#is this what believing in your ability to perceive reality feels like?

[n1k0laa5]

WHY YOU PERSIST EVEN WHEN IT’S “ALREADY DONE”

(Scientific, energetic, and subconscious deep dive)

Hello, my love. I’m here with yet again another scientific-ish related post? Many of you liked the last about how music helps with shifting and manifesting, and I hope this one finds a place in your heart aswell.

Let’s get something straight, right now. The second you declare a desire as yours, it is.

Energetically. Quantumly. On the level of the field, the blueprint has snapped into place. That timeline? It’s live. It’s active. It’s vibrating somewhere in the field of infinite potential right this moment.

So if it’s already done… why the hell are we still affirming, persisting, looping, visualizing, scripting, SATSing, and bathing our brains in “I have it” every day?

Because: your biology, your neurology, and your subconscious identity need to catch up.

The Quantum Field Has It. Your Nervous System Doesn’t (Yet)

The quantum field doesn’t care about time. It operates in states and vibration. Your declaration (“I have my dream life”) instantly activates a new probable timeline.

It’s not a maybe. It’s physics.

But your subconscious mind is not quantum—it’s habitual. It’s a library of every belief, experience, trauma, and assumption you’ve ever felt emotionally enough times to wire in as truth.

So when you say “I’m wealthy” or “I got in,” you’re not speaking to the universe (it’s already listening). You’re speaking to yourself, your neural networks, your body, your emotional memory. You are retraining your entire internal system to stop defaulting to lack and finally recognize the truth that’s been written in the field since the first “I want it.”

Neurogenesis & Repetition: You Are Literally Rewiring Your Brain

Let’s go science-mode for a second:

Neurogenesis: The process of creating new neurons—yes, even in adulthood.

• Every time you repeat a new assumption with intensity and emotion (“I always win,” “Of course I got in”), your brain generates new neural pathways associated with that thought.

• You’re literally building new roads for your thoughts to travel.

• What fires together, wires together. That’s not fluff, it’s neuroscience.

Neuroplasticity: Your brain’s ability to reorganize itself.

• Old beliefs? You can override them.

• Patterns of scarcity, fear, doubt? You can dismantle them with enough emotionalized repetition.

• The more often you fire a new thought—with conviction—the more the brain chooses that as the default.

Persistence isn’t a cry for help.

It’s a neurological upgrade.

Reticular Activating System (RAS): The Filter That Follows Your Focus

Your RAS is the part of your brainstem that controls what information actually makes it into your conscious awareness. You can’t perceive everything all the time. So your brain filters reality based on what you expect.

When you affirm:

“I always get what I want.”

“Everything works in my favor.”

“I am already in.”

You are literally training your brain to highlight anything in your environment that aligns with those statements.

Suddenly:

• You overhear conversations that feel like signs.

• You get intuitive nudges to take the perfect action.

• You feel urges to apply, reach out, show up in ways your “old self” would’ve ignored.

Not because the universe “finally” responded,

but because your internal system finally got on board. You see it now. Because your brain is learning to expect it.

Affirming Is Not Doubting. It’s Reinforcing

Let’s kill the myth that “affirming means I don’t believe it yet.”

False.

Affirming is like doing reps at the gym:

• You don’t do them because you’re weak—you do them to grow stronger.

• You don’t stop because you lifted once, you build a system that holds your new identity on autopilot.

Affirming is the practice of becoming the version of you who already has it. It’s the mental rehearsal that replaces your default identity with the chosen one.

Many people even get the term “affirming” wrong. Affirming means to assert (something, such as a judgment or decree) as valid or confirmed.

Persisting in affirming could merely mean THINKING about your desire as true.

It does not require anything more than that.

So Why Persist When It’s Already Done?

Because your timeline is live, but you must remain tuned to it.

The field is constant. Your attention is not.

So every repetition, every assumption, every time you sit with “I already have it,” you are reinforcing the connection between your present self and your selected reality.

“The moment you accept the wish as fulfilled, it’s fulfilled in consciousness. And because consciousness is the only reality, it must reflect.”

—Neville Goddard

That’s it. Persistence is not about convincing the universe. It’s about stabilizing your own awareness.

TL;DR: You Persist Because

• You’re creating new neurons through neurogenesis

• You’re reorganizing neural pathways via neuroplasticity

• You’re training your Reticular Activating System to notice proof

• You’re shifting your state of being

• You’re locking into the chosen timeline until the 3D has no choice but to reflect

It’s already done. But you persist to stay aligned with that done-ness, to reprogram your body, mind, and field until it becomes not just what you want, but what you are.

Final Word:

You’re not looping for no reason. You’re not begging the universe to notice you. You’re re-creating yourself on a neurological, chemical, and quantum level. You’re not brainwashing yourself. You’re remembering who you are.

And that takes persistence.

That takes love.

That takes vision.

So keep going. Not because it’s not done but because you’re choosing to embody the version of you who already lives there. And once your body believes it…

your world can’t help but catch up.

[katyspersonal]

It is still hard to believe.. yet at the same time, everything makes too much sense.

Ever since I saw how much he seemed to hate me and wish ill on me and be in genuine agreement that I was a danger for society for ableist reasons, I've been doubtful. Maybe I was in the wrong, after all? Maybe I did cause harm with my words, after all? Why else would someone act this way? Because being scared and perceiving me as someone harmful from how I sounded at my worst is still harm. Negative emotions sap the HP, I am aware of that. Not to mention that apparently turned out he mentioned being afraid to interact with people that interacted with ME.

But when I got crashed with the reveal that, in fact, he never saw me as a human being to BEGIN with, but only as a name in "heretics" list, everything fell back into place. I've never been happier to get back to square fucking uno. Mic was right about that type of people being just NPCs all along. He saw something many years before I did, and I was right to chase that white rabbit.

All that vitriol, all that ill will, ditching people that as much as were kind to me felt so personal. I was convinced, CONVINCED that I HAD to have done something bad to him, even if collateraly, to evoke this. And yet, apparently, it is okay in the eyes of those sorry Choirlings to treat people this way mindlessly and spread hateful fear-mongerish propaganda under guise of "awareness" without bothering to learn whether it is justified . People just... can do this shit carelessly and tell you that they do not want to know you as a person, which by effect means they don't want to know whether they were fair to you or not. Internet does something with people. At the very least, I was genuinely concerned that I might have hurt him, and it was a reasonable conclusion from how he reacted. But, no. People just throw words, actions and posts carelessly. They don't care how it effects the person or whether it would change a darn thing about the world to the better or whether the claims are ever true. Of course it "was not personal", because they don't see me as a person. Or even themselves.

"This is what queer people do" no, this is what cultists that are hostile to the "outsiders" do. And the fact that he told these words to another queer person should be even more telling. I can feel Mic laughing in my head, even if we parted the ways for months now on very negative terms. His mistake was simply in deciding to respond to those people in kind. But learning that I was correct in looking at him and thinking "this is what happens with people that "communities" grind and toss away like trash". He was a trans man and yet his own "community" denied him his own identity for failing to follow the rules and imposed ways to look at things or even at his own body and mind. This is why I do not turn to "communities": people within them are so paranoid that they start eating their own. When there is a suspicion that one of them is a bad apple, the bastards start interrogating and honestly dip into extremely private matters without any decency. And not even baring one's entire life and soul guarantees being saved. I was not guilty for understanding such a simple thing, it were my enemies who lacked common sense. And I should have never doubted my perception only because I got concerned about a single Choir boy. But no one can understand how liberating it feels for me, a person with lifelong story of being gaslighted, abused, brainwashed and manipulated to finally be confident about my perception. I am still yet to deal with anger, I have been extremely irritable and disturbed ever since that exchange. I even got into a fight at workplace. I know WHY I am so angry.... I am not mad at anyone, but hyperactive because my mental hardware is being rewritten. Erased, destroyed, and created again, but finally with a crucial change. But it should be the first step to my healing. To my independence. I don't need Mic to see things. I don't need "community" to see things. I don't need Kris, I don't need my abusive stepdad. This is what finally seeing things without anyone's help feels like, and I want to nurture and improve this ability. I've realized, at last, that I am not as stupid and confused about world and people as I always thought. The confidence in my ability to make choices. The knowledge that I have nothing to apologize for (except for being rude and hostile, and it is not damning, everyone reacts differently when scared).

But also this is why I don't want to end up hating the whole world. As long as THIS is the state of identity-based communities, there will be people that get thrown out of them for being "misfits". Identically homeless people keep increasing in numbers, and they should stay this way. Because if we were to make our own community, we'd just start yet another vicious cycle. Because humans are evil, and this evil comes through social organizing. We must walk our own ways and maybe communicate and make small friends groups at best- just like individual Hunters scattered across the game, or covenants too small to be communities. To Hell with the Choir boys, they don't deserve me shedding a single tear over them if they don't even bother to acknowledge me as an individual. DEFINITELY to Hell with Alfred and Logarius (you know who they are if you followed since summer). And also to Hell with that lunatic, even if meeting him was so, so rewarding in the end. No one deserves me humbling up and doubting myself and crying for them. No one, no one, no one....

[3liza]

the "feeling like something is wrong with you that you have to hide" background noise is often a result of childhood trauma because an abused or neglected child who doesn't rationalize their mistreatment runs the risk of alienating themselves from what little shelter and care is actually being provided. it's theorized that blaming yourself at that age is a way to survive by coming up with a justification for why you're being abused so you don't blame your caregivers for your own suffering, thereby alienating them to the point that you are fed or sheltered or protected even less than you are currently. believing you may be able to "change" so that you're worthy of love also prevents despair/giving up. it's of utmost importance to the survival of very small children to develop a worldview that keeps them alive, even if it's by totally magical thinking and at the cost of their ability to perceive reality or navigate normal human relationships. the same thing can happen to adults in abusive domestic situations.

anyway once you're out of that situation it's time to get really pissed off

[shimmershifts]

an open letter to those who have not yet shifted.

i don't know how many of you will see this, let alone how many will read it entirely. this letter is for those who have been trying to shift for two years, five years, more. those who cannot give up, and those who will not give up, and maybe even those who already have. to preface, this letter will not rehash everything you already know. you've scrolled every forum, you've seen every method, you've read every tip. you've trialed, and errored, and persevered... but you're still here. law of assumption, manifestation, belief, intention. but you're still here. you've been told all about shifting... right? you already know what shifting is... right? you should already know how to shift... right? but you're still here.

this letter is not intended to debase or invalidate those who do already believe in those things and who are satisfied with that. this is for those who have been trying that way for 2 years, 5 years, and more, and still haven't shifted. this is for those who might want an alternative perspective.

what you've been told

in my personal opinion, the online shifting community as it currently stands is very... rigid. narrow. there are a few dominant views, and then the many who drown out any possible dissent or disagreement. i do understand why this happens. reality shifting is already a marginal belief, hounded by anti-shifters and disbelieved and debunked on all sides, so it makes sense that people feel the instinct to close ranks at any sign of an outsider. unfortunately, this has led to a community that raises its hackles at even other reality shifters who simply don't believe the exact same way that you do. law of assumption. manifestation. intent. (and dare i say it, the multiverse.)

i don't believe in any of that, in the context of shifting.

now, wait! don't go yet, stay with me. it's okay if you do. i'm not intending to change the minds of those who already believe in these things. i'm not going to go at anyone and say "i'm right, you're wrong, and you must change your mind to agree with me!" that would be silly, and counterproductive. let's lower our guards, and extend an olive branch, please. if you feel these things serve your journey, then carry on. you're allowed to disagree with me, i won't be upset. you're allowed to think i'm wrong, if you want. literally no worries at all.

but i am a little tired frankly of certain ideas being treated as the only options, and often in a rude or hostile manner. if you are someone who has spent five years trying to shift, and you see yet another post that boils down to "all you have to do is want it hard enough" does that not hurt your soul? the following sections of this post are for those who these ideas have not been working for. for those who have not yet shifted. it's been two years. five years. more. and you're still here. are you open to another possibility?

what is reality shifting?

i've told you what i don't believe, but what about what i do? i'll try to keep this as concise as possible for the sake of brevity and comprehension, knowing i could potentially clarify in future posts. but please continue with the understanding that im a chronic overexplainer, and my curse is the fact that the extra words don't always actually increase understanding. bear with me.

reality shifting: broadly speaking, this refers to shifting your linear experience of reality from one, to another. this has been known by many other names in the past, across continents and cultures, even in pre-agriculture societies. i'd include ideas like persistent realms, quantum jumping, focus 21, etc. language is subjective, and people may describe or understand the same experience in different ways.

i believe reality shifting is a haphazard side effect of our limited ability to perceive and comprehend reality. let me explain. space, as we understand it, is three dimensional. but reality isn't. it's our bodies and minds limiting our perception and understanding that makes all of reality seem that way to us at surface level.

1D: let's consider a hypothetical one dimensional existence. everything would a straight line, and the only way to perceive anything else would be as a single point directly in front or directly behind you. forwards and backward. the 2D and 3D are beyond your limited ability to physically sense or feel, let alone to comprehend. Forget about the 4D (time). due to your lack of comprehension, you cannot move at will in two dimensional planes, let alone three dimensional space or even time. you are static, a single point.

2D: let's consider a hypothetical two dimensional existence. it would be a flat, infinite planar expanse. you might be a square, or a circle. you can move freely in two dimensional directions (forward, backwards, side to side), but not in the 3D. No up, no down. If you tried to perceive a three dimensional object, you would only be able to comprehend it as linear, a line on the horizon where it intersects your 2 dimensional plane. you would perceive the 3D as moving around or within you on its own, without the ability to direct it. the 4D, or time, if you could perceive it, would be static, a singular point at a time.

3D: what about our three dimensional existence? congratulations, you now are a form, such as a sphere, or a cube. you can move freely in a voluminous, infinite three dimensional space. Forward, backwards, side to side, up, and down. if you *try* to perceive the fourth dimension (time), you can only comprehend it as linear, a line where it intersects your 3 dimensional space. You perceive it as moving around or within you on its own, without the ability to direct it yourself. any dimensions higher than that, if you could perceive it, would be static, a singular point at a time.

quick 4D sidebar: clearing this one up now because this will confuse some of you who are involved in other communities. in many law of assumption and manifestation communities, "4D" has been used to refer to your imagination, inner world, a bridge to "higher vibrational states", etc. i don't use it that way. i use it in the sense of the mathematical concept, or linking three-dimensional space with time. 4D=time.

4D and 5D: so, time is the fourth dimension. that means it is four dimensional, yet due to our limitations as 3D creatures, we can only perceive it as linear. we perceive it as moving around us, without our direction, forwards, (or backwards in some cultures). what about the 5th dimension? the static one? the one we can only perceive one point of at a time? let's call this 5th dimension... reality. due to our limited perception, it may not seem like it, but time and reality are just like space in that all of it exists at once. if you were a 5th dimensional creature, you wouldn't see a bunch of different realities, you'd just see one the way we just see one 3D universe around us right now.

tip: think of it this way, if a three dimensional creature moving through time is only able to perceive it linearly, it may think that each point of time exists separately, passing by in chronological order. this would be like a character in a book, the character experiences each page one at a time as we turn the page. but we know that actually, the entire book exists all at the same time, and already did exist before we picked it up and started reading it, and continues to exist even when we set it down. the same is true of time, and reality. even if we perceive it as linear, or a point, all of it actually exists simultaneously, like space.

still, we can only perceive one point of reality at a time. i believe when we reality shift, we are by some freak of nature (or nurture) finding a way to trigger a "movement" in this "5th dimension," and therefor shifting our linear experience of time and our singular perceptual experience of one reality to another. ("movement" is a bit of an abstraction here, as movement generally refers to 3D space. you're not actually moving anywhere, you're already there, you just... can't see it at the same time as this.)

ok, so how the heavens do i shift?

if you read through all of the above, i assume that's what you're asking by now. "get to the point shimmer! how do i shift?" if you don't need intention, belief, assumption, manifestation, three gallons of water, crystals, or anything else then what do you need to shift?

if we boil shifting down to its absolute core, all you need to do in order to shift is to shift. (put down the pitch forks, and the flaming feathers and tar. i'll elaborate.)

shifting involves finding a way for us 3 dimensional creatures to trigger a shift in a dimensional direction that we do not have the capacity to perceive. so what i mean by "all you have to do to shift, is to shift" is that there is no physical movement, or secret password we can whisper that makes us shift, not inherently. it's sort of like being told to find your invisible and non corporeal primordial tail, and then swish it in a direction that doesn't spatially exist. find your "move in the 5D button", and then press it. except, there is no button.

so how do we "move" from one point of reality to the other? well, the first clue to this is in noticing what part of us is actually doing the "moving".

you don't make it happen with your three dimensional form. there is no body part or mass or motor function in your 3D body that triggers a shift. there's nothing that allows a three dimensional form to move in five dimensional directions... you just can't. your body stays here. that's good news actually, in my opinion. there is no need to force yourself into strange bodily positions, or chug water, or whatever else. your 3D body is irrelevant, because it's not going anywhere. you don't have to do anything with your body to shift. some people can shift awake, asleep, in the shower, walking around, etc.

you also don't necessarily do it with the fourth dimension, time. there is no specific amount of time that you'll shift after. it might seem you've spent a lot of time trying to shift, but the actual shift itself is instantaneous. some people shift their first try, and some of you might be on your second decade of attempts. again, the time factor being irrelevant is good news because this means it doesn't have to take time.

i also don't think we do it with just intent or belief. the intention word gets used so much it basically means nothing, but the general idea is that intent is the driving force that manifests your desired outcome. in the context of shifting, people use it like "set your intention to shift, and you will" or "intent makes you shift." or the dreaded "you just have to believe harder." personally, i don't think that's true. i don't think intention makes you shift. if it did, you all would have shifted by now, right? i think looking anyone who's been trying to shift for 4 years dead in the eye and telling them they just haven't intended to shift yet is honestly a bit cruel and unusual. some people who intend to shift will shift, but in my opinion, its a case of correlation, and not causation. there are also people who shift without intending to, or who intend to shift but don't.

it's also not really our thoughts that shift. or our mind as a concept, or our entire self. we know this because you don't turn into a comatose vegetable when you shift to a different reality. your thoughts, mind, and self here are unaffected by your awareness shifting away from it. if you successfully "permashifted" to hogwarts tonight, your self here would still wake up in the morning and go to work.

so what does shift? only our linear experience of our own awareness. so in order to reality shift, we just need to find a way to trigger our awareness to shift from one point of reality to another in a non linear fashion, and then integrate that into our linear experience. aha! you think. great! now how do i do that...? unfortunately, this is not an exact science (yet.) once you begin shifting regularly, i think it gets "easier" in some regards because you get a sense for how your awareness "feels" and what works for you. for those who haven't shifted, i can't say "take three deep breaths and recite the secret words, and then you'll shift." there is nothing specific you can physically do that will for certain make you shift. there's no secret passwords.

there is no key to shifting. the good news is, this means there is also no lock.

what we can do is get ourselves primed, into a state that increases the chances our awareness is triggered to shift. ie, find the "move in the 5D" button, (you know, the one that doesn't exist) and learn how to press it. and because it is our awareness that shifts, my "methods" have to do with priming your awareness for shifting. you don't need to believe, which is a good thing because it means doubts won't hold you back. you don't necessarily need to intend, which is a good thing because it means there are no secret blockages in your way. no "subconscious", no "reprogramming", no "delusion is the solution." you don't need any of that. you also don't have to do anything specific with your body or space unless you feel like it and want to. you don't need a script, but you can make one if you want. it's whatever, it's irrelevant darling, it's non-consequential.

these three methods below basically encompass all shifting methods out there. i might expand on techniques for these methods later, but for now i'll go over the basics.

method one: pure awareness

it basically boils down to two steps. get into a state of pure awareness, and then shift.

the first step for this method is actually a simple one, sort of, but i think it's unkind to call it easy. it can be easy, if you just happen to have a perfect technique that works for you on your first try. if so, congrats! if not, don't despair. it comes more naturally to some than others, at first. you can probably build the skills and try different techniques necessary for you to get there.

but what is pure awareness? it's currently very often being called "the void state", but i'm not using that term for a few reasons. one, i think using the term "the void state" or calling it "the void" is making people think it's some sort of place that they're trying to go. it's not. it's not a physical place at all, and that's kind of the point. most of the time, your awareness is perceiving reality through the confines concept of 3D reality, because that's the data input it's receiving from your brain and body. that grounds you in this reality, and allows you to go about your day to day life. your goal with the pure awareness method is to focus on just your awareness, absent of all 3D distraction data and input. that way, your awareness is primed to be triggered to shift its focus to the 3D perception of a different point of reality when you come out of that state.

i might make a post about techniques for getting into the state of pure awareness, but this post is already long enough.

method two: destabilization of awareness

this method gets over complicated, but it basically boils down to two steps. destabilize your awareness, and then shift.

honestly, most shifting methods i see online are in some way doing this. lucid dreams, the hypnogogic state, SATS, self-hypnosis, "symptoms", and also all those iterations of the "raven method" the "staircase method" the "alice in wonderland method" etc are all basically ways to destabilize your awareness from the linear perception it is so used to in this point of reality, offering the opportunity of triggering a shift to a different one. they're all sort of either distracting or subverting your focus on the 3D here in this point of reality.

basically, you'll be trying to discombobulate yourself to the point your awareness is not focused on 3D reality, and trigger a shift.

method three: absence of awareness

sleep method gang, rise up. i'm serious. this method involves reducing your awareness to zero, or as close to it as possible, another potentially prime state to trigger a shift. (and by sleep method, i don't mean lucid dreamers or SATS, i mean simply going to sleep here, having a period of complete unawareness, like totally dreamless sleep, and then waking up in your DR.)

this absence of awareness during sleep is (in my experience) the most common cause of accidental or unintentional shifts, but you might be one of those who can trigger a shift to desired realities with this too.

sleeping is not the only way to get to the state of the lack of awareness. i'd say total distraction methods also count for this. you're not asleep, your body is awake, but you're so "zoned out" (or alternatively in a meditative state such that) you're absolutely not aware of the 3D experience of this point of reality anymore.

this is completely different from the state of pure awareness by the way, because in the state of pure awareness you are aware. like, in pure awareness you have a full train of thought and total control. the absence of awareness is the opposite. it feels sort of like a "blip" where reality time and space passed you by and you were not aware of it.

[eamour]

don’t ever feel bad for knowing about the law but not being able to properly use it to your advantage. don’t blame nor bash yourself for having forgotten the functioning of the law and how it operates.

when neville wanted to manifest a divorce with his first wife — who he had fallen out of love with — in order to be in a relationship with the woman who he actually had feelings for, he admitted that he had no clue on how to do it. yes, he was pretty much wondering about the how. how was he gonna approach her? what was he gonna tell her? in which way could his desire be realised? he was struggling mentally, and probably emotionally as well.

so, what did he do? he completely turned his back on the outer world and abandoned himself to the law. neville practiced to fall asleep to the assumption that he was already together with the woman of his dreams and exercised this repeatedly and consistently. he remained persistent with his claim until his deepest desire materialised itself into his physical reality for him to witness.

within one week of accepting his assumption to be true in a state akin to sleep, he was ready to perceive his manifestation with his own senses. his desire appeared in a way which he didn’t even think of or believed in!

neville did not intervene or interfere with the contents of his world without. all he did was to feel his wish fulfilled, live in the end and think from his desire. in his mind, he was already experiencing what he wanted and wished for. he had faith in the unseen and trusted his imagination. and most importantly, his circumstances did not matter to him! all because he was ready to see beyond his human body and finally free himself from the limitations of his senses.

it may be difficult to look at life from a lens that doesn’t feel like it belongs to you, but neville didn’t look at his life from his body's eyes either. he looked at his life from his mind's eyes. see, the law works nonetheless. it doesn’t stop applying to you because it’s you or because you didn’t imagine "well" or long enough. the law's ability to realise your desires depends entirely on the naturalness of your feeling in regards to your desire. it’s possible to bring anything to life. if there's an ability to desire, there’s an ability to imagine. and after all, imagination creates reality.

"never blame, only resolve." — neville goddard

with love, ella.

[ghostlyferrettarot]

🦋Pick a Picture: 💎🦚You hidden talents🦚💎

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❗️This is a collective reading, take what resonates and leave the rest❗️

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🦚Masterlist🦚

🦩Pile 1: 3 of Wands, 3 of Cups and 8 of Wands.

You have a unique ability to connect with people. Although you may not recognize it at times, there is something about your energy that draws others to you. Your presence radiates a mix of maturity and softness that makes people feel at ease around you. It is as if your company alone can calm those around you, creating an environment where they feel safe to open up and share. That ability to calm others is a gift that not everyone possesses, and it is something that you should value. Many around you perceive that you have a voice that resonates strongly and can influence the lives of others. If you have ever thought about using your voice more actively, whether in the professional or personal sphere, do not hesitate to follow that impulse. Your path seems to be aligned with the idea of ​​communicating and expressing yourself, and that can take you to surprising places.

There is a special quality about you that makes you stand out when it comes to helping others. Not only are you a good listener, but you also know how to provide advice and comfort when it is most needed.

🦩Song:

🐞Pile 2: The Empress, 5 of Pentacles and 4 of Swords.

You have a unique ability to create, I feel that you can be a master manifestor. Any project that crosses your mind, any idea or work that you wish to carry out, has the potential to generate a significant impact on your life and the lives of those around you. Your ability to innovate and think differently is something that many fail to understand, but that does not matter. The essential thing is that your ideas are original and can lead you to achieve notable recognition, so do not hesitate to share them with the world. Your ideas have the power to endure over time, and I am convinced that you will be able to build a legacy of your own. The way you see things is unique, and although some may not capture the essence of your thoughts, that should not discourage you. On the contrary, it is precisely this uniqueness that sets you apart and gives you the opportunity to leave a mark on the world. Every idea that comes from you can be the start of something great, so keep going and don't hold back.

Don't limit yourself by the opinions of others; instead, focus on what you are truly passionate about and how you can bring your visions to reality.

🐞Song:

🦋Pile 3: 10 of Cups, The Sun and 2 of Wands.

You have a special gift for brightening the day of those around you; it seems like the day of others doesn't start until you appear. It may seem a bit extra, but that is the impression you leave. Your energy is contagious and you are one of those people who always looks for the positive side of things. This attitude of yours is what makes you so loved and appreciated by everyone. Many people admire your charisma and the confidence you radiate, even if sometimes you doubt it yourself. It's funny how, despite your insecurities, there are those who see you as a role model. The truth is that you have a natural charm that attracts others, and it's essential that you start recognizing it in yourself. Don't let your achievements or productivity define your worth; what really counts is the unique essence you bring to the world.

At the end of the day, what really matters is how special you are in the lives of others. In their eyes, you are a true winner, and that is not measured by material success or goals achieved. So, start believing in yourself and the positive impact you have on those around you.

🦋Song:

💎Thank you for reading and tell me if it resonated💎

[marisandini-chu-blog]

Is is just me? Or is Hero X truly as powerful as the fandom make it out to be?

Okay, hear me out! I know it's a hot take. But there's so many theories of what Hero X's ability actually is; from time traveling, space bending, warping reality, 4th wall breaking, omniscience, omnipotency. All of them being absolute OP abilities that makes your eyes cross.

And while all those theories are valid, I began to wonder... is Hero X actually that much powerful... or are we led to believe that with the little information we have?

Think about it. We know him as the No. 1 hero, right? So by that admission, we automatically ended up coming up OP ability that would make sense for him to be at the top. But aren't we just assuming he is OP?

He's powerful, yes. The 6 minutes trailer has greatly established that. And his PV also hinted his follower to believe his omnipotent.

But that's a simple bias words from one person. What's to say that her words are misdirection. Like a magician who talks to the audience, planting ideas and preconception to make you believe in one thing instead of the other.

That we, the audience, are meant to both question and believe in the power of the enigmatic Hero X.

Just like how Nice was perceived to be the "perfect hero", but in reality he wasn't really perfect, wasn't he?

And let's just... let it sink in that what we, as a fandom, are collectively are doing is exactly what the citizens in the donghua must be feeling. Trying to rationalize and understanding his power from what they witnessed. Trying to understand who he is as a person, his values, and his ideals.

Like, the creative team is soooo cool to give Hero X as much info as the average people in the donghua. Helping us be more immersive in the world while hooking us with bait in every turn.

After all, the first two episodes is already a direct allegory for the toxic idol business. And accidentally or not, I'm sure there are audience of To Be Hero X who have been guilty of participating such culture, so of course it's reasonable to make the fandom understand why people would follow and trust in Hero X despite his enigmatic status.

We know only half a page about his character, and already he is amassing his fans.

URGH, I just love this meta-strategic marketing. The studio is COOKING!!!

[nayatarot777]

how does your family view you? • pick-a-card

*please remember that this is your family’s perception of you. it might not be how you perceive yourself.

• pile one •

overall, i see a very positive and empowering perception that your family has of you.

first of all, they know that you’re intuitive af. clairvoyant specifically. you can see through situations and people clearly. aspects of things that they themselves perhaps miss. they feel like you can’t be lied to or tricked, so for a lot of you, your family doesn’t worry about you being naive within your friendships, relationships, and life in general. you’re not easily fooled.

there’s something about your anger too. they might see you rebuild yourself after experiencing destruction in your life - especially if someone has betrayed you or fucked you over. it seems as though you use that anger to rebirth yourself into a more “upgraded” version of yourself. you learn lessons quickly and seem to not make the same mistakes again. and thanks to your increase in awareness after these tower moments, these newfound experiences are added to your internal library of knowledge for your intuition to pick up on if similar people or situations are presented to you yet again.

you know your own power, so your family sees you as the person who dares to possess dreams and aspirations for yourself that not many others in your family would have the courage to put trust into achieving. and they know that your rebirths are motivated by what you see for yourself and your life in the future. they feel like you have a very good self esteem - or at least a high level of trust in yourself and your abilities. they feel as though you have a figurative crown on your head. if your parents are very successful people (whether that’s due to their career, building their lives from little to nothing - especially if they’re immigrants and worked hard to build the life that they have) then they believe that you’re someone who will continue on their legacy of success in your own way. i’m hearing that they don’t worry about where you’re gonna end up in life because the trust in yourself puts trust in them that you’ll build a legacy of your own.

they also see you as very head-strong. someone who controls and leads your life in whatever way you want to. you don’t seem to take no for an answer, nor pause your journey in the face of obstacles. there’s a lot of drive that you have when it comes to determining what your world looks like according to your vision. there’s something untameable about you. almost like you don’t listen to anyone. you trust that you know what’s best for you so you’re the ruler of your own kingdom with your clear vision.

despite all of your seemingly extravagant or unconventional dreams, your family believes that you’re extremely grounded in reality. you have a great balance of living within your internal world as well as the physical world. in stressful moments of life, you can balance out your emotions and view things practically. you have a good head on your shoulders and you listen to what comes from your heart space. what you actually feel in all of its authenticity and honesty.

your family also believes that you’re extremely body confident. whether this is because you take care of your body through exercise and eating well, or because you dress however the fuck you want to. the way that you dress could be a style that shows off your body for a lot of you. your family sees your self love and your self worth through this.

significant numbers: 12, 13, 28, 24, 15, 21

astrological placements/aspects: pisces/neptune, scorpio/pluto, aries/mars, taurus/venus

for more readings, check out my patreon!

• pile two •

your family views you as someone who has already undergone or who is undergoing some type of powerful personal growth within yourself. this could be related to listening to yourself and your own intuition. your family may feel like you feel as though you can’t trust them, despite trying to for so long. but for some of you, they can tell that you’ve finally decided to listen to yourself and see them for who they truly are. they can see sadness in your eyes or in your face whenever they look at you. there’s a feeling of betrayal here - from them towards you - that they recognise.

they view you as someone who feels detached from them. they could try to show you love but they can tell that you feel uncomfortable whenever they do. they’d describe the familial “love” between you and them as strange or unfamiliar to you. this “love” could’ve come after they realised that you were growing more distant from them as a last attempt at keeping you close to them. but again, they know that you know the truth about them and so the feeling of awkwardness during these attempts at trying to show affection towards you is mutually felt. they feel like you don’t want their love. like you’d rather just be left alone by them. these family members may be very energetically draining and this is how you protect your energy from them. and there’s also a feeling of this love being forced. not genuine. it’s fake or forced out of them for a lot of you and you can see that.

they might also be aware of some body image issues that you have. or this might just be their perception of you - especially if you have any body modifications like tattoos and piercings that they don’t approve of. they view this as “mutilation” of your body. i’m also seeing them view you as someone who’s very protective over your body with the clothing that you wear. based on the way that you completely cover up or your oversized clothing. so if you do have any body image issues, they might’ve picked up on them based on that observation. at least you dress like this around them. you might be uncomfortable wearing certain things around your family because they always have some comments to make about your body. but i am sensing some shame about your body for some of you. i’m seeing that for a lot of you, your family feels like you don’t treat your body like a temple. if these are the same people who’d make negative, nitpicking comments about your body then idk wtf they expect. that might’ve been their goal tbh (for those of you with malignant ass, jealous ass family members who want you to feel like shit about the way that you look).

for others of you, it’s the opposite and your family feels like you dress “too revealingly” in public or maybe online in your social media posts. for a minority of you, your family knows about your online sex work (or this is an assumption that they’ve made about you). but for some of you, there’s something about your family feeling like you’re too naked in the public eye. this could also be metaphorical, meaning that your family may feel like you’re well-known by people but i don’t get a good energy from this (from their perspective anyway). they may feel like you’re known for something that’s not a positive thing to be known for. or like you’re just vulnerable in the public eye.

they view you as someone who takes the time to take steps forward in your life. and they may feel like you’re waiting on divine timing to make moves in your life. but some of your family members view this as you just being lost and “behind” in life in some way. like your head is just up in the clouds and like you don’t really know where you’re headed in life. they don’t understand moving forward when you feel like you should be moving.

they know that you have a lot of childhood trauma to unpack. and they feel like your heart is blocked or locked because of it. for some of you, your family would like to figure out how to unlock it but i feel like they feel as though there’s not much that they can do. you may have been a very angry child, and i feel like you’re not necessarily an angry person now but your family can tell that you’re suppressing a lot. and that in order to unlock your heart (your feelings), you’re going to have to let out a lot of anger and resentment first.

significant numbers: 41, 27, 2, 18, 24, 35

astrological placements/aspects: chiron, venus in scorpio/8th house, venus conjunct chiron (particularly in the 4th house/conjunct the ic), taurus, lilith in taurus/2nd house, aquarius/uranus, lilith in 11th house/aquarius, pisces/neptune, mercury in pisces, chiron in 4th house, chiron in 5th house, aries/mars in 5th house, sun in aries, pluto in 1st house, scorpio rising, chiron in aries, chiron aspect mars (mainly conjunct)

for more readings, check out my patreon!

• pile three •

your family view you as someone who prefers to be alone. even if you know that there are people around you who love and care for you, you still prefer to be by yourself. and some of them can tell that it’s because you only feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable with yourself.

they also might view you as quite messy too, whether this is your bedroom or your home in general. but there’s a lack of energy that they witness you having that’s the root cause of this.

despite all of this, they view you as someone who’s very accepting of your solitude that you use for the sake of finding peace. you could be very meditative or very peaceful by yourself within your own energy. and they feel as though, whenever they bother you in your alone time, you become very defensive and repel them. some of you may struggle with depression, but it’s not depression that you want help with. not from them at least.

this energy is vastly different to how they viewed you before. maybe compared to when you were a child. because there was some type of sudden shift in your energy towards them that resulted in you being very isolated and repellent towards them.

they either feel like they don’t know you after this shift or they feel like you don’t really know yourself. someone in your family in particular feels like you’re forgetting who you are who where you came from. maybe even who you came from. they feel like you wear a mask around them. as if there’s always a detachment between you and them. kind of similar to pile two.

i’m getting a lot of “black sheep” energy from you guys. like your family just doesn’t understand you but they know that you’re not really interested in being involved with family gatherings or interactions. if you believe that they do know that you know who you are very well, they view you as someone who hides who you truly are from them. and if you’ve always been singled out or you’ve just always felt different to everyone around you then it makes sense.

they view you as someone who’s at peace with yourself though. just not at peace when being around them. this could make them deeply sad and upset as there’s an energy of them not being able to quite pinpoint why this is the way it is. unlike in pile two. pile two’s family we’re outwardly toxic. but for you guys, i feel like your family just don’t understand you. maybe they never really tried to make an effort to. but whatever the culprit of the reasons behind your familial connections, there are a lot of unknown things that your family feels like they don’t know or understand about you.

significant numbers: 17, 9, 17, 6, 22, 10 - look up the angel number 1717 for an extra message

astrological placements/aspects: pisces, leo, pluto in 5th house, (heavy) scorpio, lilith in 4th house, pluto in 4th house, strong sun-pluto aspects, connection between cancer + scorpio/pluto placements

for more readings, check out my patreon!

[missysverse]

SELF-CONCEPT & SHIFTING: YOU ARE THE OPERANT POWER

Shifting is not about methods, effort, or trying hard. It is simply about who you assume yourself to be. If you see yourself as someone who struggles to shift, your reality will reflect that. However, if you step into the self-concept of a master shifter...you can guess what that means *shocked face*

WHAT IS SELF-CONCEPT IN TERMS OF SHIFTING

Your self-concept is the foundation of everything you experience. It dictates how your subconscious mind responds to you, how your reality unfolds, and ultimately, whether shifting feels easy or impossible. The good news? You have full control over it. Your self-concept is the sum of the beliefs and assumptions you hold about yourself. It shapes how you perceive the world, what you believe is possible, and what you expect to happen.

"Your assumptions, conscious or unconscious, direct all thought and action to their fulfillment." - Neville Goddard

This means that if you assume 'I am someone who shifts effortlessly", your subconscious mind must conform to that belief.

VIEW SHIFTING AS A SELF-IDENTITY....NOT A TECHNIQUE

Most people approach shifting as something external. something they need to "achieve." But shifting isn’t a skill or a test you have to pass. It’s an identity you step into.

Think about it like this:

A singer doesn’t question whether they can sing....they just do

A fluent speaker of a language doesn’t "try" to understand it....they just do

A shifter doesn’t wonder if shifting is possible....they just accept it as their reality

So....adopt the mindset of a master shifter (because you are ALREADY one) Now, let's rewire them beliefs that may counteract the mastery shifting abilities you have....

"I have to work hard to shift" → "Shifting is effortless for me"

"Shifting takes years of practice" → "I shift instantly whenever I choose"

"Maybe shifting is something that won't work for me" → I think, therefore I can shift

DROP RESISTANCE & ASSUME IT'S ALREADY DONE

A master shifter *cough* you... does not worry about whether they’ll shift. They assume it’s inevitable. The key is to let go of resistance and stop making shifting feel like a "big deal."

Instead of waiting for proof, just decide: It is already mine. Instead of doubting, remind yourself: My assumptions create reality.

The moment you fully assume shifting is your natural ability, it has no choice but to become your experience.

FINAL THOUGHTS

You don’t need to “earn” the ability to shift. You don’t need a method or permission from the "universe". You are the operant power. Whatever you assume to be true, becomes true. If you believe shifting is difficult, it will be. But if you shift your self-concept to "I am someone who shifts effortlessly", then that is exactly what will happen. It all starts with you. Decide who you are, and your reality will follow.

Reject logic (This shouldn't be hard, I mean....you're a shifter) Shifting is easy, because you say so. ✨ it's that simple!!

[elysiansparadise]

hii i adoreee your writing style. you’re truly one of my favourite astrologers 🥹 i was wondering about your interpretation on sun in 10h? i hope you have a lovely day 🥹💗

Hello love, thank you so much for your words. 💗

Sun in the 10th house

These natives radiate a lot of light, energy and power, they tend to be the focus of attention in many situations even if they do not look for it, they also tend to be greatly admired either for some talent, a quality of their physique or for their personality. Many people tend to think that they are somewhat unapproachable or perceive them as somewhat distant/focused on their own issues, but the reality is that they can be very kind. They are very hard-working, ambitious people and they try to make it clear that they are sure of their value as a person, their abilities and potential. What people sometimes don't see is that these natives also tend to doubt these aspects of themselves, but they try not to show it to other people. They can enjoy a good reputation and can even gain a lot of prestige through their career, they are usually well regarded by people. If Pluto or Neptune make tense aspects to the Sun, the native is likely to attract people who become obsessed with them or who envy them. They tend to be very dedicated to meeting their goals and can set high standards for themselves, they can put a lot of pressure on themselves to do something productive, not waste time or do things well. They are very upright and honest people who like to do the right thing and can be a role model for many people, since it is easy for them to inspire and motivate others. There is a sunshine quality in them, which makes them brighten or improve the vibes.

This placement favors the popularity and good reception of people, especially bosses, people with more experience or older people, who will see a lot of potential in the native and will motivate them. They tend to be people with a lot of charisma and a unique sense of humor, they can please others easily. Some of them may come across as sassy, ​​very dominant and self-centered [especially if it’s aspecting Mars] but they are people whose hearts overflow with generosity and thoughtfulness. These people have the ability to give the impression they intend to give, they show themselves authentically but still reserving some things for themselves. There are many people who may believe they know the native perfectly, but the reality is that they only scratch the surface. They are very independent people since they are young, because life has taught them to take care of themselves, and many of them, although independent and fierce when it comes to facing the turbulence of life, when they love a lot they can bring out this protective side and warmth. Deep down they have the desire to be supported and protected.

These natives opt for long-term plans, relationships or projects, and they hate ephemeral things that waste their time, as it is something they deeply value. Despite their disciplined and responsible nature, they like to make their work or tasks fun. Some of them were able to grow up with the idea that only by achieving things or doing something can they feel that they are worth it, but one of their lessons in this life is to become aware that by the mere fact of existing they deserve to be loved and respected. The relationship with the father can be complex, because being in this house tells us of two extremes, or a supportive father who, although not very expressive, was attentive to them, we also have a possible father who is emotionally and/or physically absent or who focused a lot in his work and responsibilities. These natives are very trustworthy people who like to be there for those they love in times of crisis, they support unconditionally, they do not easily give up and they do not hesitate once they make a decision.

[fishermanshook]

ASK: “Im not sure if you will do this one but general headcannons of toons reacting to a Dragon!Toon reader that has 4 pairs of wings and can fly super fast, but they are kind, loyal, and brave to their fellow toons.”

requester: @zeki-cosmos

WINGS ABLAZE.

( vee v. & gigi ) + gn!dragon!toon!reader

₊🐉📌˚⊹⋆ possible mischaracterization of dragons , reader deals with anxiety [#newtoon , Gigi] , readers a dirty little thief , take a sip of water whenever something described as “shiny, bright, sheeny” [Gigi] , implied romantic feelings by the end , no beta we twist like Dandy , grammar and spelling warning

INTRO

According to Delilah Keen, dragons are known for their “ferocious strength, relentless passion, and a deep sense of loyalty and possession over those they hold near and dear to their heart.” Gardenview thinks they captured this perfectly in their newest toon: you, a four-winged, fiercely devoted dragon fit to soar in the limelight.

It’s only a wonder how you’ll perform, but they believe in you, right?

꒰wc꒱ 1,306 | read latest fic here.

VEE VERSION ONE.

Gargoyles, cyclopes, dragons, and more—you’re nothing but another game show contestant to Vee. Someone to hurl question upon question at regarding trivial knowledge she already knows all too well. But a real dragon, one possessing abilities unlike any other, piques her interest. She says she’s just interested—name one toon that can breathe fire—but the Game Show Host knows there’s more to it. A feeling she has a thousand names for but refuses to label.

Vee pushes the thought down.

You’re loud, boastful, and proud; an undying ember who refuses to dim themself for the appeasement and comfort of others, but that never stops you from being kind, uplifting, and reliable when need be. You stomp your foot when mad and pick at your scales when bored. Your dragon tendencies cause you to clutch your valuables close to your heart, and soon, Vee finds herself even closer.

She’ll find random—albeit sensible—reasons to approach you; an invitation to a private interview only “special listeners” get to hear [Rodgers foaming at the mouth], an undying desire to touch your wings, to feel the ridges and bumps, the slight smoothness underneath her fingers, and a somewhat shy ask if you could fly her around the Lobby that she structured so it sounds like you offered instead. “Just to feel what it’s like.” The TV argued.

Vee is calculating, reasonable and methodical, following code exactly as it’s given with no room for error; not always because she wants to, but because it makes sense logically. Your fiery personality against her perceivably cold one makes others think you wouldn’t clash well together, but in reality, she keeps you grounded while you loosen her up. You straighten out Vee’s tail while she picks off any annoying scales that poke and prod in places they shouldn’t. It’s a…somewhat transactional type of relationship, but each movement is done with exact precision and gentle hands. Your almost out-of-character tenderness makes her stoic front soften.

When you do finally take Vee on a trip around the lobby, her screen glitches, eyes blown wide in amazement. This is what the Dwight brothers aimed to achieve in the name of mankind. If the pioneers of air travel themself could see you right now, high in the sky with the wind bending to your will, they could only be jealous. Not of the altitude you’ve ascended to, but of the ability you’ve been able to capture without the use of gears and cogs.

Her arms tighten around your neck as she leans in close. “For safety,” she mutters. And while she’s not exactly lying, you can feel her screen heat up slightly at the proximity between you two. What was supposed to be you fulfilling Vee’s ask has turned into something much more than that. A closeness you can’t recall, a rhythm your hearts never quite played.

I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try to figure the feeling out.

GIGI.

Gigi doesn’t take much interest regarding you as a person than she does with the idea of adding something new to her cave of treasures. You’re just another toon, one with their own set of secrets and hidden abilities only time can reveal, but a trinket or two could let her in on some of that top-secret information you keep oh so close to your chest.

Your unique confidence and infectious enthusiasm are what truly captivate Gigi, like an unearthed gem gleaming in the luster of its light. Not many people radiate that same, adventurous and bold spirit of yours, and she’s quick to take advantage of that. “Come on—! We’ve got better stuff to do than this.” She exclaims.

Your combined chaotic energy is not something to mess with. Together, you two are top-tier troublemakers who are always stirring up some avant-grande mischief. [Tisha’s usually the one forced to clean it up, but you send your condolences in slightly burnt flowers she’s not sure where you get.] It always ends as silly stories to tell the kids, but you’re warned by Dandy to not ignite their troublesome side with your vivid reenactments.

Gigi steals from everyone; that is a fact, but when she hears of YOUR hoarding habits—the mother load of shiny stones and precious metals you have hidden away somewhere in the depths of your room—she’s immediately intrigued. It’s too lonely of a world for a skilled pick-pocket like her, and she’s dying to see what you’ve got stored away. But bad habits die hard, and as much as you love the girl, you think it’s a bit too early for her to goggle at the riches you hold so near and dear to you. The risk of her nabbing something when you’re not looking—the thought of anyone trying that on you—has your heart hurting and your walls skyrocketing. Too many in the past have attempted to take what’s not theirs, and you wouldn’t wish to lose a friend in the crossfire.

Gigi likes the shiny things—you both do, the ones that glimmer when the light hits it just right—but unlike you, the Gambler doesn’t care for its monumental value as much. Could be a polished-looking penny a kid dropped or a cheap, sheeny beaded necklace from the Prize bin somewhere in the Staff room. The story—one she can spin and weave into whatever she wants—is much more valuable to her than the item's image. You, on the other hand, only have room for the costly things. The high-end jewelry left on the “Lost and Found” table near the founder's room, the children’s collectibles adults doesn’t even realize our worth houses in the outside world, and the expensive golden watches that reflect just what you are: a thief.

It’s a bad habit of yours to often pick at your scales. There are small but noticeable patches along your toon that expose the skin underneath, and the scolding you earn from Delilah doesn’t help. In an attempt to combat this issue, Gigi presented to you a “Worry Stone.” A small, smooth stone with an indent in the middle to indicate where your thumb should lie. You almost passed it up at first; you’re the newest toon, what would Gardenview think of you having to use a stupid worry stone to calm your nerves? And there’s no way the engraving can fit your thumb claw and all, and what about—

“Shhhh, baby you’re overthinkin’ it again,” Gigi quipped as you found her sleeved hand pressed square against your lips. “This is exactly what it’s for! Trust me, I wouldn’t have given it to you and I do not think you needed it.” And with a sigh and a low ‘thanks girly,’ you take it.

It’s a long time down the road before you let her take a dip into your hoarded treasures, but all the glint and gleam of your precious artifacts don’t compare to the awe written across the gachapon's face. Her hands caress each jewel, and every shiny beaded necklace Gigi swears was designed for you, with nothing but the utmost care. Very different from her usual grubby hands.

“See something you like? It’s yours for the taking.” You say, watching as her fingers twitch over a shimmering medallion.

“Dawwwww…you’re too sweet sugar, but I don’t think I could ever take from you.” Gigi comments, eyes still hovering over the medallion.

“Gigi.”

“OKAY OKAY—FINE! Love you so much doll, mhwa, mwha, mwha!”

note: hiiiiii dandy’s world x reader fandom…I know it’s been a minute since my last fic—DONT ASK ABOUT A PART TWO—but I want to thank everyone whose sent in a request and for your patience! writers block has been terrible and I appreciate all the goated ideas that have been sent my way. I hope these headcanons brightened up your day a bit.

also goob was supposed to be apart of this but I scrapped his ass 😭 sorry goob lovers one day trust

© fishermanshook — no stealing , translating , plagiarizing or reposting my work on other any other sites + reblogs adored !!

[aishangotome]

Azel Radwan: Dramatic Ending Ch. 23

Dramatic Ending Ch. 22

Thank you @passthechloroform for providing the video for this chapter!

♡———♡

Azel: Is that...

Azel: What you call "true love?"

From the dim light behind the benevolent, smiling apostle, the God emerges, bathed in the radiant moonlight.

Ignoring the apostle and the surrounding people, Azel stands boldly before me.

(I wonder how long he's been listening.)

I look up, trying to hide the ticklish feeling of him rushing to my side even in this situation.

(Whether not betraying Azel is true love, or not...)

(...That's probably not for me to decide.)

(Even if it is love, if the recipient doesn't perceive it as such, it becomes distorted violence.)

Emma: I hope Prince Azel sees it that way.

When I voice my prayer, Azel only smiles mischievously.

Azel: But it's quite a disaster for you to get tangled up with such a troublesome old man. I offer my condolences.

Akatsuki: You're the cause.

Azel: Yes, that's why I came here like this.

Azel: If Akatsuki draws his sword, a fierce, blood-soaked war will break out, apart from the whole end of the world thing.

(I thought Azel wouldn't appear before us anymore after that distancing behavior.)

(...It's just like Azel to not abandon us at the very end.)

Apostle: Living God, I have been waiting for you.

The apostle's face is filled with ecstatic joy at the sight of the God appearing.

Azel also shows his disgust at the benevolent smile that gives me goosebumps.

Apostle: I believed that you, the Living God who can see the future, would surely come.

Azel: Old man, you're old enough to stop dreaming.

Azel: You seem to be mistaken in thinking that you can stop the death of God by calling me here, but your futile struggles are just unsightly.

Azel: Tanzanite no longer needs a God.

Azel: In the old days, when this land was barren and desolate, people couldn't have survived without the protection of God.

Azel: But what about Tanzanite now? It has progressed to the point of being one of the major countries on the continent.

Azel: The economy has developed thanks to the many tourists who visit, and the poverty-stricken country with nothing but desert no longer exists.

Azel: If people have gained the ability to walk on their own, it can be said that God has fulfilled his role.

Azel's perspective was lofty, truly the words of a God watching over his people.

(Even if I don't want him to die, I surely won't find the words to overcome this will.)

Azel: Why do you think the first Living God spoke of the end?

Azel: It's because he believed in the potential of humans.

Azel: That wasn't a prophecy of the end, but a prophecy of the beginning.

Azel: The Living God of the past dreamed of people acquiring the ability to live without the power of God.

Azel: He entrusted that dream to the prophecy.

(People will only truly live in reality once they awaken from their slumber.)

(The prophecy of the end, from a human perspective, speaks of an ending...)

(But perhaps God only wanted people to break free from the moon's control and welcome a new dawn.)

Azel: Old man, you want this dream to continue, don't you? I don't deny that idea.

Azel: People have the freedom of faith. If you want to believe in God forever, then do so.

Azel: But that faith must not be forced upon others.

Azel: God's will is for "humans to awaken from their dream."

Azel: Please stop with your usual "all for the sake of God" spiel, okay?

Even with Azel's rebuke, the apostle doesn't flinch.

His unwavering smile is terrifying.

Apostle: Living God, do you truly believe that humans can survive this harsh environment on their own?

Apostle: All the prosperity Tanzanite has enjoyed so far has been built by God.

Apostle: If we lose God, this land will surely return to an uninhabitable environment.

Azel: That's a baseless delusion.

Apostle: For those of us who don't know a world without God, it's a natural conclusion.

Apostle: The country of Tanzanite is a desert dream shown by successive generations of Living Gods.

Apostle: To perpetuate this dream eternally, the power of the Living God is indispensable.

Apostle: I, too, am a servant of God... I understand that I must respect his will.

Apostle: However, it is also my role to convey the voices of the people to God.

Apostle: Please, won't you reconsider?

(It seems like he won't listen to God's will no matter what.)

Azel: Just as you won't withdraw your will, I also have no intention of changing my mind.

Azel: It seems we'll never see eye to eye. I knew that.

Azel: You deny the potential of humans, and I believe in the potential of humans. That's all there is to it...

Azel: I didn't come here to have a heated argument with you.

Azel: I just had some business with them, so could you please leave?

Azel seems to have quickly given up on reaching an understanding with the apostle. He turns to me and pushes my shoulder.

(Whoa!? )

Azel: Come on, let's get a move on. Let's get out of here quickly.

The apostle's followers who were surrounding us don't seem to have the courage to defy the God, and the path opens up before the owner can draw his sword.

Apostle: Living God, there's one thing I want to tell you.

Azel: I'd rather not have my ears rot.

Apostle: If anything should happen, the devout people plan to perform a ritual to resurrect God by offering their own lives.

(...What did he just say...?)

I, not Azel, stop in my tracks.

Apostle: The number is about 10,000... It may not be enough as a price for the precious life of the Living God.

Apostle: Our will to avoid our own end is stronger than the Living God thinks.

(10,000 people will offer their lives?)

(What in the world kind of logic is that...!)

Azel: This is the first I've heard of a life-offering culture in our country. It seems there are things even I don't know.

Azel turns around, his face filled with astonishment.

I wish it were a bad joke, but the apostle's eyes were serious at a time like this.

Apostle: We don't want to lose God, even if it means using forbidden measures.

Apostle: But it pains me to do so. If possible, I don't want to sacrifice their lives or the life of the Living God.

Apostle: I informed you of this in hopes that it would help the Living God make his decision.

(...Coward. This is just blackmail.)

The Living God wanted the people to resist.

But surely he doesn't want them to resist like this.

(I can't say it's impossible, considering the gatherings that Clavis and the others mentioned before.)

(...If it's the apostle who was brainwashing people with incense and instilling them with praise for God...)

(Maybe he could also induce them to throw away their lives for God.)

Azel: If you want to die, go right ahead. I won't stop you.

(!?)

Azel: God won't be resurrected even if 10,000 people die, but your believers will understand that once they actually die.

Azel: If you thought such childish threats would work on me, you're a little too naïve.

Azel: Ah, or perhaps... the me reflected in your eyes is still a "small God."

Azel: Are you seeing an illusion of the obedient, young God you could freely manipulate?

Apostle: Living God...

Azel: Well, it doesn't matter. Let's go.

(Is he really leaving?)

Azel pushes my back again and starts walking.

When I almost stumble, he supports me and lifts me up.

Emma: Th-this is embarrassing!

Azel: Could you please stop blushing? I'm suffering collateral damage here.

Even though we're not running, the apostle is already getting further away.

As I cling to Azel so as not to fall, I notice that the owner, who came with us, still hasn't taken his hand off his sword.

Azel: ...Akatsuki, your bloodlust is directed at the wrong person.

Akatsuki: Don't casually touch a maiden before marriage.

Azel: No, I told you, it's troublesome if you walk slowly. Read the room.

Akatsuki: Why do I need to read the room?

The two of them, bickering, don't seem to be taking the situation as seriously as I am.

(Maybe Azel has a chance of winning.)

(…But, I wonder if he’s noticed.)

The apostle didn’t stop smiling gently until he turned the corner of the alley.

As if to say that even Azel's reaction was just as he expected.

-

Azel: Well then, goodbye to you both.

Emma: That’s not happening, is it!?

Azel entered the sanctuary, which was the base of the anti-god forces, and went straight to the city exit from there.

When I was thrown out into the desert from a place like a back entrance and waved to with a smile, I honestly felt like grabbing my chest.

Emma: There are a lot of things I want to ask you.

Azel: I won’t be speaking with you.

Emma: You’re just going to use me and then toss me aside when you’re done?

Azel: That’s right––

Akatsuki: Oh?

At the sight of the dull-colored blade emerging from its scabbard, Azel quickly moved behind me.

Azel: …Fine, what do you want to know? I’ll answer one question, as a special favor.

(Just one…?)

There were a mountain of things I wanted to ask, and I couldn’t seem to narrow it down to just one.

But it seemed like Azel really would rush back into the sanctuary after answering.

The fact that he had stopped at all now might be the biggest concession he was willing to make.

(If I can’t hear the whole truth, I’ll just ask the one thing I’m most curious about.)

(If I hear this, I can return to Rhodolite without any regrets… Not really, but…)

(I can tell myself that.)

I turned around and peered into his mystical eyes that held the starry sky within.

I was surprised by how close we were, but I couldn’t back down now.

Emma: Prince Azel, are you satisfied now?

Azel: …What do you mean?

Emma: Is everything that’s happening now going according to your wishes?

When I asked him this clearly, word by word, Azel seemed to be at a loss for words for a moment.

Just as I was trying to ascertain his true intentions, perhaps Azel was also trying to figure out mine.

Azel: Of course, it’s going according to my wishes.

Azel: …What would happen if I said that?

Emma: I would just be relieved.

(If no one is threatening you, and Azel is creating this situation of his own volition…)

(I… I want to pray for your success.)

*flashback*

Azel: People revere and worship me as a God. But that’s just a convenient illusion.

Azel: The true identity of the last God on this continent is…

Azel: …Just a pathetic slave.

*flashback over*

(So that Azel will never have to say such a thing again.)

(…Though in my heart, I want to stop him.)

(…Though I don’t want him to die.)

Emma: I hope your wish comes true, Prince Azel.

I took Azel's hand as if in prayer and enveloped it in mine.

The perverse God didn’t shake me off.

Azel: …I’ve thought this before, but you really are an idiot, aren’t you?

Akatsuki: Oh?

Azel: No, that’s not right. I apologize for my poor choice of words.

Azel: …It’s just that, with that look on your face like you’re about to cry…

(…!)

Azel: You, with your kind heart, shouldn’t be able to accept my death. And yet, you pray for it?

My inhaled breath trembled, and I exhaled as quietly as possible so he wouldn’t notice.

Emma: That’s right, I’m praying for it.

Emma: …Like I said before, it’s up to Prince Azel to decide what happiness is.

Azel: ......

My hand, which had been passively held, was squeezed back tightly.

I couldn’t quite read the emotions contained within.

But… the divine smile had disappeared from Azel's face.

It wasn’t his usual sullen expression either; it conveyed a sense of urgency.

(...Maybe I shouldn’t pry too deeply.)

(Because if I knew, I might not be able to leave.)

I lowered my eyes slightly and filled my vision with sand.

Emma: If I stay in Tanzanite, the apostle will continue to target me.

Emma: If I’m captured, it might interfere with Azel's plans.

Azel: You have quite a high opinion of yourself, don’t you? Even if you were taken hostage, I wouldn’t help you.

Emma: No, I’m sure you would help me.

(You came rushing to my aid earlier, so I’m confident.)

(Azel is the type of person who says he “won’t help,” but then does the opposite.)

Emma: If leaving is the only thing I can do…

Emma: …Then this is truly goodbye.

(And the next time I come to Tanzanite, Azel might not be here.)

(…I might regret not stopping him.)

The thought of the inevitable future made me want to crumble, but I lifted the corners of my mouth with all my might.

Emma: I’ll ask anyway, what kind of offering would you like?

Azel: You’re going to give me an offering?

Emma: I still have a debt to pay, so I’ll have no choice but to come see you while sobbing uncontrollably.

Azel: That’s a nuisance.

Emma: Please forgive me for that much.

Emma: …The time we spent together won’t disappear like a dream.

(I’m sure I’ll remember it many times.)

(And each time, I might curse you, saying that it’s all the fault of the wicked God that I feel so much pain.)

Azel's fingertips tightened.

Azel: In that case… I’d like a home-cooked meal as an offering. Preferably something hearty.

Emma: I’ll remember that. If I make it, you have to eat it, okay?

(I’m glad we were able to say goodbye properly in the end.)

I opened my hand to move away from Azel before the tears overflowed.

Emma: …Goodbye, Prince Azel.

Azel: Yes, goodbye. I hope we never meet again.

Emma: .....

Azel: ........

Emma: Um…?

Azel: What is it?

Emma: Please… let go of my hand.

(I can’t say goodbye.)

Even though I was saying goodbye, there was no sign of him releasing my hand.

Azel: You let go.

Emma: I am letting go.

Azel: No, you’re not.

Emma: I am letting go, aren’t I!?

Azel: Your grip is so strong, my hand feels like it’s going to be crushed.

Emma: Liar!

Azel: Calling me a liar…

Akatsuki: How unsightly.

The owner once again put his hand on his sword, but unlike before, Azel showed no sign of running away.

Emma: …Is there something else you want to say?

Azel: ………… No.

Azel: ..........

Azel: Yes, there is something I want to say.

.

.

.

Dramatic End Ch. 23 Letter

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You guys have no idea but I was (and still am) a wet, sobbing mess while translating this chapter T__T Literally sobbing but trying to get this done so you guys can share in my agony.

[tawked]

I think the reason the X-Men are a bad metaphor for racism is that they're actually a metaphor for disability made wrong and strange by the perceived need to broaden the scope to be more relatable to a wider audience via an attempt to be representative of all marginalization.

You know, a story that started with a bunch of kids living at a segregated special school run by a dude in a wheelchair preparing to enter adult life, discriminated against for their appearances, "deformities," abilities and assistive devices. It seems unsubtle to me but I've been in Disability World my whole life so this is the lens by which I see things. The fact that I very rarely see disability-based readings of the X-Men kinda suggests I might be an outlier here? But hear me out.

So, the Doom Patrol represents the other strategy with the same starting premise. Unlike the intentional broadening of subject the X-Men underwent in the 1980s, Doom Patrol has simply never lost sight of its disability focus. The criticism of the Doom Patrol is that it sometimes leans too hard into disability as the root of misery and conflates being disabled with being a "loser." In the 1960s stories, The Chief's role is to give them stern talking-tos about believing in themselves that actually do parallel the stiff upper lip attitude the non-institutionalized disabled were treated with back then (and in some cases are indeed treated with today), but it's not like they're ever going to tell you Robotman, who became a brain in a giant assistive device after a car accident, somehow represents black people lol. That's what Cyborg is for and he is at least actually black and not metaphorically black.

Anyway, my point is, when people criticize the X-Men as a bad metaphor for racism, I always have this feeling like... Yeah, no shit, you're witnessing the generalization of one minority into an ur-minority. Of course no one can really see themselves in that, that's not really how marginalized people experience our marginalization. It's how well-meaning but kind of ignorant non-marginalized people think of the marginalized.

It's especially jarring because disability is somewhat unique in how we culturally address it. Hear me out.

If I treat my black friend (who's black) Eric differently because he's black (he's my black friend), that is fucked up. There is no meaningful difference that exists between myself and Eric on a basis of our skin colour or parentage. Any differences that might exist are social constructs and human reactions to imposed social realities. Paradoxically, in order to be a good friend, Eric must treat me differently than he treats many other people, because I am disabled, and the difference in how he treats me is accommodation. I cannot access the world without this different treatment. A difficulty in navigating discussions of equality is that disabled people, in many ways, require equity in order to function. Allowing all peoples to walk on the same street means nothing to those of us who cannot walk.

Getting out of the crowded elevator because Eric wants in: gross and weird.

Getting out of the crowded elevator because Emily On Wheels wants in: the right move, the elevator is her only option, while you have the option to take the stairs instead. Discriminating in the sense that you are making a choice because of her difference, but not necessarily bigotry because this choice is to enable rather than to oppress. I mean obviously if you roll your eyes and act like a big bitch about it while doing it you are being a bigot but we're talking broad generalizations here.

You can see how, when constructing a metaphor for discrimination, if one is not careful, one may be seen to be endorsing equality without equity, or seen to be endorsing treating people read metaphorically as black differently based on that metaphorical blackness when one wants to make a different statement about ability and accessibility. Especially because bigots often equivocate race and disability so it's become this enmeshed intersectional issue and -- I'm getting beyond my own scope here, sorry.

tbh, even if the X-Men were just about disability, it'd be imperfect. The Doom Patrol is imperfect. The character of Cyborg is imperfect. There will never be a perfect metaphorical superhero who directly represents a social issue or marginalized people, hence why it's important to just... have superheroes who are of these demographics. You know, instead of Kitty Pryde being metaphorically Jewish, she's just Jewish. Instead of Cyborg being metaphorically black, he's just black. Then you can examine what you want to say without over-extending concepts like the mutant metaphor into areas that contradict, and can treat these fictional constructs instead as catalysts for the issues you want to discuss. Or just treat them as realities of the fictional world without necessarily attempting to write them as analogies all the time, Tolkien style. The war parallels will come, even if that's just not what you're writing about, because you're a butch battlefield queen and these wounds they will not heal etc.

Anyway, look, maybe I'm incorrect here. Maybe the disabled man running a special school for people who look different, are different on a basis of the things they can and cannot do ie. seeing without a visor, and are discriminated against specifically for their different abilities, really did represent racism all along, and I'm just huffing swamp gas. Maybe it's a coincidence that the X-Men hit shelves around the same time the concept of deinstitutionalization and the creation of in-community special schools for people who previously would've been institutionalized since early childhood began going mainstream in American politics.

But this is my theory and I'm sticking to it. A lot of the awkwardness in X-Men as a metaphor derives from the desire to expand scope to discuss a universal discrimination when discrimination cannot be made universal, and a lot of the smoother, more recognizable metaphorical writing in Doom Patrol is such because it chose one subject and stuck to it.

i still like both x-men and doom patrol. this isn't a qualitative argument. i actually think there are virtues to a universalized metaphorical marginalization narrative when one's target audience is cishet white boys - maybe relating to wolverine and learning to care about storm might make someone care about black women a little more, y'know? i can hope. i can hope.

[isalisewrites]

Is Bellamort a misunderstanding of canon in your opinion? To be honest I find more sense in them but I don't dismiss Tomarry or anything like that, I respect your tastes. However, if we're talking about canon we also have to face the reality of what we might not like. Hinny falls into this category and is practically a parallel to Bellamort. Ginny seems to have been inspired by Bella in her personality and that doesn't diminish the character because JKR wrote both as complex characters.

My beautiful wife says, "I'm gonna hold your hand with a ten foot pole and say, No."

Damn, you got my girl to rant so much. Thank you. That was hot of her.

*coughs*

Anyway~

So, there are a few things to unpack here. Once again, I see we're talking about canon and what people perceive as 'making the most sense.' I also see a fundamental misunderstanding of Ginny's character and an inflated opinion of JKR's ability to write.

Okay, so.

One: JKR did not write Ginny and Bellatrix as complex characters. Neither are complex beings at all. Bellatrix is a fanatical simp for Voldemort in canon. Nothing more, nothing less. She is not shown to have anything more complex about her.

Meanwhile, Ginny is a cardboard cutout. She is a very flat character. My girl called her tofu, where other characters add flavor to her. Ginny loving Harry makes sense, but Harry liking her in return doesn't make much sense. My girl said, "Bellatrix/Voldemort makes more sense than Ginny/Harry because Bella is a fanatic." But the fact that you pointed out that Hinny and Bellamort could be parallels of each other... that just makes me dislike the ships even more, ngl. Gross.

Second: canon doesn't make sense. There are so many events in canon that DO NOT make sense. The amount of plot devices in the series is insane. Characters are often used as plot devices, rather than as living, breathing people who make their own choices in spite of what the Author God demands the plot to be. I can often tell when a character is being boxed into something because of JKR's writing.

The TRUE reality is JKR isn't a good writer. Have we been given something to play with, absolutely. But I will not put canon on a pedestal and act like it's god. It has many, many flaws that contradict itself on too many occasions. So, when people argue that I oughta accept what 'makes sense in canon,' there is no sturdy foundation to this. There's nothing that convinces me. Anything in canon can go anyway. The amount of pathway possibilities are immense.

And, again, I don't need anything to make sense in canon to do whatever the fuck I want in these fandom spaces. There is no reality that I don't like in canon. I don't need my favorite ships to be canon.

I don't want them to be canon!

You think I want JKR to write Harrymort??? Good lord, she'd butcher it. She can't even do Dumbledore/Grindelwald right. Why do I have to hear her in the behind the scenes of Fantastic Beasts 2 say, "Dumbledore and Grindelwald has a very strong, sexual relationship."

Bitch, if I don't see them in bed, naked under the sheets, I don't fucking believe you.

Anyway, JKR needs to keep her hands off our fandom ships. *shudders at the thought*

Finally, if I DID look at canon like I cared about it, I say Bellamort somewhat makes sense, but also no because I can't see Voldemort very often as a sexual creature. To me, it takes certain parameters for him to get to that point. A simpering Bella, to me, just isn't it. (And I'm a lesbian and I think she's fucking hot, okay??? None of this is because I don't like her)

ALSO, yall, do you know how many times I saw Bella lusting after Voldemort in fics and vice versa in the 2000s and 2010s before Cursed Child came out? Too many. So, the fact that it became canon just disgusts me because it feels like it was stolen from fandom. Smh. Ew. It pisses me off. Cursed Child just pisses me off. It's like a slap in the face. We wouldn't be having this discussion if it weren't for Cursed Child.

In conclusion, you don't have to justify why you enjoy Bellamort. You like Bellamort? Have fun. I'm sure there are some great fics of them. I will not be reading or writing it because it simply does not interest me. There are no 'realities to face because of canon' because canon has holes in it and is poorly written.

I can logic battle about why any ship is good and how it could come to pass, but instead, we should just go write them.

Fuck canon and go write the wild, fun ships!

Isa

[eamour]

daydreaming and imagining

when it comes to manifesting, people like to either daydream or imagine their desires which does sound like pretty much the same. nevertheless — it's not. daydreaming does not equal imagining, vice versa.

daydreaming

meaning · thinking of your desire

to daydream replaces the term "thinking of your desire". when you are daydreaming, you occupy a state of mind where you view yourself as well as your desire separated from each other. you could also say that you only pass through your desired state without truly embodying it and end up going back to your old dwelling state (wavering). you don't claim to have your desire, nor do you declare yourself to be in possession of it. you feel distant to it, almost as if it's impossible, unrealistic or illogical to achieve. you are desiring, aware of wanting your desire, craving and longing for the feeling, making you experience the lack of it. you feel uneasy about how your current reality looks like as you are waiting for some sort of movement or shift. you are dissatisfied about the present moment and view your manifestation as a target you need to aim for, perceiving it as a goal to attain. internally, you know that your desire hasn't been realised yet and wonder how it could possibly materialise. you analyse and examine your outer world a lot, judging it by its looks. you often ask yourself if your desires are ever gonna unfold. thus, you rely on the evidence of your senses, using the 3D as a tool to validate you. by waiting for its confirmation that you ask for so desperately, you automatically assign meaning and also power to the outer world. you let the physical world determine and dictate your mental world. by doing so, you give away control, but still continue to feel responsible and guilty. you repeatedly spiral, wondering what you could be doing wrong, not having full faith or trust in yourself. you don't quite believe in yourself and tend to give in. you endure the 3D as best as you can but often times, you consider your desire to be out of reach. you dream of the mere possibility and depend on the next moment you feel a motivational boost. frequently, you start to doubt, feeling uncertain and unsure about your ability to manifest. you find yourself feeling incapable and scare away from seemingly "big" wishes and wants. you feel needy, irritated and confused. you fight feeling resistant or pressured towards how you want your life to be like. you are afraid that you might never manifest your desired life.

imagining

meaning · thinking from your desire

to imagine can be used as a synonym for "thinking from your desire". as the term says, when you imagine your desires, you think from the point of view where you have them already. you experience them and live life from having whatever it is that you desire. you occupy the state of your wish being fulfilled, knowing and accepting that what you want already exists within you. you understand that nothing can exist outside of you and that life happens from you, so you trust yourself, believe in your capabilities and have faith in the law. you feel calm, confident and content as you are fulfilling your inner self, leaving the outer world as it is. you don't feel the need or the urge to change or control the 3D. there is simply no need for you to stress, worry or struggle. you understand that everything is yours, creation is finished and it all exists already. all you do is step into the state of having and being, living in the end where you got it all. you are one with your desire, you are connected to it as well as all the other contents of your reality. your desire has now become a part of you and you are free to chill, relax and to surrender. you have full trust that your desire will and has to unfold exactly how you want it and don't disturb your inner peace by overanalysing or unnecessary questioning. you don't need to rely on external proof, making your state of being depend on the outer world. you are the owner of your desire, the owner of your reality and stay unbothered by any physical circumstance. you are unaffected by anything that isn't favourable for you and refuse to be led on or negatively influenced. you remain living in your imagination, declaring it to be your one and only reality. whenever you desire something, you know that you don't go outside of yourself, searching for what is already within you. anything you could possibly seek, exists in your mind.

with love, ella.

[batboyblog]

Interesting thing to consider regarding our situation from Magdi Jacobs. She’s been fairly levelheaded so far about all this. The Pandemic really did change us all and how we perceive things.

The constant stressful vigilance we all needed during the pandemic is still in effect from that era, and that’s why there’s such a disconnect between what we see and feel as true:

https://x.com/magi_jay/status/1812531377184653581?s=46&t=9ilK5pqP73XDblTtTbb4Qg

I don't disagree with her, and I know for a fact she also agrees with what I have to say here:

Covid is part of it, maybe it is its own thing, maybe it super charged something that had been happening in slow-mo before

but I think algorithmic social media is breaking all our brains and Covid locked SO many of us inside with it for a year and a half or so where our only "human" contact was through social media and that was NOT helpful

There's lots of studies about social media and anxiety and depression, we know algorithms intentionally put stories/posts that upset you into your feed, we know that social media causes negative polarization.

speaking just of my own experience on twitter over the last two weeks it really challenges your sense of reality, twitter very quickly forms a group think about a current event and it becomes overwhelming, also it destroys any sense of time and prospective, so nothing is allowed to just be bad it has to be THE WORST THING EVER! and from the debate and now Trump's fist pump after getting shot at everything is NOW! the election is not 4 months away with all the events that will take over the news, people are voting just this second and only based on this news story rn! AAHHHH!!! !

by its short form nature twitter makes it feel as if people are having a conversation with you, but your ability to reply and question their statements is limited and I think that makes for extreme anxiety if the group think challenges your understanding of events/reality. So Joe Biden had a bad debate night, sounded bad, looked bad, he was a sick, jet lagged, overworked, old man and looked and sounded like all of that. Oh well, but the group think quickly shifted to "this is the worst thing ever, he clearly has dementia!" and you were bombarded by that over and over, in more and more shrill and condescending tones. And it became very stress inducing because people were seeing something you didn't see and insisting "don't believe your eyes and ears! believe my hot takes!" and you felt like you were losing your mind.

This is one current event but this happens on social media all the time, twitter is bad, TikTok is worse.

I also think for "younger" (under 40?) people raised on reality TV, and more so instagram, Facebook, now TikTok picture and video based social media there's a, life as reality TV show quality, an unspoken performance and need to make our lives seem perfect for an unseen (and not real) audience, and also to be seen as having the right views, but living in quick sand where liking or using anything could become a problem at any point and having to keep up endlessly. I also think this is intensely anxiety producing and also just debilitating, I don't think you can DO anything good in the world with that mindset

final thought: I've said for awhile I think why you see so many people declaring the economy is bad, regularly saying its historically, Great Depression levels bad, when it is in fact really good, as near to full employment as we've ever had lots of great economic indicators is left over Covid trauma.

We all went through a scary, sad, upsetting time in our lives. But because we ALL did if nothing happened to you particularly, you didn't get hospitalized, don't have long Covid, no one you're close with died and you couldn't be there for them, it might feel like "nothing" happened. So people are reaching for a "logical" reason for that edgy, sad, nervous, upset, unhappy feeling they can't get rid of. Normally that comes from economic anxiety, fear of not having enough money, or losing a job etc. So many people are reporting that they think the national economy is terrible while saying they think they themselves are doing well, that their local or state economy (that they see an interact with) is doing good, while the nation is doing bad, somehow. People are spending like they're doing well as well, never had it so good, never felt so bad.

I suspect its because we're all still dealing with Covid feelings, and thanks to social media, the death of common spaces, political radicalization, we never really came together and drew a line under Covid, it just kinda sputtered out and we slowly went back to our lives like nothing happened.