our Temple?”

[embracingthemoon-blog-blog]

Day 7 - Your best friend

So, this post is going to be 75 years long because I have SIX best friends. Yes that is correct... there are 6 of them and they are each a important part of my life.

Hillary/ Hill/ Hilly

We have been best friends since the day you were born. I never knew that I needed a sister until growing up with you. We did everything together and I am so appreciative that our parents forced us to be friends because I admire you so much. We are complete opposites of each other - you are the artisty one and I'm the sporty, girly one. We constantly talk about how we would not have been friends if we had met in high school and I completely agree but I am so grateful to have you in my life. Our souls are connected, we have such similar hearts and values, we care about others and that is how we work. You are the person that I know I can always call when I am having a really rough time in my life and you will support me through and through. We have been connected for 24 years and counting. I made a promise to you on the day that your mom died that I would never leave you and I plan to stick to that promise for the rest of my life. You will be the godmother to my first child and you truly are a beautiful soul inside and out. Thank you for always telling me how it is, being protective over me and loving me unconditionally as I do you. You deserve everything in this world because you have proved to me time and time again that hardships do not have to define you but rather can inspire you to work harder and make the best out of any situation. I love you so much and can’t not thank you enough for being such a constant in my life through everything.

Kathryn 

My other half, you are truly the most beautiful human being inside and out I've ever met. You are so kind, caring, sweet, nice, stunning, funny, chill, and easy going. You care about your friends so much and you make me feel so loved always. I am constantly telling you how perfect you are and I know you get embarrassed by it but I am telling the truth. You are so easy to talk to and every time we hang out, I always have a blast with you whether it is just watching a movie, scrolling through Instagram or going to Ireland together. You are came into my life when I did not expect to need you and have never left my side since. We have been best friends for 10 years now which is crazy but the moment that it all connected with me was during junior year, I was having a sleepover at your house and we were talking about Ravel and I started telling you things I had never told anyone and the amount of trust I put in you with that information just proved to me how great of a best friend you are. You have always supported me, you give me the best advice, and you are always down for whatever adventure I come up with. Your family has adopted me as one of their own and you emulate the love, kindness, and humor that is the Gallo family. I appreciate you in every way possible and thank you for being my other Scorpio. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH KAT AND THANKS FOR DOING LIFE WITH ME.

Shianne 

I do not think I fully understood what having a best friend was like until I met you. Our bond was slow to develop for sure but you truly are my twin flame. I feel the most connected with you - emotionally, spiritually, mentally, everything. I can tell you anything and everything that has ever come to my mind and I know that you would never judge me. We have such deep, emotional, and thought provoking conversations and I truly cherish every moment spent together. We compliment each other so well and we bring out the best in one another while pushing each other out of our comfort zones. You truly are my rock and the person that although we may not speak every single day, you are so important to me. You are an amazing listener and even when you have no idea what to say or how to help me - you always let me get everything off my chest and allow me to find a solution at the end of every problem. I love you so much and thank you for being my spontaneous travel buddy, podcast co-star, and emotional support system in every aspect of my life. You the real MVP homie. 

Ally

You are my person, my favorite, you are the most like me personality wise and I just relate to you on an emotional level. Thank you for being my best friend since 2012 but really accepting our friendship in 2013. You are a huge motivator in my life, you the best hype woman I never even knew I needed. You constantly are pushing me to be a better person and I truly would designate you one of my soulmates in life. I never understood having someone love me so much while holding me accountable to keep pursing my passions and dreams. I love you with my literal entire heart and I can honestly say I do not know what I would do without you. I had no idea when we became friends where this friendship would go but distance has only proven to make us stronger. You are such a stable in my life that I think I would be lost or devastated without you. You are one of the funniest humans I have ever met and you just exude confidence and I admire you so much for your work ethic and passion for what you do. Thank you for always believing in me and being proud of my accomplishments. I have never had a best friend who was so supportive and as dedicated to me as I am you and my other best friends. ily always! 

Victoria

I have never connected to someone to instantly as I did you. The day that we actually spoke to each other in Katie’s room was the day that I knew you were going to be in my life together. We instantly became best friends and our friendship just came so effortlessly and I just knew that you were meant to be in my life for a long time. I have never been so mentally and emotionally on the same wavelength with anyone else before. Anything I am feeling or dealing with, 9/10 times you are also going through that same exact feeling and it so nice to be able to talk so deeply and emotionally with someone else who just gets it. You understand me better than most people and I truly can not explain how much I appreciate you. You are such an amazing best friend and you are a boss ass bitch. I had no idea that when we became friends I would need you for the rest of my life. You are such a fire of passion and self awareness and you constantly are motivating me to be a better person whether you know that or not. You are destined for greatness and just know I will always be standing by your side even when you become president of the US one day! I love you so much and I just want you to know that I am grateful for every Red’s trip and you being the Mac to my Miller (RIP). 

Clara

My child, my best friend, my little. You are truly a light in my life. You are such a perfect human in my eyes and you were the final puzzle piece I needed when it came to my best friends. You are such a strong, dedicated, motivated, excited, loving human and you exemplify what being an amazing friend is like. We have been through it all together - heartbreaks, emotional breakdowns, success stories and I would not want to go through that without you. You give the best advice and I always know that I can count on you to keep it real with me and get deep with me. Our relationship is so unique because of that fact that we have a mentor type relationship, but I think the beauty in our friendship is that we equally go back and forth on the mentoring. I truly believe you have taught me equally as I have taught you within these last five years. I am so happy that I am able do life with you and having you in my life only brings me pure happiness. I literally love you so much and I am just glad that you are equally aware that you are stuck with me for the rest of our lives. Thank you for loving me so deeply and always having my back even in the weirdest scenarios! 

[topenglishstatus-blog]

**Beautiful Islamic Quotes About Life**

I said to Allah, “I hate life.” He replied, “Who asked you to love life? Just love me and life will beautiful.

Men and women have equal rewards for their deeds. Quran 3:195

“O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behind their backs. ” {Quran 49:12}

If you are in doubt ask ALLAH. Perform Salatul Istikhara

There is no doubt that Allah (Subhanahu Wa ta’ala) has sent thousands of Quran Verses and millions of Hadith “Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (??? ???? ???? ? ???)” for mankind. No matter what situation you’re going through. There are solutions and guidance by Allah (Azzawajal).

Once I was amazed to see that my non-Muslim friends on facebook and twitter are posting Islamic Quotes and verses from Quran. I was even more amazed when their positive behavior toward Muslims reminded that there are many Verses in Quran about non-believers as ALLAH says in Quran “The Quran, is a guidance for mankind – (2:185)“.

SEE MORE LATEST AMAZING ISLAMIC SMS,QUOTES

Islamic Quotes In English Islamic Whatsapp Status Best Islamic Quotes Islamic Quotes In English Eid-Ul-Adha-Mubarak

I said to Allah, “I hate life.” He replied, “Who asked you to love life? Just love me and life will beautiful.”

Men and women have equal rewards for their deeds. Quran 3:195

“O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behind their backs. ” {Quran 49:12}

If you are in doubt ask ALLAH. Perform Salatul Istikhara

When things are too hard to handle, retreat & count your blessings instead.

“Severing your parents in their old age is as good as opening the doors of PARADISE, so don’t miss out.”

“When we repair our relationship with Allah, He repairs everything else for us.”

“You Cannot Delete you internet history from ALLAH.”

“Take everyday as a chance to become a better Muslim.”

“Only in ISLAM do the king and peasant bow down together side by side proclaiming God’s greatness.”

“Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate the blessings they already have. Say Alhamdulillah every moment of life.”

SEE MORE LATEST AMAZING ISLAMIC SMS,QUOTES

EID SMS Islamic Quotes Shab-e-Barat Muabrak SMS wishes Ramdan Laylat al Qadr Eid Ul Fitr Wish Facebook Status

“Born from different mothers skins of all colours come together as brothers . that’s the beauty of Islam.”

“Allah made you muslim because he wants to see you in JANNAH. All you have to do is prove that you’re worthy of it.”

“So What if this life isn’t perfect? it’s not jannah. Nouman Ali Khan.”

“The Worst of our faults is our interest in other people’s Faults. – Ali Ibn Abi Talib”

“A Knife din’t kill Ismail (Alaihi salam), The fire Din’t Burn Ibrahim (Alaihi salam), A whale Din’t Eat Younus (Alaihi salam), The sea din’t Drown Musa (Alaihi salam). Be with ALLAH, and ALLAH will protect you.”

“If you don’t intend to marry her” Keep your hands off another mans Future wife.

If you do Intend to marry her. Keep your hands off until she is your wife”

“I only complain of my Sorrow and my sadness to ALLAH.”

“Beware of being found where Allah prohibited you from. and beware of being absent from where Allah commanded you to be.”

“When you feel low or sad look around you. Who are you friends? Surround yourself with those who remind you of Allah and become happy.”

“Trust Allah when things don’t work out the way you wanted. Allah has something better planned for you.”

“The overly jealous seek to harm and hurt other, but in the end only harm themselves”

SEE MORE LATEST AMAZING SMS

Comedy SMS Romantic SMS Goodbye Messages Happy Weekend Quotes Wishes Farewell Message Good Luck SMS Good Day SMS Get Well Soon Messages

“Fear Allah because of his punishment. Love Allah because he is full of mercy – Islamic Quotes & Sayings”

“Practicing Islam beautifies once character. if it’s making you intolerable, impatient and grumpy then you’re doing it wrong.”

inspirational-and-beautiful-islamic-quotes

“If you want to destroy any nation without war, make adultery & nudity common in the next generation. – Salahuddin Ayyubi”

“Worries End When SALAH Begins”

“Rather than stressing about things we cannot control, pray to The One in control and find relief.”

inspirational-islamic-quotes

“What is Jihad? smiling in Tough moment is Jihad. keeping Patience in hard times is Jihad. Struggling for good deed is jihad. talking care of old parents in a loving way is jihad. forgiving is jihad. Jihad is not what the media shows but what the Quran Says to strive and to Struggle!”

“Balance Your Dunya (world) around your deen (faith), its all a matter of priorities.”

“Bad things in life open your eyes to those things your weren’t paying much attention to before. That’s a blessing from Allah Too!”

inspirational-islamic-quotes-3

“Trust Allah when things don’t work out the way you wanted. Allah has something better planned for you.”

“The Shortest distance between a problem and it’s solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.”

inspirational-islamic-quotes-about-life

“Suicide Booming is not from Islam.

Messenger of Allah said:

Indeed whoever (intentionally) kills himself, then certainly he will be punished in the fire of Hell, wherein he shall dwell forever. (Bukharee – 5778)”

inspirational-islamic-quotes-anti-suicide-bombing-quote

“Your Interview with ALLAH is Coming”

inspirational-islamic-saying

“Fill your heart with Eemaan and it will become the post peaceful place on earth.”

“Peoples of ALHAMDULILLAH” Don’t Have to Complain”

Sahih Bukhari – “Do not wish to be like anyone, except in two cases: (1) A man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously. (2) A man whom Allah has given wisdom (knowledge of the Qur’an and the Hadith) and he acts according to it and teaches it to others.”

Bukhari – “If one has good manners, one may attain the same level of merit as those who spend their nights in prayer.”

“Indeed, ALLAH does not wrong the people at all, but it is the people who are wronging themselves.”

islamic-image-with-quote

“Faith is Trusting GOD even when you don’t understand his plan.”

“If the heart becomes hardend, the eye becomes dry. Ibn Qayyim”

“The Quran is for ourselves, not our Shelves.”

“Pyayer isn’t For Allah, It’s for you. He doesn’t need us But we need him.”

“The Greatest thing a Friend can do for you is bring you closer to ALLAH.”

“When Someone is behaving unjustly to you, find peace in the truth of the situation, knowing that Allah is enough as a witness.”

“Never think that any request you have is too much for ALLAH”

He says:

“BE”

SEE MORE LATEST BIRTHDAY SMS

Happy Birthday SMS Happy Birthday Hindi SMS Happy Birthday Wishes SMS Happy Birthday Wishes Best Birthday Status Romantic Birthday Status, Wishes and Message 18th Birthday Wishes Happy Birthday Wishes in Punjabi Tamil Birthday Status Nepali Birthday SMS Pakistani Birthday SMS Punjabi Birthday SMS

And it is.

“Rasulullah SAW said: The greatest Jihad is to battle your own soul. to fight the evil within yourself.”

“ALLAH makes the impossible Possible”

“Guilt is a gift from ALLAH warning you that what you are doing is violating your soul” – Nauman Ali Khan

“Your prefer the life of this world, while the hereafter is better & more lasting.” Quran

“No one besides ALLAH can rescue a sould from Hardship” Quran 53 : 58

“Be Patient – For what was written for you was written by the greatest of writers”

“There are days when you don’t feel like praying. When your soul feels dark and your heart feels down. Those are the days when you need to pray. Those are the days when you need it most. And if you find the straight to Bow before your Lord in those day. You have defeated a big part of your nafs (inner self) and taken a huge step towards your Lord. So pray no matter what. Lead your heart to prayer and one day your heart will Lead you to Prayer.”

“There is reward for Kindness to every living thing.” Prophet Muhamad (SAAW)

“Be somebody in the eyes of ALLAH, even if you are nobody in the eyes of people.”

Note to self: “Before going to sleep every night Forgive everyone and sleep with Clean Heart”

“Always leave loved onces with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.” Mufti Ismail Menk

“Stay close to anything that reminds you of ALLAH”

“If you don’t want your kids to hurt others, don’t show them how to do it”

“No matter how hurt you are, You will always find comfort with ALLAH”

“Why wish upon a star? when you cam pray to the one who created it”

“Being a Muslim is about changing yourself, Not changing Islam.”

“O ye who belivee! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behid their backs.” Quran 49:12

“When Love is for the sake of ALLAH, It never dies.”

“There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance depends on God. And He knows where it lives and where it rests. Everything is in a Clear Book.”

“Be embarrassed to sin in public, don’t be shy to show your faith.”

“Every new breath that ALLAH allows you to take is not just a blessing but also a responsibility.”

“There is no Islam without unity, no unity without leadership, and no leadership without obedience. ” — Umar ibn al-Khattab (??? ???? ???)

“They plan, and ALLAH plans & ALLAH is The Best of Planners.”

“Dua Heals All Negativity, Hurt, Anger, Worries and Depression. Pray to ALLAH Daily.”

“Men and Women have equal rewards for Their deeds. Quran 3:195”

“Dear ALLAH i pray that whoever reads this message shall have your comfort, joy, peace, love and guidance. I may not know their troubles, but you do please keep protecting us. Ameen”

“Every test is a blessing every blessing is a Test.”

islam-quote islam-quote-2

“Anas bin Malik (radi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “There shall come upon the people a time in which the one who is steadfast upon his religion will be like the one holding onto a burning ember.” (Hasan) [Chapters on Al-Fitan: Jami At-Tirmidhi]”

“Many skin colors. One Ummah. No Racism is ISLAM.”

SEE MORE AMAZING BIRTHDAY SMS

Birthday Status For Girlfriend Birthday Status For Boyfriend Dad Birthday Status Messages Birthday Status & Short Messages Birthday Status For Daughter Birthday Status For Son Happy Birthday Mother Messages Happy Birthday wishes for GirlFriend/BoyFriend

“He Knows what is in every Heart – Surah Mulk {67:13}”

Every Secret in your mind and heart Allah knows it all and nothing you can hide from Allah. “yes, I am Muslim. no, I don’t hate jews and christains.”

“Stop asking me why I’m still single. I don’t ask you how you are still married.”

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) Said: ‘Leave that  which doesn’t concern you.‘

“Being Muslim is for all day, Not just 5 time a day.”

“Who can help you get through your problems But ALLAH”

“Don’t waste your tears on a broken relationship with someone you once loved. Invest your tears to strengthen your relationship with ALLAH.”

“ALLAH still loves and shows mercy to those who disobey Him, so imagine how much He loves those who obey Him.”

“Being a Muslim is more than just going to the masjid (mosque). Allah wants your ‘attention’ not just your ‘attendance‘

“The Dunya (World) is not the resting place, it is the testing place.”

“Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has not faith.”

The Prophet of Mercy said: Beware! Whosoever oppresses a Muahid (i.e. Non-Muslim living in Muslim land with agreement) or snatches (any of) his rights or causes him pain which he cannot bear, or takes anything from him without his permission, Then “I WILL FIGHT AGAINST SUCH A (MUSLIM) ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT”[Sunnan Abu Dawud, Volume No. 3, Page No. 170, Hadith No. 3052]

“Someone, somewhere, right now, is fighting for his or her life. You still have yours, so be thankful and spend it in the obedience of Allah.”

“Sometimes the blessings are not in what he gives, but in what he takes away!”

“Do not force the religion on your family. show them the beauty of the religion through your own practice. – Nouman Ali khan”

“If Jannah is your dream, HOLD TIGHT to your deen!”

“Take Account of yourselves before you are taken to account. Weigh your deeds before they are weighed. Umar ibn Al-Khattab.”

[birthdaysms24-blog]

**Beautiful Islamic Quotes About Life**

I said to Allah, “I hate life.” He replied, “Who asked you to love life? Just love me and life will beautiful.

Men and women have equal rewards for their deeds. Quran 3:195

“O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behind their backs. ” {Quran 49:12}

If you are in doubt ask ALLAH. Perform Salatul Istikhara

There is no doubt that Allah (Subhanahu Wa ta’ala) has sent thousands of Quran Verses and millions of Hadith “Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (??? ???? ???? ? ???)” for mankind. No matter what situation you’re going through. There are solutions and guidance by Allah (Azzawajal).

SEE MORE LATEST AMAZING ISLAMIC SMS,QUOTES

Islamic Quotes In English Islamic Whatsapp Status Best Islamic Quotes Islamic Quotes In English Eid-Ul-Adha-Mubarak

Once I was amazed to see that my non-Muslim friends on facebook and twitter are posting Islamic Quotes and verses from Quran. I was even more amazed when their positive behavior toward Muslims reminded that there are many Verses in Quran about non-believers as ALLAH says in Quran “The Quran, is a guidance for mankind – (2:185)“.

I said to Allah, “I hate life.” He replied, “Who asked you to love life? Just love me and life will beautiful.”

Men and women have equal rewards for their deeds. Quran 3:195

“O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behind their backs. ” {Quran 49:12}

If you are in doubt ask ALLAH. Perform Salatul Istikhara

When things are too hard to handle, retreat & count your blessings instead.

“Severing your parents in their old age is as good as opening the doors of PARADISE, so don’t miss out.”

“When we repair our relationship with Allah, He repairs everything else for us.”

“You Cannot Delete you internet history from ALLAH.”

“Take everyday as a chance to become a better Muslim.”

“Only in ISLAM do the king and peasant bow down together side by side proclaiming God’s greatness.”

“Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate the blessings they already have. Say Alhamdulillah every moment of life.” best-islamic-quotes-2

“Born from different mothers skins of all colours come together as brothers . that’s the beauty of Islam.”

“Allah made you muslim because he wants to see you in JANNAH. All you have to do is prove that you’re worthy of it.”

“So What if this life isn’t perfect? it’s not jannah. Nouman Ali Khan.”

SEE MORE LATEST AMAZING ISLAMIC SMS,QUOTES

EID SMS Islamic Quotes Shab-e-Barat Muabrak SMS wishes Ramdan Laylat al Qadr Eid Ul Fitr Wish Facebook Status

“The Worst of our faults is our interest in other people’s Faults. – Ali Ibn Abi Talib”

“A Knife din’t kill Ismail (Alaihi salam), The fire Din’t Burn Ibrahim (Alaihi salam), A whale Din’t Eat Younus (Alaihi salam), The sea din’t Drown Musa (Alaihi salam). Be with ALLAH, and ALLAH will protect you.”

“If you don’t intend to marry her” Keep your hands off another mans Future wife.

If you do Intend to marry her. Keep your hands off until she is your wife”

“I only complain of my Sorrow and my sadness to ALLAH.”

“Beware of being found where Allah prohibited you from. and beware of being absent from where Allah commanded you to be.”

“When you feel low or sad look around you. Who are you friends? Surround yourself with those who remind you of Allah and become happy.”

“Trust Allah when things don’t work out the way you wanted. Allah has something better planned for you.”

“The overly jealous seek to harm and hurt other, but in the end only harm themselves”

“Fear Allah because of his punishment. Love Allah because he is full of mercy – Islamic Quotes & Sayings”

“Practicing Islam beautifies once character. if it’s making you intolerable, impatient and grumpy then you’re doing it wrong.”

inspirational-and-beautiful-islamic-quotes

“If you want to destroy any nation without war, make adultery & nudity common in the next generation. – Salahuddin Ayyubi”

“Worries End When SALAH Begins”

SEE MORE LATEST AMAZING SMS

Comedy SMS Romantic SMS Goodbye Messages Happy Weekend Quotes Wishes Farewell Message Good Luck SMS Good Day SMS Get Well Soon Messages

“Rather than stressing about things we cannot control, pray to The One in control and find relief.”

inspirational-islamic-quotes

“What is Jihad? smiling in Tough moment is Jihad. keeping Patience in hard times is Jihad. Struggling for good deed is jihad. talking care of old parents in a loving way is jihad. forgiving is jihad. Jihad is not what the media shows but what the Quran Says to strive and to Struggle!”

“Balance Your Dunya (world) around your deen (faith), its all a matter of priorities.”

“Bad things in life open your eyes to those things your weren’t paying much attention to before. That’s a blessing from Allah Too!”

inspirational-islamic-quotes-3

“Trust Allah when things don’t work out the way you wanted. Allah has something better planned for you.”

“The Shortest distance between a problem and it’s solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.”

inspirational-islamic-quotes-about-life

“Suicide Booming is not from Islam.

Messenger of Allah said:

Indeed whoever (intentionally) kills himself, then certainly he will be punished in the fire of Hell, wherein he shall dwell forever. (Bukharee – 5778)”

inspirational-islamic-quotes-anti-suicide-bombing-quote

“Your Interview with ALLAH is Coming”

inspirational-islamic-saying

“Fill your heart with Eemaan and it will become the post peaceful place on earth.”

“Peoples of ALHAMDULILLAH” Don’t Have to Complain”

Sahih Bukhari – “Do not wish to be like anyone, except in two cases: (1) A man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously. (2) A man whom Allah has given wisdom (knowledge of the Qur’an and the Hadith) and he acts according to it and teaches it to others.”

Bukhari – “If one has good manners, one may attain the same level of merit as those who spend their nights in prayer.”

“Indeed, ALLAH does not wrong the people at all, but it is the people who are wronging themselves.”

islamic-image-with-quote

“Faith is Trusting GOD even when you don’t understand his plan.”

“If the heart becomes hardend, the eye becomes dry. Ibn Qayyim”

“The Quran is for ourselves, not our Shelves.”

“Pyayer isn’t For Allah, It’s for you. He doesn’t need us But we need him.”

SEE LATEST AMAZING BREAKUP SMS

Break Up Status Break Up Status for Whatsapp Best Break Up SMS Love Breakup Status for Whatsapp Love Break Up Status in English

“The Greatest thing a Friend can do for you is bring you closer to ALLAH.”

“When Someone is behaving unjustly to you, find peace in the truth of the situation, knowing that Allah is enough as a witness.”

“Never think that any request you have is too much for ALLAH”

He says:

“BE”

And it is.

“Rasulullah SAW said: The greatest Jihad is to battle your own soul. to fight the evil within yourself.”

“ALLAH makes the impossible Possible”

“Guilt is a gift from ALLAH warning you that what you are doing is violating your soul” – Nauman Ali Khan

“Your prefer the life of this world, while the hereafter is better & more lasting.” Quran

“No one besides ALLAH can rescue a sould from Hardship” Quran 53 : 58

“Be Patient – For what was written for you was written by the greatest of writers”

“There are days when you don’t feel like praying. When your soul feels dark and your heart feels down. Those are the days when you need to pray. Those are the days when you need it most. And if you find the straight to Bow before your Lord in those day. You have defeated a big part of your nafs (inner self) and taken a huge step towards your Lord. So pray no matter what. Lead your heart to prayer and one day your heart will Lead you to Prayer.”

“There is reward for Kindness to every living thing.” Prophet Muhamad (SAAW)

“Be somebody in the eyes of ALLAH, even if you are nobody in the eyes of people.”

Note to self: “Before going to sleep every night Forgive everyone and sleep with Clean Heart”

“Always leave loved onces with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.” Mufti Ismail Menk

“Stay close to anything that reminds you of ALLAH”

“If you don’t want your kids to hurt others, don’t show them how to do it”

“No matter how hurt you are, You will always find comfort with ALLAH”

“Why wish upon a star? when you cam pray to the one who created it”

“Being a Muslim is about changing yourself, Not changing Islam.”

“O ye who belivee! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behid their backs.” Quran 49:12

“When Love is for the sake of ALLAH, It never dies.”

“There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance depends on God. And He knows where it lives and where it rests. Everything is in a Clear Book.”

“Be embarrassed to sin in public, don’t be shy to show your faith.”

“Every new breath that ALLAH allows you to take is not just a blessing but also a responsibility.”

“There is no Islam without unity, no unity without leadership, and no leadership without obedience. ” — Umar ibn al-Khattab (??? ???? ???)

“They plan, and ALLAH plans & ALLAH is The Best of Planners.”

“Dua Heals All Negativity, Hurt, Anger, Worries and Depression. Pray to ALLAH Daily.”

“Men and Women have equal rewards for Their deeds. Quran 3:195”

“Dear ALLAH i pray that whoever reads this message shall have your comfort, joy, peace, love and guidance. I may not know their troubles, but you do please keep protecting us. Ameen”

“Every test is a blessing every blessing is a Test.”

islam-quote islam-quote-2

“Anas bin Malik (radi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “There shall come upon the people a time in which the one who is steadfast upon his religion will be like the one holding onto a burning ember.” (Hasan) [Chapters on Al-Fitan: Jami At-Tirmidhi]”

“Many skin colors. One Ummah. No Racism is ISLAM.”

“He Knows what is in every Heart – Surah Mulk {67:13}”

Every Secret in your mind and heart Allah knows it all and nothing you can hide from Allah. “yes, I am Muslim. no, I don’t hate jews and christains.”

“Stop asking me why I’m still single. I don’t ask you how you are still married.”

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) Said: ‘Leave that  which doesn’t concern you.‘

“Being Muslim is for all day, Not just 5 time a day.”

“Who can help you get through your problems But ALLAH”

“Don’t waste your tears on a broken relationship with someone you once loved. Invest your tears to strengthen your relationship with ALLAH.”

“ALLAH still loves and shows mercy to those who disobey Him, so imagine how much He loves those who obey Him.”

“Being a Muslim is more than just going to the masjid (mosque). Allah wants your ‘attention’ not just your ‘attendance‘

“The Dunya (World) is not the resting place, it is the testing place.”

“Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has not faith.”

The Prophet of Mercy said: Beware! Whosoever oppresses a Muahid (i.e. Non-Muslim living in Muslim land with agreement) or snatches (any of) his rights or causes him pain which he cannot bear, or takes anything from him without his permission, Then “I WILL FIGHT AGAINST SUCH A (MUSLIM) ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT”[Sunnan Abu Dawud, Volume No. 3, Page No. 170, Hadith No. 3052]

“Someone, somewhere, right now, is fighting for his or her life. You still have yours, so be thankful and spend it in the obedience of Allah.”

“Sometimes the blessings are not in what he gives, but in what he takes away!”

“Do not force the religion on your family. show them the beauty of the religion through your own practice. – Nouman Ali khan”

“If Jannah is your dream, HOLD TIGHT to your deen!”

“Take Account of yourselves before you are taken to account. Weigh your deeds before they are weighed. Umar ibn Al-Khattab.”

[animalssecrets]

10 Secrets To Keeping The Love Strong And Your Relationship From Going Under

10 Secrets To Keeping The Love Strong And Your Relationship From Going Under

I thought I had it all figured out. I created my future in an imaginary crystal ball, and I was ready to ride off into the sunset into all my happily-ever-after, fairytale bliss.

The only problem with all of this is that I typically shared my unsolicited advice while single, avoiding love like the plague, or in a terribly toxic relationship.

I created unrealistic expectations in my mind that only set me up for one failed relationship after another, which I immediately justified as “one door closing so another could open” or promising my heart that “there are far greater things ahead than any we leave behind.”

As I’ve continued to grow and develop as a woman, a writer and a lover, I have learned a few things about true love and how skewed my perception of what it meant used to be.

I am fortune enough to be surrounded by so many amazing (absolutely imperfect) relationships that have allowed me to piece together a few secrets that no one (especially the self-righteous, naïve, advice-soliciting blogger I used to be) would dare tell you.

1. Love is not a feeling; it is a choice

I used to believe that when I found my perfect love, it would suddenly make everything else in my life perfect as well. I believed that love conquered all, and that one day I would meet someone who would change everything I felt, saw and believed.

This is simply not the way that it works. Being in love does not mean you won’t have days when you feel as though the world is ending and your life is over. Being in love does not mean you won’t be moody, grouchy, analytical of every detail and even question aspects of your relationship that self-affirming blogger girl would tell you marks a giant red flag.

Choosing to love someone in spite of these fleeting feelings is a constant, conscious, daily decision.

2. Lust fades, love stays

Butterflies, magic, stardust and rainbows are all great, but they all go away. Lust is present in the beginning of nearly all relationships, as it is what attracts you to someone in the first place.

Before you know it, butterflies in your stomach become taking care of him after one too many shots of whiskey, and getting dolled up for a dinner date becomes good morning kisses while sipping coffee on the patio with no makeup on. We are conditioned to believe that the former is better than the latter, but I believe the opposite.

Lust, chemistry and primal attraction are wonderful feelings, but they are just that: feelings. Love remains long after the clock strikes midnight and the magic fades away. Love is the ability to see beyond the shell in which someone is contained, and love them for the qualities they possess that would still be present if the whole world were blind.

3. Just because you don’t like someone doesn’t mean you don’t love them

There are going to be times where you don’t really like your partner very much, but you still love him or her. In fact, love gives us the ability to see past all of the many annoying things that someone does on a daily basis.

Want to know the best part? This also means that someone loves you enough to put up with you even when they don’t like you at the moment.

No one is perfect; we all have our moods and our pet peeves and the things that make us unique. There will be times when you will look at your partner and think, “Why in the world do I love this person so dang much?”

When this question presents itself, stop and think about your life without him or her, and you will inevitably discover the answer.

4. Letting go of unrealistic expectations is the healthiest thing you can do for love

This is a really big one for me. I still struggle sometimes with wanting a storybook romance that makes all of the fairytales jealous. I set love on such a pedestal that I don’t think anyone stood a chance measuring up.

I still believe in love with all of my heart, but I am learning to accept the fact that I don’t get to determine the parameters for which love comes into my life.

It isn’t “settling” to accept the fact that true love takes work every single day, requires sacrifice and effort and does not involve finding someone who can read your mind and make every single one of your wishes come true.

Letting go of unrealistic expectations I had created for love allowed me to open my heart up to imperfect, jagged, pieces of love that filled spaces I didn’t even know were missing.

5. You are not your friend’s (or your sister’s/mom’s/neighbor’s) relationship

It is human nature to seek advice and consolation from loved ones when facing both highs and lows, but it’s imperative to remember that your relationship is not the same as any of the relationships around you.

I adopted trust issues after my best friend was cheated on, became a phone snooper when a girlfriend snooped and found exactly what she was looking for and I’ve convinced myself on a coffee date that all men must be the same.

Relationships have enough problems, struggles and limitations independently; don’t borrow problems from those around you. Along the same lines, everyone around you will always have the answer/advice/solution no matter what kind of situation your current relationship is facing.

Take these words of wisdom with a grain of salt. Follow your heart, but take your head with you, too. You are not him or her; he or she is not you and nobody really understands all of the intricate details of a relationship from the outside.

6. Love needs to be watered in order to grow

Just as much as loving someone is a choice, relationships must be watered and nurtured in order to grow into their purest, fullest, happiest form. Relationships, like anything else worth having in life, take work. This does not mean that you should be bending over backward and causing riffs in all other aspects of your life in order to make a relationship work.

Working on a relationship and making a relationship work are two completely different concepts. Life is way too short to spend it with someone you are simply “making it work” with. At the same time, it’s imperative to remember that you must protect and nurture your relationship if you want it to thrive.

Take time to reconnect, show appreciation and grow together. All too often I see people living parallel lives; merely coexisting with their significant other.

While it’s important to continue to grow and develop individually, it is just as important to grow together and strengthen the bonds that brought you together in the first place. The grass is greener where you water it, and love grows fullest when watered on a daily basis.

7. Dirty laundry does not belong anywhere other than a laundry basket

Social media makes this concept very difficult, as many people are conditioned to turn directly to a tweet, status or hashtag to declare their feelings and emotions at any given moment.

I had a wonderful conversation with an older couple in which the woman told me that she had a conversation with her daughter when she was having marriage issues. “I just don’t get it; you and dad have never been in a fight in your 40 years of marriage, yet we seem to fight all the time. What’s your secret?”

The woman replied, “Honey, dad and I fight when he leaves the milk lid unscrewed, swears in front of the grandkids and forgets to turn the AC off before leaving the house. We’ve spent the past 40 years fighting. The secret to our marriage is the fact that the fight starts and ends exactly where it belongs: between us.”

I love this concept. Life is not always going to be rainbows and butterflies, and relationships will inevitably face rough waters and bumpy roads. A disagreement between two people is much easier resolved than a disagreement that involves social media and screen shots of conversations.

It’s easy to want to declare your emotions and anger to the world when you are feeling hurt or vulnerable, but learning to turn to one another and to work on discovering the root of the problem will lead to a much more healthy resolve. Plus, it’s no fun having to defend a mended relationship that you just got done slandering via social media.

Keep your dirty laundry in your laundry basket and learn how to sift through it together.

8. Sometimes you don’t “just know” and that’s okay

This is another concept I continue to struggle with. I always believed that I would meet someone and instantly know he was my soul mate. I have heard people say, “when you are with the right person, you will know,”more times than I can even count, and I spent a lot of time letting people pass me by because I would meet them without having an instant connection.

I know that part of my heart will always be a hopeless romantic, and I am okay with that, but I am also learning that sometimes falling in love isn’t fireworks and ringing bells and jumping from airplanes without looking below.

Sometimes love is a quiet wave, slowly kissing the shore and sneaking back into the vast blue ocean. Sometimes love is friendship caught fire, a well-deserved second chance and a resting place for your heart when you find yourself caught in a storm. Sometimes love has been right under your nose all along.

I still believe that when I find my perfect love, I will “know” in a sense, but I am learning that for everything I know, there’s a parallel that I don’t know and that’s okay. Sometimes love isn’t having everything figured out, but, rather, finding peace in knowing that you have someone by your side that you enjoy discovering the answers with.

9. Your life is not a movie

There are two outcomes in life: the way we think it should go and the way it actually ends up going. Movies, social media, online articles and Hollywood dramas set a precedence that does not align with reality in any sense.

When we encounter struggles or hardships, it’s almost human nature to think of the ultra-romantic way our significant other SHOULD handle it. Don’t let your relationship “should all over itself. Your relationship may not make a very good screenplay, but life has enough ups and downs and sometimes a relationship is best when served on solid ground.

Allow your relationship to grow and develop without expectations set by others. Keep in mind that even the most romantic and sexy movies end (usually in 90 minutes or less). Your relationship has the potential to be a lifetime of sweet moments dipped in a heavy dose of reality. Treating your relationship with movie-worthy expectations with inevitably result in a not-so-happy-ending while the credits roll.

10. Love takes time

Last, but certainly not least, please remember this: love takes time. We live in a world where we want something, and we want it now. I’ve learned that the faster something catches fire, the faster it is likely to burn out.

Be patient with your heart. Be patient with the hearts around you. If you see potential in someone, allow it to transpire naturally, without forcing expectations and timestamps all over it.

Men often take longer than women to open up, and it can be frustrating to feel like you are progressing much quicker than your partner. Please remember that just because someone doesn’t love the SAME way you do, it doesn’t mean they don’t love with all that they have.

Patience is a characteristic that I feel many of us neglect in so many aspects of our lives. It’s important to not only be patient with our loved ones’ hearts, but patient with the heart beating within our own chest.

We have all loved and lost, been hurt and scared, and we are all choosing to put one foot in front of the other in an attempt to love again. Be patient with your feelings, be patient with your emotions and be patient when giving your love.

Let yourself give love. Let yourself be loved

10 Secrets To Keeping The Love Strong And Your Relationship From Going Under from Blogger https://ift.tt/2w1K3Cz 10 Secrets To Keeping The Love Strong And Your Relationship From Going Under via Animals Secrets https://ift.tt/2w1K3Cz

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**Beautiful Islamic Quotes About Life**

I said to Allah, “I hate life.” He replied, “Who asked you to love life? Just love me and life will beautiful.

Men and women have equal rewards for their deeds. Quran 3:195

“O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behind their backs. ” {Quran 49:12}

If you are in doubt ask ALLAH. Perform Salatul Istikhara

There is no doubt that Allah (Subhanahu Wa ta’ala) has sent thousands of Quran Verses and millions of Hadith “Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (??? ???? ???? ? ???)” for mankind. No matter what situation you’re going through. There are solutions and guidance by Allah (Azzawajal).

Once I was amazed to see that my non-Muslim friends on facebook and twitter are posting Islamic Quotes and verses from Quran. I was even more amazed when their positive behavior toward Muslims reminded that there are many Verses in Quran about non-believers as ALLAH says in Quran “The Quran, is a guidance for mankind – (2:185)“.

I said to Allah, “I hate life.” He replied, “Who asked you to love life? Just love me and life will beautiful.”

SEE MORE LATEST AMAZING ISLAMIC SMS,QUOTES

EID SMS Islamic Quotes Shab-e-Barat Muabrak SMS wishes Ramdan Laylat al Qadr Eid Ul Fitr Wish Facebook Status

Men and women have equal rewards for their deeds. Quran 3:195

“O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behind their backs. ” {Quran 49:12}

If you are in doubt ask ALLAH. Perform Salatul Istikhara

When things are too hard to handle, retreat & count your blessings instead.

“Severing your parents in their old age is as good as opening the doors of PARADISE, so don’t miss out.”

“When we repair our relationship with Allah, He repairs everything else for us.”

“You Cannot Delete you internet history from ALLAH.”

“Take everyday as a chance to become a better Muslim.”

“Only in ISLAM do the king and peasant bow down together side by side proclaiming God’s greatness.”

“Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate the blessings they already have. Say Alhamdulillah every moment of life.” best-islamic-quotes-2

“Born from different mothers skins of all colours come together as brothers . that’s the beauty of Islam.”

SEE MORE LATEST AMAZING ISLAMIC SMS,QUOTES

Islamic Quotes In English Islamic Whatsapp Status Best Islamic Quotes Islamic Quotes In English Eid-Ul-Adha-Mubarak

“Allah made you muslim because he wants to see you in JANNAH. All you have to do is prove that you’re worthy of it.”

“So What if this life isn’t perfect? it’s not jannah. Nouman Ali Khan.”

“The Worst of our faults is our interest in other people’s Faults. – Ali Ibn Abi Talib”

“A Knife din’t kill Ismail (Alaihi salam), The fire Din’t Burn Ibrahim (Alaihi salam), A whale Din’t Eat Younus (Alaihi salam), The sea din’t Drown Musa (Alaihi salam). Be with ALLAH, and ALLAH will protect you.”

“If you don’t intend to marry her” Keep your hands off another mans Future wife.

If you do Intend to marry her. Keep your hands off until she is your wife”

“I only complain of my Sorrow and my sadness to ALLAH.”

“Beware of being found where Allah prohibited you from. and beware of being absent from where Allah commanded you to be.”

“When you feel low or sad look around you. Who are you friends? Surround yourself with those who remind you of Allah and become happy.”

“Trust Allah when things don’t work out the way you wanted. Allah has something better planned for you.”

“The overly jealous seek to harm and hurt other, but in the end only harm themselves”

“Fear Allah because of his punishment. Love Allah because he is full of mercy – Islamic Quotes & Sayings”

“Practicing Islam beautifies once character. if it’s making you intolerable, impatient and grumpy then you’re doing it wrong.”

inspirational-and-beautiful-islamic-quotes

“If you want to destroy any nation without war, make adultery & nudity common in the next generation. – Salahuddin Ayyubi”

“Worries End When SALAH Begins”

“Rather than stressing about things we cannot control, pray to The One in control and find relief.”

inspirational-islamic-quotes

“What is Jihad? smiling in Tough moment is Jihad. keeping Patience in hard times is Jihad. Struggling for good deed is jihad. talking care of old parents in a loving way is jihad. forgiving is jihad. Jihad is not what the media shows but what the Quran Says to strive and to Struggle!”

“Balance Your Dunya (world) around your deen (faith), its all a matter of priorities.”

“Bad things in life open your eyes to those things your weren’t paying much attention to before. That’s a blessing from Allah Too!”

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“Trust Allah when things don’t work out the way you wanted. Allah has something better planned for you.”

SEE MORE LATEST BIRTHDAY SMS

Happy Birthday SMS Happy Birthday Hindi SMS Happy Birthday Wishes SMS Happy Birthday Wishes Best Birthday Status Romantic Birthday Status, Wishes and Message 18th Birthday Wishes Happy Birthday Wishes in Punjabi Tamil Birthday Status Nepali Birthday SMS Pakistani Birthday SMS Punjabi Birthday SMS

“The Shortest distance between a problem and it’s solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.”

inspirational-islamic-quotes-about-life

“Suicide Booming is not from Islam.

Messenger of Allah said:

Indeed whoever (intentionally) kills himself, then certainly he will be punished in the fire of Hell, wherein he shall dwell forever. (Bukharee – 5778)”

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“Your Interview with ALLAH is Coming”

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“Fill your heart with Eemaan and it will become the post peaceful place on earth.”

“Peoples of ALHAMDULILLAH” Don’t Have to Complain”

Sahih Bukhari – “Do not wish to be like anyone, except in two cases: (1) A man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously. (2) A man whom Allah has given wisdom (knowledge of the Qur’an and the Hadith) and he acts according to it and teaches it to others.”

Bukhari – “If one has good manners, one may attain the same level of merit as those who spend their nights in prayer.”

“Indeed, ALLAH does not wrong the people at all, but it is the people who are wronging themselves.”

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“Faith is Trusting GOD even when you don’t understand his plan.”

“If the heart becomes hardend, the eye becomes dry. Ibn Qayyim”

“The Quran is for ourselves, not our Shelves.”

“Pyayer isn’t For Allah, It’s for you. He doesn’t need us But we need him.”

“The Greatest thing a Friend can do for you is bring you closer to ALLAH.”

“When Someone is behaving unjustly to you, find peace in the truth of the situation, knowing that Allah is enough as a witness.”

“Never think that any request you have is too much for ALLAH”

He says:

“BE”

And it is.

“Rasulullah SAW said: The greatest Jihad is to battle your own soul. to fight the evil within yourself.”

“ALLAH makes the impossible Possible”

“Guilt is a gift from ALLAH warning you that what you are doing is violating your soul” – Nauman Ali Khan

“Your prefer the life of this world, while the hereafter is better & more lasting.” Quran

“No one besides ALLAH can rescue a sould from Hardship” Quran 53 : 58

“Be Patient – For what was written for you was written by the greatest of writers”

“There are days when you don’t feel like praying. When your soul feels dark and your heart feels down. Those are the days when you need to pray. Those are the days when you need it most. And if you find the straight to Bow before your Lord in those day. You have defeated a big part of your nafs (inner self) and taken a huge step towards your Lord. So pray no matter what. Lead your heart to prayer and one day your heart will Lead you to Prayer.”

SEE MORE AMAZING BIRTHDAY SMS

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“There is reward for Kindness to every living thing.” Prophet Muhamad (SAAW)

“Be somebody in the eyes of ALLAH, even if you are nobody in the eyes of people.”

Note to self: “Before going to sleep every night Forgive everyone and sleep with Clean Heart”

“Always leave loved onces with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.” Mufti Ismail Menk

“Stay close to anything that reminds you of ALLAH”

“If you don’t want your kids to hurt others, don’t show them how to do it”

“No matter how hurt you are, You will always find comfort with ALLAH”

“Why wish upon a star? when you cam pray to the one who created it”

“Being a Muslim is about changing yourself, Not changing Islam.”

“O ye who belivee! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behid their backs.” Quran 49:12

“When Love is for the sake of ALLAH, It never dies.”

“There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance depends on God. And He knows where it lives and where it rests. Everything is in a Clear Book.”

“Be embarrassed to sin in public, don’t be shy to show your faith.”

“Every new breath that ALLAH allows you to take is not just a blessing but also a responsibility.”

“There is no Islam without unity, no unity without leadership, and no leadership without obedience. ” — Umar ibn al-Khattab (??? ???? ???)

“They plan, and ALLAH plans & ALLAH is The Best of Planners.”

“Dua Heals All Negativity, Hurt, Anger, Worries and Depression. Pray to ALLAH Daily.”

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“Men and Women have equal rewards for Their deeds. Quran 3:195”

“Dear ALLAH i pray that whoever reads this message shall have your comfort, joy, peace, love and guidance. I may not know their troubles, but you do please keep protecting us. Ameen”

“Every test is a blessing every blessing is a Test.”

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“Anas bin Malik (radi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “There shall come upon the people a time in which the one who is steadfast upon his religion will be like the one holding onto a burning ember.” (Hasan) [Chapters on Al-Fitan: Jami At-Tirmidhi]”

“Many skin colors. One Ummah. No Racism is ISLAM.”

“He Knows what is in every Heart – Surah Mulk {67:13}”

Every Secret in your mind and heart Allah knows it all and nothing you can hide from Allah. “yes, I am Muslim. no, I don’t hate jews and christains.”

“Stop asking me why I’m still single. I don’t ask you how you are still married.”

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) Said: ‘Leave that  which doesn’t concern you.‘

“Being Muslim is for all day, Not just 5 time a day.”

“Who can help you get through your problems But ALLAH”

“Don’t waste your tears on a broken relationship with someone you once loved. Invest your tears to strengthen your relationship with ALLAH.”

“ALLAH still loves and shows mercy to those who disobey Him, so imagine how much He loves those who obey Him.”

“Being a Muslim is more than just going to the masjid (mosque). Allah wants your ‘attention’ not just your ‘attendance‘

“The Dunya (World) is not the resting place, it is the testing place.”

“Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has not faith.”

The Prophet of Mercy said: Beware! Whosoever oppresses a Muahid (i.e. Non-Muslim living in Muslim land with agreement) or snatches (any of) his rights or causes him pain which he cannot bear, or takes anything from him without his permission, Then “I WILL FIGHT AGAINST SUCH A (MUSLIM) ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT”[Sunnan Abu Dawud, Volume No. 3, Page No. 170, Hadith No. 3052]

“Someone, somewhere, right now, is fighting for his or her life. You still have yours, so be thankful and spend it in the obedience of Allah.”

“Sometimes the blessings are not in what he gives, but in what he takes away!”

“Do not force the religion on your family. show them the beauty of the religion through your own practice. – Nouman Ali khan”

“If Jannah is your dream, HOLD TIGHT to your deen!”

“Take Account of yourselves before you are taken to account. Weigh your deeds before they are weighed. Umar ibn Al-Khattab.”