#self satisfaction is the biggest achievement of life

[columbine-01]

I need to learn this:

Anybody can please teach me...

Perhaps, by MySelf!!

[rainbowsky]

The climbing steps never stop, the self-seeking never stops, listen to the whispers from the distant mountains, and share some of Wang Yibo’s "exploration insights" 📝🏔️

Translations.

When I was about to climb up I found that the rain was getting heavier. I thought I should try it first. Since I'm here, why not go.

In fact, I have always wanted to do the job I like, but it seems that I have actually achieved it. I have always been doing the job I like. I also think many actors say that they really enjoy the process of filming. I have been thinking where can I enjoy being an actor? But in fact, I like it very much when it comes to the results. I feel that I have made such a movie and such a role, which gives me a great sense of satisfaction.

My psychological expectation this time is I will adapt quickly after coming up, and I don’t want to go down. I think I am a perfectionist.

Where is the next critical time node? Maybe it is the change in identity. Becoming an actor is the biggest node. Maybe it started with "Hidden Blade". This is really moving towards a field of film.

(I think) if life is this mountain, I am now 27. That means I am just starting out. Where I am sitting now. If this mountain is always high, I think I will keep climbing up, if I have the ability.

Will you feel you have a dilemma during this stage?

I think I may have a direction, but it is not as clear as when I was a child. For example, my dream when I was a child was to be a singer. After that, it seems that I don’t have a second dream.

You may need to figure out what kind of actor you want to be after this stage.

Well, I think you need to figure it out slowly.

I never seem to have a specific goal. Say who I want to be, what will my future be like, then what kind of goal do I want to achieve. It seems that I am following my heart.

It is in an outdoor environment in nature, then enjoy the process of making coffee. When brewing, the smell of coffee slowly floats up. It is a mixture with the air of nature. Then it is very comfortable to drink.

You have to live a more meaningful life. The more you see, the more different things you see, the more different things you think about, the more meaningful your life is. And I don’t want to wait until I’m old, without any interesting memories.

[ilovereadingandstuff]

Izuku, I love you...but you're so complicated.

That’s what I got to say.

With the recent manga chapters…I’m emotional.

Back at chapter 401, I went through my gloomiest, saddest, most depressed state I’ve ever been since following this manga. At that time, I was already submerged in this whole atmosphere of ‘war’, and after Stain’s apparent death, I got a realization…It hit me like a brick: AFO was frightening.

I never measured the true impact and weight of AFO’s actions. I never understood Izuku’s perspective of AFO’s first appearance at the series back at chapter 88.

When I understood that, I really… I genuinely believed of the possibility of AFO’s winning…and I was waiting for AFO’ victory: I could hear his goddamn laugh. I could see the blood, the tears…I was drowning in hopelessness.

After all that I went through those few weeks, chapter 403 came…and I could breath. I smiled with the biggest grin I could physically do…I was excited with the panels of “the new beginning” and that bakudeku glance we had. Then, as if the sun never left our side, shining its light through all crystals of tears…Katsuki rose from death and saved All Might, along with Izuku’s help. He and All Might hit the roof of a building and, it that moment, we were blessed with one of the most beautiful smiles he have ever gotten inside this universe: Katsuki’s genuinely smile as the nerd he is by All Might’s compliment.

I can not express in words the gladness, the satisfaction that grin left me with.

Katsuki has always been a truly complicated character for me since the beginning. But I really like him. I think that he, as a character, has been through quite a lot of experiences that always left with a bittersweet taste of him never truly achieving what he dreamt of: being a hero. But he came to a new light, even after death…his smile, the first genuinely smile we got from him…It made me happy. It made me nostalgic, satisfied with the fact that he, who has suffered so much, finally was given the opportunity to shine, to be.

But then, immerse in that bliss…I could not help but think of Izuku. Compared what I felt for Katsuki in that moment with what I felt for Izuku…

and I felt so empty.

...

Izuku is so…miserable... right now.

I’ve loved his character since the first time I saw him back at that day when I was presented of the existence of Boku No Hero Academia. I remember beginning to read the manga and his character just made its space into my heart. I saw him overcoming obstacles, defying the prejudices everyone put him into, challenging and coming on top among his classmates, other heroes, becoming the true successor of the symbol of peace…but then, I saw the fog surrounding me.

At that point, back at chapter 256, I realized the situation we were: the beginning of the predestined and inevitable war.

Izuku was stronger than many, happier with his life...but there were traces of painful sadness in his words.

I could see that: there were so many things unspoken and unresolved topics about his character. What does he feel about himself? Did he feel strong at that point? How did he feel about the upcoming battle he had to face against AFO? What is the plan he has to reach out for Tomura? What about his self-sacrificial tendencies? Those are really gone or not? What about his health and body? What about gearshift and the deadly consequences it has to his body? What about his relationship with All Might? with Toshinori? Will he ever stop calling Katsuki by Kacchan? Does he still cling to that past he had with Katsuki when they were friends (before Katsuki manifestated his quirk)? There are still those insecurities he had before? Why does he insist so much that he must not cry? What about his father? Does he have any repercussions about the fact that he did not have a father figure for most of his life? Does he keep thinking of OFA as something special? What were those feelings about Katsuki that he felt that were ‘so gross’ and unworthy of addressing? What about his qurikless past self? How does he feel about his quirkless condition (reference to what he said to Kota back at chapter 72)? Has he ever thought about the bullying Katsuki put him through? What does he feel about that? Did he really forgive Katsuki?

Then, the war started. And I mean the totality of it: things were not being addressed: Everything become ‘battle’, ‘fight’, ‘live-or-die situations'...as it has to be, obviously. In the middle of a war, who in the world will rest for a few seconds to question their reality?

Everything was accelerating, moving.

Many died, many suffered. Including Izuku, whose pov was taken away from us. He went through his Dark Hero Era, his feelings were hidden at the most recondite space possible. He saw his friends and pro heroes bleed, his childhood friend thrown away there in the middle of the battlefield, presumably dead…His idol/father figure almost die at the hands of the greatest villain of all times while fighting with the most dangerous one out there who could touch the ground and destroy the whole world…then he saw how Katsuki got up and saved All Might, leaving him with more time and space to continue the battle…

At the newest chapter, we only got the scene where we see Izuku’s figure, demarcated and exhausted face, thinking how he can defeat ShigAFO.

I think that his character has gone through the correct path, but has cornered himself (or was cornered against his will) into this situation of exhaustion, with so many questions left unanswered, with his character left there with a hurricane of emotions that are not even explained and the readers have only actions to interpret from this.

While Katsuki has overcome his troubled-life and can smile, laugh af AFO's face proclaiming victory…Izuku can not.

Izuku was left behind, even though he was so far ahead of everyone. He can not smile, he can’t rest, can’t let his guard down, can’t even think for a moment what he has been feeling this whole time.

This is a situation, where sooner or later, Izuku will have to face all this things he never addressed even in the slightest…and I want to know how that situation will be.

I want to see him smile, see him become the hero, the symbol of hope he has always dream of to be…I want him to stand tall and strong, smile bright... next to Katsuki.. as it should have been all this time.

[oceane4loveu]

Hi can you make a guide on Song Jia mindset ? She was in single inferno and has a youtube channel too

Song jia: I really love myself💗

Jia has a mindset focused on self-love and self-confidence. She believes in this ability to succeed and improve in the future. She is wary of others and does not prefer not to confide fully. jia values ​​her individuality and emphasizes her self-esteem by focusing on herself and being disinterested in the opinions of others. she encourages you to encourage yourself and to surpass yourself every day. She expresses this satisfaction with herself and her desire to remain true to herself. here are tips for having the same mindset as her.

1. agree to move on : start by accepting past experiences, whether positive or negative. Recognizing that the past cannot be changed will allow you to move on, freeing yourself from any emotional burden and focus on the future.

2. have confidence in your potential: cultivate the conviction that you have the skills and resources necessary to achieve your goals. develop a growth mindset that allows you to see challenges as opportunities for learning and personal growth.

3. be wary of others: keep in mind that it is important to be vigilant, jia emphasizes that it is important not to trust everyone the same no matter how close you are to them. don't trust everyone easily and be selective in your relationships and take the time to get to know a person before giving yourself over completely.

4. Prioritize your own happiness: Jia emphasizes the importance of loving yourself and focusing on your own life. Don't worry excessively about the opinions of others and focus on your own happiness and your development.

5. only compare yourself to yourself: consider yourself as your own competition. every day strive to surpass yourself and be a better version of yourself. do not compare yourself to others but aim to be the best version of yourself. set realistic goals and measure your progress. Learn from your mistakes and look for ways to evolve.

6. Be your own support system: Learn to applaud, celebrate, and reward yourself. Develop a positive attitude towards yourself and become your own biggest fan.

7.let go:learn to let go of things you cannot control.focus on what you can influence and let go of what is beyond your power.this will allow you to get rid of unnecessary stress and concentrate on your own actions.

8. I really love myself: start cultivating a caring relationship with yourself. To achieve this you can practically self-compassion, accept your imperfections and replace your negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Take care of yourself, celebrate the little ones victories and being a positive person. Set personal goals and practice gratitude.

[missdollcouture]

HOW TO STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS

We're human, so comparing ourselves to other people is just common nature for us. But, comparing ourselves every single day about every single thing can become unhealthy, not only for your physical health, but for your mental health as well.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Start by writing down things that you are grateful for in your life. Even if you feel like you don't have anything you're grateful for, you definitely do. It could be anything, your dog, a certain food, etc etc.

CONTENTMENT

Gratitude leads to contentment, which allows you to be in a state of joy and satisfaction no matter what your circumstances. You’re happy with where you are in life and aren’t worried about what other people are doing.

That doesn’t mean you don’t have goals for the future or that you aren’t working toward being a better person tomorrow than you are today. And it definitely doesn’t mean that you’re stagnant or that you’re choosing to sit around and do nothing new, exciting and challenging with your life. It just means that you develop a peace about your life and a sincere enjoyment about what you have today without basing all your happiness on what you hope to achieve tomorrow.

SOCIAL MEDIA IS FAKE

I'm pretty sure you've been told this so many times but it's so true! These people you are seeing in pictures with a bunch of friends and going places all the time isn't their whole life. Just highlighted reel of their life, so being jealous or upset that you're not living like that isn't worth it.

FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS

You aren't self absorbed for recognizing your talents and strengths. You don’t have to beat yourself up to be humble. In fact, that’s a pretty unhealthy approach, and it’s one of the biggest dangers of comparison living. The more we compare ourselves to others, the worse we feel about ourselves.

CELEBRATE OTHERS

Constantly comparing ourselves to others leads to us not cheering on the people who are working hard to get somewhere. And it makes it hard to celebrate with the ones who’ve accomplished something! Don't feel like you're loosing just because some else is winning.

BE YOUR OWN BIGGEST COMPETITOR

Instead of focusing on where you are compared to others, focus on your own goals. Where are you compared to where you were at this time last year? Or five years ago? In the past year, you’ve learned, stretched, improved, accomplished and created. Think about how much of that you’ve done in your lifetime! 

[georgiapeach30513]

Sex Astrology – Chris Evans:

The main placements looked at for sex would be as follows, I have put in order of what is going to have the biggest influence on Chris:

Lillith in Scorpio (also it’s ruler so everything here is magnified) in the 12th house. This placement shows Chris’s primitive impulse is to follow deep subconscious desires and dreams he will often have. He goes on instinct, can be a little manipulative but is very secretive. He could also have a fascination with occult subjects where nothing is taboo to him, may even like pain play.

Also, in this placement (Scorpio in 12th) is his Moon, Uranus & ASC. This shows he has a lot of spirituality, dreams and secrets surrounding his personal life & external self. He has a fundamental need for privacy and control, he can control others easily without trying or them knowing. His mind is constantly busy fantasizing. He is super sexual and wants deep intense and even spiritual sex and likes pushing things to extremes. A force to be reckoned with. He can have difficulties like loneliness, self-destruction, and unfinished karma in this area though so needs to address this.

Mars in Gemini in 7th house shows that Chirs’s primal Energy, passion & sex drive is in the house of relationships. He can truly let himself go in a relationship the way he can’t in one-night stands.  He is very aware of his partners desires, very perceptive and intuitive lover. He is turned on by mental stimulation & communication. He can get bored easily & is very curious so likes sex toys & incorporating fun & laughter. He is very restless so quick and often is best. He can be argumentative.

Venus in Cancer in the 8th house, shows he has a need for emotional security and depth in relationships and this ties into sex a lot as somethings he will only bring up or do in a relationship with deep trust as he is a secretive lover. However, he is also very sensitive, nurturing, protective, cautious & emotionally intelligent. He has a strong sex drive but has to feel wanted.

Chris’s 8th house which represents death, sex & occult also has a 2nd placement of north node of destiny in Leo, this shows the work he needs to do to achieve spiritual growth. Chris is urged to get personally involved in deeper relationships that make him uncomfortable and become more giving of his understanding to other people's priorities and values. This will deepen his sexual relationships and satisfaction once done and sex will become more fulfilling for him.

Pluto represents karma, dark domain, sexuality, power & control and is placed in Libra in the 11th house of friends & aspirations. Chris likes to be a leader & guide, he’s innovative in bed but can be a little rebellious for “normal” standards. He enjoys sex with people he sees as his equal and a balanced the most and is a very fair lover when it comes to mutual satisfaction

And another ☺️

[mimiruku]

For Kai ◇: 🧡, 🔥, 🌇, 🏵, 🥭 and 🍑

For Mimi♡: 🥭, 🎇, 🥕, 🐦‍🔥 and 🏵

█   𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐉𝐈 𝐀𝐒𝐊 ⸻ ( ⚝ ) ╰⸻➤ Only answering for Kai this time around since there's so many questions :')

CONTENT WARNING : Misogyny and mentions of sex

─── 🧡 (orange heart) - Is your oc honest? Why or why not? Are there only specific people they’re honest to?

SURPRISINGLY HONEST. Kai is blunt to a significant fault, he's not one to shy away from sharing his opinions and his truths, though while he rarely lies, he is also immensely private, these two qualities commensurate and turns into an infuriating personality trait. " Ah ? I don't want to tell you, I don't like you like that." Kai is an honest individual, but most would rather if he lies, that'll be less offensive and hurtful really.

─── 🔥 (fire) - What drives your character in life? Is it a belief? A person? A goal? Whatever it is, what do they want from it and what are they willing to do to get it?

Self driven and hedonistic, Kai believes in the pleasures of life, it's entirely about the things it could give him and the things he could enjoy. He'd say his goal is ' to be happy ' but the way he goes about it is atrocious and selfish, there's something intrinsically insatiable about him however, satisfaction is uncommon, if not, impossible & thus he has habit of over consuming and discarding things that no longer suit him - a person is treated the same way.

Later in life, even he was surprised to the extent of greed he actually has and the willingness to do absolutely anything to get what you want.

─── 🌇 (sunset) - What does it take for your character to trust someone? Do they have to prove themselves? Or does your character not trust anyone no matter what? What made them this way?

A lack of introspection made Kai not realized that he in fact, did not trust anyone ⸻ there is a kind of intimacy in reliance and credence that he could not quite achieve in his many relationships, whether it be friendship or romance. He could not give himself completely to anyone nor did they to him, the closest had been Miruku but the other felt gleamingly distant, wholly not his to keep nor was he for him to have, there is an understanding in that and strangely enough, Kai trusted this sort of whisy-washy relationship more than anything.

─── 🏵️ ( rosette ) - What is your character’s most prized possession? Is it something they could never bear to part with? What makes this object so special?

Nothing yet, Kai has yet to learn to cherish anything and that includes possessions, he had discarded gifts from his partners and friends thoughtlessly before and this habit is something he hasn't learned to shake off even in his adulthood. Well at least, if you wanted something of his, he might just give it to you. ( During Namimori valentines, Miruku enjoyed the privilege of eating his chocolates, he had done this to be horrible however . . . it did not go well for Miruku to say the least. )

─── 🥭 ( mango ) - What is your character’s general outlook on life? Are they a pessimist, optimist, realist or something else? Whatever they may be, how does this outlook affect the way they live their life?

You'd think someone like him would be a little cynical, but Kai is surprisingly ' optimistic ' , for someone that ruthlessly treats those around him, he has a fairly bright view in life . . . things will go his way eventually, why wouldn't it?

─── 🍑 ( peach ) - [18+ only, that means who answers/asks this and the targeted character must be 18+] What are your character’s thoughts on sex if they have any? What is their sexuality? What is their sex life like? Do they even have one?

He's gay that notoriously dated women during his teenhood, a practice that went on throughout his adult life, he's quite frankly the biggest misogynist you might have the misfortune of meeting, though men were not treated any differently, if not also rather cruelly and without ounce of respect. Relationship with him is just entirely awful emotionally but the sex is great at the very least.

Sex is mostly a means to an end, it is entirely about the pleasure and nothing more. By the time he is an adult though, his sex life decreased drastically, the mafia life is not viable for having a supernumerary sex life it would seem but that doesn't stop him from trying.

[theninthdoor]

bts || pre-debut personalities & group dynamic; tarot reading

✦ Pre-debut Personalities:

⭒ Jin:

cards: the star, ace of swords, ten of wands reversed (the moon)

Jin certainly wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, but it feels like he didn't know exactly where to channel his efforts and attention. It was all kinda scattered, as he was confused, he couldn't bring himself to give 100% to anything. Plus, instead of letting the promises of a shiny life move him, he analyzed everything from a logical standpoint and tried to figure out where exactly all of these decisions would lead him. On top of that, I see him being extremely straightforward and inquisitive, questioning every order that was given, as well as every change and proposition. Really, he meant what he said & he said what he meant. Jin simply thought he would be better off being honest and having full clarity about everything that was going on - this, instead of just following along and keeping the blindfold on until the very end. His sincerity and sagacity was also extended towards the other trainees, so they might've often felt like he was one that would always be honest and fair with them, no matter the circumstances. At some point, too, Jin could've seriously questioned whether or not it would all be worth it in the end, or if they weren't just wasting their youth away for nothing.

⭒ Suga:

cards: ace of wands, eight of cups (ace of pentacles), king of cups

Suga was all about self expression and creation. Being all by himself, exploring what he was capable of doing, and learning about this world that he was about to enter, was where he felt like he thrived. He might've actually preferred to work alone most times, in the silence of the studio, and often into the early hours of the morning. As an individualistic and creative person, not only did he seek to find himself in the music, but he also aimed to build himself through it. In the idol industry, this wouldn't be easy given their history of standardizing groups and individuals to fit whatever vision they had or the current trends. So, with that in mind, he searched and searched, keeping notes of what sounded like him and what wasn't to his taste; he refined his craft and, finally, arrived to a place where he felt like he had formed an artistic persona and style that he was proud of moving forward with. This would be his armor - the one that would protect him from all the poking, pushing and pulling; and the one that he would go to war with, fearlessly speaking his mind and setting free his individuality. Suga might've created a lot of music during this time that he never ended up sharing with others; not because he didn't want to, but because he didn't even think of it. It was all part of this process of finding his place and his sound. Additionally, for his age, he was also very mature already. Deliberate, empathetic, wise. His way of showing his affection towards the others might've been done through him taking the time to give them useful advice or to take a look at their self-produced stuff (beats, lyrics, choreographies, etc). In fact, he was quite the reserved introvert (possibly the biggest introvert here, at this point). He wasn't shy and neither did he reject company, but he found the most comfort and satisfaction in being solo and growing into his new life on his own, at his own pace.

⭒ J-Hope:

cards: the hermit (six of cups reversed), three of cups, ten of swords (wheel of fortune)

J-Hope went through many highs and lows - that's for certain… First, we see that he had a big passion for learning, at this point in his life. Plus, more than the spotlight, the technical side of performance was what truly captivated him. So, given that, he seeked absolute perfection; he wished to be the most knowledgeable and skilled person in the room. To achieve that, he might've spent long hours by himself, watching videos, tutorials or reading interviews of performers he admired; dancing for hours on end until it finally felt like the choreography, through every move, every hit and every line, was flawless; writing and rewriting lyrics over and over again, polishing every rhyme and meaning. Truly, the more he learned, the more he fell in love with what he was doing. Nonetheless, we can also tell that J-Hope was a very outgoing and spontaneous individual, regardless of him dedicating so much of his time to practicing and bettering himself. In relation to that, too, he might've been a very good guide towards the others, always helping them bring their skills to perfection. But, beyond that, he was also a quite friendly and charismatic guy, always bringing people together and wanting to share a laugh with them. It feels like he tried his best to lighten up the mood, as he was aware that everybody was working very hard and, as the young people that they were, they were meant to be having some fun, too. At last, and as I mentioned in the beginning, his enthusiasm and drive were quite inconsistent, leading to times where he was in extremely high spirits, and other where things were quite gloomy. Often, he was passionately putting his all into it, certain that it would be worth it and he'd soon be living the life of his dreams; but from time to time, he thought of giving up on it all and going back home to a "normal life", away from all of the stress and pain he was feeling. Until the very end of his time as a trainee, he ran again and again through this cycle and there was no way to know what the next day would be bringing.

⭒ RM:

cards: justice (the hierophant), ace of swords, two of cups

The most "serious" and professional out of all, at this point. Very cool, calm and collected, always looking to keep everything under control. RM took on big responsibilities from early on, and fully embraced this position, which led him to quickly ditch the happy-go-lucky attitude that's common for teenagers and young adults. Plus, I think not solely because of his leadership role, but also due to his actual personality, he might've served as the mediator between the other trainees and the company, and frequently conveyed messages from one side to the other. If his fellow trainees expressed to him their disatisfaction regarding a decision that the company made for them, he would come up with a pretty speech with all the points that they made, and then deliver it to their superiors. Also, I feel like RM tried to minimize anything that could cause a rift between these two sides, even if it meant having to change a word or two of what was said. In the end, it should all work out and everybody would come out happy. He was a very trustworthy, organized and logical individual. He also cared deeply about the people around him, and tried to connect with them one-on-one. As soon as someone new arrived, I imagine him approaching them right away, introducing himself and offering to give them a tour around and making them acquainted with the rest of the trainees. Due to this, too, I see him being the one to argue the least with others (during this phase, at least). He just wanted things to stay harmonious and for everybody to feel like they belonged, even given the fact that most were far away from home at such a tender age, and nothing was 100% promised for them from that point forward.

⭒ Jimin:

cards: eight of cups (page of pentacles), the star, the fool reversed (three of swords)

During this period, Jimin might have suffered a lot due to his own expectations. It was not the case of him wanting to be the best of the best, but he always managed to find flaws in himself or in his performance. He wanted to deliver good results and make his teachers/instructors, family and friends, and even himself, proud. However, this only led him to hold back from completely opening up himself to self-expression, as well as for trying new things and letting his creativity run free. Jimin could've been that one person who rehearsed everything beforehand - from the moment he entered the practice room and until the moment he left; what he should say if someone asked him this or that; what he should wear or not wear; etc. He was very scared of making mistakes and of going back on progress that he had already made. As many of the others, he daydreamed of the life all of this hardwork was going to lead him to: the stage, the lights, the applauses… but it was almost as if this little present from Heaven was propped up at the edge of a cliff, and any wrong move at all could make it fall into the ocean bellow. To be completely honest, I don't see him focusing as much on the riches and fame, as he focused on the possibility of showing off all the passion and skill that he had inside of him, and how this music and dance could then connect so many people. This, too, could've made him to be even harder on himself - he was very emotionally invested, and didn't wanna fail and let everybody down. Nevertheless, this was also the way though which he connected with the other trainees: the dream that brought them all together, the beginning of a big journey, the passion, the desire to create and perform; but also the fears and the anxieties, the sleepless nights and the hardships. This dichotomy kept them united, as they supported each other through all of the ups and downs of it all, and everyone felt understood.

⭒ V:

cards: six of swords reversed (king of swords), ace of wands, six of wands

There were definitely some communication problems here, as he might've often found it difficult to get his point across or to get people to take his words seriously. He was talking, but others weren't receiving the message, for some reason. Also, I think people might've overlooked his intelligence; but, still, he was already a very smart and shrewd young man, who listened to everything they said and then made his moves intentionally. On top of that, V was a very creative and passionate person, eager to step on stage and finally become a professional "artist". He loved being in the spotlight and getting compliments; showing off and charming people with his skills. The thought of dressing up, dyeing his hair, and completely embodying a new concept was very attractive to him, too - so that kept him looking forward to his debut, for sure. Like Suga, though, he was quite an individualistic guy and, because of that, he might've not been to fond of the idea of becoming "just another one". He wanted his personality to still shine through the idol mask, and that could've been something that he thought about and practiced a lot. This would then be seen through quirky habits and small details that he hid in his performances or outfits and, with time, it would be a symbol of V, setting him apart from the rest.

⭒ Jungkook:

cards: two of pentacles, the star, knight of wands

Extremely active and adaptable. I don't see him having a very defined personality at this point, but moreso, as the youngest, he might've had the habit of picking up traits from the rest the people around him. He was up for anything, really; he was just testing out new things in life and seeing where it would take him. You could probably find Jungkook daydreaming in a corner by himself, and on his mind would be playing visions of him standing on stage, performing to thousands of people, and bathing in the applauses directed at him. This filled his whole body, heart and soul with passion and excitement; it made him want to rush everybody and everything, and debut right away. He couldn't wait for the day this was all coming true, and he might've repeated this a hundred times a day until it actually happened. However, I still see him often weighing out the pros and the cons of following through with this plan and this path. At times, there were things pulling him back home, to a place where it was all more stable and safe, but, then again, the dream was too big and the happiness that it brought him was too strong. Ultimately, he found a way to stay until the very end and make it to that stage, but it might've been only possible due to the guidance and support of the older trainees, and their assurance that it was all gonna work out for him and he would not be alone in the journey.

✦ Pre-debut Group Dynamic:

cards: four of wands, nine of swords (six of cups reversed), eight of swords (ace of wands, two of cups)

They supported each other with all they had, and kept a very comfortable dynamic going for the most part. Everybody knew their place and what they had to do to make it all work out. Chores, where to keep things, what was who's… from the get go they were a well oiled machine. Everybody contributed, and no one even thought of taking more than what they were giving. However, since they were growing up away from their families and loved ones (and at such a young age) they may have often found themselves fighting over foolish things, and letting stress, anxiety and uncontrolled emotions get the best of them. These were scary times for all, specially given that their means were limited and their future wasn't totally promised. Still, they understood where everyone was coming from with their words and actions, and, after an initial brawl, they would come to their senses and make peace with one another. As they all knew, no one felt completely supported and safe, and so it was easy for them to become overly emotional and hostile, and lash out without meaning to. In spite of that, they still provided a place of comfort and protection for each other, where everyone was valued and treated equally. No one would be cast aside. I must say, though, being forced to be so often together, and through so many life changes and tribulations, might've not been super easy on them, particularly for the ones who cherished their personal space the most. It was too much, too soon. These people were finding themselves still, exploring life and the world around them, and they certainly wished to have a little bit more space and time to do all of this.

(Disclaimer: all readings are alleged and for entertainment purposes only.)

[wileyfern]

Generation 7 - Spyder Aldridge

Ever since you were a child, you have loved everything to do with making movies, and you’re certain that’s where your career lies. You feel as comfortable in front of the camera as you feel behind it, and while you learn many movie-making skills, becoming an actor/actress is still your biggest dream. But once you’ve achieved all that life has to offer, you become bored and there just doesn’t seem to be much of a direction left for your life. Your decisions are not the best, but you do whatever gives you a thrill… and money. Lots of it. Who cares if others get hurt, as long as you’re living comfortably?

Aspirations: Master Actor/Actress, Public Enemy, Mansion Baron

Traits: Ambitious, Materialistic, Mean, Creative, Self-Assured

Skills: Acting, Media Production, Mischief

Satisfaction Reward Traits: Entrepreneurial, Shameless, Professional Slacker, Needs No One

World: Del Sol Valley

Extra task: Build your sim a mansion in The Pinnacles neighborhood for the last aspiration

Optional: Make your sim have children as a young adult, before they become an actor/actress

[inthesand]

the biggest lie taught to you is the concept of freedom.

being “free” in the soulless and secular material mind is to do whatever your animal-self desires at any time. to buy what you want, eat what you want, do what you want, live how you want. but who, in history, has ever been content with their perceived “freedom”?

a man will strive in the name of “freedom” to achieve a desire. and once satisfied - sometimes within minutes of achieving his desire, he is left wanting more. his stomach is never filled, rather, it stretches and grows bigger. eventually he becomes apparently obese with an increasing appetite to satisfy his “wants” - because he’s “free” to do so. satisfaction after satisfaction, desire after desire, eventually, the greed that he had unknowingly fed, grew so strong that he becomes unable to control it. sometimes the means to satisfy his desires now need to be unethical. but he can’t do anything about that. still free? no. to his desires, he finds himself enslaved.

if you truly want freedom, understand its true definition. freedom is to be liberated from anything that shackles. freedom is to be free from need. if you reflect on this, you’ll realise that there is really no such thing. a human being always has needs, we are dependent beings, just like everything in nature. and what’s wrong with that? why do we want to detach ourselves from our connection to nature and our dependence on it and each other? with a shift in perspective and a view of the bigger cosmic picture, the whole notion of “freedom” now becomes undesirable. we hate loneliness. we hate being disconnected. “freedom” is about disconnection. do you still want it?

liberation from the enslavement of your basic animal desires, and your emotions, and society, and their evils, and everything that harms, is real freedom. and it’s completely attainable. and it doesn’t cause obesity. it doesn’t only temporarily satisfy. rather it brings you to an eternal state of peace and contentment. permanent security and safety of the heart and mind.

why don’t they teach us that this is freedom? because it doesn’t make money.

so how to attain this liberation? simple: self-discipline. shrink that stomach. strive against those animal desires and nourish your higher self. the deepest part of you that is made from pure Light, that craves peace, and harmony, and order. but you need to grovel through the battle against your base desires. you need to work hard. you need to train that muscle of discipline, until it becomes easy. remember this, and you will be satisfied regardless of what is thrown at you in your life. and when your life ends, it will end in that same peace you attained in your life. that state of peace becomes eternal.

[monstersdownthepath]

I just read your post about daemons, and it got me thinking... for all their power, and the horrifically real threat they represent for all that lives, aren't daemons ultimately the biggest losers of them all? All they are, ultimately, is empty hatred and nihilism. "Life sucks and then you die, everything is pointless, so let's just erase it all and be done with it". Heck, even the freaking sahkil get something out of their evil. Daemons get nothing in the end.

Correct! And that's the inherent problem with their Nothing In Life Matters philosphy as a whole: it makes them unlikable losers.

Though, to be fair, the last daemon alive if their omnicidal plans ever succeed gets the satisfaction of being the last thinking being in all of creation and can revel in the silence and emptiness for a while. You know, before their self hatred surges back to the fore and they blow themselves up and shut the book on the cycle as a whole.

There's also the unfortunate and amusing fact that their very mission is impossible to ever succeed. Even ignoring the Outer Gods and Great Old Ones--who predate the concept of death and thus are not bound to its rules--you have the Infinite Abyss, the chaos of the Maelstrom, and the living ideas in the Astral Plane... And, of course, Rovagug and his Spawn. There exists life the daemons simply don't have the means to destroy.

Their overall end goal as a species is impossible to achieve.

[trinityho0516]

Reflection on where I am in life, where I'm looking to improve, and what I've accomplished

Nearing the end of the quarter, I’m glad to say that I do not have any regrets. I’m happy that I’ve made the most out of my first year, as I have met so many wonderful people, made so many great memories, and learned to be myself. All throughout high school, I’ve always been self-conscious of how I appear to others, as well as very closed in. While I tend to resort back to my reserved days then and there, I say I’ve grown more confident in myself. I learned to love what I look like without makeup, I learned to care less about what others think of me, and I learned to prioritize my mental health. Although I am still a work in progress, I feel a sense of satisfaction looking back on myself in high school and seeing how much I’ve changed. 

Something I’m still looking to improve on is being okay with not having to overcompensate myself. One of my biggest fears is people meeting me for the first time and them thinking about how outgoing and extroverted I am, but then when they continue getting to know me, they realize how I don’t fit their expectations from how they first viewed me. I’m afraid that I will disappoint others and that they will get bored of me. After talking to one of my pledge brothers, they assured me that overtime it's okay for people’s view of you to change, and that I shouldn’t try to make myself someone I’m not when meeting people for the first time. 

A goal I’ve achieved throughout this quarter is definitely going outside of my comfort zone and feeling more comfortable reaching out for help. It’s very easy for me to want to stick to the same routine and avoid help from others, but I’ve grown to be more comfortable taking risks and learning that it is beneficial to seek help and look for opportunities.

[advanceagility]

Feeling Good: The Drug- Free Mood Therapy for Depression

Book:- Feeling Good

Writer:- David D. Burns

“Achievements can bring you satisfaction but not happiness”. ― David D. Burns

David D. Burns is an adjunct professor emeritus in the Stanford University School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences.

He is most recognised for having popularised Aaron T. Beck's cognitive behavioural therapy through his immensely successful "Feeling Good" book series.

Burns has received various accolades and awards.

□ 10 Cognitive agile mindset, That Make You Feel Depressed

1)      All-or-Nothing Thinking 2)      Overgeneralization 3)      Mental Filter 4)      Disqualifying the Positive 5)      Jumping to Conclusions 6)      Magnification and Minimization 7)      Emotional Reasoning 8)      ‘I Should’ Statements 9)      Labelling and Mislabelling 10   Personalization

□ How to enhance your Self- Respect?

·       Keep a journal of your disordered ideas every day.

·       Avoid using the phrase "I should" in sentences.

·       To get rid of the bad, use cognitive therapy.

□ How to recover your Self- Respect?

·       To get rid of bad thoughts, write them down.

·       Deal with issues head-on; don't wallow in them.

□Why thoughts lead to depression?

·       Because your thoughts are what cause your feelings, they cannot demonstrate that your thoughts are true.

·       "How you feel is solely a function of your own feeling of value”.

·       According to Dr. Aaron Beck, the four D's can be used to describe a depressive self-image

      è Defeat

      è Defections

      è Desertion

      è Deprivation

" The most common mental distortion to watch out for when you feel worthless is all-or-nothing thinking”.

□ The three agile principles of cognitive therapy are as follows:

 Ø  Your "cognitions", or thoughts, produce your emotions. A cognition is how you view the world, including your perceptions, empathy, attitudes, and beliefs. It also involves how you perceive things and the ideas you tell yourself about other people or things. Because of the ideas you are having right now, you are feeling the way you are.

Ø  When you're depressed, negativity permeates your thoughts on a regular basis.

Ø  Nearly always, the unpleasant beliefs that upset your emotions involve egregious distortions. Although these ideas seem reasonable, they are illogical or simply incorrect, and this distorted thinking is a significant contributor to your misery.

□ Key Facts:-

1)      Depression is not sadness.

·       The contrast is clear: sorrow is the outcome of actual views that accurately depict a sad event, such as loss or disappointment. False beliefs contribute to depression, which is a mental illness.

2)      A swift diversion from rage.

·       The opinions of friends and colleagues might be invaluable when you're stuck since they might be able to see your blind spots. Regarding a situation that makes you feel frustrated, helpless, or enraged, trust their views and actions.

3)      Doing nothing is stealing lives.

·       Doing nothing is one of the biggest ironies of human nature. Some people choose to hold back from experiencing life to the fullest, defeating themselves at every turn as if they were complicit in a plot against themselves.

4)      Awareness of ideation and mood is crucial.

·       Mood disorder is a disease, not a variation of healthy behaviour. By mastering certain fundamental tactics for raising your mood, you can overcome melancholy.

5)      The secret to a fantastic attitude.

·       The ability to dissect any offered work into its component components is a fundamental and obvious self-activation method. By doing this, you'll be able to stop worrying about all the things you have to do.

6)      You won't be happy if you succeed.

·       By doing what you're doing, you cannot acquire value. Although they may make you feel good, they cannot make you happy. Self-worth that is determined by accomplishments, outward appearances, talent, fame, or wealth is "pseudo-esteem”, not real self-esteem.

7)      The epitome of being depressed.

·       I am a Mistake

·       I feel bad.

·       makes me feel ill the ongoing anxiety.

·       I'm terribly sorry

·       Sad and regretful

·       I harbour malice

·       I can't handle this much more

·       I wish I could be free.

·       Nothing I try to accomplish is correct.

8)      Self-defeating feelings result from negative ideas.

·       These are the kinds of ideas that drag you down and give you a bad feeling. One of the most frequently overlooked symptoms of depression is having negative thoughts.

9)      You utilise a formula known as a "silent assumption" to calculate your worth; it represents your self-guiding agile principles and system of values.

 “All of your unpleasant emotions are a result of skewed negative thinking”.

·       All of your symptoms have been developing and persisting primarily due to illogical pessimistic agile mindset.

 Try to recall a similar negative thinking you had both before and during each time you experience a depressive episode.

·       You can alter your mood by learning to rearrange the thoughts that have truly caused your unpleasant mood.

  Your perspective on things is wholly responsible for your capabilities and feelings.

·       How you feel is solely a function of your own feeling of value.

·       All-or-nothing thinking is the most prevalent mental distortion to watch out for when you are feeling worthless.

“Oxygen is a need, but love is a want. I repeat: LOVE IS NOT AN ADULT HUMAN NEED!” ― David D. Burns.

About Advance Agility

We, at Advance Agility, are the new-age Agile Coaching, Consulting and IT services company. We enable end-to-end Digital Transformation. Agile execution is integral to our being. We are doing SAFe implementation with small, medium and large organization across the globe. Our vision is to be the leading Agile execution player globally. To keep adding value at every process stage. We are on a mission to empower our clients, move from concept to cash in the shortest sustainable lead time by adopting human centric approach to business agility. Embracing the change is in our DNA. Things that keep us apart are Quicker and Seamless execution with End-to-end gamut of services. Our Global presence and Stellar Track Record give us an edge over our competitor.

Connect with us at advanceagility.com to learn about SAFe and SAFe Implementation. We provide various SAFe certification courses along with DevOps, Scrum, Agile Coaching and more trainings. Write to us at contact@advanceagilty.com for any agile training or consulting needs. We are always looking for competent agile trainers as well. So if you are a good trainer or want to become one, do get in touch with us to that we can learn, grow and achieve together.

[aditi2987]

Creating a Benefits Strategy with HRMS That’s Right for Your Organization

In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted employee benefits strategy is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. With the help of a Human Resource Management System (HRMS), companies can develop a streamlined, effective, and customized benefits strategy that aligns with their organizational goals and meets employee needs. Here’s how to create a benefits strategy with HRMS that fits your organization perfectly.

1. Assess Your Organization’s Unique Needs

Before diving into HRMS features, start by identifying your organization’s specific needs and priorities. Consider factors such as workforce demographics, budget constraints, and industry standards. Are employees looking for more flexibility, wellness programs, or retirement options? Understanding these unique needs will guide your HRMS selection and help design a benefits strategy that resonates with your team.

2. Set Clear Objectives for Your Benefits Strategy

Determine what you aim to achieve with your benefits strategy. Are you focusing on improving employee retention, boosting engagement, or enhancing work-life balance? Having clear goals will shape your approach to benefits and allow you to track the strategy’s effectiveness over time. An HRMS can then be configured to support these objectives, offering tools and data insights to measure and refine your strategy.

3. Choose the Right HRMS Features for Benefits Management

Selecting an HRMS that aligns with your objectives and offers relevant features is crucial. Look for HRMS platforms that provide:

Self-service portals for employee access

Automation for enrollment and tracking

Reporting tools for real-time insights

Integration options with other HR systems

Choosing a system with the right features will enable you to administer benefits effectively and offer a user-friendly experience for employees.

4. Personalize Benefits to Meet Diverse Employee Needs

Today’s workforce is more diverse than ever, with employees spanning multiple generations and backgrounds. An HRMS allows you to create flexible, personalized benefits packages that appeal to a wide range of preferences. Use HRMS data to understand which benefits employees value most and tailor your offerings accordingly. Personalizing benefits can boost employee satisfaction and make your organization more attractive to potential hires.

5. Automate Routine Tasks to Improve Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of using an HRMS for benefits management is automation. Routine tasks, like benefits enrollment, eligibility tracking, and reminders, can be automated, freeing up your HR team’s time for strategic planning. Automation minimizes the chances of errors, ensures timely benefits administration, and keeps employees informed about their options.

6. Focus on Compliance and Security

Employee benefits data involves sensitive information, so compliance and data security are critical. A reliable HRMS ensures data is stored securely and complies with legal requirements. Look for an HRMS that offers regular compliance updates and secure access controls. This reduces risks for your organization and gives employees peace of mind about their personal information.

7. Leverage Data Insights to Optimize Your Strategy

An HRMS can generate detailed reports on benefits enrollment, usage trends, and employee satisfaction. Use these insights to evaluate the success of your current benefits offerings and identify areas for improvement. For example, if data shows that a particular wellness program has low participation, you might consider enhancing its accessibility or replacing it with a more popular option.

8. Offer Self-Service Options for Greater Employee Control

Self-service HRMS portals allow employees to view, manage, and update their benefits at their convenience. This empowers employees and reduces the administrative burden on HR. By giving employees more control, you can foster a positive workplace culture where employees feel supported and in charge of their own benefits.

9. Provide Real-Time Communication and Updates

Keeping employees informed about their benefits options, deadlines, and any upcoming changes is essential for engagement. An HRMS with built-in communication tools can help HR teams send reminders, updates, and resources to employees in real-time. This level of communication enhances transparency and ensures employees are always up-to-date on their benefits.

10. Incorporate Employee Feedback to Refine Benefits Offerings

Gathering feedback from employees about the benefits they use and value most can help refine your benefits strategy. Many HRMS platforms have survey and feedback features that make it easy to collect employee opinions. Use this feedback to adjust your offerings, introduce new benefits, or modify existing ones to better suit your team’s needs.

11. Monitor and Adjust the Strategy Over Time

A benefits strategy is not a one-time effort; it requires ongoing monitoring and refinement. Use your HRMS to track key metrics, such as employee satisfaction and retention rates, to gauge the impact of your benefits strategy. Adjustments can be made based on feedback and data insights to ensure the strategy remains relevant and effective as organizational needs evolve.

12. Plan for Scalability as Your Organization Grows

As your organization expands, so too will your benefits administration needs. A scalable HRMS ensures you can adapt benefits offerings to meet the demands of a growing workforce without overwhelming HR resources. Consider an HRMS that can accommodate additional employees, benefits programs, and more complex administrative processes as your company grows.

Conclusion

Creating a benefits strategy with an HRMS is a powerful way to align organizational goals with employee expectations. By assessing your unique needs, automating tasks, leveraging data insights, and providing self-service options, you can design a benefits strategy that not only simplifies administration but also enhances employee satisfaction.

With the right HRMS and a flexible, evolving approach, your organization can deliver benefits that are meaningful, impactful, and supportive of a thriving workplace.

[noahsbookhoard]

📚August 2024 Book Review (Part 4/4)📚

And that wraps it up for August! It had been a busy month but I loved the variety (although I could have lived without learning about Ignatius Reilly)

A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

The misadventures of Ignatis Reilly, a lazy misanthropic man forced to work for the first time in his life in 60's New Orleans, from the Levy's Pant factory to hotdogs selling in the streets, around incompetent policemen, anticommunist elderly men, more or less dubious barkeeper and the gay community.

I haven't chosen to read this book, it was this month's book club blind draw. I probably would have read it ever if it wasn't for this and jury is still out on whether or not I would be happier not having read it or not. The book isn't even that bad! It just has the worst protagonist in the history of Literature.

The story itself is a satire of the US in the 60's, characters are archetypes turned into comedy by their meeting clashing personalities: the black man in need of a job and the barkeeper who wants to appear running a proper business but needs to sell explicit pictures on the side, the half blind half deaf already a little senile employee of Levy's factory about whom M. Levy and his wife keep arguing to see if she should retire or not... There's some sitcom comedy trope with an assortment of subplots opened but never closed as the story goes until one event makes everything fall back together in one perfectly geared sequence. This was good, this was funny, I wish this could have worked with Ignatius Reilly.

Sincerely the biggest reproach I can make to this book is its main character. Problem is said character is there nearly all the time and being an unsufferable 30 year old toddler who never ever face the consequences of his actions. Just thinking about Ignatius fucking Reilly makes me itchy. He is dirty, lazy, a liar, a hypocrit, self centered and just downright unpleasant. The most uncomfortable part of the novel were the articles written by Ignatius about hi experience as a worker because they are a concentrate of everything wrong with him with absolutely no critical perspective whatsoever. He is a racist that tried setting an insurrection by the black worker at the factory, he is a homophobe that tried to create a political party with the gay community of New Orleans...

I didn't even get the satisfaction of him getting, I don't know, run over by a cable car, punch in the nose by one of his former boss, kicked out of the house by his mom (or multiple of that I wouldn't mind) he just run away with his former girlfriend who is just as terrible on the opposite end of the scale.

It's a classic so I'm happy to have read it. But I won't be doing it again, thank you very much.

How to Raise a Kraken in Your Bathtub by P Djeli Clark

A mysterious ad in the papers caught the eyes of Trevor: an offer for a kit that allows you to raise your own mythical creature at home. It might be his chance for a grand achievement! But careful what you wish for...

This is the short story that won the Locus 2024 and my first meeting with author P Djeli Clark which I wanted to read for quite some times. I have in the meantime already read Ring Shout and I'm really thinking of putting Master of Djinn higher on the TBR, I have a new author added to the favorites!

This short stoey is wickedly efficient, either in characterisation or in worldbuilding. Trevor is brushed in two strokes as ambitious (That's literaly the first word of the story) but not a hard worker and unable to think longterm about his decisions. The addition of merpeople in the story is seamless: I never question how they got here, we were just in a fantasy uchronia now, okay, carry on.

The foreshadowing works really well too: the main character is too clueless to click it but the reader does and waiting for the other shoes to drop is really satisfying.

I don't want to say too much, but the twist at the end still managed to surprise me. I was expecting something but not that, and yet it felt like I should have. It painted the entire story in a new light for the last half page or so, I love it.

If you want to read it it's on the Uncanny Magazine website. It's a quick read but it's worth the time!

Rendez-vous avec la mort (An Appointment with Death) by Agatha Christie

From his hotel room in Jerusalem Hercule Poirot hears a disturbing conversation "You do see, don't you, that she's got to be killed?" The detective doesn't think much of it until the tyrannical Mrs Boyton, on vacation with her family, is found dead in the ancient city of Petra.

What is it with Agatha Christie and making her victim absolutely awful people? Is it so there would be more suspects? Is it so they reader is more willing to distance himself and play the Whodunnit Game? Anyway!

You can really tell that this novel was written based on Agatha Christie's memories of visiting the place, it felt very alive,very realistic and more picturesque than her other novels. The setting is always important of course but here it's almost a decor.

There was so many suspects and they all had a very good reason to want Mrs Boyton dead (or to protect the one who did it) this investigation was very intricate and the plot pulls the reader in many different directions. It's a good thing Poirot takes notes in the book or I would have done it myself.

For once I had caught the Important Detail That Gives You The Answer TM but I took it totally in the wrong direction! So I had a theory that was (or so I thought) rather solid but I was misled by a detail. Maybe I missed it but the reveal includes one key information that I can't remember seeing anywhere; it is the only link between two characters and the only thing that makes the motive makes sense so I was a bit surprised by who the culprit was. Or maybe that's just me being a sore lover because once again Christie bested me.

The only thing I really disliked about this one - and it's wierd that it's even there - is the epilogue. There is so rarely an epilogue in her novels that I'm wondering if Christie wasn't pressure to add this Happily Ever After. It is very awkward because it is almost to good to be true, every one is married to another character even when the pairing doesn't make sense and everything is just perfectly fine for all of them. Not to mention the young schizophrenic daughter married to her acting agent who is twice her age because that's not creepy at all! /s I don't know what the intention was but it just flops very hard after what is a really nice book, that's a shame really.

Fortunately it is nothing but an epilogue, and van easily be discarded as just and after thought and I will keep deluding myself in thinking that the novel ends after Poirot's dramatic reveal of the culprit, as usual.

Under the Whispering Door by T J Klune

Wallace is having a hard time accepting that he just died, he barely lived the life he had! So when a reaper comes to bring him to a teashop and to Hugo, a Ferryman tasked to help souls pass to the afterlife, Wallace will have to make the best of what little time he has left in the land of the living.

After reading The House in the Cerulean Sea every other novel by T J Klune were just begging to be read. I stalled as long as I could bear so here I am!

There is kind of a similar structure between the two books (the main character is very professional and cold but learns to open up, Hugo and Arthur have pretty much the same patient, observing and enigmatic personality. Even Charon's Crossing and the foster house or a little similar, two secluded places, meant to be welcoming and homely, yet totally unfamiliar and scary at times for the protagonist) but it never really bothered me: I liked how comfortable it felt to find it all back in this novel.

Through exploring other people's fate, how they lived, how they died, how they went through this time after death but before passing over, Wallace changes and learns to be a better person. The story itself isn't intricate but it is cozy, funny and the life lesson put through the author's word is more than just a feel-good novel line. The main subject, grief, is heavy but Klune handles it really gently, even in very hard moment, violent deaths and character who just can't accept their fate. And once again the love story, although it isn't the main focus is very important and drives the characters forward. It was sweet and nice and I really liked how bitter sweet it felt until the very end and they get the Happy End they deserved.

I read someone reviews saying that the ending was too much but hey, what's the point of writing stories if you can't make it all perfectly okay for everybody in the end? The dead don't come back in real life but if it makes the character of this story happy I absolutely want them to come back!

Aaaand that's close enough to a spoiler so I'll wrap if up: impeccably good read, go for it! Just be aware that it deals with grief and death, including violent deaths and suicide.

[suchi05]

Proven Dental Advertising Strategies for More Patients

Ever wondered why some dental practices seem to always have a full schedule, while others fight to keep enough patients in the chair? Well, the real secret lies not just in delivering great dental care but in mastering the art of advertising. Just imagine: creating advertisements that don’t just turn heads but create trust and bring new patients through your doors. A well-thought-out plan—whether it’s a clever ad on Google or a touching Instagram post—can change it all. Want to unlock that potential in your practice? Dive into the nitty-gritty ways for building impressive advertising campaigns that draw in your audience.

Understanding your audience: Beyond demographics Understanding your audience is more than the basic information: age, gender, and location. It’s about stepping into the dental patient’s shoes, really understanding their dental care journey.

What are their biggest fears? Are they worried about the pain of dental procedures? Do they seek a cosmetic solution to boost their confidence? By developing detailed audience personas, you uncover these insights and tailor your messaging to address these specific concerns. Building these personas includes a deep dive into your patients’ lifestyles. For instance, a busy parent will be more concerned with convenience and family-friendly services, while a young professional might be interested in advanced cosmetic procedures. When you speak to those needs directly, your ads are no longer just ads—they’re personal invitations for someone to get to experience the unique care you provide.

Setting goals that drive success Having goals for your ad campaigns is about more than numbers; it represents substantive growth for your practice. Imagine goals like increasing new patient inquiries by 30% or becoming the go-to choice for pediatric dentistry in your area. When you set very clear, measurable objectives, you give yourself a roadmap for success and spark a culture of people aspiring to greatness within their roles.

These are goals that can be intended for the immediate short term as well as long-term future. Having many patient inquiries, for example, will lead to numerous opportunities of establishing long-term relationships and improving patient care. Getting a reputation for some particular service distinguishes you from your competition and positions you as an expert whom patients can trust. High but attainable goals allow significant growth and enhanced patient satisfaction

Crafting compelling messages: From pain points to solutions Your ads should not just simply introduce your services but indicate to the patients some suffering points, then give them an irresistible reason for wanting to drop by your practice. For instance, think of advertisement messaging such as this: “Are you lowering your self-esteem because of hiding your smile? Our revolutionary teeth-whitening procedure will make you feel better after just one appointment!” This way, you literally hit the patient at what they feel inside and demonstrate how their life is going to change with your practice.

Tap into the power of storytelling for your messages: Share stories of patients who have overcome their dental fears and gone on to achieve their dream smiles with your help. Make messages relatable and solution-oriented, thus forming an emotional bond that makes them choose your practice over another.

Choosing the right channels: Diversify for maximum impact Successful advertising manages to lever a variety of channels in order to maximize reach and interaction.

Here’s how to make the most of each platform:

Google Ads:

Capturing Intent-Based Google Ads are so potent that they target users who are most likely actively looking for dental services. This shows a bid for the keywords so that when search queries are made, your ads display at the top of search results, attracting visibility and high-intent traffic. WordStream points to the fact that the average conversion rate for Google Ads within the healthcare industry is around 3.78%, meaning it’s indisputably an indispensable part of your advertising strategy.

Tip: Use long-tail keywords like “emergency dentist in [location]” to capture some specific high-intent search queries.

Facebook and Instagram:

Engaging the Community Social media websites, say Facebook or Instagram, are absolutely great ways to build those relationships and really engage your community. Post a few patient testimonials, some educational pieces, what goes on behind the scenes at your practice—just a sense of trust and connection. These platforms offer detailed targeting to reach highly specific demographics, such as young families and seniors in need of specialized care.

Tip: Carry out interactive campaigns like Q&A sessions or live demonstrations where you interact directly with potential patients.

Local Advertising:

Making a Connection to the Community Do not underestimate the power of local advertising. Sponsor community events, advertise in local magazines, and target direct mail campaigns to households in the area. These all serve to increase your local exposure and to make your practice a household name, giving it credibility and comfort through exposure.

Tip: Geo-target your online ad to residents within a certain radius of your practice.

Analytics: Unlocking insights for strategic growth Analytics should be the backbone of any successful advertising campaign. The information derived from it helps one understand what is working and what is not and therefore be able to make informed decisions, along with optimizing strategies. For instance, if some keywords bring the most traffic to your site, you’d probably focus on them a lot in future campaigns so that you will have them becoming efficient and effective.

Track metrics including conversion rates, bounce rates, and patient acquisition costs with tools such as Google Analytics. Such valuable insights enable you to refine your campaigns in a bid to make sure the investments of your hard-earned advertising dollars are maximized and reaching the right set of your prospects at the right time with relevant messaging. Enable the running of performance checks continuously and adjustment of strategies in real time—ensuring that you are well ahead of your competition and well placed to achieve sustainable growth.

Visual storytelling: Bringing your practice to life It’s not about just aesthetics; it’s in the service of a strong and powerful way to tell your practice’s story. High-quality pictures and videos may show off your state-of-the-art facilities or great patient success stories or give a glimpse behind the scenes of your caring team in action.

You may want to record video testimonials of satisfied patients whose results from your treatments have been life-changing. These real-life stories increase your authenticity and consequently the viewers’ trust in you as the one who can provide the solutions; they tell possible patients what emotional value they are looking at from your services. This way, you will make the practice vivid with visuals and ensure that anyone listening or seeing what you do out there over the established channels comes to your practice for the solutions available therein.

Monitoring and adapting: The key to continuous improvement Good advertising is not a set-it-and-forget-it activity. It requires constant watching and modification to keep it relevant and effective. Continually monitor your campaign performance, analyzing key metrics to discern trends and areas for improvement. This proactive approach makes it possible for you to be guided by data and make adjustments that will optimize your strategies for better results. Put the different creatives, targeting options, and messaging on trial through A/B testing to understand what works best with your audience. With the ability to learn from those results, continued refinements to drive greater impact in your campaign can be made over time. This commitment to continuous improvement is that it not only increases your advertising efforts but also drives long-term growth and patient satisfaction.

Ethical advertising: Building trust and credibility Trust is arguably the most important aspect of the health care profession. High ethical advertising practices will let you provide clear, true, and regulation-compliant messages. Do not make any deceptive claims; be absolutely certain that all patient testimonials and success stories are real and verifiable. With high ethical standards, there is an establishment of trust and credibility with the audience in such a way as to continue having patients for the longest time based on trust and honestly good reports.

In this fast-paced world of marketing, a dental practice light-years ahead in the race toward success as the best will have taken the right approach from the start. Knowing your audience, developing compelling messages, and choosing the best channels can all turn your advertising from dull to dynamite in patient generation. Remember, it’s not about getting noticed; it’s about making a connection that lasts—a connection that turns the curious clicks into loyal patients. Begin implementing these strategies today and watch your practice grow and thrive in a competitive market. Ready to see the difference? Your next patient is just an ad away.

Read more: https://rxdentalmarketing.com/how-to-attract-more-patients-with-ad-strategies/