themeoshamanual

[themeoshamanual]

thinking about the fact that in order to serve on the jury of a death penalty case you have to be willing to impose the death penalty (i.e. not be categorically opposed to it on principle) otherwise you'll be dismissed, so juries in death penalty cases tend to be disproportionately white and male and have been shown to be more likely to vote for conviction. just in general death penalty as a practice is horrific and barbaric but this specific part of it also just feels so insane to me

[themeoshamanual]

Why I'm Not Sorry for Taking a Semester Off: How I'm Learning to Prioritize My Well-being Over Societal Pressure

My Journey, My Rules

When I made the decision to take a semester off from college, I was met with a mix of reactions. Some people were supportive and understanding, while others were confused or even judgmental. "What about your degree?" they'd ask. "Aren't you falling behind?" or "You're just being lazy." But the truth is, taking a break from college was the best decision I ever made. And I'm not sorry for it.

The Weight of Societal Expectations

From a young age, we're conditioned to believe that success is a direct result of our academic achievements. We're pushed to excel, to get good grades, to graduate on time, and to land a high-paying job. And if we don't meet these expectations, we're made to feel like we've failed. But what about our mental health? What about our well-being? Don't those things matter too?

My Decision to Take a Break

I was drowning in a sea of burnout, stress, and grief, feeling like I was just going through the motions and suffocating under the weight of my own expectations. My mind was trapped in a vicious cycle of guilt, dismay, and sadness, making it impossible to focus on anything beyond the next task on my never-ending to-do list. But then, I made the courageous decision to hit the pause button, taking a semester off from college to rediscover myself, heal, and find my true passions. I allowed myself the time and space to grieve, reflect, and rejuvenate, traveling, exploring new interests, and learning to embrace my imperfections. In taking a step back, I found my way forward, breaking free from the shackles of burnout and discovering a life filled with purpose, joy, and authenticity.

The Benefits of Taking a Break

Taking a break from college was the best thing that ever happened to me. I learned to prioritize my well-being over societal expectations. I learned to say no to things that drained me and yes to things that filled me up. I learned to embrace my imperfections and to love myself for who I am. And I learned that success is not a one-size-fits-all definition, but rather a personal and subjective one.

Conclusion

If you're considering taking a break from college, I say do it. Don't let societal pressure dictate your decisions. Prioritize your well-being, your mental health, and your happiness. You won't regret it. And to those who may be judgmental or critical, I say, "I'm not sorry." I'm not sorry for taking a break, for prioritizing my well-being, and for learning to love myself. I'm proud of myself for making a difficult decision and for taking control of my life.

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[themeoshamanual]

Occupation of Hamilton Hall: Students Demand Action

Students at Columbia University are taking a stand, occupying Hamilton Hall and demanding action on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With a Palestinian flag flying high, they're calling for divestment and justice, refusing to back down until their voices are heard.

The students, who have been occupying the building for several days, are demanding that the university take a decisive stance on the conflict and divest from companies complicit in Israel's military efforts in Gaza. They are also calling for an end to the violence and oppression that has claimed countless lives.

The occupation has sparked a wave of support and solidarity from students, faculty, and community members, who are rallying behind the protesters' demands. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the students of Columbia University will not be silenced, and their courageous actions are sparking a movement that could have far-reaching consequences.

With their bold action, the students are sending a powerful message to the university administration and the world at large: it's time to take a stand for justice, equality, and human rights. The question is, will their demands be met, or will the occupation continue until justice is served? Only time will tell.

[themeoshamanual]

Why I’m Embracing My Authentic Self (And Why You Should Too)

An Unlikely Betrayal

Hello loves, today I want to share a personal story about a journey I've been on. Growing up, I was that girl who proudly declared, "I'm going to be myself, no matter what!" I rebelled against conformity and encouraged others to do the same. I was the one who embraced alternative culture, spoke my mind, and embraced my quirks. I was the epitome of individuality, or so I thought.

The Rise of the Oddball

As a teenager, I was determined to stand out from the crowd. I devoured books on magic and spirituality, studied old literature, and engaged in heated debates with my friends. I was convinced that I was going to change the world with my unique perspective and unwavering confidence. And, for a while, it worked. I was the go-to person for advice, the life of the party, and the rebel with a cause.

The Fall of the Icon

But, as I matured into a woman, something shifted. I started to feel the weight of societal expectations, the pressure to conform, and the fear of being judged. I began to doubt my beliefs, my values, and my sense of self. I started to compare myself to others, to covet their success, and to mimic their actions. I fell into the trap of following worldly trends, tweeting, and obsessing over social media influencers. I started to idolize women I saw on my feed instead of looking within myself for inspiration.

The Epiphany

And then, it hit me - an epiphany that shook me to my core. I realized that I was no longer being true to myself. I had forgotten that my worth and value come from within, not from external validation. I was living a life that wasn't mine, a life that was dictated by the noise of the world. I was ashamed because I let the noise drown out my own voice. I was ashamed because I forgot that I am my own inspiration.

The Awakening

But, I'm also grateful for this epiphany. It forced me to take a step back and re-evaluate my life. I realized that I don't need to conform to societal standards or follow the crowd to be worthy. I am enough, just as I am. I don't need to be like anyone else; I need to be like myself. And, that's a powerful realization.

The Call to Action

So, I want to leave you with a challenge today. Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are you being true to yourself, or are you following the noise of the world? Are you living a life that's authentic, or are you trying to fit into someone else's mold? Remember, you are your own inspiration. Don't let the world define your worth - define it for yourself.

The Journey Ahead

I'm not the same girl I was in my teenage years, but I'm still a work in progress. I'm still learning to embrace my quirks, to speak my mind, and to wear my bold outfits. I'm still learning to drown out the noise and listen to my own voice. And, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let's rise above the noise, let's embrace our true selves, and let's live a life that's authentic, bold, and beautiful.

Closing

Thank you for listening to my story. Remember, you are enough, just as you are. Don't let the world define your worth - define it for yourself. And, always remember, you are your own inspiration.

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[themeoshamanual]

Welcome to My World: Introducing ‘Meosha Manual’:

Hey there! I'm Meosha, a 21-year-old broadcast student, writer, and incurable daydreamer.

I'm on a mission to live my most authentic life, and I'm inviting you to join me on this journey. Through my writing, I aim to inspire others to embrace their true selves and find their unique voice.

As a southern girl with a passion for storytelling and a background in journalism, I'm excited to share my perspective and connect with like-minded individuals. So, let's get cozy and dive into the world of blogging together.