#do you understand that different mediums are capable of achieving different things. do you know this.

[violentlydefending]

i fucking hate that one post that talks about how digital mediums are """**truly superior**""" to physical mediums bc it just makes it so painfully obvious that they have never meaningfully interacted or engaged with any physical medium, ever

[seawitchkaraoke]

The Cleo - Scar collaboration is just so so so good, because they're both such amazing artists and while they use somewhat different mediums (primarily building vs primarily armourstands) they still have a similar style in what they focus on which is storytelling. Scar will go on and on in his videos about the story in his builds and Cleo gives every armourstand scene a story and a life and a logic behind it. Nothings there just to look pretty, it all serves a purpose in the story being told, they're both very detail oriented too!

And they both absolutely recognise this in each other as well, which means they truly understand and appreciate each other's art - I remember that lifestream a while ago where Cleo asked Scar's advice on landscaping (don't put the rock on the land, embed it in it) and I got that vibe then and I get it even more now

That's why Cleo's armourstands in Scarland are just so amazing. Scar's builds on their own are already always full of life and full of story, he's already thought about where ppl would be and what they would do, here's a cart, there's a popcorn stall, here's benches, this is main street where ppl are strolling up and down. And then Cleo comes in, who's capable of telling amazing stories with their armourstands on their own already and they pick up exactly all the little things Scar's builds are putting down, filling in the blanks and enhancing the stories and like... putting all the details in.

It's like Scar says ''this is main street, ppl are strolling down it'' and Cleo says ''yes there's thiis group of friends, one of whom is very excitedly telling the others probably some fun facts about this theme park and here's a family with a very excited kid but the parents also have merch so clearly they love this too''. Scar says ''here's some benches for ppl to rest and enjoy the view'' and Cleo says ''yes, this parent is very exhausted and has taken their shoes off while the kids play, also I saw what you did with the popcorn on the ground, so I put gum under the bench''

Yes of course bonus points for Cleo including the cane and the wheelchair users, but like.... they're not just amazing bc they thought to do that, they're amazing bc they see eactly the story Scar is telling and add to it seamlessly

And just. The appreciation they have for each other, the way they tallk about each other's art, you can tell they really understand it even if it's not their primary medium, like they can't just tell the other is amazing at armourstands/building but they notice Why they are, theyy notice what details the other include in their works, like they really Get It y'know?

Also Cleo clearly gets not just Scar's art but also knows him very well, she made him tear up with her armourstands that's an achievement, Cleo you are so so so good

[magneto-8]

Building a Seamless Customer Journey with Adobe Commerce: Best Practices

The blog delves into the importance of enhancing customer experience in the existing environment. The contribution of Adobe Commerce in providing solutions for engaging experiences on different levels is evident. To retain and gain customer loyalty as well as achieve the organization’s goals, the blog offers practical tips on speed optimization, personalization, and understanding of customer behavior.

How to Build a Seamless Customer Journey with Adobe Commerce Best Practices

Let us go over some of these golden tips that will help in leveraging the active platform so that the consumers do not experience any friction from initiating to completing the purchase.

Determine the Consumers Purchase Journey

In any business, the first step is to know the customer journey. You must also identify how many stages your customers might go through to improve it. Such stages typically include awareness, deliberation, acquisition, and post-acquisition. Thus, the companies can outline these steps. They can also pinpoint key points to interact with clients for the best effect.

A recent survey found that consumer behavior is fragile. Eighty-six percent of consumers would never return to a brand following two negative encounters. It raises the importance of positive, helpful experiences at all stops to a whole new level. Brands must focus on these cases. They will cultivate client loyalty by meeting and surpassing their expectations

Image Link

Capitalize on Data for Personalization

Now, the selling industry is so aggressive that consumers expect more from products. So, it is vital to personalize. It should come as no surprise that Adobe Commerce benefits businesses. It lets them efficiently capture and analyze their customers' purchasing behavior. Businesses can generate extremely customized buyer profiles with the aid of Adobe Analytics and Adobe Customer Journey Analytics. Recent surveys indicate that 76% of customers are angry when such attention is lacking.

Apply Omnichannel Strategy Where Needed 

Devices powered by Adobe Commerce make it easy for organizations to deliver enhanced customer experience by blending different interfaces such as social media, in-store, and online mediums. As a result, an experience-oriented model allows seamless channel switching without contextual disruptions. The alignment of information across all other concerned platforms increases the satisfaction of customers and ease of business, allowing for a large client base.

Enhances Speed

Generally, there are expectations of instant feedback and solutions from clients in this fast-paced world of business. Salesforce research indicated that 83% of the population expects that all brand-related interactions should take place at lightning speed. Increasing the speed of reactions is a matter of making the first things automated. Robots making real-time queries via chat will enable human service agents to perform administrative duties or handle intelligent queries, maintaining clients' satisfaction with instant responses.

Improve by Feedbacks

Suppose at any stage you intend to know how well you are able to address customer needs. In that case, it is necessary to gather feedback from the customers continuously. Adobe Commerce has tools for collecting customer feedback and survey data. By looking at this input, companies can identify shortcomings.

If many consumers need help to complete the checkout, it should be more straightforward. Such issues will likely increase cart abandonment. But it can be minimized by solving them quickly.

Engage with Customer After Sales

It does not end with the consumer making a purchase and the need to communicate with the consumer arises so that you are able to build loyalty. Using these capabilities, it’s possible to send a follow-up email with recommendations or reminders related to past transactions. You can always keep your customers and get them to come back again and again by nurturing them and adding value even after the transaction has taken place.

Image Link

Conclusion

It is essential to keep in mind what your customers want at all the touchpoints in the journey when creating their experience with Adobe Commerce. Using data to enhance customer experiences increases retention and outgrows competition; companies can launch unique experiences by targeting loyalty and growth through utilizing personalization, omnichannel strategy, enhancements in speed, consistent feedback mechanisms, post-purchase engagement, and working with an Adobe Commerce partner.

[david-schmid-photo]

How to Improve Your Photography Skills in 8 Easy Steps

Image by freepik

Photographs are a fascinating artistic medium because they permit you to capture the world as you see it. 

No matter where you are on your photography journey, the prospect of constantly learning and refining your craft might be overwhelming. But if you take the correct strategy, you'll have no trouble making great strides. 

If you want to become a better photographer, this article will show you eight simple steps to achieve that. From understanding your camera to mastering editing techniques, these tips will help you take your photos to the next level and unlock your creative potential.

8 Steps to Help You Improve Your Photography Skills

Photo: Felix Peter

1. Take Time To Study

Knowing the background of your craft is essential if you want to improve photography skills. Familiarity with the works of notable trailblazers and contemporary masters is essential. 

Having this knowledge will help you comprehend the development of the art form and will also spare you any uncomfortable situations while conversing with more accomplished artists. Discovering the influential people and events in photography's history will teach you a lot about the methods and styles that have molded the industry. 

Insight into the past can help you develop as a photographer by illuminating your own work in perspective and generating ideas for fresh approaches. 

2. Understand Your Equipment

It takes a lot more than "point-and-shoot" to take a good photograph. Knowing your camera features can greatly enhance your photo-taking abilities. The user's manual is your best friend when you want to get to know all the camera settings and functions. 

If you are familiar with your camera’s capabilities, you will be well-equipped to capture better images. Taking a photography course is a great way to learn the ins and outs of cameras, as the subject is often covered extensively.

3. Practice Often

Photography is one of the industries in which practice really does almost always make perfect. Carry your camera about with you at all times and make it a habit to photograph at least once a day. 

Your abilities and imagination will both benefit from even a brief daily commitment of five to ten minutes. The more time you put into taking pictures, the better you'll get at it.

4. Find Inspiration

To further develop your photographic talents, it is essential to seek inspiration everywhere. Finding novel and interesting ways to photograph everyday objects is a great approach to broaden your creative horizons and gain a new viewpoint. 

Try looking at ordinary objects like a bar of soap, a glass, flowers, leaves, or even a crossing sign from different heights, depths, and angles to notice how they change. Taking pictures of flowers from below, for example, reveals a new angle and changes the focus point. 

Figure out what inspires you to take pictures, whether it's a particular scene, time of day, or location. Holding on to these early sources of inspiration will keep you enthusiastic and motivated, which will lead to improved photographic abilities.

5. Learn From Photographers You Admire

Gain a deeper understanding of photography and your own abilities by studying the works of your favorite professional photographer. Find what you like about their artistic expression and try to incorporate it in your own work.

Mastering the four pillars of photography—composition, lighting, concept, and perspective—requires extensive study, and there is no better way to do it than by studying the work of established photographers as well as those in your own circle.

6. Learn About Editing Software

It is crucial for photographers to have the ability to use image editing software. Make sure your images are up to par with professional standards by enhancing and refining them with its help. 

To take ordinary photos and turn them into works of art, editing software lets you do things like fix exposure, tweak colors, erase flaws, and add creative effects. On top of that, it gives you the freedom to express your vision and style in a creative way. 

7. Work on a Project

One of the best ways to get better is to set goals for yourself. Not only will it keep you from neglecting your camera, but it will also sharpen your sense of composition. 

The nature of your project is totally up to you. One option is taking photos every day for a year, while another is to focus on a specific location, emotion, or topic. Shoot film or use a digital camera. The important part is consistency!

Whether you choose landscape photography or want to focus on portraits, you’re guaranteed to improve your skills by remaining consistent with your project of choice.

8. Build a Portfolio

Until you have finished editing and put your work in a portfolio, no one will be able to appreciate it to its maximum potential. It doesn’t matter whether you opt for a physical or digital photography portfolio. 

Taking the next step in your photographic journey requires you to understand the best ways to present your work. In addition to showcasing your technical skills, a strong presentation effectively conveys your creative vision, which in turn attracts prospects and clients. 

To showcase your talent and advance your photographic profession, mastering this aspect is vital.

Ready to Reach Your Full Potential?

Improving your photography skills doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these eight easy steps, you can enhance your technique, expand your creative vision, and produce stunning images that reflect your unique perspective. 

Remember, practice and patience are key to growth in any art form. As you apply these tips, you'll notice a significant improvement in your work and gain the confidence to experiment further. 

Keep exploring, stay inspired, and enjoy the journey of capturing the world through your lens. For photography inspiration, check out my portfolio!

[perthsoftware]

Measuring Progress: Assessing Your Proficiency in Primavera P6

Are you getting introduced to Oracle’s Primavera P6 Primavera software now? With many functionalities, it can seem complicated for project management professionals working in it! However, as soon as some of the basics are learned, you get accustomed to the most basic and vital functions. It helps you manage the rest with ease.

What is Primavera P6

Primavera PPM stands as the standard and extensively utilized software for enterprise project portfolio management. The software is a powerful tool capable of supporting the planning and managing of large-scale yet complex projects, programs, and project portfolios from end to end.

This is a project management tool developed by the Oracle® corporation. It comprises several features. When discussing Primavera P6, we are primarily referring to the on-premises version of the software & its web-based counterpart EPPM.

Proficiency in the Primavera P6 software is a valuable skill to acquire. It is essential for every scheduler working within large-scale projects across the Construction, Oil, Gas, Energy, Manufacturing, and similar industries, known to encompass complex projects.

Learning Primavera P6 courses helps you know how to use the software. Primavera P6 is not hard to learn. However, with the appropriate assistance, anyone has the potential to acquire this skill. It will greatly benefit a project scheduler’s career.

How long does it take to learn Primavera P6?

The time it takes to learn Primavera P6 courses, like any software or skill, can vary widely. It depends on several factors.

Your previous involvement with project management software, 

Your knowledge of comparable tools, 

Your ability to grasp new concepts quickly, 

The intricacy of the projects you plan to oversee and organize using Primavera P6. 

Let's find out the general overview of what people anticipate:

Basic Proficiency (2-4 weeks) – Do you have prior experience with project management software and scheduling tools? You can gain basic proficiency rather quickly. The Basic Proficiency stage focuses on the user interface, and navigating the program. It helps create basic project schedules and define activities and the relationships between them.     

Intermediate Skills (2-4 months) – Do you wish to become more proficient? Do you wish to use this software effectively for medium-sized projects? You will need to invest some more time in Primavera P6 course training in Perth. During this stage, you will get accustomed to advanced scheduling techniques, resource management, tracking progress, and cost control. To become familiar with the software, take time in this phase to use Primavera P6 daily and explore its features such as reporting, risk analysis, custom layouts, and customizable views. So you can get a grasp of all the functions and features this tool offers.   

Advanced (6 months – 1 year or more) – Achieving advanced mastery of the Primavera P6 course might take a considerably longer time. In this stage, you will learn to track more complex projects, optimize schedules, manage multiple project plans, and apply advanced features. you can gain a comprehensive understanding as you fully comprehend various functions and features provided in this tool & training.   

Continuous Learning – The most important thing to know is that learning the Primavera P6 course is an ongoing process. The software is evolving continually. It is essential for an effective project management process. It helps the team remain updated on the latest features and best practices.

Additionally, you can opt for Primavera P6 training in Perth to enhance your skills further. Fast Track Computer Solutions offers various Primavera P6 courses and training in Perth. The duration of learning Primavera P6 can greatly differ among individuals, ranging from 5 to 25 hours, depending on the intricacy of the subject matter. Engaging in this learning process will enhance your proficiency and expertise in effectively utilizing Primavera P6. Therefore, do not let the complexity of the software or any other factors discourage you!

In Perth, there are various avenues available for acquiring knowledge on Primavera P6. The Oracle’s Primavera P6 courses and training in Perth are led by practitioners and instructors at Fast Track Computer Solutions. They have vast practical experience in the industry. They can share their knowledge with you. Instructors are available to provide continuous support to students throughout their journey. They assist them in overcoming any challenges they may face. So that you can demonstrate your skill and proficiency by using Primavera P6.

[pradeepagarwalacademy-blog]

Master the Art of Consistency and Focus for IIT JEE (JEE Advanced)

The IIT JEE Exam (or JEE Advanced) is the most competitive in India, and to crack it, you need to put lots of effort, hard work, and dedication into it. But is hard work enough? If this question is coming into your mind, then you are in the right place. We help you with amazing tips that help you know how to crack IIT JEE without pressure while enjoying every moment of your journey to success. 

 Here are 15 amazing tips to follow

1. Set your goals and objectives - Once you have decided to be in the race for IIT, the first thing to do, is to write down our goals and objectives. Then start breaking them down into smaller tasks. These smaller tasks should be tasks you can accomplish and are attainable before you decide to push yourself to your limit. Doing that leads to higher morale and increased productivity.

2. Divide preparation in different levels - It is always better to study with a step wise approach. Whenever you start a new chapter, first complete the NCERT level including all derivations that may come in board exams, then practice all problems of JEE Main level and finally practice all problems of JEE Advanced level. This will make you feel more comfortable and you will be able to complete the chapter much faster.

3. Stay motivated - The essential part of studying for the IIT JEE exam is to stay motivated. Never think that you cannot do it; always think that you can. Make sure to keep in mind what your goal is and how you will achieve it. You know that it is difficult and that dedication is required to compete in the exam, but always think about why you want to do it.

4. Stay focused - As humans, we are easily distracted. Unfortunately, during this day and age, distractions are everywhere and easily accessible. The fact is that focus is slippery and can easily be lost. There are several things we can do to stay focused while we work or study and improve our productivity. Setting a routine and forming habits are critical here.

5. Understand the nature of exam - Not everyone can be a topper. Obtaining a reasonable rank is the objective of most students. Please understand that the questions that are asked in IIT JEE exam can be divided in 3 types: easy, medium and tough. Even if you leave the tough questions but solve the others with accuracy, you will certainly obtain an amazing rank. So, take it easy and do not worry about tough problems during preparation if you do not have sufficient time.

6. Prepare a schedule and a timetable - You must first prepare a long term schedule and then a timetable that you follow daily. Please don't make it strict for yourself, as there are more chances you'll give up soon. Understand your capabilities and build strategies around them. Some students need less revision and some need more. Accordingly, keep sufficient time for revision in your schedule even if it means practicing either less number of difficult problems or not practicing them at all.

7. Track your syllabus and stay updated - Always keep track of your progress and syllabus to understand where you stand. Based on your experience of your preparation you had up till now, do not hesitate in revising and updating your schedule and time table for the balance period.

8. Monotask, do not multitask - This means you work on one thing at a time. This will give you better control over your task. Be the boss of your time and not let the time control you.

9. Take short breaks - Whenever you study, do it with focus and concentration, but once you take a break, relax your mind and enjoy the time peacefully. If you worry during your short breaks, it will distract your mind while you study for the exam.

10. Make notes and use sticky notes - This is a very useful technique for many reasons. Firstly, making notes automatically brings in a lot of concentration. Secondly, you generally write only after giving a sufficient thought and analysis. Finally, these are your own notes. They help you in your quick revision. Use colourful sticky notes that help to draw attention to important details and help you remember the things you jot down.

11. Work smarter rather than just harder - It is the Quality over Quantity which is more important. Studying with concentration and analysing the principles and concepts with a clear mind will bring in efficiency and you will be able achieve the same targets in much less time.

12. Speed and Accuracy - You must develop a habit of solving a problem correctly the very first time. Speed and accuracy automatically develops by solving a problem with a good approach and a relaxed mind. Solving problems accurately becomes our habit which can only be inculcated by practice. Accuracy can never be compromised with speed.

13. Keep formulae and concepts handy for easy reference - I tell students not to put oneself under pressure in memorising formulae. Just keep them handy for easy reference. As you keep practicing problems, you will experience that with continued usage of formulae and concepts, they easily become your own property.

14. Don't compare with others and don’t follow others - Concentrate on your studies. Don't worry about what others do and don’t get influenced by them. Everyone is different, have different way of grasping and presenting things. Be focused on your own target.

15. Work on your weak points – If you are following your routine and doing your best but still lacking behind, then you need to choose the best coaching institute for IIT JEE  that will help you work on your weak points and make you achieve your goals. If you understand your strengths and weaknesses, you will achieve your goals, as you can work smarter to make your weaknesses work in your favour.

 Make Sure To Plan Accordingly

You must be aware that if your goal is to crack the exam, the competition is very high. So, you must prepare and plan your studies accordingly. To help you prepare for the exam, enrol yourself in the best IIT JEE coaching in Gurgaon. Pradeep Agarwal Academy is a renowned coaching institute that makes learning easy to adapt and understand. With the help of professional guidance and by following the above tips, it is easy for you to rank in the IIT JEE exam.

You can reach us at:

Mobile no: +91-8448084352 , +91-8448084353 Emai id: contactus@iitcoachings.in Website: www.iitcoachings.in

[bettsfic]

hi betts! i got very interested in your posts esp the implied author. i wanna ask a question (if you dont mind!). so about the implied author, i always feel like that my writings though beautiful always lack mentioned maturity and read very... YA-ish? its not something im trying to achieve. i want to make it more mature and 'classical'. do you have a tips for this? im not aware enough of what to improve on to achieve that, basically. thank you in advance!

this is a great question! unfortunately, though, i don't have a handy dandy term like "implied author" to thoroughly encapsulate my possibly abstract answer.

first, while i understand your goals, i think beautiful prose, and the focus thereof, is still a very important pursuit. there's also nothing wrong with being YA-ish; the implied author comes from a book called the rhetoric of fiction, and the title implies that it's a study of fiction in interaction with an audience. so different readers get different things out of what they read (i wrote about this more in my june newsletter). possibly your perspective is something someone else hasn't seen before, and you've offered them something new without even knowing.

that said, i absolutely understand the drive to have a wider perspective, and write things that you find more complicated and challenging. however, the only way i can answer this is with metaphors couched in narrative, of how i learned about how to approach my writing differently, and which presumably, maybe widened a reader's sense of my implied author (but since i can't be a reader of my own work, there's no way to tell for sure).

so, i once took a creative nonfiction seminar during which i read a whole bunch of memoirs, and the final project was either a research paper or a personal essay. obviously i chose the personal essay. i decided to write about my ex-boyfriend, with whom i'd broken up five years earlier, and i was still very fucked up about it even though we'd been broken up far longer than we were together.

looking back on that essay, it reads like a sales pitch, ten pages of me just pleading with the reader to see my side of the situation, to see how i was the victim, sympathize with me and not him. he's the evil one. hate him with me. please please please.

it was not a good look.

there was a lot of unprocessed grief in that essay, a lot of anger. it was clear i had no wider perspective of the situation other than wallowing in my own narrow feelings about it. i was telling the reader what to think about me, about him, about the situation, rather than conveying the situation as it truly was and allowing them to draw their own conclusions.

in nonfiction, that's terrifying, because it potentially paints me in a negative light. a reader may see my actions and think poorly of me. and honestly, looking back, they should. i was as toxic to my ex as he was to me. i was not good to him at all.

but see, that's an example of me telling you what to think. in the essay, i am pretty much saying outright, "he is evil. hate him." i want to force the reader to be on my side. but after a mental breakdown and a lot of trauma therapy, i was able to step out of the situation and my feelings thereof, and see it from a much wider perspective, and instead of putting my actual emotions on the page, i'm able to illustrate honestly the emotions i felt at the time. i am no longer in the story. i'm outside of it.

here are the events as they actually happened: one night, he didn't come home. i texted him. i tried to call him. i waited a couple more hours and called him again. he came home as i was looking up numbers to nearby hospitals, around four a.m. he wouldn't tell me where he'd been. the next day i found a bunch of hickeys on his neck. i was hurt, and angry, and i pushed him. i told him to get out of my house. he still denied it, and kept denying it for hours longer, until finally admitting he'd been dating someone else for months. i couldn't find it in myself to blame him. to me, it was my fault for not being good enough for him, for not fitting into the shape of someone he could love.

there was more to the story than that; he was financially dependent on me, he was no longer attracted to me and felt trapped in our relationship, my father had just died and i couldn't even begin to grieve over the loss of someone whose life mine revolved around.

but an essay -- or a short story, a novel, a poem -- can't ever render reality exactly as it is. we as writers are always just curators of experiences, images, sentences. there's a lot of fear in that, of leaving out details, of being misunderstood. but that's the inherent risk of art.

the lesson i brought back to fiction is this:

it's not my job as a writer to place judgment on my characters, but to simply convey the story as it happens. my characters may have biases, misperceptions, judgments, and opinions, but they are not mine. widening the implied author, so to speak, is a process of removing yourself from your prose.

obviously you will make characters who are like you in some ways, and so they may share traits with you. they may be identical to you in every way. but they are not you, and cannot be you. possibly the implied author is the absence of ego. or maybe it's an embrace of the self and the world as things that can't be fully known.

i think about films that have a wide implied author versus a narrow one (in my opinion; see above point about fiction as rhetoric). to me, pacific rim has a very wide implied author. even though all the characters in the movie take the events therein very seriously, i know that the mind creating this story knows it's kind of ridiculous, even though it's not a comedy. they know this wild, over-the-top conceit is a vehicle for the more complicated and nuanced experience of intimacy and trust.

a narrow implied author would be zack snyder's justice league. that film leaves me with no evidence that the mind behind it is capable of truly understanding experiences beyond their own, or using their medium to render a nuanced portrayal of being. that doesn't mean snyder isn't, in reality, capable of those things, or that the movie isn't enjoyable on an aesthetic level, but that i found no evidence in the text of, well, themes. it's just...characters doing things. i see no exploration in it, no question that the narrative addresses.

which leads me to my second point, which is that i think the widest implied authors are the ones who are vulnerable enough not to have an answer or conclusion, to simply discover and explore larger questions.

so, what questions do you have? what things do you not know? what are you most afraid to convey or admit?

in some ways, my answer to your question is that you don't have to worry about it, because the implied author is the experience of the reader, which you can't control. however, i think all of us, myself included, can work toward a greater perspective of ourselves and our world, to understand things to a more complex degree. and beautifully, writing helps us do that, at the risk of exposing the things we don't know, the questions we can't answer, our true colors which may be darker and uglier than we'd like to admit.

[horsnormesme]

Know the Proper Benefits of Martial Arts Training for Children

Martial arts prove to be a vital part of life among children. Parents are always seen searching for Martial Arts Schools in Houston Tx to enhance the concentration and order of their children. The practice of martial arts is gradually becoming a lifestyle among children.

As a matter of fact there is violence in the world and it can happen unexpectedly. Considering this it is important to set for such incidents before and prepare to pick up fight abilities beforehand. Moreover, getting involved in martial arts from a very early age tends to create the stamina to endure certain things via physical fight. Learning and practicing martial arts prompt several advantages. So, while taking classes make sure to be extremely mindful of activities involved in the process. This way you will become aware of condition and take steps accordingly. No matter you are at home, in school, or dealing with certain situations, the training plays an important role in making you learn how to explore processes and other ways of life.

Especially, children become confident and they learn how to deal with violent situations and trust in themselves and their abilities for a better future. The changes in behavior will get noticed by everybody around you. An expert training in martial arts will change your psychological attitude and teaches you all the genuine self-defense techniques to tackle difficult to difficult situations in an effective manner.

Opt for Martial Arts Training - Quite Beneficial for Children

Instead of plopping kids in front of television you should enroll them in best martial arts form by searching for Martial Arts Classes Near Me. Considering martial arts as solutions for physical and mental growth results in well-being of the children. Apart from learning various forms of martial arts they become confident enough and take decisions by their own to achieve their short, medium as well as long goals. It fosters their emotional growth too. Moreover, confidence is the backbone of success and it comes by practicing different types of martial arts from very beginning.

Let’s Dive into the Major Benefits of Martial Arts Classes for Children

Martial arts for children are quite important. The techniques give them emotional and physical intelligence to boost confidence and do well during violent situations or other walks of life. Their self-esteem gets increased automatically. Below we are going to discuss some of the major advantages of martial arts among children coming from all age groups.

1. It Creates Self-discipline

In the classes, kids are taught the importance of discipline in martial arts and other practices in day to day life. The purpose of martial arts is to foster self-discipline and make kids capable of doing all the tasks in a disciplined way. They learn what is discipline? And how it can affect all walks of life in a positive way?

2. Self-defense

Martial Arts Schools in Houston Tx train students for different martial arts techniques to defend themselves. All the skills needed to act on the basis of situations that comes front are taught by experienced trainers. Since trainers are well-skilled you can be assured of quality martial arts classes.

3. Teamwork Skills get Enhanced

When it comes to children, team work can be sometimes complex and tricky. All thanks to classes where team work is practiced so as to produce better results while working together in a group of 2, 3, or more. Children know how team work can make them complete the things quickly and how coordination can make things happen in a peaceful way.

4. Social Skills Development

In the classes whether you attend for curriculum or martial arts bonding is important. A good martial art class helps you in understanding the need of a strong bond. There you get chance to talk to children coming from different families, different schools and this lets you share your emotions and opinions and learn something of importance each and every time. Social skills are long-term goal and practicing this from the very beginning can prove highly beneficial later in life.

5. Goal Setting

We all know the importance of goals in life. Everything we do needs to set up a goal beforehand and achieve those targets in the specified time.  In classes, you learn to set up certain goals and achieve the targets in the specified time.

Hope the above benefits are enough to understand how h important martial classes are for growth, emotionally, mentally, and physically! So, your job is to seek an excellent Martial Arts Training provider and ask them for classes. And make sure to prepare your kids to attend the class cautiously and you will start noticing difference after some time.

Choose the Most Suitable Martial Art for Your Children

All martial arts forms are great and can do wonders. But getting involved in a form that matches the interests and personalities of your children speaks a lot and does a lot! There are varieties of martial arts forms and the idea is to select the one that will benefit you personally and prove worthy in the long run. Before you begin searching Martial Arts Classes Near Me make sure to research the behavior and personalities of your children and enroll them accordingly. Though selecting the right one can be a tedious task when you give time in learning your child’s attitude you will surely reach a suitable consequence.

Different martial arts forms have different skills and techniques and thus if you have no idea or you don’t want to put your mind, you can take the help of expert trainers in choosing the best one for your kids.

Conclusion

Martial arts are great for kids coming from different ages. Actually, when kids get classes from reputed Martial Art Training provider, they find the techniques worthy and the process much safer than some other sports. Are you eyeing for the best classes? Reach out to Horsnormes Houston. Here expert trainers will guide you for a range of different styles and techniques.

Source

[slimesomniac]

TOMB Info Post

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Ok so I came up with some races and classes for characters mostly for fun, y’all can come up with different stuff or get creative with with this list if u want, these are more for ideas and brainstorming

(Edit: speaking of brainstorming pls feel free to reblog and add own your own ideas for races and classes✨)

Races:

*human (we all know wat a human is,, at least I hope we do)

*elf (elves stick to certain biomes, ex: forest, desert, tundra. Usually tall with pointy ears, and share natural ties to the overworld realms)

*dark elf (dark elves resemble most elves except for their natural ties to the dark realms and their power, it is for this reason that many believe dark elves to secretly side with the darkness, dark elven characters will have a harder time forming positive relations with NPCs)

*merfolk (any fish traits, all the fish traits)

*animalia (ranges from cat boy to full on furry, basically a mixture of a human and another member of the animal kingdom: snakes, wolves, or even bats)

*shifters (were it not for their ability to take on a more animalia-like appearance they could easily be considered human, shifters take on a fully human appearance but can change to animalistic at the drop of a hat, think more werewolf)

*dragonborn (can look like a human or have as many dragon features as you want)

*vampires (red eyes and fangs, a lot more durable than a human)

*valkrie (a solely female race sorta like gems that posses bird wings and abnormal strength)

*avian (a bird species similar to the valkrie, though they are not solely female and do not posses the same abnormal strength as their sister race)

*dryads (green toned skin and the ability to communicate with plant life, dryads are rumored to be descendants of fae and usually seclude themselves in forests or other lush biomes)

*giants (giants are often mistaken for barbarians due to their slightly more than average size, when in truth the giant race is a very nurturing one whose connection with the world around them rivals that of the dryads)

Classes:

fighter classes-

*brawler (uses bare hands)

*swashbuckler (uses short range weapons, namely swords/daggers)

*archer (uses long distance weapons)

*gunslinger (specializes in artillery weapons)

Witcher classes-

*healer (uses magic to heal themself and others)

*spellcastor (uses magic to cast offensive and defensive spells)

*potions expert (uses magical ingredients to concoct a variety of useful potions)

*necromancer (draws on dark magic to manipulate afterlife forces to their advantage)

Melody classes-

*conductor (wields weaponized music through an instrument)

*siren (wields weaponized music through their voice)

Spirit classes-

*elemental (controls one or more elements)

*whisperer (commands nature, plants, and animals)

*summoner (capable of summoning spirits to fight for them or achieve other tasks)

(Special note for the above classes!: should your character become advanced in their specific subclass, they can then pick up on other specific subclasses within their class but not outside of it. For example: if your character is a swashbuckler who masters the sword they can then pick up on brawling moves as the brawler subclass is in the fighter class along with swashbuckling, however, a swashbuckler could never pick up on a subclass from the Witcher category)

Skill Classes-

(Skill classes are unique and can be paired with one of the above classes)

*theif (skilled in lockpicking and stealth)

*detective (skilled in observation and memorization)

*captain (skilled in leadership) (sorta came up with this for the sake of pirate avatars)

*crafter (skilled at building, deconstructing, and understanding how things work) (you can choose a specific area of expertise for this ex: a crafter that only understands how engines work)

*rider (skilled at maneuvering land based vehicles)

*pilot (skilled at maneuvering air based vehicles)

Titles:

(Pre-section note: not all characters have to have a title, titles aren’t required, they are optional)

Titles can range from Doctor to King. Titles come in three tiers: Low Risk, Medium Risk, High Risk. Those with commoner titles or no title at all are Low Risk meaning they are least likely to be attacked by enemies. Those with noble titles (ex: Sir as in knight) are Medium Risk meaning they have a 50/50 chance of being targeted more. Those with royal titles are High Risk meaning they are most likely to be targeted. (Note: titles don’t necessarily have to be mentioned in an avatars name, it pretty much works the same as titles in real life. If someone’s a doctor you call them Dr. so-and-so but if someone’s a zoologist you just call them by name)

And that’s all I got so far, again these are just ideas feel free to come up with anything u want

[tempestwind]

Post-series Entrapta analysis:

Entrapta is hands-down one of my favorite characters on any medium ever. Her unbridled excitement over things is something I've tried hard to hold onto throughout my adult life. Her habit of talking endlessly about her topic of interest reminded me of my favorite aspects of my friends.

Her ability to humanize others is one of the most integral parts of the series. Yet her own inability to understand others is her biggest hurdle. Entrapta was written as autistic, with input from an autistic storyboard artist on the series, and that is an incredible form of representation and so important for people to see and experience.

With Entrapta, I think the theme is a cautionary one: "There will be so many people in life that you don't understand: even your own friends. Take the time to learn how to communicate with them, or else you could lose them in big and harmful ways."

Entrapta is not understood by those around her. Even her staff, who care openly about her, do not know how to relate to her. That isolation of living with people who don't understand sounds like something too many of my friends have struggled with. Queer and neurodivergent people spend so long feeling like they are isolated within a society that isn't like them, and they can feel that way for their whole lives, or until they find others like themselves, or others who can appreciate them as they are.

Entrapta is motivated by her special interest, but it is not her sole motivation. Tech is something she's brilliant at, something that always holds and delivers on promises, and something she can always improve upon: it's so much easier to understand than the nuances of people. Even at the Prom episode, she approaches it as another science experiment, because why wouldn't she continue to perform science and do research while there? But if people make her uncomfortable, why is she even at the party? I suspect that her desire to research the social situation comes from a motivation to understand other people better, and she correctly labels a lot of the behaviors she picks up on.

Entrapta is not clueless or antisocial. She loves making friends and she loves talking to people. But eventually, all of those friends leave her, and she hasn't figured out why. So she digs deeper into tech, because it's something she loves, something rewarding, and something that won't leave her.

Those abandonment issues are what Catra catches onto, and manipulates Entrapta into thinking (rightly so) that the other princesses aren't coming back for her. She convinces Entrapta that it's because she's broken and hard to understand, which are Entrapta's own insecurities. She insinuates that Entrapta will have a place with the Horde, but that message isn't clear enough. Entrapta doesn't follow Catra's script the way she expects, and it throws off Catra.

Entrapta sees all the tech and wants desperately to study it. This tech gives her so many opportunities. And the well-meaning people in her life who tried to hold her back are no longer going to stop her. Entrapta sees the tech in the Horde and sees an opportunity to do great things.

She isn't worried about sides because science doesn't have a side, she thinks. As long as she is researching and discovering new things, she can find fulfillment and do what she loves.

Entrapta trusts openly, and this leads to a lot of shenanigans throughout the series. There is a theme of her constantly walking into danger without any sense of self-preservation. (I do know that there are autistic children who have a tendency to wander or run away, but I don't know enough about that to go in-depth with that here.)

This tendency to not read the danger of a situation led her to holding the majority of the power in her situation while captive. She doesn't understand when she's being threatened, she doesn't see that people are insisting that they will harm her, because she's so focused on this goal-meets-rewards system that has been part of her existence throughout her life.

Because she doesn't pick up on those social cues, she isn't scared of Catra or the big bad (at the time), Hordak. Because she walks into his lab ("Sanctum") as she sees fit and doesn't react to his threats, Hordak is defenseless against her. And he sees her capabilities, he learns how powerful she can be... and how kind she can be.

One of my favorite situations between these two is a clash of love languages. Hordak saves Entrapta's life, but has damaged his armor. He proceeds to give her his Tragic Backstory. But Entrapta does not listen through to the end. She makes a point to say "I'm still listening," acknowledging that she is aware of how he wants to be listened to. However, she disappears into the air vent and Hordak looks pained by this.

Entrapta comes back with the tools she needs to build Hordak new, better, stronger armor. Entrapta's love language is Acts of Service. Hordak doesn't understand that this is her motivation until she has performed the act. And from there, these two are finally in tune.

Hordak speaks of his imperfections and Entrapta tells him that, as a scientist, she loves imperfections. She thinks they are beautiful. In that moment, we see her through Hordak's eyes, and she is radiant, beautiful, and mature (she's near 30, but looks much younger), bathed in the light of their experiment.

She calls herself a failure as a means of relating to him. When he tries to compliment her, he doesn't know how to say his intent, but Entrapta sees through the useless words into the message: "Thanks, I like being friends with you too."

When Catra betrays her and sends her to Beast Island, Entrapta thinks this is another friendship gone awry. She falls into a depression because she's been abandoned yet again, but doesn't understand why.

The final season has a focus on Entrapta trying to redeem herself, but the other princesses are not willing or able to understand this until they finally talk. What seemed like Entrapta being reckless and difficult (to the point where they decided to put a leash on her) was actually her risking everything to help them. It wasn't until they took the leash off of her and let her lead the way, that she was finally able to achieve what she needed to. Rather than controlling her, her friends had to learn to let her lead the way: they did a wonderful job as damage control.

Entrapta began opening herself to other relationships after this, taking Wrong Hordak under her wing and teaching him all the social behaviors she had picked up on. She could communicate all of this with ease, as well, because they're all foreign things that she learned in order to relate to others better.

And she never gave up on Hordak, even though she wasn't sure if he was upset with her. Because this was someone who gave her freedom, helped her with science, and learned how to communicate with her.

It's important to be mindful of the individual needs of all the people in your life. You cannot control your friends into being different people. You cannot punish someone into being less neurodivergent. You can't closet someone into being less queer. Accepting people for who they are can be difficult and can lead to misunderstandings. Learning how to talk things out is one of the most important things you can do to be a better friend.

[astraeagreengrass]

French Press

Sam Wilson has a crush on two things: good coffee and you

Pairing: EMT!Sam Wilson x Nurse!Reader 

Word Count:1.981

Warnings: bad words, probably bad descriptions of medical professions and f l u f f

A/N: This is my submission to @sourpatchkidsandacokecan​ @littledarlinhavefaithinme​ "Little Darlin's Mystery AU Challenge". Thank you Clea for hosting this challenge! My prompt was EMT/paramedic featuring Sam Wilson. Many thanks to the only person lovelier than Captain America - Dani @xbuchananbarnes​ who kindly kept up with me rambling on and on about this for weeks. The banner picture was found here. I hope you like it ♡

Sam Wilson was having a really bad day.

He had slept in, having missed his alarm by well over forty minutes, and when his - goddamned, motherfucking, idiotic - roommate Bucky started banging on the door warning that they were going to be late, Sam rose in a flash, tripping on the strewn covers and stubbing his left pinky toe on the foot of the bed. Howling in pain, he half-entered, half-fell in the shower, scrubbing himself as fast as he could while muttering curses under the cold water.

The temperature was just warming up when he got out, only to realize he forgot to get a towel from the clean laundry basket. Trusting that drying himself off with a face towel was less humiliating than asking Bucky for a regular one - even if it meant going over his legs five times - Sam lost even more precious minutes, having to forgo his beloved french-pressed coffee in order to get to the hospital on time. Barnes could be a dick sometimes, but he was the best ambulance driver in the city, and, right now, Sam’s only hope.

Only they were not on the ambulance yet, and New York City's traffic didn't make way for Bucky's old Camaro - "It's vintage!" - the way it did for first responders. So when the tires screeched in front of Brooklyn General and the two friends rushed to the ER, they were greeted by the displeased face of their supervisor, Maria Rambeau.

"Please come in" she said in mock welcome. "I'm sure emergencies can wait for the princesses to get their beauty sleep."

And because anything in life that can go wrong will go wrong, you happened to pass by precisely as Sam was spilling out apology after apology. From the corner of his eye, he saw you stifling a laugh as you ducked behing Maria to get to the women’s rest room.

That was Monday.

Late evening blended into early morning and Sam found himself in the hospital cafeteria, upper body slumped on a chair and legs stretched in another. He always found it funny how healthcare professionals were usually the ones with the most unhealthy habits - like the irregular sleeping habits and the copious amount of bad coffee. Still, over and over again he took refuge on beige walls of the cafeteria, trying to find a modicum of rest between calls.

So far, the night had brought in an amateur archer with a cracked rib and a teenager with a allergic reaction to spiders. All in all, not a bad 24-hour shift.

Sunlight was just beginning to filter through the shutters when you walked in with Carol Danvers, another nurse. Your scrubs were rumpled and there was a dot of smudged mascara under your eyes. A thin line streamed your cheek from where the surgical mask sat and he was sure your hands were dry and scratchy from the latex gloves just like his were. Even so, to Sam, you were as beautiful as you did when you arrived yesterday morning, if only for the twinkled of mischief he could still catch in your gaze.

Next to him, Bucky snickered.

“You’re so whipped.”

That was Tuesday.

The first time you saw each other outside the hospital, it was a coincidence.

Sam turned left at the coffee aisle and there you were - almost unrecognizable in legging pants and a cap, bopping to a song he couldn’t hear on your earphones. You looked worlds away from the capable nurse he knew you were, staring absentmindedly at the rows of grains, weighing different options on each hand.

He couldn’t help it. Maybe it was the familiar white packaging on your right palm or the way the black pants hugged your calves and thighs in a soft curve your scrubs could never achieve. Somehow, finding you in the domestic setting of the local grocery store brought the words out of Sam’s lips, past lungs and vocal cords, toppling the insecurity that lived at the tip of his tongue.

“The Colombian one is great,” he blurted out.

Your removed an earbud, then the other. Your confused frown morphed into the most beautiful stretch of lips when you recognized the tall man at the end of the aisle.

“Hey,” you beamed. “I know you.”

I know you.

I know you.

I know you.

“From the hospital,” you quickly explained yourself, not knowing you didn’t have to. “You're Sam, right?”

On the inside, he was hyperventilating.

Oh my God, she knows me.

“Yeah,” he cleared his throat. “Sam Wilson.”

Two steps forward and he was close enough to extend his arm. The handshake was brief and polite, but thrilling. Sam sensed the gentle caress of your palm on every nerve ending of his body. He was wrong yesterday: your hands were so soft it felt as though you'd never once wore latex gloves.

“Y/N Y/L/N,” you said and damn it sounded so much better coming from your mouth rather than someone else’s. “Since you’re a friend, do you think you can help me understand this coffee?”

Friend. Friend. Cool. Helping a friend at the grocery store. He could do that. Friend. Get it together, Wilson.

Sam cleared his throat again.

“Well, I use a French Press, so if that’s your thing I’d suggest a medium or dark roast. That one is one of my favorites,” he pointed to the small white bag you were still holding in the cradle of your elbow.

“Oh wow, you’re a pro,” you laughed. “I don’t think I can operate anything more complicated than a coffee bag.”

Sam raised his eyebrows.

“A coffee bag? Really? That’s like a crime against coffee!”

You giggled, carefree, melodious and slightly embarrassed, like the first warm breeze after a long winter, still shy and oblivious to her greatness.

“In my defense, I’ve been trying to get better,” you claimed. “I don’t think I can survive much longer with the cafeteria coffee as my standard.”

“You’re right about that,” Sam said. Then, in a push of his good luck, he added. “Hey, if you want you can borrow my book on coffee recipes. When’s your next shift?”

“Tomorrow morning,” you replied. “And thank you! Are you sure you won’t need your book?”

“Not at all!” he shook his head. “Besides, it would a crime to let you keep using those coffee bags.”

And there it was again, the laugh. He could keep hearing it forever.

There was a pause, then. That awkward silence in the middle of a sentence when someone wishes they could say more but they don't know how to. It's child's play all over again, from the itch at the tip of the fingers to the flutter in the stomach. In a few moments of quiet, everything is a lot - emotions are too intense, too noisy and too much, toppling over careful overthought expectations of an infatuated heart.

He saves the memory of your smile, willing it to be good fortune, read from coffee grounds sitting on a an empty cup.

“Ok, then. I’ll see you tomorrow, Sam.”

“See you tomorrow, Y/N.”

That was Wednesday.

He found you at the nurses’ station.

Standard green scrubs, hair out of your face, glasses on the bridge of your nose. There was a pink stain on your middle finger from the neon pen you used to highlight patient’s prontuary.

He’d never seen you in glasses before and something about them made his heart beat faster.

“Hey, Y/N,” he said, fingers drumming the countertop in a nervous tick disguised as smooth greeting.

“Oh. Hey, Sam, ” you offered. Next to you, Carol Danvers looked like the cat that ate the canary. “How are you?”

“Good, good,” he nodded. “What about you? Committing any coffee sins recently?”

“I’ll let you know my coffee bags are safe and healthy, thank you very much,” you grinned and laughter bubbled from him in easy breaths of adoration.

“Here,” Sam slid a small rectangular to you. “The recipe book I promised you.”

You held it to your chest like a precious gift and he crumbled, tiny pieces of man falling apart in earth-shattering joy.

“Thank you so much,” you said. “I’ll let you know how it goes.”

“Please,” Sam whispered, either to you or to himself, he wasn’t sure. “Please do.”

That was Thursday.

It took Bucky a lot of convincing, but he eventually let Sam take the Camaro.

"Never call her old again, ya hear me?" he complained. "Not when she's helping you get your girl."

Sam was going to call it something a lot worse if he didn’t manage to find a place to park soon.

On it’s defense, it was Friday night on Fulton Street. Chances of finding a parking space were little to none, even if you were a man with a crush and a nice car. So when he finally reaches you, looking pretty in a dress under the artificial light of a café, he’s just a little breathless from racing down three blocks.

“Y/N!” he exclaimed and you beamed, brighter than the signboard, or his headlights or the first twinkling star shining through the foggy city sky.

“Hey,” you said. “I thought you’d bailed on me.”

“Never,” he breathed out. “I just… Idrovemybestfriendscartoimpressyoubuttherewasnoparkingspace.”

“What?”

“I wanted to impress you, so I borrowed my friend’s car,” he admitted. “Only there was no parking space, so I had to go around the block a few times.”

Relief flooded from you and your shoulders visibly relaxed - but not enough.

The text came ungodly early, in an hour that most people would consider impolite, but not you and definitely not him. In your line of work, odd hours were just regular hours.

Hey Sam, it’s Y/N. Y/N L/N. I hope you don’t mind, but I got your number from an EMT named Steve. He said he’s your friend. Anyway, there’s this café in Bed-Stuy that’s doing a “French Press Festival”. I don’t know what that means but I thought maybe you’d like to come. With me. Like friends, of course. To honor good coffee.

He said yes of course. Perhaps more than once.

“I have something to confess, too,” you said. “I thought you’d found out about it and that’s why you didn’t show.”

Sam froze.

“I’m not a coffee newbie,” you admitted. “I actually know a lot about it. But when we met at the supermarket you seemed so enthusiastic… And honestly, I’d tried to find so many excuses to talk to you at the hospital but I was embarrassed - you make me nervous!”

And nervous you were, fingers twisting each other in a painful, agitated grip.

“I didn’t want to ruin the first good opportunity I got by saying that I knew the Colombian coffee was awesome, and yes, coffee bags should be banned from the face of the planet.”

There are moments that define a boy's heart. Shape it like more than muscle and blood, with something akin to manhood. Sam Wilson was grown - long limbs, tall frame and brave heart - but something in your presence screamed schoolyard crush and teenage fever at him. Like a toddler learning to walk or a boy tasting love for the first time. Like an adult discovering that some things feel better when they speed through older veins.

Sam’s smile was an earthquake - shattering the ground and dismantling structures in its wake. It rattled the five feet keeping you apart, pushing your bodies forward finally.

“I must say I was a little disappointed when you mentioned coffee bags,” he stated. Then he opened the café door and mentioned you forward. “But not as disappointed as I’ll be if say you’ll prefer Chemex over French Presses.”

You grinned and maybe Sam’s fortune was read before the coffee was poured.

“I guess you’re in luck, Mr. Wilson.”

That was Friday.

That was the beginning.

[vvendydarling]

30/5/21

Change is as good as rest .... is it really as easy as these 10 steps 😏😏

Seriously lost my mojo... I have no frigging idea how to get it back . My get up and go has got up and gone . I am going try and get my head straight and make some drastic changes in my life.... but its not easy when your head is stuck where the sun doesn't shine

Things I want but can't seem to achieve is

1. A new home

2. Stop being a main care giver to lazy adult men

3. A college course

4. A healthy relationship

5. A healthy relationship with my own body and mind

Found these tips on the net, it's not a magic spell but it's helpful

***********

If you’re wondering how to change your life, here are 10 things that you can do to get started.

1. Find Meaning

Spend some time trying to sort out what is important in your life and why it is important.

What is it that you want to achieve in your life? What are your dreams? What makes your happy?

Your meaning in life gives you purpose and sets the direction of how you want to live your life. Without meaning, you will spend the rest of your life wandering aimlessly with no direction, focus, or purpose.

2. Create a Dream Board

When we were children, we would daydream all the time. We were skilled at dreaming and visualizing what we would be when we grew up. We believed that anything was possible.

As we grew into adults, we lost our ability to dream. Our dreams became hidden once we started to feel like achieving our dreams was impossible.

A dream board is a great way for you to start believing in your own dreams again. Seeing your dreams every day on a dream board brings them life. It will also act as a daily reminder to refocus your energy and direct it toward what you really want to achieve.

3. Set Goals

Once you know what is important in your life and what your dream life looks like in the long run, you need to take action and set your long-term, medium, and short-term goals. Acting on these goals will enable you to achieve your dreams and change your life

4. Let Go of Regrets

Regrets will only hold you back in life. If you spend all your time thinking about the past, you will miss the present and the future.

You cannot change what you did or did not do in the past, so��let it go. The only thing you have control over now is how you choose to live your present and future life. Each time you experience a negative thought about your past, challenge it.

If you want to have some fun and visualize letting go of your regrets, try writing down each regret on a piece of paper and then burying it in your backyard or burning it in a bonfire with friends.

5. Do Something That Scares You

This is all about you choosing to step out of your comfort zone and see limitations from a different perspective.

Make a list of scary things that you would like to do but are too afraid to. Start small, put a plan in place, and then go do them. Never stop doing scary things if you genuinely want to avoid complacency and comfort and change your life.

6. Start Living a Well-Balanced Life

Our health does not remain the same. Our physical, emotional, and spiritual state changes as we get older. What we can control, however, is how we feed our minds and our bodies.

Living a balanced and healthy life builds our resilience to the physical changes of our body. Exercise is the best way in which we can attain a positive and optimistic attitude toward life.

Living a healthy, well-balanced life with lots of exercise is a lifestyle choice that will give you a happier and more fulfilled life. Exercise is an incredibly powerful tool that will improve your life and help you feel good.

7. Face Your Fears

It’s easy to ignore our fears and hope that they will go away. Unfortunately, it does not work like that.

If you want to change your life, learn to master your fears so they can’t control you any longer. Whether it’s a fear of failure, loneliness, or the unknown, it can stop you from living your life to the fullest. We know when our fears are controlling our lives because we feel discontent and unfulfilled.

Once we face our fears we take back our power to choose how we want to live our lives and when we do this we change our lives forever.

8. Accept Yourself

The only person who is going to change your life is you! To create that change, you have to like yourself.

There will be times in your life where you will face rejection, and there will be people who will not like you or your choices. Accepting who you are and loving yourself despite adversity helps you to move forward in your life.

Find your courage, love yourself, and step out and do something crazy. Don’t worry about what anyone thinks or whether it is the right thing to do. If it feels right, act on it and go create the life you love.

9. Live in the Moment

Many of us tend to think that the grass is greener on the other side. Often, we get to the other side of the fence and find that this is not so.

The motivation to change our lives comes from our desire to be happy. We are often so busy focusing on our pursuit of happiness that we miss the joy of actually living in the moment.

Our desire to have happiness in our lives is a desire of a future state, not of the present. We become so consumed with all our problems in the present that we miss the precious beauty of the moment.

Sitting on the beach eating an ice-cream with your best friend is a moment of happiness. Appreciating and showing gratitude on a daily basis is experiencing happiness in the moment. Helping those in need brings us joy and happiness.

This is what living your life in the moment is all about – don’t miss these moments because you are too busy focusing on your pursuit of happiness.

10. Experience the Joy of Learning

Each time you learn something new, you gain more knowledge, and with more knowledge comes more confidence.

Learning new skills helps us to be more adaptable in new situations. It also encourages us to be more creative and innovative in our thinking, and we are, therefore, more comfortable with the unknown.

Reading is a great way for us to learn. To fully embrace the joy of learning, pick up that novel you’ve heard so many people talking about. Once you find the genre that interests you most, devour as many pages as you can.

The Bottom Line

You have a choice to make as to how you want to change your life.

If you aren't taking any action to turn your life now, chances are you will live the same routine for the rest of your time.

Maybe life is uncertain for you now but you're capable to take back control of your life.

The Full Life Assessment

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses in life will help you identify what you need to work on in order to live a more fulfilling life.

[btawizzle]

Guide to : Essentials Career Path in A nutshell

What makes the most sense to you right now for your career development? Since I’m taking a Journalism major in Uni, I really think that the most sense decision I’ve ever thought about ( right now) is being a journalist and a screenwriter. It may sound silly, “you’re a Journalism major, of course you’re going to be a journalist”, but I seriously have many other things in mind when it comes to my job ( I really wanna be in a rock band, you know. I can play the bass or be the front man, but yeah )

And the things I have to do to develop my career will be everything that is related to writing. I can write fiction, children's books, essays, travel and beauty blogs, or maybe write a news/article. Looking forward to it~

What will complement your interests, skill set and the lifestyle that you want to have?

P-r-a-c-t-i-c-e

Okay, since I really want to have an extra boujee-parisian-lifestyle, I really have to work my *ss off. I honestly have many interests in things that’ll make money such as building a business, baking, drawing and also writing, but sometimes I just have 0 interest in practicing them. ( I guess i really have to) but for the things that I’m excellent at and don't really need a polish, that’ll be public speaking and it applies for any speaking related matters, like storytelling, and also speech ( If I have the material, too lazy to do the research)

I really want to work in entertainment, being a screenwriter and producing some work there, being a news anchor or PD at a radio maybe? but then if I finally knocked some sense into me, I guess i want to be a lecturer in a university that writes cool scenarios for their drama club and bake when bored

What do you find to be the most compelling thing to explore at this moment in time?

Honestly, figuring out what I want to do with my life. Maybe practicing some of my hobbies that I wish has a relation with my future career,like how digital video and design are supposed to work (whole adobe thingy), how to write an article/novel/blog/essays, coding? The most complicated thing I know on earth, that I wish I could just understand in a blink and also think about what I am going to do if I want to move to france.

The path you choose to follow will help you develop your career and achieve your ideal job. Therefore, it’s important to explore the different approaches available before you begin. In the next step, you will start to look at some of these approaches.

Do you already have an idea of what your ideal job is?

I really think that the idea of an ideal job is something that gives you enough money to live but not really draining you out of energy. I mean, if you’re that busy you never get the fun anymore in those jobs, the money , it has to be worth the energy that you drained, you know.

People often talk about how your passion should be your source of money blah blah blah, but sometimes, we just don't get the fun anymore if everyone pushes us to make enough money for living everytime we do what is called our passion.

I’m thinking about being a teacher with ok money and then do my hobby/dreams as the side hustle ( you know, if i’m not pass out because m’too tired), that’s my ideal job

But if we’re talking about dream jobs? Oh how I just want to be in a rock band and do gigs until the day I die, or maybe marry Damiano David from Maneskin and become a housewife? Yeah, sounds good.

What do you think the path to it looks like?

Before we finally become a lecturer, we have to-at least- have a master degree. So, because it’s 21th century and the school tuition is not cheap, I plan to take a scholarship, and hopefully I can go to europe.

I plan to be the best at uni, not that ambitious, but just to make sure I graduate on time. Until then, I plan to do my best as a uni student, like joining some organisation , doing some internship, and obviously practicing my writing abilities. I plan to find a part time job that is related to journalism ( applying to a magazine/online zine/newspaper) or something like that really, anything ( photographer, make up artist for newbie models) and keep a little amount of money for future me.

After that, I’m going to take a B1 placement test on my german, and then maybe korean/french? And of course, IELTS so i can go to europeeee for my master studies

Ok then after uni, i want to work at a magazine while I’m applying to those scholarship studies. Ok then I got the scholarship, quit the job, went to Europe having my studies and living my best life. Hopefully I will be able to still work there and get my PR maybe? And then do literally what I want. Lecturing maybe, or get a job on some movie production ? become their screenwriter. yeah

Have you previously considered that there might be different approaches to your career path? Or is this a new concept for you?

Yes, and I am super open to it. I’m just going to try my best and the rest is not in my hands. Whatever happens later in the future, that’s what my work pays off, or that’s just what god wants me to have in my life. I’ll accept it with open heart ( hopefully)

#I really want to be rich and happy.

Before you explore these further, there are a few key areas you need to keep in mind:📷

Career goals

Knowledge

Skills

Personal characteristics

Experience

In order to start on the career path you want for yourself, you need to make a plan about what you’re missing in each of these areas and what you need to acquire. Identifying purpose or focus in this way is called ‘ikigai’ in Japanese. You can read more about ikigai by visiting the links in the See Also section.

Whichever approach you choose to develop your career, these are areas you will need to focus on to see what could be further developed as you build your career.

Now let’s explore five different approaches:

1. Matrix

The matrix approach is about having skill sets in different areas and bringing them together to create a profile that is distinct to you. You may have a variety of interests you want to pursue. With the matrix approach, you can explore how to combine these interests into a role which is unique to you.

For example, someone who would like to study web programming, as well as design, could look to combine these interests and become a web developer for any company or organisation with an online presence.

2. Ladder

The ladder approach is better suited for those who know exactly what career or job role they want. They have a dream job in mind or a dream company they wish to work for, so they’re willing to work their way up the ladder to get there.

For the person that aspires to work in television, that might mean starting out as a runner on set. They may then work their way up to get a role as a director or an executive producer, or whatever that ideal role might be.

3. Entrepreneurial

The entrepreneurial approach is about turning an idea into a business and learning along the way. You apply your current skill set whilst rapidly growing your capacity in all areas of business. It takes a lot of work, patience and courage, but can be deeply rewarding for anyone who finds this path to be of interest.

4. Network

The network approach is geared around building a network of contacts that will be mutually beneficial. For example, if you were at a tech networking event and you met a few founders, this would be a great opportunity for you.

What is key in the network approach is to ensure that you’ve thought through what you can offer someone, so that it’s a mutually beneficial and authentic relationship.

5. Portfolio

Creating a portfolio might be more commonly associated with jobs in photography or graphic design. However, it is both relevant and necessary across many disciplines. Many employers will want and need to have an idea of the type of work you can do, so the portfolio approach is a great way for you to demonstrate your skills.

If someone were looking to build a career in public relations, for example, they would be at an advantage if they had a portfolio of their previous coverage. This highlights not just their contacts but what type of work they are capable of doing.

A portfolio is just as valuable a commodity as your CV, so you should build one in line with the career you are interested in pursuing. It is also a great way to share your work and skills with people beyond a job application. For example, you could add it to your LinkedIn page, website or any other medium.

Summary

Choosing the best approach for your career is an essential component of your lifelong career development. There’s no guidebook or master plan for building your career. You can take a sabbatical, be a stay-at-home parent, or even move down a position.

The important thing to remember is that your approach is your own. If you find that multiple approaches like those mentioned above appeal to you, find a way to combine those to take the right approach for you.

Share your experience:

Have you already been using any of the approaches mentioned in this step?

Can you find any examples of other approaches for developing your career? Not for this moment, but I’ll definitely go with Matrix combined with a portfolio approach. I am building my portfolio in tumblr, wix and wordpress.

Why not have a go at exploring a few of these approaches further? I wish to explore more and I will do it thx.cash

[dexteriko18]

1. What does it mean to be a digital citizen?

A digital citizen refers to a person who has the knowledge and skills to effectively use digital technologies to communicate with others, participate in society and create and consume digital content. Cyber bullying, relationships, etiquette and communication. A person who uses the Internet regularly and effectively. A good digital citizen is one who knows what is right and wrong, exhibits intelligent technology behavior, and makes good choices when using technology.

2. How can you observe social, ethical, and legal responsibilities in the use of technology tools and resources? The roles and responsibilities of the global digital citizen are many and diverse. As a future educator in this modern time, it is a must to practice innovation in teaching and learning in order to become a globally effective and globally competent digital teacher. Furthermore, teachers don’t just teach anymore; they’ve been much more than that for a long time. In our digital world, teachers have become guides, mentors, role models, counselors, and facilitators. They practice to be global citizens, ethics experts, and divergent critical thinkers. It’s time to shine a light on what it takes to be a global digital teacher. So much for that, now let’s look at this remarkable figure through the eyes of Global Digital Citizenship itself. The 5 tenets of the global digital citizen are: As a future global digital teacher these tenets holds very crucial roles in the modern innovative classroom . They include things like: -an understanding of technology and its benefits/dangers to students -knowledge and appreciation of the diverse cultures of our globe -an awareness of local, community, and global environments -moral and ethical modelling that helps students achieve success and safety in online and offline environments -experience with many mediums of technology and communication -adaptability and creativity -life-long learning capability Now it’s time to explore each tenet in a little more depth, and see how it connects to what teachers do. In order for a teacher to practice personal responsibility one must move around the classroom directing and facilitating learning. In doing so, they are modelling ethical practice. They’re shaping the moral and ethical mindsets of students by what they do and what they don’t do. Our learners’ time in school is formative and developmental. They are discovering and learning about themselves by asking questions, making choices, and breaking mental and physical boundaries. Students are exploring, taking risks and experimenting. Teaching is about building relationships. In such a culturally abundant world, global citizenship is the business of every teacher. Fostering productive connections with colleagues and students is part of any educator’s success. Schools are home to different personalities, cultures, and beliefs. Sometimes these conflict with each other, and unfortunately this is inevitable. The role of the global digital teacher is to bring understanding and harmony into such situations. Such strategies include those that work to resolve conflict, mediate disputes, and show understanding. Over time, this responsibility shifts to the students. They learn, through their teachers, to be tolerant of difference while standing up for their own beliefs. They respect their rights and the rights of others to feel safe to be who they are. They celebrate the colours of culture, and the interconnectedness of everyone. But it’s the global digital teacher who leads the way in this.

[kansascitymanagedit]

THIS Service and Support -- How to Choose an IT Support and Support Provider

Choosing an IT service and support supplier can be a daunting prospect. With so many players in the market, the choice is bewildering , and there are so many factors to consider. We've created this guide to help you identify the most important factors to consider when choosing a partner for the IT service and support. Business focus We mention this first because it's the most important factor by far. Do you feel that this THIS service and support provider really understands your business? Do they know how you work , how customers find you and how you meet their needs? Have they really got control of the internal processes you use? You should be able speak to your own personal IT support and service provider using only business language. That is you need to articulate the issues you're facing or the goals you hope for you to achieve, without referring to software, hardware or specific technologies. Your IT service and support companion should be able to build a bridge between your expressed needs and the technical details of the solution , and explain their proposal in terms that you can easily understand. Cultural suit There's more to business focus than just the nuts and bolts of operational detail. Cultural factors are important too. How will this IT support provider work? Be aware that staff members on this IT support and service staff will be at your office, working with your employees, and perhaps teaching them tips on how to use the latest hardware and software.

Changes in IT systems can be disruptive and this is something which many people find difficult. You're searching for those that can provide the proper amount of gentle, patient IT support, no matter the level of technical expertise your team is. Proposals with high quality If you're thinking of investing inside it , or an continuous IT maintenance and service contract you'll need the prospective provider to provide an outline of the method they suggest. When you read it, here are some things to think about: Does the proposal read well? Does the vendor have made efforts to communicate their ideas within plain English in order which you are able to comprehend the proposal as a business person? Are technical terms explained or are you able to ask for clarification from the supplier? Are the costs transparent? Will you be certain your price is the one you'll be paying for your IT service and support without any hidden charges? Can you compare? Have the IT service or help provider provided simple to evaluate their service with like ? Can you verify that their prices are affordable? Are the brands of third parties that are included in the plan are they reassuring? Are the actual IT service and support company offering well-known, reputable THIS brands or solutions that you've never had the pleasure of hearing about? Does it feel personalised? Would you get a sense that the vendor has attempted to design a solution around the IT service and support needs of your business , or are they trying to push you towards the products they favour? Price and value Obviously, price is a factor in your choice of IT service and support partner. Obtain proposals from a few suppliers and compare prices between them by all means but do make sure you are comparing like with like. When prices are different, you should take a look at the actual price. It is essential to understand the core of the business benefit that each proposal offers that is usually considering more than just the cost and also understanding precisely what is going to be provided , and how it will benefit your current company. The old saying goes "buy at a good price , buy twice'. Nowhere is this more true than in the area of IT service and support, where choosing a solution that doesn't meet your needs , or isn't futureproof , can lead to significant costs further down the line. Breadth of expertise IT service and support is a broad church, encompassing a range of areas including networks, servers , email, mobile communications , backup , remote support , data storage, accounting and operational support, VoIP telephone systems and more. The key point to consider is whether a supplier can offer you IT service and support in every area that's relevant to your business - now, and in the future. Attempting to buy IT service and support on price, or to focus on one area of their business when choosing suppliers , can lead to awkward multi-supplier arrangements when requirements change or develop. (To be fair, a multi-vendor environment is sometimes unavoidable , for example in situations where a company has committed to a particular software package and its users are completely familiar with it. )

So as far as possible , aim to 'future-proof' your IT service and support arrangement by striking up a relationship with an IT service and support provider who can meet all the needs you can foresee. And if you do have legacy arrangements in place , opt for a IT support and service provider that has the experience and also knowledge required to handle that. Certain IT support and service providers claim to have an array of expertise however, they are experts in a specific field. Is actually not difficult for companies to create a web page that claims to have expertise in a variety of areas of IT support and service, however their real expertise is far more limited. Find customer reviews that are authentic which confirm the provider's experience in the fields of IT support and service you are usually looking for. Accreditation Qualifications from reputable third parties are an important indicator of a IT service and support provider's skill and application. Accreditations such as becoming a Microsoft Certified Partner are hard-won , only being acquired by firms who can demonstrate consistent, reliable skills and prove their knowledge with the products of a reputable brand. At the end of the day, world-leading businesses like Microsoft are not afraid to risk their name - however, simultaneously they require IT services and assist providers that can provide their products effectively to their customers. Find high-profile accreditations as confirmation that you're working with a reliable, dedicated and highly skilled THE IDEA service and support firm. Integrated capabilities Related to the issue of knowledge breadth is the question of IT service integration and assist. The benefit of having multiple expertise is that it is but the true value comes from any time they are all put together for the benefit of your own personal business. For example , an IT service and support provider who can offer a Unified Communications service is going to be able to integrate your email, fax as well as phone communications into one seamless system, drawing on a range of expertise in the process.

Similarly, an IT service and support company with skills in networks, servers and remote control backup will be able to develop a coherent, rounded strategy for managing your business information - rather than putting forward piecemeal ideas that make you feel like you're simply buying a product rather than creating a solution that supports your business. Size of team IT service and support providers vary widely in terms of the size of team that these people offer, from small teams and one-person operations right up to much larger concerns with hundreds of personnel. In case your enterprise is small or even medium-sized, you might be tempted in order to go with smaller-sized suppliers or even a one-person business. If you decide to go down this path, be sure to ensure that you've got sufficient insurance coverage in the event involving sickness or absence If you're dependent upon only one person who is not able to support you, you'll be left without a source of when they're off. A smaller group gives security, but there might be problems with capacity If all their customers contact them for IT support and service simultaneously. However, a large concern could offer more assurances (perhaps but at a cost ) However, there is an exchange in the personal contact. You might not become acquainted with the people who are there to support you, or maybe there could happen to be an individual technician that comes to you on a regular basis. For many customers an IT support and IT service provider can offer the top of both options - enough staff for you to offer reassurance of service quality, but the size of the company is not enough to offer a genuine personalized service. Location Although some IT support and service tasks are now done via remote access but being physically located by your IT provider or your support partner remains crucial. In case of urgent situation Will they be able to respond easily and address issues in a timely manner? Precisely what commitments will they take regarding the speed at which they respond? Many IT support and service customers choose to work with distant providers because of price or experience but then discover that they are unable in order to meet those who should become supporting them. Be sure that you will receive the amount of support that you've purchased. Request to view testimonials from customers or case research . You might also consider contact your potential IT support and service provider's customers directly. Get more information Kansas City managed services provider

[womanindia]

IT(Information Technology)- The Best Business Opportunity

The arena of technology is expanding with each passing day and giving its impact on every aspect of our lives. Be it travel, food, makeup, or even education; there is no such field in the 21st century, which is not dependent upon technology. In case you are passionate about technology and wish to spread its advantages in other people’s lives, then the latest technology business ideas are certainly going to attract you. Besides big names like Amazon, Facebook, or Google, many medium-sized and new small technology businesses are also making steady steps towards success. With the rapid growth of tech startup ideas 2019, you can be certain of the fact that the IT industry will never go through a recession in the upcoming years. Having the right skills and dedication can make you your own boss. So, all you need to do is to choose the right track based on your interests and you will not come across any shortage of business opportunities in the IT industry. Do you want to explore the best business opportunities in the IT industry? Then let’s take a look at the 9 most profitable future technology business ideas that you can apply to start your business empire.

 1.    Social Media Consultation

The influence of social media platforms in our lives is on the rise. From buying decisions to our political opinion, social media can control it all. Therefore, big and small businesses are putting extra effort to reach their target audience through social media campaigns. If you are skilled enough and aware of the latest social media trends, then opening a social media consultation service can help you earn sufficient bucks. Using your consultation services, you can guide people to use social media for growing their businesses. This is one of those future technology business ideas that does not require a lot of investment but only the appropriate knowledge and awareness will do the job.

2.    Computer Training

A computer is one of the most technological tools that people want to be skilled in. Learning the computer has become almost necessary these days. Nowadays, people of different ages want to take computer lessons. If you are an entrepreneur and know how to use a computer properly, then you can definitely open your computer training center to help other people become experts in this field. This information technology business opportunity comes with a high chance of profit if you can manage the training center with efficiency.

3.    Technical Support Provider

As every industry is digitized nowadays, technical issues are common. And those issues need highly expert technicians to resolve. If you’re well aware of the latest technology and its relevant challenges, you can channelize your skills by building a team of experts to work as an established technical support provider. Ranging from the L1 support to L3, your team should be capable of providing every solution to every critical technical issue that small and large industries are facing. This is one of those business ideas for information technology professionals that can make your business trustworthy and wealthy with time.

4.    Selling and Servicing IT equipment

As an entrepreneur, you can invest in the merchandise of information technology tools. The business of selling and servicing IT equipment and machines is thriving across the world with the rapidly increasing demand. You can sell IT gadgets like fax machines, internet routers, computers, servers, and all other machines related to the IT industry. If you start offering maintenance services, then the start-up of yours will succeed automatically. IT company startup ideas are always profitable if you have the necessary information technology training required to run this business.

5.    Telecommunication Company

With enough IT support, telecommunication companies have become the key to gaining success in the informational technology industry. More and more people are opting for Telecommunication due to its flexibility and advancement. A good amount of capital is required for starting this business. This investment will return to the entrepreneur with a huge margin of profit soon after the investment. If you can arrange a huge amount of money for investment, then you should not have second thoughts about opening a telecommunication company. The bulk of your invested money goes into the operating license gaining process. If you are willing to take the big step in your career as an entrepreneur, then starting a telecommunication company is the right thing for you.

6.    Manufacturer of Computer and Mobile Phone Accessories

As an entrepreneur, if you are thinking about starting a business, then another great idea for you would be manufacturing accessories for various parts of mobile and computers. Almost everyone uses mobile phones and the use of computers and laptops in the IT sectors is increasing with the advancement in the business organizations related to the IT industry. With the help of the latest technology business like this, you can grow beyond your expectations. You can design and start selling batteries, chargers, earphones, Bluetooth devices for mobile phones and screens, mouse, keyboards, laptop batteries, webcams for laptops and computers.

7.    Web Designing Services- UI Designing

Web designing services are highly profitable but to run this business successfully, you need to have an excellent knowledge of information technology. UI designing is a part of web designing that works with images, typography, colors, animations, etc. to make the web pages more attractive and presentable to online users. It’s all about visuals. There are numerous websites on the internet and the number of people surfing on the internet is not satisfied with the number of sources available. On the other hand, many business organizations are also going online to increase their business. Therefore, for new website-designing, the need for a website designer who knows technical SEO is increasing. If you have the required knowledge and can design websites to understanding the clients’ approach, then this is your arena to win the game.

8.    UX Designing

While UI Designing is more visuals, UX Designing is all about the experience that users need for the usage of physical or digital products and services. Among the technical startup ideas in India, UX designing is making its own place to lead the technical experiences ahead. It is so because industries want to make their products and systems more interactive for the end-users. This connects the users with the products, services, and the company itself. And besides, your UX designs will make the UI designs practical for both the companies and users which will develop and grow their businesses. Thus, you can really make a lot of money by making UX designing the niche of your business.

9.    Web and Software Development

One of the best tech startup ideas for 2019 is web and software development. User-friendly software and applications for computers and mobiles are a necessity to run any business related to commodities and services. You and your business can make a huge impact by delivering more interactive and competent software. And along with that, web development comes to flourish your business by building IoTs and AI that can make any business more competitive and approachable. People expect more smartness and intelligence from their electronic gadgets and you can fulfill their expectations by developing more practical, flawless, and agile web products and systems.

Conclusion

Believe it or not, technology is changing the face of the world. All the above-mentioned technology-related business ideas can prove to be extremely successful. Some of the business ideas require a little amount of capital and for the others, you need to invest a huge amount of money. No matter which business idea you choose, you can achieve success with the right combination of hard work and skills.