#Resilience and Strength

[harmonyhealinghub]

Celebrating Indigenous Brilliance: A Path Towards Reconciliation

Shaina Tranquilino

October 9, 2023

In our continuous journey towards reconciliation, it is essential that we strive to dismantle stereotypes and misconceptions about Indigenous communities. Too often, the narratives surrounding Indigenous peoples focus solely on their suffering and trauma, perpetuating a one-dimensional view of their experiences. However, as Len Pierre rightly asserts, we must also make a conscious effort to learn about and celebrate the brilliance and success within Indigenous cultures. By doing so, we can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the resilience and diversity that defines these remarkable communities.

The Importance of Shifting Perspectives:

For far too long, mainstream media has predominantly portrayed Indigenous communities through a lens of victimhood, emphasizing historical injustices and ongoing struggles. While acknowledging past and present challenges is crucial in understanding the systemic issues faced by Indigenous populations, it is equally vital to recognize their achievements and contributions across various fields.

Indigenous Brilliance: A Rich Tapestry of Success:

Indigenous cultures are rooted in ancient wisdom, profound spirituality, and a deep connection with nature. They possess an innate ability to adapt to changing environments while preserving their heritage. The world owes much gratitude to Indigenous peoples for invaluable contributions in areas such as art, music, literature, science, medicine, education, sports, activism, and more.

Artistic Expressions: From traditional crafts like weaving and pottery to contemporary forms like painting and sculpture, Indigenous artists have enriched global artistic traditions with their unique perspectives. Their work serves as a powerful medium for storytelling while preserving cultural identity.

Literary Legacy: From oral traditions passed down through generations to modern literary works exploring personal experiences or societal issues relevant today – Indigenous authors bring forth diverse narratives that enlighten readers worldwide. Their stories shed light on the richness of indigenous cultures' histories while providing valuable insights into contemporary life.

Scientific Innovations: Indigenous knowledge systems boast sustainable practices that have guided societies for centuries. Techniques related to agriculture, land conservation, and medicinal plant usage demonstrate a deep understanding of the natural world. By incorporating this wisdom into modern scientific practices, Indigenous communities contribute to ecological sustainability and inspire innovative approaches.

Sports and Athletics: Indigenous athletes have achieved remarkable success on national and international platforms. Whether it be in hockey, lacrosse, basketball, or other sports – their talent and determination serve as inspirations for future generations while dismantling stereotypes.

Activism and Community Leadership: Indigenous individuals have been at the forefront of social movements advocating for human rights, environmental protection, and cultural preservation. Their contributions continue to shape policies that promote inclusivity, justice, and equity for all.

Len Pierre's quote emphasizes the need to celebrate Indigenous brilliance alongside acknowledging their suffering and trauma. By expanding our knowledge about the achievements and successes within Indigenous cultures, we can break free from limited narratives. It is through this understanding that we pave the way towards reconciliation based on mutual respect, appreciation, and a genuine desire to learn from one another. Let us collectively embark on a journey that recognizes the resilience, brilliance, and strength inherent in Indigenous communities worldwide.

[lifeinspiration4all]

The Threads That Bind Us: Finding Strength in the Fabric of Life

Life unfolds like a tapestry, each thread a unique story, each weave a testament to our journey. These threads are not uniform—some shimmer with joy, others are coarse with pain. Yet, their interplay creates a fabric that is both resilient and breathtakingly beautiful. It is through this dynamic complexity that life’s true strength emerges. The Foundation of Our Tapestry At the heart of every…

[306somesh]

My Experience with Surgery: A Journey Through Healing and Resilience

Daily writing promptHave you ever had surgery? What for?View all responses Introduction Surgery is an experience that many people undergo at some point in their lives. Whether it’s a minor procedure or a major operation, the journey of surgery is often accompanied by a mix of emotions, from anxiety and fear to relief and hope. In this blog, I’ll share my personal experience with surgery, the…

[borngeniusworld]

Suffering, Struggles and Hardships

Suffering, Struggle and Hardships “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.” – Chinese Proverb “Strength does not come from the body. It comes from the will.” “Out of difficulties grow miracles.” – Jean de La Bruyère “The only way out is through.” – Robert Frost “It’s not the load that breaks you, it’s the way you carry it.” – Lou Holtz “Suffering is a…

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

[barib-yariel]

4 Israeli women after 477 days beeing hostages in hell, inches away from armed terrorists: on their feet, heads held high, holding hands, smiling, waving.

average internet hamasnik: this is humiliating for you. you are humiliated by this. somehow. please.

[backjustforberena]

RHAENYS TARGARYEN - "She's quite headstrong. Smart, [...] intense, because the core of any Targaryen is a dragon."

[factsilike]

Mdzs Fandom: JC suffered so much, he lost his entire family and sister and even his clan, surely his taking out his anger and resentment at others is totally misunderstood and reasonable, I relate to him so much 🥹

WN (who lost not only his sister and entire family and clan but also his literal life, and was held captive and experimented on for thirteen years as a trophy, watches his relatives die a second time, is treated with prejudice and disdain and fear by most of the cultivation world, yet despite all this still manages to retain a bone-deep kindness and humility, as well as a sense of righteousness as fierce as himself): Am I a joke to you?

This is what I meant when I said characters who are constantly declaring what they went through are put up on a pedestal for their non existent resilience. It's so easy to forget that other characters went through much of the same pain and handled their circumstances better, like WN who went through literal hell himself, because he barely mentions and even downplays his suffering.

[toyastales]

You know those people who face incredible challenges, the kind that would make most of us crumble? The ones who have every reason to throw in the towel but somehow, against all odds, they keep going? They are the true heroes, the ones who inspire us all. They prove that strength isn't about never falling, but about getting back up every time you do. That's what makes them the strongest among us. 

https://whatyoulookingatnow.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-strongest-amongst-us.html

[mr-entj]

Of all the virtues we can learn no trait is more useful, more essential for survival, and more likely to improve the quality of life than the ability to transform adversity into an enjoyable challenge.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience

[echoessilencepatienceandgrace]

kindness is a strength

a conversation between caterina dellamorte, and her new granddaughter-in-law.

Thea paced her way through Villa Dellamorte, unable to find sleep in her new home. The last time she walked through the villa, Venatori blood stained the marble and carpets, which took months to clean. She walked slowly with a small fire orb behind her, the warm light flickering with each step. Crossing her arms, Thea ascended the long stairwell back to the family wing, where Lucanis and Amalia were fast asleep.

Moonlight peered through the windows, basking the upper hall in it's ethereal light. Thea’s eyes wandered to the new portraits hanging in the corridor. She smiled, remembering how happy Lucanis was to put the paintings back, much to his grandmother’s dismay. With so much loss behind them and the promise of a new future ahead, the new First Talon wanted to be sure his family was honored and remembered.  The generations of House Dellamorte were displayed in their Crow splendor, embodying elegance, grace and just a hint of smugness. Thea took her time, studying each face and name, trying to find the little similarities between Lucanis and his ancestors.

At the end of the hall, two portraits hung side by side, adorned with fresh flowers and two crow masks. Thea motioned the orb higher to get a better look, the flicker from the flame caused a glare from the golden plaque beneath the frame.

Alessandra and Emiliano Dellamorte.

Lucanis’ parents.

Thea’s heart couldn’t help but feel heavy, seeing her husband in both of his parents. Emiliano had a warm smile, dark eyes and a freckled completion, with a sense of style that was unmatched. Alessandra’s portrait commanded attention, but there was a certain softness to her. She had a smile on her face, with dark cascading hair and beautiful warm brown eyes.

Those same brown eyes belonged to Lucanis, which made Thea smile. She began to imagine Lucanis with his parents, until the tapping of a cane pulled her from her thoughts.

“I have not seen that smile in some time.” Caterina’s voice was almost soft as she approached Thea, her eyes fixated on the painting above. She leaned against her cane; her expression was sorrowful as she looked away.

“I am glad, I suppose, that Lucanis rehung them. My poor Alessandra. It was just yesterday I gave her my opal ring, and now...”

“Losing your children… your family in that way… For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.” 

“Thank you.” Caterina responded quickly.

An awkward silence filled the space between them as they both looked at Alessandra’s portrait. Thea tucked her sweater tighter; Caterina shifted weight on her cane.

“You must wonder what she was like, my Alessandra.” Caterina tilted her head, a small sign of a smile breaking through her thin lips.

Thea raised an eyebrow toward the old woman. “Well, you are strong and powerful, ruthless too. I can imagine she was the same.”

“She was those things, yes.” Caterina sighed. “But… above all else, she was kind.”

Thea’s eyes shifted back toward Alessandra’s portrait, a small smile on her lips.

“Ahh… so Lucanis is like her in more ways than one.” Thea whispered.

“She was what every crow from House Dellamorte should aspire to be: intelligent, cut throat, merciless.” Caterina scoffed. “Her kindness could not save her from House Velardo. It was nothing more than a weakness.”

Anger flashed in Thea’s eyes at the old woman’s words.

“That’s not a weakness, if anything it made her stronger.” Thea spoke through gritted teeth.

Caterina’s head spun toward the mage, who stood firm, though her hands shook under the glare of the former First Talon.

“Yes, it is a weakness.” The old woman’s voice cracked slightly. “There is no place for it among the Crows, especially Crows from House Dellamorte. It is why they… it is why my Alessandra… is dead.”

Thea let out a sigh, tapping her fingers against her upper arm. Caterina was stubborn and unyielding, which was why she tended to avoided her. But here, in the empty hall of Villa Dellamorte, there was a sense of vulnerability, of real emotion slipping through the cracks of Caterina’s hardened exterior. Thea met the old woman’s eyes, seeing them full of sorrow and regret as she let out a quiet sigh, holding her cane tight. Thea swallowed hard, looking back toward Alessandra and Emiliano.

“She was blindsided by traitorous Crows making a grab for power. It had nothing to do with her kind heart." Thea spoke low, knowing she’d regret her next words. "Kindness is a strength, look at your grandson, after what you put him through, all the beatings, the starvation... he endured. He is the kindest person I've ever met. I-" Thea closed her eyes, taking a breath. “I am sorry, it’s not my place.”

Caterina scoffed at the mages words, looking toward the window. She bowed her head, tapping her cane twice to the ground.

“No. It is not. But, you… you are right. It is why I treated him the way I did.” Caterina met Thea’s eyes. “I did not want to lose him or Illario... the way I lost Alessandra.” The old woman walked passed Thea, standing under the portrait of her daughter.

“Her kindness was beautiful and pure, and they took advantage.” She sighed. “I did not want the same for my grandsons. I prepared them for the life we endure as Crows."

Caterina's hand ghosted for a moment over the painted cheek of her daughter.

"She lives on through Lucanis, and I am grateful. He loved her more than anything.”

The old woman smiled, a secret smile, only for her daughter.

“Alessandra would have loved you, and your Amalia. She would be proud to know that Lucanis found someone who makes him happy, who stands up to defend his kind heart. Although, I think you are far too stubborn and strong willed and extremely open with your judgements."

“Thank you.” Thea whispered, surprised at the old woman’s words.

Caterina said nothing in response, but a small smile broke on her face. She headed in the direction of her bed chamber before turning back to Thea.

“I often have found that a warm cup of coffee and a stroll in the gardens helps with sleep. Especially while one is adjusting to life in a new home.” She smirked before entering her bedroom.

Thea stood with her arms crossed, a shocked expression on her face. Kindness was no weakness, and it seemed to run strong in the veins of House Dellamorte, even somewhere hidden deep under the surface of their matriarch.

[nonnienautskie]

(website: onlyfans.com/nonnie_40dd)

Drenched in mist, wrapped in cold, trying to keep them warm, yet she smiles—for she knows that behind every gray cloud, the sun is only waiting its turn." ☁️🌞

[rubberizer92]

🔥 Mark’s Journey: From Ordinary to Extraordinary 🔥

It wasn’t an easy road for Mark. He started as an average guy, living a quiet life, until he felt a pull—a call to become something more. Driven by an inner desire to transform, Mark took his first steps toward change, fueled by a fire only he could feel. The journey was grueling, with endless hours in the gym, each rep chiseling him into the man he aspired to be. His body transformed, muscle by muscle, as discipline and dedication became his closest allies.

But it wasn’t just physical. Mentally, he had to face his fears, break through self-doubt, and learn to embrace the man he was becoming. His confidence grew with each milestone, every glance in the mirror reflecting the result of his hard work. As his body hardened, so did his resolve—he was no longer the man he once was.

Now, standing tall and proud, Mark wears his transformation like a badge of honor. His journey is a testament to what’s possible when you commit to your own evolution. From humble beginnings to a sculpted physique, he’s a living embodiment of strength, resilience, and self-belief.

What would you give to transform like Mark? Drop a 🔥 in the comments if you’re ready for your own journey!

Do you want to get your own AI artwork? Click here: https://bit.ly/3YrnPEe

[borngeniusworld]

Suffering, Struggles and Hardships

Suffering, Struggle and Hardships “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.” – Chinese Proverb “Strength does not come from the body. It comes from the will.” “Out of difficulties grow miracles.” – Jean de La Bruyère “The only way out is through.” – Robert Frost “It’s not the load that breaks you, it’s the way you carry it.” – Lou Holtz “Suffering is a…