Creative ways to deal with writer's block By Cassie (Cassado) Writer's block is when a writer feels like they cannot write a new piece or continue something they're already working on. It can be discouraging, frustrating, and for many, a lengthy process that leaves writers feeling like their writing may never continue. This article will talk about a few ways for you to exercise your mind while on the journey to beat writer's block. Everyone's writing process is different, so what works for...

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah By Jenna (~Abibliophobe~) The Nightingale is a fictional story about loss, redemption and forgiveness. It focuses on two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, during World War II. At the heart of this novel is a story about love, in particular what people will do to save those they love. The sisters are described as being exceptionally different but through the course of the book you come to realize that there are a number of similarities between them. It is...

Delivering a eulogy By Cassie (Cassado) Eulogies are meant to honor the deceased while giving comfort and closure to their loved ones. While being asked to deliver a eulogy is an honor, it can feel overwhelming for many people. Some people don't like public speaking, while others fear struggling with their emotions while speaking. This article will discuss a few tips to help you give a eulogy. Practice as much as you feel you're able to. If you can, stand up while practicing...

Still Alice by Lisa Genova By Jenna (~Abibliophobe~) Still Alice is a novel about a woman (Alice) who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Over the course of the novel we see the character's memory and self awareness deteriorate due to the disease. The story is told from Alice’s point of view and it clearly depicts the deterioration that occurs due to Alzheimer’s disease. In the beginning of the novel we learn about how accomplished Alice is in her...

Self-harm first aid kit By Cassie (Cassado) Note: This article does not encourage self-harm in any way. It is a resource that makes suggestions on what you can use to help you take care of your body if you do self-harm. The following information is not professional advice and should not be used to replace professional medical attention. Many people struggle with self-harm, but not as many take care of their injuries. People are often scared to seek help, or are unable to seek ...

Recycling crayons By Cassie (Cassado) Crayons are popular with people of all ages. Children, teens, and adults use them for coloring books, canvases, and projects of all kinds. The possibilities and color combinations are endless. Crayons can be fragile and easily broken if you grip them too hard when you’re lost in the creative process. Broken crayons are often unused and put in the trashcan or discarded in a junk drawer. However, crayons can be reused to add even more color or...

Effective ways to organize rooms By Chantal (Atropos) We all have moments when we realize our home isn't very organized or it's very cluttered. It's important to have an organized space to work and live in, as having a cluttered and messy space can affect how we see things and can reduce our motivation. Here are a few tips and tricks for each room to keep them clutter free and organized. Living room: Have a book shelf or CD rack to place your favourite movies and CDs so you have...

The Basics of Intersexism By Nicole (eumoirous) The Intersex Society of North America defines intersexism as “a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male.” Typically, intersex individuals are born with ambiguous genitalia, however they can also appear a certain sex on the outside, but have the opposite sex’s anatomy on the inside. They are usually...

Facing your abuser By Cassie (Cassado) Whether you're expecting to or not, facing your abuser can bring up a lot of difficult feelings and memories. Feelings such as anxiety, anger, or numbness may arise. Intense self-destructive urges or past memories can resurface, even if you thought you had already worked through them. This article is going to discuss how to handle running into your abuser, or how to cope with seeing them on a regular basis. It's a small world and many people...

EMDR therapy By Cassie (Cassado) EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitizing Reprocessing therapy, was invented in the 1990s by Dr. Francine Shapiro after she realized side to side eye movements helped reduce the intensity of unpleasant events. It is most commonly used for (C)PTSD, addictions, and other anxieties. It is not widely known but it is increasing in popularity. During EMDR, a professional will ask you to focus on a painful or traumatic memory while you move your eyes from side...

The basics of going gluten free By Nicole (eumoirous) The Celiac Disease Foundation notes that only about 1% of people have celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disease that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Because of this, people with celiac disease abstain from consuming gluten in order to stay healthy. The Celiac Disease Foundation also notes that roughly 18 million Americans have some form of a gluten...

How to make a rice sock/sack By Chantal (Atropos) We can be green and friendly to the earth by reusing items we already have and turning them into something useful for ourselves. This craft will keep you occupied and allow you to recycle items you already have to make something that can have a variety of health benefits for yourself or others. What is a rice sock or sack? There are many benefits to making a rice sock or sack. Reusing items from your home is one of the many great...

CPTSD and PTSD By Cassie (Cassado) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that develops from witnessing or experiencing a dangerous or life threatening event. PTSD can occur quickly after an event, or it can take a few months to appear but it almost always develops six months after the traumatizing event. It can be caused by abuse, car accidents, natural disasters, military duties, sudden loss and grieving, or anything that can be traumatic to someone. A lot...

How to make a stress ball By Cassie (Cassado) Stress balls are a great tool to fidget with when you feel anxious or overwhelmed. They can be used when you're studying for exams or trying to keep your hands busy to prevent self-destructive behaviors. With just a few household objects, you can make your own. Materials needed: Balloons (water balloons are not suitable) Flour or uncooked rice A funnel

Brought up by alcohol By Anonymous Since about the age of eight years old I have watched my dad drink. He would have a can of beer whilst playing a game with us while my mum cooked dinner, and that would be the norm for a Sunday night. It never really bothered me that much when I was younger as alcohol has always been in this house and always will be. During the day he is sober, holding down a job from nine to six in an office. He's not the stereotypical ...