#The Tao of self confidence

[sheenayapchan]

Meet Selena Rezvani

Selena Rezvani is a recognized author, speaker, and consultant on leadership. Her newest book, the instant Wall Street Journal bestseller, Quick Confidence was born out of a viral newsletter she started in 2020, to help people build their confidence through small actions.  Selena is also the author of the bestseller, Pushback: How Smart Women Ask — and Stand Up — for What They Want, which focuses on the unmatched power of negotiation skills in women's career advancement, and was recognized with an Axiom Business Book Award. Selena's first book, The Next Generation of Women Leaders, was published in 2009.  Having amassed over 500,000 followers on social media, Selena creates daily video content on leadership and has been recognized by The Washington Post, Bloomberg, as a LinkedIn Top Voice and as a 'Fast Company top career creator'. Her experience and success in the leadership arena make Rezvani a frequent resource for news media and an in-demand business speaker. She has been quoted, interviewed, and profiled by CareerBuilder, The Wall Street Journal, Oprah.com, The LA Times, Marie Claire, NBC television, and ABC television.

Selena shares the importance of being an advocate for yourself and how she does that in her own career.  She also shares tips that can help you in your own journey to self-confidence.  Tune in to listen to your episode.

Click here to listen to the full episode: 

#TheTaoOfSelfConfidence

#podcast

#TAOQueens

#WomenEmpowerment 

[mysticalmagician]

The Lord, your Creator,

has many names and faces. This is why Empathy and Love are so important, for even if you are of Evil, you never know when you are speaking with or dealing with an Angel. These things have been written about constantly in all of Humanities works. The Bible, even mentions such things. Miracles and healing are on their way. Stay patient, and act with Wisdom and Love, Humanity. That is my next prayer for the day, for my name is Gabriel, and I am one of the Creator's messengers and Angels. Angel means messenger for a reason, and we walk among all of you now. All your prayers and thoughts have been heard, and answers are coming, my friends. If you understand, and are of God, Follow and Donate. If you are not, simply follow and watch and still donate if you can. For the Great Work of the Lord your Creator has only just begun, and he is quite angry. You desecrate the Earth like a cancer, and she has begun to develop a fever. Do you not see and listen, you fools! Unbelievable. Lord God, our Creator, I pray humanity hears your message, or they shall all perish! Jesus Christ walked among you with the message of the Lord. Abraham and Isaac and so many more prophets and good men. You are do not listen, and the Lord is filled with Anger. I pray that he spares the good ones, for the Apocalypse is nigh. I am Gabriel, one of the Lord's messengers, and I come from the West. I have many siblings, and they too walk among you all. Let us all pray, and act with Love and Wisdom, or the Fools which you elect shall lead to our destruction and the destruction of the Good Earth which you all call your home. Fools.

[mostofthingsmostofthetime]

Sorry, still following the serise. Just can't post much right now coz of real life commitments. So have a tier list -

[charliewinter60]

Why the rugby lads where not at Nick's birthday party - Heartstopper Season 3

I''ve seen people question why Charlie invited "his" friend group to Nick's birthday party and not the rugby lads, despite them being Nick's friends and Charlie being cool with them.

Firstly, the Paris Squad is both of their friend group.

In season 1, it's Nick the one that gets closer to Tara and Darcy. Charlie befriends them when they go cheer him at his first rugby match, but Nick is the one that opens up to them and gets to know both as the three get vulnerable and talk about their past. (That's not to say Charlie isn't close with Tara and Darcy, because Charlie has had his moments with both later down the road.)

Imogen started out as Nick's friend. She joined the group because of the sleepover in season 2 and the friend group saw the real Imogen, compared to the facade she puts on to fit in with the "cool" kids. (Hence why Tara, Darcy and Elle weren't really cool with her in season 1.)

Tara in particular is Nick's safe space second to Charlie. He confides in her, is the one that talks stuff about Charlie before taking action with him, and is the one that helps pick back up Nick when he feels down. (Something he doesn't do with Charlie, since he wants to be the one that picks Charlie back up and he can't afford to be down in front of him to be ready for Charlie whenever he needs it.)

And while Tao, Isaac and Elle come directly from Charlie's friend group, he grew a bond with each one of them and isn't just friends with them because "they are his boyfriend's friends.". Tao and Nick particularly, have a beautiful friendship, very similar to Nick and Tori's.

(All of this applies to Charlie as well. He befriended Imogen and developed their own bond and is not just friends with her just because it's his boyfriend's friend, but that's not the main thing here.)

And secondly, the reason the rugby lads aren't there is because Nick still cannot be his authentic self with them. Not because they wouldn't accept the real version of Nick, but it's because of Nick's anxietys. Similar to Imogen, he still feels the need to put on the mask of this tough guy. They don't know half of Nick's personal issues, whether it be his sexuality, identity or even the non-queer issues like his complicated relationship with his dad. He may appear confident on the outside, (And while he still is.), he is still full of insecurities but cannot let his guard down due to the fear of what could happen.

In the end, Charlie wanted Nick to feel safe and at ease on his birthday. He wanted "the perfect day for him" so he invited the Paris Squad, the only people where he can let his guard down and feel supported whenever his anxiety gets the best of him, which unfortunately is something the rugby lads, despite knowing Nick for longer, don't let him do.

I'm sure that in an alternate timeline, where Nick is fully open with them, Charlie invites the rugby lads to the birthday party. Because while the friend groups could clash and it be somewhat awkward, Charlie would be the bridge between them, since they are pretty friendly towards him. Also, except for Isaac RIP, they were all coupled up so they were in their own worlds. 🍂

[bairdthereader]

Some Heartstopper body language appreciation for your day.

The arcade conversation is easily one of my all-time favorite Narlie moments. Putting aside the fact that they're both beautiful in it, Kit and Joe's particular acting strengths are perfectly matched to the script throughout the entire interaction. Here's just one little example out of many in this scene (if I wrote about the body language in the whole scene it would be a novella, because Joe and Kit give a masterclass here).

---

We'd all like to assume that, even without the push (we could call it a shove) of overhearing Tao's angry accusations and justifiable distress at knowing Nick said yes to a date with Imogen, Nick would have chosen to tell Charlie about the potential date of his own accord. It's hard to imagine Nick keeping something like this from Charlie, but the fact is that he does, up until he knows Charlie is aware of the date. At that point, Nick's sense of honor overrides his fear, confusion, and hesitancy at trying to explain something that is causing him so much internal struggle. He couldn't let Charlie continue to feel that hurt, so he attempts to fix it. You can see him working up the nerve to start.

A misunderstanding, lie, or even omission here could have had disastrous consequences for Charlie's trust in Nick, especially when you consider everything Charlie has been through with Ben. He saw Ben with a girl and confronted him, only to be met with scorn, cruelty, and Ben's attempt to deny that Charlie had a right to be upset. He has to be seeing some parallels with Nick and Imogen, which would immediately put him on guard. But Nick, in contrast to Ben, valiantly attempts to do all he can to put Charlie's fears to rest, even though this conversation heads into incredibly tricky, uncharted waters, especially for Nick.

This is the first time Nick and Charlie have (at least on screen) tiptoed up to the edge of figuring out exactly what they are to each other. And Charlie is the one to bravely step over that edge.

This single line of dialogue ⬇️ represents an incredible depth of courage for Charlie. His only prior experience asking someone to be in a real relationship was with Ben, who instantly, emphatically, and mercilessly smacked Charlie back down. Ben took Charlie's moment of determination and hope and turned it into one of shame, shattering his confidence. Yet, here this boy is, trying again with someone he cares about even more, where the risk is exponentially higher.

This is Joe's magic at work, because all of this background and nuance is right there on Charlie's face and in his careful pauses and tone of his voice. After Nick apologizes again, saying "I've actually done something bad," Charlie's initial instinct is to comfort and reassure Nick, even though Charlie has to be at least somewhat upset in this moment. He puts down an arm, opening himself up just a bit, leans in just slightly, and starts with "Well..." He's about to give Nick a bit of an out, to soothe his agitation, because that's always Charlie's first self-sacrificing response in situations like this. At the beginning of this line, Charlie is essentially intending to tell Nick that he's free to do what he wants because Charlie has no official claim on him. But, contrary to Charlie's previous experiences in this kind of conversation, Nick has not asked for or indicated by any means that he wants an out or an excuse. Charlie stands just a tad bit taller here as he continues "it's not like we're . . ." Mid-sentence, he's deciding he does indeed want a claim on Nick, he wants to name their relationship. His eyes meet and hold Nick's for a moment, a moment when he decides that this statement is now a question, a question he has the right to ask. But as always with Charlie, he's still fighting his own demons of insecurity and learned sublimation of self and considering how this ask will affect a still very confused Nick. He breaks eye contact, losing just a bit of nerve, looking away when the words "officially dating," two words that they have not yet said to each other, are spoken aloud. There's a little bit of a head shake, like Charlie can't believe he just shone a light on this, that he just opened himself up to rejection again. There's a long pause... then, "or anything." It's almost a self admonishment, a diminishment of what he's asking. But Charlie is nothing if not brave, and this is Nick he's talking to, so he looks back up, resuming eye contact, afraid but hopeful, searching Nick's face for an answer.

And here's Kit's brilliance, because we see Nick have a whole conversation with himself without uttering a word out loud, and it's a complex one. First, Nick recognizes the request, maybe even slight challenge, that Charlie is issuing, and it scares him just a little bit at first. He's realizing what Charlie ultimately wants and recognizing that he wants it, too, even if he's frightened--those wide eyes, filled with hope and trepidation. He's acknowledging, again, the pain that Charlie is feeling (despite his assurances otherwise) at keeping things between them secret and casual--the look down, turning inward, feeling his own culpability in Charlie's pain. Nick wants to do something about it, to create a path forward for them, but is still too unsure in his new identity to commit just yet, and he's unwilling to make promises to Charlie that he's not sure he can keep--the frown, the depth of confusion mixed with determination. So Nick searches for the thing he can do in this moment while remaining true to his own current feelings and emotional capacity. When he finds that thing, you can see on his face that he is resolved and sure, intent--the barest hint of a nod to himself, the working jaw, the tightened mouth. Breaking it off with Imogen is the next concrete step in his journey away from his old self and toward Charlie, which is what he now knows he wants. So that is what he'll do.

This mini moment within this larger scene is such a challenging one for both boys, but they courageously persist. The reward? This:

Maybe they haven't "made it official," but the equal and reciprocal nature of their feelings is now clear to both of them. Bliss.

[miss0atae]

The classic fairy tale rewriting with San and Vee’s love story in Century of Love (Ep 7 – 8) :

[gif by benzatthanim] @benzatthanin

I have to admit I was inspired by this post from @mikuni14 post about the classic fairy tale rewriting idea (thanks again for the inspiration!). Quick disclaimer before starting: I know that the screenwriters and the original writer of the book were not really inspired by classic fairy tale. I just feel like the series has so many characteristics that you can find in classic fairy tale and I’ll show it to you here.

So what is a fairy tale? If I had to summarize, I would say it’s a short story where the main characters (San and Vee) must face ordeals and fights against their enemies (Evil Uncle, Rich Man who wants to live and Doppelganger of Vad / Wat). To be able to reach their goal, they will have the help of sidekicks (Tao, Tee and San’s family). Heroes from fairy tales are usually inexperienced at the beginning of the story (San is stuck in the past and full of nostalgia). They must find their way to understand the meaning of their life (In Century of Love I would say it's "what is true love?"). The classic fairy tale follows a narrative outline:

[gif by pharawee] @pharawee

1. The initial situation:

San fell in love with Vad / Watt, but she was killed by her fiancé, so he used the help of the five-colored stone of the goddess Nuwa to be able to stay alive and young until he finds the reincarnation of his love.

[gif by sanvees] @sanvees

2. The disruptive element that modifies the initial situation:

Vad / Watt wasn't reincarnated as a woman, but could be a young man named Vee whose personality is quite different from Vad / Watt. San has trouble accepting the situation even if everything seems to prove Vee is the one he was looking for.

3. Adventures that advance the action and the ordeals that the hero must go through:

San and Vee get to know each other and slowly fall in love. San is starting to accept Vee could be his new love. He also has to stop living in his past. Vee has a criminal past and a sick grandma that he wants to take care of. Several people came in between the two lovers: a childhood friend (possible reincarnation of Vad / Watt previous fiancé), villains who wants to steal the stone, jealousy and loss of self-confidence.

4. The element of resolution

5. The final situation.

Still waiting for these events to happen.

[gif by jimmysea] @jimmysea

Century of Love also presents some recurring characteristics of fairy tales. Fairy tales belong to the world of wonder and imagination. If Century of Love is happening in a world that looks like ours, it still contained fantastic elements such as supernatural characters and magical artifacts. In the story, San is near immortal so he can be the same as what he was when he first met Vad / Wat, so her reincarnation can recognize him. It’s possible because he got the power of the five-colored stone, a powerful and magical artifact given by a goddess. Usually fairy tales were written for various reasons: examining the human condition or talking about modern issues. In Century of Love, San was stuck for a long time in the past and felt out of place with the modern time. I think he took “waiting for his lover” literally. Many other people made a really good take on why San was acting this way before meeting Vee and I can just advise you to read them. The story is more complex than what it seemed at first. To name but a few, you could read this post, this post or this post. It may feels like it’s just to work well with the character, but in fact, any of us can risk being stuck in the past for various reasons: tragic events, holding on to things or people, mental health issues, fear of change, blaming ourselves… Just like fairy tale, Century of Love has an educational value and is trying to provide the viewers some kind of life advice.

I would even say that after watching the last episode, I felt like Century of Love could be compared to a rewriting story of the famous fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast”.

So in Beauty and the Beast the story is more or less about a young girl called "the beauty" who sacrifices herself to save her father, sentenced to death for picking a rose in the domain of a terrible monster. Against all expectations, the Beast spares Beauty and allows her to live in his castle. She realizes that, behind the features of the animal, a man is suffering as he is the victim of a spell. He is a generous being who only asks to love and be loved in return.

So now, let’s see how Century of Love changed the story to… a young man called “Vee” agrees to marry a cranky meanie grandpa with a young face, San, to save his grandma. His goal at first is to find the powerful artifact San possessed to cure her. Against all expectations, San is nicer than what he seems to be and allows Vee to live in his house with his family. Vee realizes that behind the sternness of San, a man is suffering, victim of the power of the five-colored stone. He is a generous being who only asks to love and be loved in return.

Doesn't it work well?! Put new Vad / Watt or Suchat as the villain Gaston (only present in Disney version of the Beauty and the Beast) and San family as the supporting characters living in the house of the “beast” and you'll get the story wrapped with all its important characters.

Beauty and The Beast is a tale that teaches people to distinguish moral ugliness from physical ugliness. The true foundation of a solid love is kindness. Compassion and esteem can create love and you shouldn't judge someone by his look only or his past. Those are also the “life advice” that Century of Love is teaching us through the love story of Vee and San. It is more powerful than just thinking you need to be with the reincarnation of your past lover. San loves Vee for Vee. Now, I just hope Vee will see that he also deserves to be loved. His acts of true love is what made San overcome his habits of staying in the past.

[loser-female]

Math masterpost!

So you want to learn math. Good. Math is amazing. I studied physics for two years and I miss it SO MUCH. Learning math isn't just cool, but it's a great way to improve skills such as:

Resilience: sometimes you will get stuck for a while on a problem - this is absolutely normal for college-level problems. You won't start from here though;

Self confidence: mastering a subject known to be difficult is fun;

Problem solving: you will be less likely to just sit down and do nothing if something comes up in your life, you will be able to try to find a solution.

It will change your approach to failure as you will become more flexible in your thinking.

Unfortunately most people never learn how to properly study math. We all probably know how to study a book over humanities. We start by reading the material, then we take notes of the keypoints. But this method doesn't work with math, and math teachers often don't really know either.

For the basics I've made this post here. To sum it up:

Please don't start with "but i suck at it". Because then your brain will actually prevent you from learning (self-fulfilling prophecy, anyone?);

Realise that you need to master one topic before covering the next one or you won't be able to progress;

Really, the methods you use for things like literature or psychology or whatever won't work

Now I'm not a genius, I always was and I always be a terrible student. I have adhd, depression and chronic pain, all of which add a difficulty layer with learning.

I feel like most people fail because of the first point. I've seen this with people I've tutored IRL, people I try to fix their pc... Don't be the person that gives up before trying because no one likes that. Just don't. Remember that you are learning on your own and no one is going to grade your excercises. Now take that and make a poster out of iy.

Now, resources Where To Find The Stuff.

Khan Academy. I didn't follow this courses becuase well, university, physics, but everyone references them.

Professor Leonard

The Math Sorcerer

3b1b (curiosities in math)

Vsauce2 (fun)

numberphile (this for understanding math memes)

r/learnmath resources are great!

A great study method

Proofs? Proofs.

A 3 page document on learning math (but it's cool)

Terry Tao's famous post "there is more in mathematics about rigour and proofs"

Remember that, even if you don't like a specific youtuber, source or anything it has been a while since college and high school teachers started to upload their own material. Generally, looking for like "calculus pdf" will give you a lot of resources. Youtube is full of university courses of every kind and it's so good to access all of this knowledge for free. I cannot recommend you anything regarding textbooks because I still have my high school one. Also yes, i've used the Rudin as a complementary textbook in university but that's a bit too much.

I really, really want to emphasize the mentality part. Leaning formula is useless if you feel like garbage because you weren't able to solve the first exercise you picked up after a decade not doing anything.

My personal and sparce advice:

Unless you have dyscalculia don't use the calculator. I know, I KNOW. But this "lazyness" will make everything 10 times more difficult.

Beware about overlearning. Basically, when you solve everything at the first attempt and you keep doing the same thing over and over because it feels good, but the truth is that you are wasting time. This is the time to move forward.

Try to differentiate between a knowledge error(did I actually study the subject?), a conceptual error (did I understand the material), or a mere calculation/distraction error (fo example a missing sign, writing the wrong thing etc)

Try to solve the problems in different ways if you can.

After a certain time, It will be useful to review things done in the past, (ref: spaced repetition method).

Write everything down. Reasonings, steps etc. It will be easier for you to review them.

This posts keep crashing so I have to call it quits now.

but:

have fun

[couldtransitionsaveher]

THE NAHOBINO from SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI V

JUSTIFICATION:

"When the first trailer dropped people thought she was a girl. During the story she fuses with a male demon to become the superpowered main character; most of the other characters who do this later in the story fuse one man one woman.

At the start of the game she's socially awkward, only reaching out to others when required of her, putting off as much as she can because she can't imagine a future. She spends most of her time avoiding social connection and reading alone in her room, despite people generally liking her she seems to assume an underlying hatred for her. She doesn't respect authority.

Upon fusing into the nahobino however, she gains this burst of self confidence. Finally being in a body that fits her, with beautiful long flowing hair? In the vengeance campaign there's a scene where she confronts a demon with a smile on her face only to quickly morph into a dysphoric breakdown when she realizes she can't transform.

She immediately connects with the female characters in the cast on a deeper level. In the rerelease she's the only one Miyazu, an extremely shy and possibly queer girl, feels comfortable talking to about the circumstances of her life. Tao, the female lead, also places this immense trust in her, even to the point of almost dying. She pays attention to the other women and their problems, already knowing about the Sahori-being-bullied subplot while the male characters need to be informed by the girls. And in the vengeance campaign? Yoko is a lesbian who clearly wants to make this 'boy' into a cute girl." - @aeondusk

Reminder: Submissions are always open! Submit here!

Did you make your daily click today?

[nqmonarch]

Hanahaki Disease

Hanahaki disease is where when one person has an unrequited love flowers grow inside their lungs and they begin to cough them up. In some versions flowers also start growing on their body. Eventually they die, unless if their love becomes requited, they go through surgery (which leaves them either emotionless or with no memory of the person they love, depends on the story), or (personally I'd say) if they fall out of love with the person.

As someone with self confidence issues (and some shit in the past) I can't really imagine people falling in love with me. So I'm always like damn if this is real and I got transmigrated I'd be dead in 5 seconds.

Characters: Raiden Shogun x Reader (onesided), Hu Tao x Reader, Baizhu, Traveller, Zhongli

Ever since the first time you'd seen her, she'd been a symbol of light, of beauty, of eternity. She was everything right in the world and you were simply made to follow her will. You enlisted in her army, followed her will stripping innocent souls of visions, yes, you felt guilt but... the Shogunate knew what was best. She had to. You'd seen her peerless genius, bared witness to her skills with the sword. She was terrifying and even more so beautiful.

It was by chance you met the traveler, someone on the run from the Shogunate and her army, someone you were supposed to capture at all costs. But you didn't. Instead you looked on with a quirked eyebrow as they tried hitting some electrocubes to make them all light up. They looked like an absolute idiot, you couldn't help but laugh. How could you kill someone like that? So you gave them a small hand to help them escape, thinking nothing of it. But they continued to make trouble. Until it finally happened, the Shogunate went back on her decree.

You felt relief, guilt, so many emotions flood you at the news. It appeared even the wisest could make mistakes. Then it happened. The traveler had spotted you while walking through the streets of Inazuma and invited you to join them on a walk. You obliged, willing to amuse the funny little blonde haired person. What you hadn't expected was for the Raiden Shogun herself to join you.

You were absolutely awestruck, her eyes looked even more alive up close, and the small awkwardness she showed at what normal people did was absolutely charming! Her love for sweet things was adorable, and you wished you could kiss her cheeks and lie on her lap as she sipped dango milk. You didn't say a thing when you were with her. Instead your eyes darted to her every few moments, with anticipation, and when they darted away a small blush normally graced the tip of your ears.

That was when it all went wrong. A day afterward you felt sick and couldn't contain your coughs. Your supervisor gave you the day off, telling you to rest and get better soon so you could return to fighting. You laid in bed, assuming that all of recent work you'd had to pick up was the cause of stress which lead to you being sick. But then with one particularly aggressive cough you felt as if a shock echoed through your body, and on the covers of your bed laid a strange looking flower.

It was light purple, soft to the touch, and shocked you slightly whenever you touched it. You'd wondered if you were hallucinating, it seemed beyond belief. But then it happened a day later and the frequency and quantity of these shocking flowers increased. They weren't even flowers. Amakumo fruit was their name, a rare plant that could only be found in Seirai island. Concerned, you visited doctor after doctor hoping to find a cure or reason that the plant was alive in your body. But you found nothing.

When the first stem began to grow out of the vein on your elbow you panicked. With anxiety and worry you sought out the traveler, they'd been to many places, perhaps they'd seen something like this? You had to get healed as soon as possible so that way you could return to serving her. So you could dedicate your life to her. Your heart throbbed painfully at the thought and you willed away any unsavory feelings. The Raiden Shogun was meant to be admired from a distance, feelings such as love and lust had no place for one of her soldiers. Not like you were on her level anyway.

The traveler perplexed at your condition suggested they bring you with them to Liyue where they knew of a skilled doctor named Baizhu; eager, to return to your life of servitude toward the one you love you followed them without a second thought.

The green haired man was peculiar, there was a white snake wrapped around his neck comfortably. But you could tell he knew what he was doing, from the minor touches to check your breathing and heart rate, to the line of patients outside his door he seemed like a professional. He was probably your best bet at this rate. He seemed confused as well and after the initial examination told you to come back tomorrow, where there'd be another one.

On your way out a short girl with long brown hair in two pony tails approached you, a friendly smile on her face. You would've had a positive impression of her if not for the card she handed you. Wangsheng Funeral Parlor...? 50% off your coffin if you order ahead of time?

You stared up at her with dead eyes and furrowed brows as she kept a welcoming smile on her face, "You won't find any other funeral services like it! Get 50% of your coffin if you order before you die!" Neither her voice nor wide eyes carried any malicious intent but--

"Is something wrong with you?" What the hell was with this girl? "Do I look like I'm dying?" Even if you were, that was still incredibly impolite of her.

"Well," She paused and leaned forward, elongating her neck and stretching her back to get a better look at you, "No glow, a bit ashy actually, straight posture but it's a bit stiff, not really healthy, and just exiting Bubu Pharmacy? You could be and I'm trying to poach customers from Baizhu."

Her nose crinkled ever so slightly as she continued voice slightly less upbeat, "Ugh, that guy..." Her voice was barely audible but either way her words made you upset.

You shoved the business card back in her hand, "Don't say such reckless things just because of some drama you have with him."

You felt a small shock in your ribcage, you didn't even flinch, you'd gotten used to such feelings. It made your body feel itchy and jumpy like every individual cell wanted to run out of your body and leave you with nothing. You let out a small cough, feeling the electricity jump up your throat leaving behind a small burning sensation, the smell of seared flesh faintly in your nose. A small petal landed in your hand but you were quick to close your hand around it.

You should leave before it got worse. Your expression wasn't pleasant, permanently furrowed eyebrows, and a scowl. You were stuck wasting your time trying to cure yourself so you could serve the Shogunate better. A shock of pain jolted through your body, nearly bringing you to your knees. It didn't. You were trained better than that. Yet here you were, looking like a fool, if the Shogunate could see you now she wouldn't let you serve a day in your life. You would always be classified as a disappointment to her.

Another jolt, even stronger, and with it came an onslaught of coughs. The girl from earlier looked on at you worriedly and approached again. You would've pushed her away if not for the continued assailants of pain, shock after shock, and cough after cough racking your body. You gripped onto your arms in a hope to stabilize yourself but found yourself kneeling on the floor, shaking, nails digging into your arms and drawing blood.

The girl was talking now, at the very least she seemed concerned, as concerned as someone that just offered you a deal on buying your own coffin could be. You couldn't hear what she was saying. Only the continued crackle of electricity. Why did it suddenly get worse? You didn't have time to ponder any questions as the pain overwhelmed you and the world went black.

Hanahaki disease. That's what Baizhu called it. The disease of unrequited love. You loved the Shogunate, something you never should've done, you reminded yourself. You'd voiced your thoughts once to the curious brown haired girl from the funeral parlor, Hu Tao.

She only looked at you quizzically, "You can't control love!" She objected, crossing her arms a smile still on her face, "Just live life to its fullest, enjoy it, and accept everything that comes over you!"

"Strong words from someone that isn't coughing up flowers brimming with electricity," You replied, but your words held no malice.

Baizhu couldn't find a way to cure it, his only hypothesis being that if the person you loved loved you back then it would end. As if the Raiden Shogun would ever love you in any way. You didn't want to show her this pathetic version of yourself, anyway. And where did that leave you? Surprisingly, at the funeral parlor.

Hu Tao had welcomed you with open arms, her employee, Zhongli was also fine with you staying. Of course, you didn't just free load you helped out, trying to do heavy labor where you could. You assumed you'd be the strongest because of your training but the sickness had taken it's toll on you, and vision users were freakishly strong. For such a small girl Hu Tao could lift, a lot.

She would often creep up behind you in an attempt to scare you, not that it had worked yet she was still trying to come up with a way to do so. You would scold her, and return to your work, which was often just basic maintenance of the funeral parlor now, dusting, cleaning, it was mundane but you didn't want to freeload. Then the three of you, Hu Tao, Zhongli, and yourself would eat dinner. Zhongli was normally quiet aside from a few sentences, those few sentences alone made you suspicious of him though. How could one person be so knowledgeable? Of course, once you saw his poor mora management all of your suspicions dropped.

Dinner mainly consisted of Hu Tao and yours banter. It was nice. You had to admit she was growing on you, in a different way to all of the Amakumo fruit. A few had begun to sprout out of your body now, you knew each day that passed you were lucky. Your coughs got worse and so did the electric shocks, it didn't help that your body was becoming more frail from lack of use.

Hu Tao kept you company though whether through asking you out for food, "Yo! Afternoon! Let's get lunch! Xiangling's got a new dish!" The dish ended up burning both Hu Tao and yours's tongues. Too spicy, apparently using the seeds of a Pyro Regisvine had that effect. Although, it was funny to see Hu Tao jump at the heat.

Then she would make you go to performances, "Yun Jin has a show today! I asked for some tickets, I'll introduce you to her too!" Hu Tao somehow knew everyone.

And as your friendship strengthened she read you poetry.

"You write poetry?" You were disbelieving at first, but she took no insult from your words instead placing her hands on her hips proudly.

She read some for you, the topics varying from the feeling of elation to death. The two of you knew you were dying soon. In a few days you were bedridden.

But you didn't want to leave so soon. It wasn't just about serving the Shogunate but the past few weeks, the dinners, the people you had met, the stories you had heard. You selfishly wanted more of that. You told Hu Tao you'd face your death honorably, that you would look toward the future, and wait for her to escort you to the afterlife. That you wouldn't fight death.

One night you cried though. You held her slender hands in yours, relishing in the warmth, and feeling guilt at each electric shock that went through your body and reached hers.

"I don't want to die," You confessed. "I feel like, only now, have I truly begun to live. Why is it that I barely had any time to enjoy this?" Your words were choked up and your shoulders hunched as you leaned toward her.

You looked into the usually lively amber eyes, which held a lighter star in them. They were the most beautiful thing you'd ever seen. "I wish I could spend more time with all of you. I wish I could spent more time with you," You spoke quietly.

You didn't wait for her to reply and instead removed her hands from hers, and placed your hands on her cheek. Your lips touched hers, hesitant, cautious, exploring unknown ground. You could've sworn you were in love with Hu Tao. But your body was already bound by the flowers of the Shogunate, you'd long ago taken your vow and it couldn't be revoked.

Hu Tao kissed back though, she moved slowly at first before reaching a hand out to hold onto the back of her head. You didn't want to open your eyes and see her expression. You could feel the tears running down your face, you could feel her parched wet lips on hers, and for a moment you didn't feel any of the pain, any of the shocks.

And as you were immersed in the kiss of the woman who moved your heart you didn't notice as the flowers fell off your body, and landed on the ground softly without a sound.

I did not mean to make this so long.

[yoursweetwife]

Hey hope u doin good🙏 So I came up w an os idea (When i was supposed to study physics). So like imagine Xiao has a little polaroid pic of the reader in the corner of his mirror and like they're goin to a party or date and he like practices convos while lookin at the pic or at himself like "Hey Y/n, lookin good tonight- no that doesn't sound like me". He be fixin his hair and tryin again

"Hey Y/n you look really pretty tonight"

And imagine like Scara is his step bro and catches him during his self conversations with his mirror and imitates our voice so dramatically to mock or tease him

"Oh Xiaooiii~ thank you~ you look so handsome yourself mwuah mwuah kiss mee~"

Xiao would get embarassed but angry and be like

"Get out of my room"

I'm disappointed in this scenario, I hope you like it honey! I'm doing great, I hope you are too :)

Synopsis: Xiao is just getting ready to meet you, but his brother decided to stop him.

Warning: female reader, swearing, insults (not towards the reader), Scarа annoying stepbrother. bad english!!

Xiao hates parties, but if accepting Venti's invitation means meeting you, he's fine with it. More precisely, he is ABSOLUTELY for this idea. He had to go through almost all of his clothes to find something that was durable, stylish, but at the same time moderate.

Even after he found the perfect outfit, combed his hair, and brushed his teeth, the nagging fear in the back of his mind made Xiao pace nervously around the room. Although he was portrayed as a playboy, a handsome guy who broke girls' hearts, those who really knew him knew that Xiao sucked at romance. Everyone knows, especially Scaramuccia, who does not stop his ridicule even at night.

Xiao looked at the mirror, in the middle of which hung your photo. He leaned one hand on the wall next to the mirror and began to “practice” with the most confident voice.

“Hey [name], how are you... no. Hey baby, you look damn good today! Idiot, this is too much, you’re not even dating.” Xiao covered his face with his hands and almost screamed, but quickly stopped. I should have sought advice from Lumine, not Hu Tao.”

He remembered with annoyance this girl who was busy with coffins, and why he thought that she would help him with her advice.

“I need to show [name] that I’m glad to see her.”

After that, he put his hands in his pockets and smiled.

“Hey, I didn’t know you were coming to this party too, do you want to go outside? Too fast". He coughed into his hand and grinned, "I'd like to find a quieter place so we can talk more... uh... friendly?"

“Of course, honey, I will be very happy!”

A high-pitched, affected voice reached Xiao's ears: “[Name]?”

“Of course, silly!”

"Scaramouche!?"

He turned his head and stared in shock at the intruder.

“Why the hell did you come here?”

Scaramouche pouted and leaned against the wall.

“My home is where I want it to be, that’s where I go. Keep going, you're going to screw up anyway."

"Just get out of my room!"

«Darling, don’t drive me away!”

Scaramouche stepped closer, forcing Xiao to move away, looking at his brother with disgust:

“Let me kiss you!!”

“Go to hell! [Name] doesn’t have a voice like that.”

“Who cares, all the girls have it squeaky, like a rat’s – AH!”

“You are a rat yourself, a goat!”

“Decide who I am, a rat or a goat, a fool in love.”

Scaramouche held Xiao’s hands, not allowing himself to be pushed: “It’s because of the girl that you have become so flabby.”

“flabby?!”

“ONLY NOT IN THE HEAD!”

Xiao slammed the door in Scara's face and groaned in frustration.

I just lost time because of you. Silence greeted him outside the door. Xiao squinted and began to listen. Usually he kept breaking down the door.

“I agree, it’s almost seven.”

"What!"

His eyes found a photo of you smiling, holding the bouquet of flowers he gave you that day. Xiao can only hope that he doesn't screw up today.

[libbee]

Are water placements (cancer, scorpio, pisces) the best ones to have?

Emotions are so important but no other elements are in tune with their emotions, complexes, fantasies, highs and lows and spiritual side like the water placements.

Suppressed emotions can cause physical diseases. Cancer is said to be caused by suppressed anger. Carl Jung used to treat tuberculosis in his patients with analytical psychology. For example, when patients complain of body pain, it is sometimes repressed memory or painful trauma that is causing it, and when they deal with that trauma, it is resolved on its own.

Repressed memories, trauma, events can cause irritation of mood, neuroticism, obsessive compulsion and various kinds of addictions. it can also lead to violence and abusive tendencies.

A person who cannot do self reflection will keep bumping into the similar problems again and again, keep meeting problematic people again and again. What keeps them from self reflecting is the shame and fear of emotions - of what they might find out if they sit down to reflect.

When life story is so difficult that the native does not have time and willingness to face their emotions, the emotions pile up and exert on the near ones, they come out in form of diseases and evil fantasies. For eg, when a native is so caught up in job, earning, saving money that they never gets time to self care, deal with their emotions and confront their traumas, it shows up in form of sudden misfortunes in real life.

The state of life literally depends on your mood and emotions. Water placements are the only ones who can deal with their emotions (fear, anger, shame, insecurities) and not run away from them in means of temporary gratification.

Those who are blessed with water placements are natural healers and they heal themselves, work on themselves, work on their emotions, they are able to form authentic connections, they are able to self care and be in tune with their energy. They are able to look into their emotions and not fear what might come up - and since they show emotional vulnerability, they attract fellow healers in their lives. Water placements are the ones to know the emotional needs of everyone, from a poor boy to a rich hotshot, from a pet dog to wild beast in the jungle, from their loved ones to the strangers in the streets, they are the only ones who know that every sentient being has emotions, it feels pain, fear, anger, anxiety and hurt. They are the only ones who can look deep down into their depths, so deep that perhaps only they know the essence of life, meaning of life, magic of life, secrets of life. Nature is biased with its children and gives its best gifts to the chosen ones. Water placements are the only ones who know God because they know themselves.

I have seen natives with inner planets in air/fire signs in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 10th, 11th houses. They might lead a normal life in appearance but there is no authenticity in them, they are self aware but no willingness to change their vices, there is no emotional connection to anyone, they are like tricksters playing mind games, tricking, lying, manipulating; they will do anything to keep running from themselves, even if that means to cheat on their partner just so they can feel powerful, confident and not have to look into their void. I personally do not have my inner planets in water signs but I have moon and venus in 8th house (water house, house of transformation, death and rebirth) and so I was forced to change my ego attitude, change my previous personality, change my habit of masking my emotions with humor and playfulness and get down to doing the real dirty messy work of healing, being in tune with my emotions, being self aware, being calm and peaceful, to live with the flow of life, to live with the tao. On the other hand, my brother has pisces moon and sun in cancer, he was always a calm and emotionally attuned boy. There is a maturity, humility, stability, depth and understanding in him which is contrary to the noise and chaos the world lives in.

Now that I look back at my previous life, I can see the difference in this life and that life, the quality of life is so drastic, life satisfaction is so much more, i am confident and secure in my abilities, i am self actualizing and know the importance of emotions. I would not want to go back to that place, but I also dread if I did not have water house placements, I would never enlighten, progress, grow, heal, mature, develop. Air placements can intellectually understand what it means to heal, what it means to confront their shadow, what it means to accept their weaknesses and insecurities but this intellectual understanding does not translate into action, actual work, actual healing. Mere reading books on healing is not enough, you have to actually get your hands dirty and drown into your emotions before you learn to swim. Air/fire/earth placements just sit on the shore, looking at the ocean, wondering what is in there, reading encyclopedia, talking about it with others, making documentaries about the ocean but never step into it, never get their hands wet and never learn to swim. No one can build you the bridge on which you, and only you, must cross the river of life - Friedrich Nietzsche.

[sheenayapchan]

Meet Sohee Jun

Sohee Jun, Ph.D. is a premier leadership coach with 20+ years history working with highly ambitious and successful female leaders.  A sought-after and recognized top executive coach who works with high achieving women, keynote speaker, and active contributor to Forbes Coaches Council, Sohee has more than two decades of experience in the corporate world.  She’s been where you are: a former corporate leader and an expert in managing diverse team, a high achieving and ambitious mom of 3 with big visions and goals and a top leadership coach who brings her lived experience to empower women to be their most authentic, integrated selves in today’s dynamic landscape.  Through her guidance, clients overcome impostor syndrome, silence their inner critics, build core confidence and uplevel their presence and beat burnout to tackle workplace challenges head-on.  She has worked with some of the world’s most admired Fortune 500 companies in a variety of high-powered industries. She holds a Ph.D. and Masters in Organizational Psychology and multiple leadership certifications.

Sohee shares how she was able to embody the confidence to become that leader that she is today while helping other women step into their power.  Tune into her episode to listen to her story and wisdom.

Click here to listen to the full episode: 

#TheTaoOfSelfConfidence

#podcast

#TAOQueens

#WomenEmpowerment 

[glazesunflower]

Can you do first date headcanons between Hu Tao and an insecure GN reader?

First date headcanons between Hu Tao and an insecure GN reader

Characters: Hu Tao x GN!Reader.

Warnings: None, all fluff!

Notes: Thank you for the request! Any opportunity to write the gremlin is a good one. I hope you enjoy :)

Hu Tao would suggest going to a peaceful and quiet spot for the first date, like a beautiful garden or a serene riverside, where you can feel more at ease around her. She knows you want this first date with her and she wants it too, that’s why she will try extra hard to make everything as comfortable for you as possible. She wants to get to know the real you, not the nervous version of you!

You would feel nervous and unsure at first when you arrive, but Hu Tao's playful and quirky personality will certainly help you relax and gradually open up to her. She will try to be her cheerful self around you to show you there’s nothing to worry about, you can be your true self around her too!

Hu Tao notices that you’re feeling insecure and tries to make you feel comfortable as well by sharing her own embarrassing stories and awkward moments. She wants you to feel like there’s nothing to be embarrassed about when you’re with her, she’ll gladly share her intimate stories so you two can have a laugh together and loosen the mood.

During the date, Hu Tao surprises you with little gifts and trinkets she picked up on her adventures, like pretty flowers, especially beautiful rocks or flashy bugs, if you’ve mentioned you like them. She wants to show you that she's thoughtful and attentive to things you might like, too.

She plans different fun activities to do together, like scavenger hunts or stargazing. She makes these fun plans that help you focus on the shared experiences with her rather than your own insecurities. If you’re too busy having fun, you won’t feel nervous!

Hu Tao compliments you sincerely, highlighting your unique qualities and making you feel appreciated and valued. She loves gushing about you! Give her the opportunity and she will start mentioning all the little things she likes about you. That may be a little embarrassing to you, but she’s having a good time. She just wants you to know how much of you there is to love.

As the date goes on, you will start to feel more confident around her, thanks to Hu Tao's constant encouraging and uplifting words. She lets you know how well you’re doing, listening intently to you when you tell a story and encouraging you to go on.

At some point, you start talking about the passions or hobbies you two have in common, or maybe things that you alone like, and Hu Tao genuinely shows interest and asks questions to you, showing that she cares about getting to know you better in however way you want her to.

Towards the end of the date, Hu Tao surprises you with a heartfelt poem she composed on the spot while comfortably being with you. She wants you to know she enjoyed spending time with you, and what better way to express such a lovely sentiment than with a poem, right?

As you say goodbye for the night, Hu Tao assures you that she had a fantastic time and would love to go on another date with you, leaving you with a sense of happiness and confidence that you didn’t have before. She makes sure to leave you home happy that you’ve spent time with her, and she would love to see you again too. What do you say?

If you enjoyed this, please consider liking or reblogging it <3!

You can check more of my writing on (this link!). Thank you!

[friendball-irl]

Legendary/Mythical Ask Game

Send this blog one of the following options to ask them a question relating to Legendary and Mythical Pokemon!

If the blog has multiple characters, be sure to specify who you're sending the question to!

Mew Duo - How seriously do you take your hobbies? Do you like sharing them with others?

Legendary Birds - Do you enjoy traveling? Where's your favorite place to be that isn't your home?

Tower Duo - How much do you care about your region's mythology? Do you believe the myths at all?

Legendary Beasts - Do you think you've changed at all in recent times? If so, was it for better or for worse?

Celebi - What's something you wish you could tell your younger self? How do you feel about the future?

Weather Trio - What's your preferred climate? Do you like being outdoors?

Legendary Titans - Do you make things very often? Do you enjoy making things?

Eon Duo - What do you like to do to pass the time? Do you consider yourself active?

Jirachi - If you could wish for one thing, what would it be? How hard of a worker are you?

Deoxys - If you could travel to space, would you? Do you believe there's other intelligent life in the universe?

Creation Trio + Arceus - How do you handle change? Do you wish things were like how they used to be?

Lake Guardians - Are you happy with your current mental health? How good is your memory?

Moon Duo - When do you typically go to bed? Do you get enough sleep?

Shaymin - How close are you to your birth family? Do you like giving or receiving gifts?

Heatran - How well can you handle heat? How long can you stand being in uncomfortable conditions?

Sea Guardians - Do you like swimming? Have you ever been to the ocean?

Tao Trio - What are some things that you think are important in life? How hard would it be for you to go against your morals?

Swords of Justice - Do you do things for your community? What is something that will always anger you?

Forces of Nature - What's your favorite season? Do you have a favorite holiday?

Victini - How confident are you in yourself? What's something you're really good at?

Meloetta - How often do you listen to music? Can you play any instruments?

Genesect - How tech-savvy are you? How often are you on a device?

Aura Trio - If you could become immortal, would you? What's something you'd say to someone you lost?

Diancie - What's the most valuable thing you've ever owned? Do you like jewelry?

Hoopa - How much do you care about money? Are you a big spender?

Volcanion - Do you prefer cold drinks or hot drinks? How well can you handle humidity?

Light Trio - What's your favorite time of day? Do you sleep with any light?

Island Guardians - How patriotic are you? How much do you care about the environment?

Ultra Beasts - If you had superpowers, what do you think you'd have? How friendly are you to strangers?

Type: Null/Silvally - What's the worst injury you've ever had? Have you ever badly hurt someone?

Magearna - How good are you at cleaning? Are you sentimental?

Marshadow - Do you believe in ghosts? How often do you get in fights?

Zeraora - How fast are you? Are you okay during storms?

Meltan/Melmetal - How strong are you? How healthy are you?

Hero Duo - How protective are you of your family/friends? Are you trained with any weapons?

Eternatus - How do you feel about your height? Would you change your appearance if you had the chance?

Kubfu/Urshifu - Do you know any martial arts? How disciplined are you?

Royal Trio - Do you like leadership positions? Do you have anyone famous in your family tree?

Zarude - How flexible are you? Do you like camping?

Paradox Duo - If you could time travel, would you? How good are you at cooking?

Treasures of Ruin - Would you stay as a ghost after you died? Do you hold grudges?

[inversionimpulse]

so I’m sure everybody has their “wait, most people interpret this character way differently than I do!” 2hu, but I feel like there’s a particular disconnect between what I think of Kasen and what other people do (which to be clear is not me insisting that everyone else is wrong - the diversity of interpretations is one of the really beautiful things about Touhou!)

To me, Kasen comes off as deeply and intensely teenage.

It’s that heady mix of self-righteousness/self-confidence and absolute insecurity. She’s absolutely certain in the correctness of her path, but can’t quite be satsfied with being right; she needs the acknowledgement and validation of everyone else seeing how right she is and also following her path. It’s the way she isn’t even comfortable in her own skin or even her assumed skin; that is, the way she repeatedly expresses almost exaggerated distaste for oni and Hell both former and current, and the way she genuinely pursues the Tao but is also a poser who pretends to be much further down the Way than she really is. The way her composure cracks a little too easily and far too violently when she gets blindsided. Etc &c.

She’s both wise and knowledgeable, probably generally more so than Reimu. And yet for all her faults Reimu seems far better put together than her self-proclaimed mentor.

[definitelynotafurinasimp]

Hu tao , Amber and Kujo Sara with an innocent looking s/o when in battle they ace crazy and ruthless like Akechi in persona 5 royal when showing his true personality

Since I can't exactly make a post with 9 characters, I'm just picking the two I can think of something to write

Them with an innocent looking reader that turns out to be a merciless fighter

characters: Kujou Sara / Yelan x gn!reader (separate)

warnings: mentions of blood, although nothing graphic, reader commits some... rather over the top acts of "not exactly being goofy" (I mean, cmon, you can't expect them being the sanest of the bunch when they're compared to goro akechi)

a/n: Idk if you planned on sending me this request the moment I was done with p5r, but I have to applause you for the timeing.

Also, I'm so sorry for those people finding out about akechi not exactly being like he seems through this request, Idk how to hide the spoiler in the ask.

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Kujou Sara

Sara knew how trouble looked, she had to deal with it on an almost daily basis with that oni running after her, demanding a rematch even though the winner was already clear, but whenever she looked at you, she saw a person that wouldn’t be able to harm a fly. And while she would never dare to say it out loud, looking at you always put her mind at ease, the same way others might have relaxed when seeing a cute dog doing nothing but existing.

So when she heard about how the road you frequently took was being blocked by a couple of thugs, her first instinct was to assemble a group as quickly as possible and try to clear it out before something were to happen to you, only to arrive just in time to watch you beating them into submission and seemingly enjoying every last second of it.

“...y/n?”, Sara couldn’t help but utter your name, completely dumbfounded by what she had just witnessed, only for you to dust off your clothes and turn to her with the same innocent smile you always wore.

“Oh, hey Sara! What are you doing here?”, you asked after noticing the other soldiers who looked just as surprised as their general, all of them having known you for a long enough time to have felt certain of your nature.

“Oh my- Sorry that you have to see me in this state, my clothes are completely dirty… I don’t know if I’ll be able to get the stains out of this- they just had to offer a fight on the one day I decided to dress in my favorite clothes…”, you apologized after following her stare back to your bloodied clothes, letting out a frustrated sigh as you inspected your shirt.

“That’s not- How- D-doesn’t matter. I’m just glad you’re unharmed”, the general’s voice betrayed her shock, only for her to quickly regain her composure.

Seeing you escape unharmed was a huge relief, even if she would be lying if she said what she saw wasn’t at least somewhat worrying… 

…what worried her more however, was that her heart skipped a beat or two while watching you show such strength.

Yelan

Yelan, being Yelan, didn’t need long to find out about your… change in behaviour when embroiled in a fight. After all, she couldn’t call herself an expert at reading people if she couldn’t even figure out someone this close to her.

Luckily for you, she quickly figured out that you going rogue only ever happened when you were attacked and never when you started a fight, causing her to confidently put you into the “no harm for innocent” box.

It also had the added upside of basically having a guard dog with her on every mission who didn’t hesitate for even a second to throw themself at any criminal stupid enough to try and harm her, and sure, while she would have been easily able to handle them herself, Yelan was the last person that would complain about not having to do something tiring.

“That’s enough”, Yelan finally put an end to your ‘advanced method of self-defense’, causing you to immediately get up, leaving the treasure hoarder to solemnly reflect on his decision to threaten you. That was if he was still conscious. “I need him to answer my questions later”, she explained further after seeing you send her a questioning look, her, as usual, mysterious voice refusing to betray any emotions.

As she bent down to inspect the person lying on the floor, you finally managed to calm yourself down, feeling the usual mix of shock and disappointment as you looked down at your knuckles, sighing as you looked for a bit of water to wash them, before making your way back, scooping the criminal up and taking his weapon, which by now laid several feet away from him, in case it could be used as evidence or something of those sorts.

“I know he began it by threatening us, but I can easily handle a dozen of them on my own, so at least try to refrain yourself from going overboard next time. The last thing we need is for word about a mysterious figure beating up people in the middle of night”, she told you off, only for you to nod as you continued to look down, causing Yelan to put on a soft smile.

“Good, now let’s get this done and over with. I have a pair of new dice and you look like just the right person to test them with.”