thoughtcatalog--2020-12-30--30 WTF Facts That Will Make You More Interesting On Zoom Calls

1 .
“ Rainbow Valley ” on Mount Everest isn ’ t named for the colors of rocks or snow , but for the multitude of colorful jackets of mountaineers that died there .
2 .
The first person who was sentenced to the electric chair died in an extreme manner .
Someone forgot to wet an essential part of the machine and the prisoner ended up with bubbling skin , melting eyes , and foaming mouth among other things .
The amount of electricity was so strong that he began to convulse violently where he weakened the straps .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ finger dug through the palm of his hand .
The entire room smelled of burning flesh .
Many people who came to see had fainted during the execution .
The most fucked up part was he could be heard wheezing after they shut the electricity off .
3 .
There are tiny mites that live at the base of your eyelashes .
Demodex folliculorum or Demodex brevis if you care to look up what lives there .
4 .
After raping his blindfolded victims , the Golden State Killer would be extremely quiet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When the poor victims would start to move towards the phone or try to untie themselves he would scare the fucking shit out of them .
He would also break into victims ’ houses multiple times before attacking to rearrange furniture or dresser drawers , leave rope for when he would eventually tie them up , and go to extreme lengths to creep someone out before attacking .
6 .
Serial killer Dennis Rader , also known as BTK , never raped his victims because he felt that it was wrong to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 .
Around 2,500 left-handed people die every year trying to use right-handed tools .
8 .
Most cruise ships have their own morgue .
Along with swimming pools , golf courses , and jaw-dropping theaters , most cruise ships are also equipped with a morgue .
If any passenger dies while aboard , the ship ’ s crew has to be able to tend to the body and store it until they arrive in port .
An estimated 200 people die on cruise ships every year .
Just think about that next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to paradise .
9 .
Robert Liston is famous for performing the only operation with a 300 percent mortality rate .
This is in the era of theater surgery .
During one operation in particular , while trying to be swift with his blade , he managed to cut off his assistant ’ s fingers ; which they later died from infection .
Additionally , a spectator got his clothes clipped by the blade and died of a heart attack .
Oh , and the patient died too .
10 .
In Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their shoes before jumping to tell the police it wasn ’ t a murder .
11 .
The original chainsaw was on a pocket watch like chain and pulled back and forth to cut through bone .
It was invented to cut through a woman ’ s pubic bone in order to give more room for the baby to pass .
12 .
The inside of a banana peel , when rubbed against a mosquito bite , can help numb the itching sensation .
13 .
Flatworms stab each other with their penises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pregnant and the mother of the offspring .
14 .
If Barbie existed in real life , she would be about 7 foot 4 .
Her neck would be eleven inches long .
15 .
A man name Hisashi Ouchi experienced extreme amounts of radiation during a nuclear meltdown in Japan .
In the end , he had literally no DNA left in his body but doctors kept him alive for 83 days which required many blood transfusions and bandages to keep him just barely functional among other things .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unethical it is .
17 .
A moray eel has two sets of jaws , much like the Xenomorphs in the Alien movie .
The first jaw is located in the mouth , which serves as a vice to hold captured prey .
The second jaw is located in the throat .
Called a pharyngeal jaw , this structure is shot forwards at breakneck speeds from the gullet into the mouth to swallow prey .
As the eel holds the prey in its first set of jaws , the pharyngeal jaw is quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the prey , ( oh yeah… it has teeth too… ) and drags it down into the stomach .
It ’ s a terrifying thought .
18 .
Hair and nails keep appearing to keep growing for a short time after death .
That ’ s because skin retracts after death , making them appear longer .
19 .
In 1972 , French scientists wanted to know how ants responded to radiation , and if any mutations would occur .
They placed small pieces of Caesium 137 around an ant-hill , only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ants had relocated the Caesium to the inside of their nest and used it for central heating .
No mutations or behavioral effects were observed in the ants after 11 months , though flora in the area did die or lost its foliage .
20 .
Roughly 7,000 people die every year because of their doctor ’ s bad handwriting .
21 .
Cleopatra lived closer to the time mobile phones were invented then she did to the time the pyramids were built .
22 .
Sharks puke out their whole stomachs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 .
The collars on men ’ s dress shirts used to be detachable , to save on laundry costs as the collar was the part that needed the most cleaning .
24 .
A lot of foods , most notably ice cream , have seaweed in them .
A specific seaweed , referred to as rock weed where I live , gets harvested and sold to be used as a gelling agent in a lot of foods .
25 .
Founding father Gouverneur Morris died by trying to perform self-surgery with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a catheter ) .
He stuck it in his pee-pee hole and died from internal injury and infection .
26 .
The anus is the first body part to develop in the womb .
Guess we ’ re all assholes by nature .
27 .
Every year there are between 80 to 100 million more people alive on the planet than the previous year .
28 .
Women usually have more testosterone than estrogen .
It ’ s just that in men the ratio is even more imbalanced .
29 .
Adélie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that prostitute themselves .
The females have sex with males in exchange for pebbles .
30 .
The only thing I learned from my first year Psych course : “ Babies cry with an accent .
”

Here are some random, WTF facts from Ask Reddit.
1. “Rainbow Valley” on Mount Everest isn’t named for the colors of rocks or snow, but for the multitude of colorful jackets of mountaineers that died there.
2. The first person who was sentenced to the electric chair died in an extreme manner. Someone forgot to wet an essential part of the machine and the prisoner ended up with bubbling skin, melting eyes, and foaming mouth among other things. The amount of electricity was so strong that he began to convulse violently where he weakened the straps. He twitched so erratically that his index finger dug through the palm of his hand.
The entire room smelled of burning flesh. Many people who came to see had fainted during the execution. The most fucked up part was he could be heard wheezing after they shut the electricity off.
3. There are tiny mites that live at the base of your eyelashes. Demodex folliculorum or Demodex brevis if you care to look up what lives there.
4. After raping his blindfolded victims, the Golden State Killer would be extremely quiet and pretend he had left the room. When the poor victims would start to move towards the phone or try to untie themselves he would scare the fucking shit out of them.
He would also break into victims’ houses multiple times before attacking to rearrange furniture or dresser drawers, leave rope for when he would eventually tie them up, and go to extreme lengths to creep someone out before attacking.
5. Dead people can get goosebumps.
6. Serial killer Dennis Rader, also known as BTK, never raped his victims because he felt that it was wrong to ‘cheat on his wife’.
7. Around 2,500 left-handed people die every year trying to use right-handed tools.
8. Most cruise ships have their own morgue. Along with swimming pools, golf courses, and jaw-dropping theaters, most cruise ships are also equipped with a morgue. If any passenger dies while aboard, the ship’s crew has to be able to tend to the body and store it until they arrive in port. An estimated 200 people die on cruise ships every year. Just think about that next time you sign up to sail away to paradise.
9. Robert Liston is famous for performing the only operation with a 300 percent mortality rate. This is in the era of theater surgery. During one operation in particular, while trying to be swift with his blade, he managed to cut off his assistant’s fingers; which they later died from infection. Additionally, a spectator got his clothes clipped by the blade and died of a heart attack. Oh, and the patient died too.
10. In Japan when people commit suicide they take off their shoes before jumping to tell the police it wasn’t a murder.
11. The original chainsaw was on a pocket watch like chain and pulled back and forth to cut through bone. It was invented to cut through a woman’s pubic bone in order to give more room for the baby to pass.
12. The inside of a banana peel, when rubbed against a mosquito bite, can help numb the itching sensation.
13. Flatworms stab each other with their penises and the loser of the battle becomes pregnant and the mother of the offspring.
14. If Barbie existed in real life, she would be about 7 foot 4. Her neck would be eleven inches long.
15. A man name Hisashi Ouchi experienced extreme amounts of radiation during a nuclear meltdown in Japan. In the end, he had literally no DNA left in his body but doctors kept him alive for 83 days which required many blood transfusions and bandages to keep him just barely functional among other things. It’s a pretty interesting story even with how unethical it is.
16. Female kangaroos have 3 vaginas each.
17. A moray eel has two sets of jaws, much like the Xenomorphs in the Alien movie. The first jaw is located in the mouth, which serves as a vice to hold captured prey. The second jaw is located in the throat. Called a pharyngeal jaw, this structure is shot forwards at breakneck speeds from the gullet into the mouth to swallow prey. As the eel holds the prey in its first set of jaws, the pharyngeal jaw is quickly shot from the throat, grabs down on the prey, (oh yeah… it has teeth too…) and drags it down into the stomach. It’s a terrifying thought.
18. Hair and nails keep appearing to keep growing for a short time after death. That’s because skin retracts after death, making them appear longer.
19. In 1972, French scientists wanted to know how ants responded to radiation, and if any mutations would occur. They placed small pieces of Caesium 137 around an ant-hill, only to discover half a year later that the ants had relocated the Caesium to the inside of their nest and used it for central heating.
No mutations or behavioral effects were observed in the ants after 11 months, though flora in the area did die or lost its foliage.
20. Roughly 7,000 people die every year because of their doctor’s bad handwriting.
21. Cleopatra lived closer to the time mobile phones were invented then she did to the time the pyramids were built.
22. Sharks puke out their whole stomachs when they’re stressed out.
23. The collars on men’s dress shirts used to be detachable, to save on laundry costs as the collar was the part that needed the most cleaning.
24. A lot of foods, most notably ice cream, have seaweed in them. A specific seaweed, referred to as rock weed where I live, gets harvested and sold to be used as a gelling agent in a lot of foods.
25. Founding father Gouverneur Morris died by trying to perform self-surgery with a whalebone (he tried to use it as a catheter). He stuck it in his pee-pee hole and died from internal injury and infection.
26. The anus is the first body part to develop in the womb. Guess we’re all assholes by nature.
27. Every year there are between 80 to 100 million more people alive on the planet than the previous year.
28. Women usually have more testosterone than estrogen. It’s just that in men the ratio is even more imbalanced.
29. Adélie penguins are one of the only animals that prostitute themselves. The females have sex with males in exchange for pebbles.
30. The only thing I learned from my first year Psych course: “Babies cry with an accent.”


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-30--8 Reminders When You’re Struggling To Make A Huge Decision

1 .
You ’ ve felt this way before .
Maybe you ’ ve never dealt with this specific problem before — but you ’ ve experienced this feeling before .
You know what pain feels like and you know you ’ re capable of surviving it .
You know you have what it takes to get through this predicament and come out stronger than ever before .
2 .
You don ’ t have to make a decision today .
You might not have a long time to figure out what you ’ re going to do about your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
Don ’ t rush yourself .
Take a breather if you ’ re feeling overwhelmed .
Relax , do something you enjoy , and then return to the drawing board .
You don ’ t need to make your choice right this second .
3 .
You can talk this through with someone .
No matter how alone you feel in your suffering , you are never really on your own .
Whether you decide to talk to a trusted friend or a therapist , there is someone out there who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have to keep your emotions bottled up inside .
You can release your deepest secrets if they ’ re eating away at you .
4 .
One day , this problem won ’ t seem so massive anymore .
Once everything is said and done , once you move forward with your life , you ’ re going to look back and feel a weird mix of emotions about this time in your life .
Although what you ’ re going through seems monumental now , you ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fresh perspective .
It ’ s going to seem small in retrospect .
5 .
There probably isn ’ t a perfect solution .
You ’ re probably going to be picking between two equally crummy choices .
After all , if one choice led to guaranteed happiness and the other led to guaranteed misery , you wouldn ’ t be so stressed out right now .
The answer would be obvious .
The reason you ’ re having so much trouble fixing your issues is because there isn ’ t one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Life does that to you , sometimes .
6 .
You can ’ t predict the future .
You don ’ t want to make the wrong decision — but you really can ’ t tell which decision is right until you make it .
You have to listen to what your gut , your heart , and your mind is telling you .
Make the most informed decision that you can .
That ’ s all you can do .
7 .
You can ’ t worry about anyone else but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision you want to make .
You can ’ t let your parents peer pressure you into something they want .
You can ’ t let your partner guilt trip you into choosing their side .
You can ’ t let your friends or your coworkers or your hometown sway you .
You have to do what ’ s best for yourself .
8 .
You ’ re not the only one in a tough spot .
You might feel like everyone else has it easy , like you ’ re stuck in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be true , you ’ re not the only one who is going through a hard time .
Plenty of people are as frustrated and confused as you are .
You aren ’ t the only one .

1. You’ve felt this way before. Maybe you’ve never dealt with this specific problem before — but you’ve experienced this feeling before. You know what pain feels like and you know you’re capable of surviving it. You know you have what it takes to get through this predicament and come out stronger than ever before.
2. You don’t have to make a decision today. You might not have a long time to figure out what you’re going to do about your issues — but you do have some time. Don’t rush yourself. Take a breather if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Relax, do something you enjoy, and then return to the drawing board. You don’t need to make your choice right this second.
3. You can talk this through with someone. No matter how alone you feel in your suffering, you are never really on your own. Whether you decide to talk to a trusted friend or a therapist, there is someone out there who is willing to listen. You don’t have to keep your emotions bottled up inside. You can release your deepest secrets if they’re eating away at you.
4. One day, this problem won’t seem so massive anymore. Once everything is said and done, once you move forward with your life, you’re going to look back and feel a weird mix of emotions about this time in your life. Although what you’re going through seems monumental now, you’re going to look back on it one day with a fresh perspective. It’s going to seem small in retrospect.
5. There probably isn’t a perfect solution. You’re probably going to be picking between two equally crummy choices. After all, if one choice led to guaranteed happiness and the other led to guaranteed misery, you wouldn’t be so stressed out right now. The answer would be obvious. The reason you’re having so much trouble fixing your issues is because there isn’t one easy solution. Every path is hard. Life does that to you, sometimes.
6. You can’t predict the future. You don’t want to make the wrong decision — but you really can’t tell which decision is right until you make it. You have to listen to what your gut, your heart, and your mind is telling you. Make the most informed decision that you can. That’s all you can do.
7. You can’t worry about anyone else but yourself. You have to make the decision you want to make. You can’t let your parents peer pressure you into something they want. You can’t let your partner guilt trip you into choosing their side. You can’t let your friends or your coworkers or your hometown sway you. You have to do what’s best for yourself.
8. You’re not the only one in a tough spot. You might feel like everyone else has it easy, like you’re stuck in an unfair situation. While the latter might be true, you’re not the only one who is going through a hard time. Plenty of people are as frustrated and confused as you are. You aren’t the only one.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-30--How Each Zodiac Handles Jealousy In Their Relationships

You lash out at your partner .
You get into arguments because you don ’ t know how else to express your strong emotions .
You cry yourself to sleep .
You compare yourself to this other person and wish you looked more like them .
You interrogate your partner .
You question them about whether they have feelings for this other person .
You invade their privacy .
You snoop through their messages to make sure they aren ’ t cheating .
You vent to your friends — instead of admitting to your partner why you ’ re upset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person to see who they are , whether they ’ re dating someone else , and whether they ’ re a threat .
You take thirst trap photos to prove that you ’ re attractive too and to raise your confidence .
You flirt with other people to get a confidence boost .
And to get back at your partner .
You initiate sex with your partner .
You remind them how lucky they are to have you .
You sit down with your partner and have a mature conversation about why you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you feel .
You give your partner the silent treatment .
You hope they can guess what ’ s wrong .
You confront your partner .
You ask them to stop associating with this other person who makes you uncomfortable .

Aries
You lash out at your partner. You get into arguments because you don’t know how else to express your strong emotions.
Taurus
You cry yourself to sleep. You compare yourself to this other person and wish you looked more like them.
You interrogate your partner. You question them about whether they have feelings for this other person.
Cancer
You invade their privacy. You snoop through their messages to make sure they aren’t cheating.
For the person who is always googling astrological compatibility when they meet someone new. How You’ll Do Everything Based On Your Zodiac Sign includes an exhaustive analysis of each sign’s personality. You’ll learn which high school clique represents them (Pisces are the cool art kids), who would get eaten first in a scary movie (Gemini, obviously) to how each sign prefers to say ‘I love you’ (for Taurus, it’s with good food). Alternating between silly, sweet, and serious, this book is filled with deep dives into the mind of everyone whose birth chart you can get your hands on. Buy now
Leo
You vent to your friends — instead of admitting to your partner why you’re upset.
Virgo
You social media stalk this other person to see who they are, whether they’re dating someone else, and whether they’re a threat.
You take thirst trap photos to prove that you’re attractive too and to raise your confidence.
Scorpio
You flirt with other people to get a confidence boost. And to get back at your partner.
Sagittarius
You initiate sex with your partner. You remind them how lucky they are to have you.
Capricorn
You sit down with your partner and have a mature conversation about why you’re upset and how they made you feel.
You give your partner the silent treatment. You hope they can guess what’s wrong.
Pisces
You confront your partner. You ask them to stop associating with this other person who makes you uncomfortable.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-31--The Love Related Goal Each Zodiac Sign Should Set In The New Year

Be more vulnerable .
Lower your guard .
Let more people into your heart .
Take a break .
Spend @ @ @ @ @ Learn to love you .
Forget about reaching relationship milestones .
Focus on the present @ @ @ @ @ Give out fewer chances .
Stop letting people trample your heart .
Stand up for @ @ @ @ @ there .
Make the first move .
Express how you feel .
Expect more .
@ @ @ @ @ Look for a relationship where the workload is even .
Try harder .
Give as @ @ @ @ @ Put more effort into the people who you adore .
Weed out the people who @ @ @ @ @ standards .
Refuse to settle .
Be gentle with yourself .
Stop making comparisons .
@ @ @ @ @ life .
Play nice .
Stop pushing everyone away .
Let others into your heart @ @ @ @ @ all of your focus on love .
Focus on your hobbies and career and passions @ @ @ @ @ heart on your sleeve .
Be honest .
Be authentic .

Aries
Be more vulnerable. Lower your guard. Let more people into your heart.
Take a break. Spend some time dating yourself. Learn to love you.
Gemini
Forget about reaching relationship milestones. Focus on the present. Enjoy the moment.
Cancer
Give out fewer chances. Stop letting people trample your heart. Stand up for yourself.
For the person who is always googling astrological compatibility when they meet someone new. How You’ll Do Everything Based On Your Zodiac Sign includes an exhaustive analysis of each sign’s personality. You’ll learn which high school clique represents them (Pisces are the cool art kids), who would get eaten first in a scary movie (Gemini, obviously) to how each sign prefers to say ‘I love you’ (for Taurus, it’s with good food). Alternating between silly, sweet, and serious, this book is filled with deep dives into the mind of everyone whose birth chart you can get your hands on. Buy now
Leo
Put yourself out there. Make the first move. Express how you feel.
Virgo
Expect more. Stop settling for less. Look for a relationship where the workload is even.
Try harder. Give as much as you take. Put more effort into the people who you adore.
Scorpio
Weed out the people who hurt you. Raise your standards. Refuse to settle.
Sagittarius
Be gentle with yourself. Stop making comparisons. Learn to love the single life.
Capricorn
Play nice. Stop pushing everyone away. Let others into your heart.
Relax. Stop placing all of your focus on love. Focus on your hobbies and career and passions, too.
Pisces
Wear your heart on your sleeve. Be honest. Be authentic.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-31--These Are The Moon Signs Who Have The Hardest Time Expressing Their Emotions

You ’ re known to be a bit reserved , and it can make you seem completely devoid of emotions .
While you certainly have feelings , you don ’ t really see the point of expressing them unless it ’ s to meet a goal or move forward in some way .
Even then , you ’ re still not going to feel comfortable doing so- it will be out of necessity .
You have so much intensity and emotion that it can often overwhelm you at times .
Yet expressing those emotions is something different altogether .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prefer to keep everything internalized .
You don ’ t show your vulnerable side easily- you may reveal certain layers , but mostly keep things under wraps .
You know if you let the floodgates open , it will be impossible to keep everything from spilling out .
You can express how you feel- but only in a rational , practical way .
You can communicate your emotions , but also have a hard time really just feeling them .
You prefer to pick apart and analyze the feeling to understand it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ others just allow their emotions to flow out of them because it feels too messy and uncontrolled .
You want the freedom to express things , but emotions are a bit more uncontrollable than you ’ d like .
You love to talk about your passions , but your actual emotions don ’ t interest you as much .
You would prefer to fixate on other things , and your need for independence makes establishing an emotional connection feel a little too tethered .
It can be done , but it doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably like .
You have a fiery energy where you have little issue expressing the more optimistic emotions , but you ’ ll avoid negative ones at all costs .
It confuses people who perceive you as so easy-going , but in order to keep that vibe up , you don ’ t sit with your emotions- much less express them .
You prefer to distract yourself and keep pressing forward to something else that is easier to deal with .

Capricorn
You’re known to be a bit reserved, and it can make you seem completely devoid of emotions. While you certainly have feelings, you don’t really see the point of expressing them unless it’s to meet a goal or move forward in some way. Even then, you’re still not going to feel comfortable doing so- it will be out of necessity.
Scorpio
You have so much intensity and emotion that it can often overwhelm you at times. Yet expressing those emotions is something different altogether. The moon reflects our inner world and Scorpios prefer to keep everything internalized. You don’t show your vulnerable side easily- you may reveal certain layers, but mostly keep things under wraps. You know if you let the floodgates open, it will be impossible to keep everything from spilling out.
Virgo
You can express how you feel- but only in a rational, practical way. You can communicate your emotions, but also have a hard time really just feeling them. You prefer to pick apart and analyze the feeling to understand it. You have a hard time understanding why others just allow their emotions to flow out of them because it feels too messy and uncontrolled.
Aquarius
You want the freedom to express things, but emotions are a bit more uncontrollable than you’d like. You love to talk about your passions, but your actual emotions don’t interest you as much. You would prefer to fixate on other things, and your need for independence makes establishing an emotional connection feel a little too tethered. It can be done, but it doesn’t come as naturally as others would probably like.
For the person who is always googling astrological compatibility when they meet someone new. How You’ll Do Everything Based On Your Zodiac Sign includes an exhaustive analysis of each sign’s personality. You’ll learn which high school clique represents them (Pisces are the cool art kids), who would get eaten first in a scary movie (Gemini, obviously) to how each sign prefers to say ‘I love you’ (for Taurus, it’s with good food). Alternating between silly, sweet, and serious, this book is filled with deep dives into the mind of everyone whose birth chart you can get your hands on. Buy now
Sagittarius
You have a fiery energy where you have little issue expressing the more optimistic emotions, but you’ll avoid negative ones at all costs. It confuses people who perceive you as so easy-going, but in order to keep that vibe up, you don’t sit with your emotions- much less express them. You prefer to distract yourself and keep pressing forward to something else that is easier to deal with.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-31--7 Ways To Set Goals For 2021 While Still Treating Yourself Gently

1 .
Set small , achievable goals for yourself .
It ’ s important to keep yourself motivated — and a good way to do that is to mix in small goals with your bigger goals .
That way , you will feel like you ’ re being productive early in the year , even when you haven ’ t managed to accomplish your biggest life goals yet .
There ’ s nothing nicer than crossing items off of a checklist .
Besides , you deserve to celebrate all of your successes , even the smallest ones .
2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ within your control .
Instead of making getting a boyfriend your resolution , make your resolution about putting yourself out there more , signing up for dating apps , and starting the conversation a certain amount of times .
Pick goals that are within your control .
You can ’ t decide whether or not you ’ re going to meet your soulmate this year — but you can decide whether or not you ’ re going to keep yourself open to love .
3 .
Value your personal goals as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if this isn ’ t the year when you land your dream job or get engaged , it can still be a good year .
Instead of placing all of your focus on your relationships and career , you should pay attention to the other important aspects of your life , too .
Breaking bad habits .
Coming out of your shell .
Learning to love yourself .
All of those things are important , even though they might not seem as impressive on paper .
4 .
Dream big — but keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to push yourself , to step outside of your comfort zone , to try to achieve your wildest dreams .
However , you don ’ t want to be too hard on yourself if you ’ re unable to reach the biggest goals on your list .
Even if you take tiny steps closer to achieving those big goals , you should be proud .
That ’ s still something .
That ’ s still important .
5 .
Only list down goals you personally feel passionately about .
It doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to get married soon or if your friends really want you to spend more time with them .
All that matters is what you want .
Write down the things that matter the most to you , because when you really care about your goals , you ’ re more likely to reach them .
You ’ re less likely to give up when you ’ re halfway there .
6 .
Break your goals into smaller , more manageable pieces .
When you ’ re coming up with your list of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement about how you want to get a novel published , break the goal into pieces .
Writing a novel .
Editing a novel .
Writing a query .
Sending out queries .
That way , you ’ re crossing off a bunch of goals on the way to your main one .
7 .
Have fun with it !
You don ’ t want every single goal on your list to scare you .
You want some of them to feel fun and exciting .
Maybe you want to ride in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in another state ( once the pandemic is done ) .
You don ’ t have to put anything too crazy on your list .
You can add the fun stuff , too !

1. Set small, achievable goals for yourself. It’s important to keep yourself motivated — and a good way to do that is to mix in small goals with your bigger goals. That way, you will feel like you’re being productive early in the year, even when you haven’t managed to accomplish your biggest life goals yet. There’s nothing nicer than crossing items off of a checklist. Besides, you deserve to celebrate all of your successes, even the smallest ones.
2. Focus on the goals that are actually within your control. Instead of making getting a boyfriend your resolution, make your resolution about putting yourself out there more, signing up for dating apps, and starting the conversation a certain amount of times. Pick goals that are within your control. You can’t decide whether or not you’re going to meet your soulmate this year — but you can decide whether or not you’re going to keep yourself open to love.
3. Value your personal goals as much as your love and career goals. Even if this isn’t the year when you land your dream job or get engaged, it can still be a good year. Instead of placing all of your focus on your relationships and career, you should pay attention to the other important aspects of your life, too. Breaking bad habits. Coming out of your shell. Learning to love yourself. All of those things are important, even though they might not seem as impressive on paper.
4. Dream big — but keep your expectations realistic. It’s important to push yourself, to step outside of your comfort zone, to try to achieve your wildest dreams. However, you don’t want to be too hard on yourself if you’re unable to reach the biggest goals on your list. Even if you take tiny steps closer to achieving those big goals, you should be proud. That’s still something. That’s still important.
5. Only list down goals you personally feel passionately about. It doesn’t matter if your parents really want you to get married soon or if your friends really want you to spend more time with them. All that matters is what you want. Write down the things that matter the most to you, because when you really care about your goals, you’re more likely to reach them. You’re less likely to give up when you’re halfway there.
6. Break your goals into smaller, more manageable pieces. When you’re coming up with your list of resolutions, instead of writing a blanket statement about how you want to get a novel published, break the goal into pieces. Writing a novel. Editing a novel. Writing a query. Sending out queries. That way, you’re crossing off a bunch of goals on the way to your main one.
7. Have fun with it! You don’t want every single goal on your list to scare you. You want some of them to feel fun and exciting. Maybe you want to ride in a hot air balloon or visit your friend in another state (once the pandemic is done). You don’t have to put anything too crazy on your list. You can add the fun stuff, too!


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-31--30 Unspoken Rules Of Friendships When You’re In Your Twenties

1 .
If either of us calls , the other will answer .
We text pretty frequently , but if one of us is calling , there ’ s usually a reason .
I will drop what I ’ m doing to answer the phone .
2 .
No cell phones during shared meals .
We see each other so infrequently with busy lives , that when we do get together , we ’ re present in the moment for those few hours .
3 .
Come together , leave together .
4 .
No petty debts .
Five bucks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , what does matter is that we help each other and make each other ’ s lives easier .
5 .
Iron Circle .
If a serious conversation comes up ( hardships , etc ) , you don ’ t say anything to anyone outside of the circle .
They ’ re trusting you with that and opening up .
You respect that level of trust as if you were a therapist .
6 .
“ We need to go ” means we leave now .
8 .
I can make fun of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind you .
10 .
If your buddy invites a person he ’ s into to hang out with you and your friends , it ’ s now your job to make your friend look good .
Set up some jokes for him , make him look and feel his best while she ’ s around .
11 .
Hold hands when we move through crowds so we don ’ t lose each other .
12 .
Always make sure we can see each other clearly when we go out to clubs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend has shown a clear interest in .
14 .
Given a certain problem , only one bro is allowed to panic .
The other bro needs to be calming and optimistic .
Roles are interchangeable .
15 .
Always try to keep menstrual products around in case someone visiting may need them .
16 .
Make sure everyone is fine with how they look in a picture before posting it on social media .
17 .
Hate whoever your best friend hates .
For me this is a pretty set rule .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re really abusive ) and even though they ’ ve never done anything to me , I will side with her in any conversation she ’ s having with them and if I need to lie to them to do that , I will .
18 .
Certain things need no explanation .
If someone has a known difficulty and they start to explain a decision or behavior that brings it up , that ’ s as far as it needs to go .
“ Sorry I didn ’ t make your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onto some cash for it and- ” “ Say no more mate , not a problem.
” If they chose to then expand on it , it ’ s because they need to .
19 .
If someone signs up for a streaming service , the login info is shared .
20 .
Always respect a bro ’ s pet/pets .
They ’ re your bros too .
21 .
Beer is usually an acceptable currency .
22 .
If a long time goes by before we speak , it ’ s totally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by themselves in a group .
If for some reason you find yourself in the back just holler and someone will immediately drop back .
24 .
Not talking/socializing with people who have somehow hurt the others in the past ( kind of the enemy of my friend is my enemy ) .
25 .
My literal brother and I have a rule that no matter what the story either person tells , the other will ALWAYS back them up .
Guy runs up to me at a party : “ Your bro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he jumped your parent ’ s car on his bicycle while eating a Big Mac !
” Me : “ Yep , it was amazing ” 26 .
Every call , text , or email gets a response .
27 .
If you borrow your friend ’ s truck you ALWAYS return it with a full tank of gas .
28 .
No stealing each others ’ best karaoke songs .
29 .
We always tell each other the truth , even if it ’ s uncomfortable .
30 .
If you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really embarrassing , like “ I made out with my sister ” or ” I ’ m a Furry , ” then it ’ s your job to spend the rest of your life pretending you were too drunk to remember anything from that night .

According to Ask Reddit, here are some frienship rules for anyone in their twenties:
1. If either of us calls, the other will answer. We text pretty frequently, but if one of us is calling, there’s usually a reason. I will drop what I’m doing to answer the phone.
2. No cell phones during shared meals. We see each other so infrequently with busy lives, that when we do get together, we’re present in the moment for those few hours.
3. Come together, leave together.
4. No petty debts. Five bucks here and there doesn’t matter, what does matter is that we help each other and make each other’s lives easier.
5. Iron Circle. If a serious conversation comes up (hardships, etc), you don’t say anything to anyone outside of the circle. They’re trusting you with that and opening up. You respect that level of trust as if you were a therapist.
6. “We need to go” means we leave now.
7. We watch each other’s drinks.
8. I can make fun of you in your face, but never behind you.
9. No dating a friend’s ex.
10. If your buddy invites a person he’s into to hang out with you and your friends, it’s now your job to make your friend look good. Set up some jokes for him, make him look and feel his best while she’s around.
11. Hold hands when we move through crowds so we don’t lose each other.
12. Always make sure we can see each other clearly when we go out to clubs.
13. Never go after anyone your friend has shown a clear interest in.
14. Given a certain problem, only one bro is allowed to panic. The other bro needs to be calming and optimistic. Roles are interchangeable.
15. Always try to keep menstrual products around in case someone visiting may need them.
16. Make sure everyone is fine with how they look in a picture before posting it on social media.
17. Hate whoever your best friend hates. For me this is a pretty set rule. My bff hates her parents (they’re really abusive) and even though they’ve never done anything to me, I will side with her in any conversation she’s having with them and if I need to lie to them to do that, I will.
18. Certain things need no explanation. If someone has a known difficulty and they start to explain a decision or behavior that brings it up, that’s as far as it needs to go. “Sorry I didn’t make your birthday, I was trying to hold onto some cash for it and-” “Say no more mate, not a problem.” If they chose to then expand on it, it’s because they need to.
19. If someone signs up for a streaming service, the login info is shared.
20. Always respect a bro’s pet/pets. They’re your bros too.
21. Beer is usually an acceptable currency.
22. If a long time goes by before we speak, it’s totally cool.
23. No one walks by themselves in a group. If for some reason you find yourself in the back just holler and someone will immediately drop back.
24. Not talking/socializing with people who have somehow hurt the others in the past (kind of the enemy of my friend is my enemy).
25. My literal brother and I have a rule that no matter what the story either person tells, the other will ALWAYS back them up. Guy runs up to me at a party: “Your bro just said that when he was 11 he jumped your parent’s car on his bicycle while eating a Big Mac!”
Me: “Yep, it was amazing”
26. Every call, text, or email gets a response.
27. If you borrow your friend’s truck you ALWAYS return it with a full tank of gas.
28. No stealing each others’ best karaoke songs.
29. We always tell each other the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable.
30. If you’re drinking and your friend says something really embarrassing, like “I made out with my sister” or ” I’m a Furry,” then it’s your job to spend the rest of your life pretending you were too drunk to remember anything from that night.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-31--7 Reminders When You’re Crushing On Someone Who Doesn’t Know You Exist

1 .
You have the potential to initiate the conversation yourself .
You don ’ t have to sit around waiting for them to notice you .
You can make the first move .
You can smile at them , walk up to them , strike up a conversation with them .
Or you can at least add them on social media .
Do something to get their attention .
If you let yourself continue to live in fear of getting rejected , then you ’ re never going to date this person .
You won ’ t even get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be brave , gather up your courage , and put yourself out there .
2 .
You ’ re a catch .
You might not be able to see the full extent of your worth , but that doesn ’ t mean other people are unable to see it .
You ’ re valuable .
You ’ re fun .
You ’ re intelligent .
You would make an amazing partner , so stop selling yourself short .
Stop assuming it ’ s impossible for you to find someone who wants you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human .
You might look at them like they ’ re perfect , like they have no flaws , like there ’ s no chance they would settle for someone like you .
But you have to take them down off of that pedestal .
It ’ s dangerous to think too highly of someone .
You need to understand that there ’ s not that big of a difference between your crush and yourself .
You ’ re both human .
You both have strengths and flaws and hopes and fears .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ think .
4 .
Your obvious feelings probably aren ’ t that obvious .
You might think your crush knows how you feel because you make prolonged eye contact with them and always comment on their selfies — but most people are oblivious .
Most people won ’ t realize you ’ re interested unless you ’ re upfront with them about it .
So don ’ t hesitate to tell them about your feelings .
It ’ s the only way you ’ ll know for sure whether they ’ re interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you flirt with them , the more you ’ ll learn .
If you flirt with them and figure out you ’ re compatible , that ’ s a great sign .
However , if your flirting feels like it isn ’ t getting you anywhere , then maybe you ’ re chasing after the wrong person .
Maybe you should search for someone who makes you feel more comfortable , who allows the banter to flow more naturally .
6 .
Your life won ’ t end if you get rejected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t feel the same way will hurt .
But at least you ’ ll be proud of yourself for trying .
After all , even if you don ’ t make a move , you could end up with your heart broken when they start dating someone else .
But if you put yourself out there , you won ’ t be left with any what ifs .
7 .
Even if this person doesn ’ t like you , they ’ re only one person .
If you put yourself out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken , you shouldn ’ t take it as a sign you ’ re unlovable .
This is only one person ’ s feelings .
There are a million other people out there who would be excited to get to know you .
Even if things don ’ t work out with this crush , it could work out beautifully with the next one .

1. You have the potential to initiate the conversation yourself. You don’t have to sit around waiting for them to notice you. You can make the first move. You can smile at them, walk up to them, strike up a conversation with them. Or you can at least add them on social media. Do something to get their attention. If you let yourself continue to live in fear of getting rejected, then you’re never going to date this person. You won’t even get to know this person. You need to be brave, gather up your courage, and put yourself out there.
2. You’re a catch. You might not be able to see the full extent of your worth, but that doesn’t mean other people are unable to see it. You’re valuable. You’re fun. You’re intelligent. You would make an amazing partner, so stop selling yourself short. Stop assuming it’s impossible for you to find someone who wants you.
3. Your crush is only human. You might look at them like they’re perfect, like they have no flaws, like there’s no chance they would settle for someone like you. But you have to take them down off of that pedestal. It’s dangerous to think too highly of someone. You need to understand that there’s not that big of a difference between your crush and yourself. You’re both human. You both have strengths and flaws and hopes and fears. You have more in common than you think.
4. Your obvious feelings probably aren’t that obvious. You might think your crush knows how you feel because you make prolonged eye contact with them and always comment on their selfies — but most people are oblivious. Most people won’t realize you’re interested unless you’re upfront with them about it. So don’t hesitate to tell them about your feelings. It’s the only way you’ll know for sure whether they’re interested, too.
5. The more you flirt with them, the more you’ll learn. If you flirt with them and figure out you’re compatible, that’s a great sign. However, if your flirting feels like it isn’t getting you anywhere, then maybe you’re chasing after the wrong person. Maybe you should search for someone who makes you feel more comfortable, who allows the banter to flow more naturally.
6. Your life won’t end if you get rejected. Yes, finding out your crush doesn’t feel the same way will hurt. But at least you’ll be proud of yourself for trying. After all, even if you don’t make a move, you could end up with your heart broken when they start dating someone else. But if you put yourself out there, you won’t be left with any what ifs.
7. Even if this person doesn’t like you, they’re only one person. If you put yourself out there and end up getting your heart broken, you shouldn’t take it as a sign you’re unlovable. This is only one person’s feelings. There are a million other people out there who would be excited to get to know you. Even if things don’t work out with this crush, it could work out beautifully with the next one.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-31--What Each Zodiac Needs To Leave Behind In 2020

You need to leave your guilt behind .
Stop feeling sorry about walking away from people who hurt you .
You need to leave failed friendships behind .
Stop including toxic people in your life .
You need to leave your failures behind .
Stop dwelling on the mistakes you made in the past and focus on what you can do better in the future .
You need to leave your fears behind .
Stop letting your doubts talk you out of following your gut .
You need to leave your exes behind .
Delete them from your contact list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave your bad habits behind .
2021 is a time for building newer , healthier traditions .
You need to leave your expectations behind .
You need to understand you can ’ t control everything .
You need to leave your jealousy behind .
Stop worrying about what others have and focus on how you can do better with your own life .
You need to leave your insecurities behind .
You need to learn to recognize your strengths .
You need to leave your pessimism behind .
You need to start telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You need to leave your worries behind .
You need to go with the flow more .
You need to leave your anger behind .
Accept what has happened and move forward with hope .

You need to leave your guilt behind. Stop feeling sorry about walking away from people who hurt you.
Taurus
You need to leave failed friendships behind. Stop including toxic people in your life.
Gemini
You need to leave your failures behind. Stop dwelling on the mistakes you made in the past and focus on what you can do better in the future.
Cancer
You need to leave your fears behind. Stop letting your doubts talk you out of following your gut.
For the person who is always googling astrological compatibility when they meet someone new. How You’ll Do Everything Based On Your Zodiac Sign includes an exhaustive analysis of each sign’s personality. You’ll learn which high school clique represents them (Pisces are the cool art kids), who would get eaten first in a scary movie (Gemini, obviously) to how each sign prefers to say ‘I love you’ (for Taurus, it’s with good food). Alternating between silly, sweet, and serious, this book is filled with deep dives into the mind of everyone whose birth chart you can get your hands on. Buy now
You need to leave your exes behind. Delete them from your contact list and move on.
Virgo
You need to leave your bad habits behind. 2021 is a time for building newer, healthier traditions.
Libra
You need to leave your expectations behind. You need to understand you can’t control everything.
Scorpio
You need to leave your jealousy behind. Stop worrying about what others have and focus on how you can do better with your own life.
Sagittarius
You need to leave your insecurities behind. You need to learn to recognize your strengths.
You need to leave your pessimism behind. You need to start telling yourself great things are in your future.
Aquarius
You need to leave your worries behind. You need to go with the flow more.
Pisces
You need to leave your anger behind. Accept what has happened and move forward with hope.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-30--Stop Waiting Around For Immature Hearts

Stop Waiting Around For Immature Hearts

You shouldn ’ t have to wait around for someone to start treating you with respect .
You shouldn ’ t stick around because tomorrow they might change , tomorrow they might realize how good they have it with you , tomorrow they might rise to your expectations , tomorrow they might finally start giving you as much as they ’ ve been getting from you .
Making excuses for your person can get you in trouble .
It can lead you into dangerous territory .
You can not excuse bad behavior by thinking about all of the ways your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to take a look at how they ’ ve been treating you today , how they ’ ve been making you feel today , whether they ’ ve been respecting you today , whether you ’ re okay with their behavior from today continuing until tomorrow and the next day and the day after that .
Sure , there is always a possibility your person could change if you stick around long enough and keep giving them more chances — but wouldn ’ t you rather be with someone who treats you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have to teach to be nice to you ?
Don ’ t you want someone who instinctively gives you respect , who would never dream of hurting you , who values your thoughts and opinions from day one ?
You should stop waiting for immature hearts to grow .
You should stop feeling like it ’ s your responsibility to convince someone to treat you well .
You shouldn ’ t have to convince them you have value .
You shouldn ’ t have to convince them you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should happen naturally .
You shouldn ’ t have to fight this hard for their affection .
If the person you want isn ’ t ready to date right now , you shouldn ’ t wait for them .
You shouldn ’ t assume that they are going to come to their senses soon and ask you to be their partner .
You shouldn ’ t continue pouring all of your effort into them in the hopes that they are going to wake up one day and realize they ’ re finally ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put a label on your relationship , to make up for lost time .
If they are telling you they aren ’ t ready to date right now , it ’ s tempting to sit around and wait until they are ready , but you should live your life instead .
Maybe your paths will meet again and you will end up a couple , but maybe they won ’ t cross .
Maybe you won ’ t end up together .
And maybe that is okay .
Even though you might believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you shouldn ’ t waste your life waiting around for them .
They shouldn ’ t get to determine your relationship timeline .
They shouldn ’ t get to leave you hanging while they run around having fun with other hearts .
You should stop settling for people who aren ’ t giving you the respect you deserve , simply because you see their potential , because you believe one day they ’ re going to do better .
Maybe their hearts will mature someday soon .
But maybe , right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make room for them .

You shouldn’t have to wait around for someone to start treating you with respect.
You shouldn’t stick around because tomorrow they might change, tomorrow they might realize how good they have it with you, tomorrow they might rise to your expectations, tomorrow they might finally start giving you as much as they’ve been getting from you.
Making excuses for your person can get you in trouble. It can lead you into dangerous territory. You cannot excuse bad behavior by thinking about all of the ways your person might do better tomorrow. You have to take a look at how they’ve been treating you today, how they’ve been making you feel today, whether they’ve been respecting you today, whether you’re okay with their behavior from today continuing until tomorrow and the next day and the day after that.
Sure, there is always a possibility your person could change if you stick around long enough and keep giving them more chances — but wouldn’t you rather be with someone who treats you well from the start? Someone you don’t have to teach to be nice to you? Don’t you want someone who instinctively gives you respect, who would never dream of hurting you, who values your thoughts and opinions from day one?
You should stop waiting for immature hearts to grow. You should stop feeling like it’s your responsibility to convince someone to treat you well. You shouldn’t have to convince them you have value. You shouldn’t have to convince them you’re worthy of being loved. These things should happen naturally. You shouldn’t have to fight this hard for their affection.
If the person you want isn’t ready to date right now, you shouldn’t wait for them. You shouldn’t assume that they are going to come to their senses soon and ask you to be their partner. You shouldn’t continue pouring all of your effort into them in the hopes that they are going to wake up one day and realize they’re finally ready to start treating you right, to put a label on your relationship, to make up for lost time.
If they are telling you they aren’t ready to date right now, it’s tempting to sit around and wait until they are ready, but you should live your life instead. Maybe your paths will meet again and you will end up a couple, but maybe they won’t cross. Maybe you won’t end up together. And maybe that is okay.
Even though you might believe this person is the one for you, you shouldn’t waste your life waiting around for them. They shouldn’t get to determine your relationship timeline. They shouldn’t get to leave you hanging while they run around having fun with other hearts.
You should stop settling for people who aren’t giving you the respect you deserve, simply because you see their potential, because you believe one day they’re going to do better. Maybe their hearts will mature someday soon. But maybe, right now, your heart is too mature to make room for them.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-30--Almost Relationships Suck Because You Never Know When To Call It Quits

Almost relationships suck because you ’ re in a constant state of being led on — but you don ’ t actually know whether or not you ’ re being led on at the time .
In the moment , it feels like the relationship could blossom into something more .
It feels like there ’ s a pretty good chance you could become official in a few more days or weeks or months as long as you hold on , as long as you continue to flirt , continue to text , continue to voice your attraction .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the effort you ’ ve been putting in is going to pay off , whether you ’ re going to end up with a happily ever after or another heartbreak .
Almost relationships are almost impossible to walk away from because you ’ re never sure when it ’ s the right moment to leave .
You tell yourself that this is the last straw all the time — when they ignore a text or cancel plans or post a picture with an ex .
But then they will text you something cute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them or post a gorgeous selfie and your hopes of moving on from them will disappear .
You could move on from them if you really tried , but the problem is , you never try for long enough .
You always end up wanting them again , because even though they might disappear for a while , there is never a real goodbye .
There is never an official ending to your story .
There is never any closure .
Almost relationships are tricky to navigate because you don ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when there ’ s a chance you could end up with this person you ’ ve been crushing on forever .
But you don ’ t want to overestimate where things might lead and end up getting your heart shattered when nothing comes of your relationship , either .
So you end up staying single .
You end up staying in the same exact place .
Almost relationships suck because you never know when to call it quits .
You never know whether you should walk away or give it a little more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right around the corner .
You never know whether you should continue chasing after them or whether you should start the process of moving on .
You have so much trouble guessing what the best move is because your almost confuses you with mixed signals and unspoken emotions .
They don ’ t let you know whether they are planning on settling down with you or whether they only want to have a little fun with you .
They don ’ t fill you in on how they ’ re feeling — or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then their words never end up matching their actions .
Almost relationships are tricky , because there ’ s always a chance you could end up giving up on someone right before you were meant to get together .
But there ’ s also a chance you ’ re going to hold onto this person for so long that the right person ends up passing you by .

Almost relationships suck because you’re in a constant state of being led on — but you don’t actually know whether or not you’re being led on at the time. In the moment, it feels like the relationship could blossom into something more. It feels like there’s a pretty good chance you could become official in a few more days or weeks or months as long as you hold on, as long as you continue to flirt, continue to text, continue to voice your attraction.
You have absolutely no idea whether all of the effort you’ve been putting in is going to pay off, whether you’re going to end up with a happily ever after or another heartbreak.
Almost relationships are almost impossible to walk away from because you’re never sure when it’s the right moment to leave. You tell yourself that this is the last straw all the time — when they ignore a text or cancel plans or post a picture with an ex. But then they will text you something cute or invite you to hang out with them or post a gorgeous selfie and your hopes of moving on from them will disappear.
You could move on from them if you really tried, but the problem is, you never try for long enough. You always end up wanting them again, because even though they might disappear for a while, there is never a real goodbye. There is never an official ending to your story. There is never any closure.
Almost relationships are tricky to navigate because you don’t want to look for someone new to date when there’s a chance you could end up with this person you’ve been crushing on forever. But you don’t want to overestimate where things might lead and end up getting your heart shattered when nothing comes of your relationship, either. So you end up staying single. You end up staying in the same exact place.
Almost relationships suck because you never know when to call it quits. You never know whether you should walk away or give it a little more time because a real relationship could be right around the corner. You never know whether you should continue chasing after them or whether you should start the process of moving on.
You have so much trouble guessing what the best move is because your almost confuses you with mixed signals and unspoken emotions. They don’t let you know whether they are planning on settling down with you or whether they only want to have a little fun with you. They don’t fill you in on how they’re feeling — or they claim to fill you in and then their words never end up matching their actions.
Almost relationships are tricky, because there’s always a chance you could end up giving up on someone right before you were meant to get together. But there’s also a chance you’re going to hold onto this person for so long that the right person ends up passing you by.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-30--When You Are Struggling, Remember You Made It This Far

You made it this far because you are strong .
You ’ ve been through hell and back .
You ’ ve dealt with toxic situations , toxic humans , toxic thoughts .
You ’ ve even warred with the demons deep within yourself .
You ’ ve faced so many challenges throughout your years , but you ’ re still standing .
You might not feel like the same innocent person you used to be in the beginning , but change is inevitable .
Change is what brought you here today .
You made it this far because you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off on a daily basis .
You put effort into each and every task you take on .
And you don ’ t always get credit for that .
Some people underestimate your hard work .
They don ’ t think you ’ re productive enough .
They don ’ t understand that sometimes , even the simplest activities can feel like a chore for you .
They have no idea how much energy every single day requires , how impressive it is that you ’ ve come this far and are ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it this far because you are independent .
You know how to take care of yourself .
You know how to survive .
You learned pretty early on that the one person you can always rely on is yourself .
You don ’ t expect anyone else to baby you .
You don ’ t need them to walk you through this world .
Of course , your family and friends are beyond important to you .
You can not imagine your world without them and you ’ ve been opening up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know that ’ s the healthiest thing to do — but at the same time , you ’ ve gotten through a lot of your worst moments on your own .
You are confident that , if required , you would be able to do that again .
You made it this far because you are adaptable .
As much as change bothers you , you ’ ve dealt with it plenty of times throughout your life .
You ’ ve gotten through heartbreaks , even when you thought the relationship would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from toxic people , even though you thought they would always be considered a friend .
You ’ ve changed homes , changed jobs , changed paths .
You ’ ve pivoted in order to create the best possible life for yourself .
It hasn ’ t always been easy , but you ’ ve said goodbye time and time again , and you survived .
You made it this far because you have a pure heart .
You want the best for your friends , your family , and yourself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have done you wrong .
You try your hardest to see the good in people .
More importantly , you try to be a good person .
You ’ re always striving to improve yourself .
You ’ re always putting effort into becoming the best possible version of yourself .
You made it this far because you are an optimist .
Even though there are times when you feel like everything is pointless , when you doubt yourself , when you wonder whether you ’ re ever going to get where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at heart .
Deep down , you believe things are going to improve .
You believe everything is going to be okay .
You believe you are going to make something of yourself .
You believe you matter .

You made it this far because you are strong. You’ve been through hell and back. You’ve dealt with toxic situations, toxic humans, toxic thoughts. You’ve even warred with the demons deep within yourself. You’ve faced so many challenges throughout your years, but you’re still standing. You might not feel like the same innocent person you used to be in the beginning, but change is inevitable. Change is what brought you here today.
You made it this far because you are diligent. You work your ass off on a daily basis. You put effort into each and every task you take on. And you don’t always get credit for that. Some people underestimate your hard work. They don’t think you’re productive enough. They don’t understand that sometimes, even the simplest activities can feel like a chore for you. They have no idea how much energy every single day requires, how impressive it is that you’ve come this far and are ready to go even further.
You made it this far because you are independent. You know how to take care of yourself. You know how to survive. You learned pretty early on that the one person you can always rely on is yourself. You don’t expect anyone else to baby you. You don’t need them to walk you through this world. Of course, your family and friends are beyond important to you. You cannot imagine your world without them and you’ve been opening up to them as much as possible lately because you know that’s the healthiest thing to do — but at the same time, you’ve gotten through a lot of your worst moments on your own. You are confident that, if required, you would be able to do that again.
You made it this far because you are adaptable. As much as change bothers you, you’ve dealt with it plenty of times throughout your life. You’ve gotten through heartbreaks, even when you thought the relationship would last forever. You’ve walked away from toxic people, even though you thought they would always be considered a friend. You’ve changed homes, changed jobs, changed paths. You’ve pivoted in order to create the best possible life for yourself. It hasn’t always been easy, but you’ve said goodbye time and time again, and you survived.
You made it this far because you have a pure heart. You want the best for your friends, your family, and yourself. You even want the best for people who have done you wrong. You try your hardest to see the good in people. More importantly, you try to be a good person. You’re always striving to improve yourself. You’re always putting effort into becoming the best possible version of yourself.
You made it this far because you are an optimist. Even though there are times when you feel like everything is pointless, when you doubt yourself, when you wonder whether you’re ever going to get where you are headed, you are hopeful at heart. Deep down, you believe things are going to improve. You believe everything is going to be okay. You believe you are going to make something of yourself. You believe you matter.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-30--Don’t Worry, Aries, Our Birthdays Aren’t Ruined

I know you were excited for your birthday .
I know whatever you had planned probably isn ’ t going to work out .
And I know that , even though there are much bigger things to worry about in the world right now , this can still feel disappointing .
But you shouldn ’ t be miserable on your birthday , so here are a few fun ways to celebrate ( without leaving the house ) : 1 .
Take shots with your friends .
Set up a Zoom call with your friends and take shots together .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or you could simply spend some time catching up with each other .
It ’ s pretty much the same thing you would be doing if you saw each other in person , except you ’ re in your own homes instead of a restaurant .
2 .
Play board games together .
There are plenty of board games you can play online , like Cards Against Humanity , or you could break out a physical game like Taboo or Head ’ s Up or Charades .
You can hold the cards to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along , even though you ’ re not in the same room .
Just don ’ t peek !
3 .
Have a virtual party .
If you and your friends are fans of Animal Crossing , let them travel to your island for a virtual party .
Even if your friends IRL aren ’ t able to make it , then you ’ re going to have plenty of friends in the game who are going to make your birthday special .
4 .
Bake yourself a cake .
Instead of buying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slice from a restaurant as they sing to you , you can make your own cake with whoever lives in your house with you — your boyfriend , your parents , your roommates .
You could even try your hand at making an ice cream cake .
Use whatever ingredients you have in the house and see what you can come up with together .
And don ’ t forget to decorate with icing , sprinkles , strawberries , or whatever else you find around !
5 .
Order food from your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t sit down at your favorite bar or restaurant doesn ’ t mean it ’ s closed .
You can still support local businesses ( and treat yourself ) by ordering food and having it delivered .
That way , you won ’ t have to cook on your own birthday .
6 .
Get dressed up like you would on any other birthday .
It doesn ’ t matter that you ’ re staying inside the house .
Do your hair .
Do your makeup .
Put on an outfit that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t be a waste because you can still post pictures for social media .
Plus , if you ’ ve gotten used to wearing pajamas lately , it ’ ll make the day feel special .
It ’ ll set it apart from the rest of the week .
7 .
Do a pub crawl in your own home .
Set up different drinks in different areas of your home .
Have some wine and cheese in the living room .
Have some champagne and chocolate in the bedroom .
Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Write out a list of things you want to accomplish at this age .
You might not be able to leave the house right now , but you will eventually .
When that time comes , it ’ ll be nice to have a long list of things you want to see and places you want to visit .
That way , when you can hang out with your friends again , you won ’ t end up going to the same bar you ’ ve been visiting for the past few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas about what to do .
You can try plenty of new things later in the year if you start your research now .

I know you were excited for your birthday. I know whatever you had planned probably isn’t going to work out. And I know that, even though there are much bigger things to worry about in the world right now, this can still feel disappointing. But you shouldn’t be miserable on your birthday, so here are a few fun ways to celebrate (without leaving the house):
1. Take shots with your friends. Set up a Zoom call with your friends and take shots together. You can even play a drinking game. Or you could simply spend some time catching up with each other. It’s pretty much the same thing you would be doing if you saw each other in person, except you’re in your own homes instead of a restaurant.
2. Play board games together. There are plenty of board games you can play online, like Cards Against Humanity, or you could break out a physical game like Taboo or Head’s Up or Charades. You can hold the cards to the camera so your friends can play along, even though you’re not in the same room. Just don’t peek!
3. Have a virtual party. If you and your friends are fans of Animal Crossing, let them travel to your island for a virtual party. Even if your friends IRL aren’t able to make it, then you’re going to have plenty of friends in the game who are going to make your birthday special.
For the person who is always googling astrological compatibility when they meet someone new. How You’ll Do Everything Based On Your Zodiac Sign includes an exhaustive analysis of each sign’s personality. You’ll learn which high school clique represents them (Pisces are the cool art kids), who would get eaten first in a scary movie (Gemini, obviously) to how each sign prefers to say ‘I love you’ (for Taurus, it’s with good food). Alternating between silly, sweet, and serious, this book is filled with deep dives into the mind of everyone whose birth chart you can get your hands on. Buy now
4. Bake yourself a cake. Instead of buying a cake from a bakery or getting a slice from a restaurant as they sing to you, you can make your own cake with whoever lives in your house with you — your boyfriend, your parents, your roommates. You could even try your hand at making an ice cream cake. Use whatever ingredients you have in the house and see what you can come up with together. And don’t forget to decorate with icing, sprinkles, strawberries, or whatever else you find around!
5. Order food from your favorite restaurant. Even though you can’t sit down at your favorite bar or restaurant doesn’t mean it’s closed. You can still support local businesses (and treat yourself) by ordering food and having it delivered. That way, you won’t have to cook on your own birthday.
6. Get dressed up like you would on any other birthday. It doesn’t matter that you’re staying inside the house. Do your hair. Do your makeup. Put on an outfit that makes you feel cute. Your effort won’t be a waste because you can still post pictures for social media. Plus, if you’ve gotten used to wearing pajamas lately, it’ll make the day feel special. It’ll set it apart from the rest of the week.
7. Do a pub crawl in your own home. Set up different drinks in different areas of your home. Have some wine and cheese in the living room. Have some champagne and chocolate in the bedroom. Get creative with your night inside!
8. Write out a list of things you want to accomplish at this age. You might not be able to leave the house right now, but you will eventually. When that time comes, it’ll be nice to have a long list of things you want to see and places you want to visit. That way, when you can hang out with your friends again, you won’t end up going to the same bar you’ve been visiting for the past few years because no one has any new ideas about what to do. You can try plenty of new things later in the year if you start your research now.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-30--There’s Nothing Stopping Him From Texting You

You shouldn ’ t have to beg for him to text you back .
You shouldn ’ t have to send three texts in a row before he decides to give you an answer .
You shouldn ’ t have to spend hours coming up with an interesting conversation topic because if he gets the slightest bit bored while talking to you , he ’ s going to stop messaging you back .
You shouldn ’ t have to try so hard to get him to pay attention to you .
There ’ s nothing stopping him from texting you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ ll find the time to talk to you even if he ’ s busy .
Even if the conversation only lasts a few minutes before he has to get back to work again .
The right person is not going to ignore you .
They are not going to go MIA for days , weeks , months before popping back up in your world again .
They are not going to leave you wondering whether you said something wrong , whether you accidentally pissed them off , whether there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting back to you .
You need to stop making excuses for people who aren ’ t rising to your expectations .
You need to stop pretending that you don ’ t care whether or not they answer you , when secretly , it ’ s all you ’ ve been able to think about lately .
You ’ re not greedy or clingy or attention seeking for expecting someone you care about to actually respond to your texts .
In fact , responding to your texts is one of the simplest things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t asking for a lot .
You ’ re only asking to be heard , asking to be seen .
If someone can not put aside a few minutes here and there to text you , then how are they going to make the time to date you ?
How are they going to meet your more complicated expectations when they ’ re unable to meet the most basic one ?
Sure , some people are bad at texting .
Sure , some people will show their affection in other ways .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of the time , the person who isn ’ t texting you back isn ’ t treating you well in other ways , too .
And in that case , it ’ s best to leave them behind .
Their texting itself might not be a problem , but it might be indicative of a bigger problem .
That they aren ’ t as interested as you are .
That they don ’ t treat you as well as you treat them .
That the relationship is unbalanced .
That you aren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , even though you ’ ve been giving them everything you possibly can .
Even though you really like this person , even though you want to make excuses for them so you can continue to keep them in your world , you have to be honest with yourself .
You have to admit that , if they aren ’ t bothering to text you back for long periods of time , maybe they aren ’ t the right one for you .
Maybe you value your conversations more than they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you as much as you deserve .
Maybe you should move on .

You shouldn’t have to beg for him to text you back. You shouldn’t have to send three texts in a row before he decides to give you an answer. You shouldn’t have to spend hours coming up with an interesting conversation topic because if he gets the slightest bit bored while talking to you, he’s going to stop messaging you back. You shouldn’t have to try so hard to get him to pay attention to you.
There’s nothing stopping him from texting you back. If he likes you, he’ll find the time to talk to you even if he’s busy. Even if the conversation only lasts a few minutes before he has to get back to work again.
The right person is not going to ignore you. They are not going to go MIA for days, weeks, months before popping back up in your world again. They are not going to leave you wondering whether you said something wrong, whether you accidentally pissed them off, whether there’s a reason they haven’t been getting back to you.
You need to stop making excuses for people who aren’t rising to your expectations. You need to stop pretending that you don’t care whether or not they answer you, when secretly, it’s all you’ve been able to think about lately.
You’re not greedy or clingy or attention seeking for expecting someone you care about to actually respond to your texts. In fact, responding to your texts is one of the simplest things they can do. You really aren’t asking for a lot. You’re only asking to be heard, asking to be seen.
If someone cannot put aside a few minutes here and there to text you, then how are they going to make the time to date you? How are they going to meet your more complicated expectations when they’re unable to meet the most basic one?
Sure, some people are bad at texting. Sure, some people will show their affection in other ways. There are always exceptions. But a lot of the time, the person who isn’t texting you back isn’t treating you well in other ways, too. And in that case, it’s best to leave them behind.
Their texting itself might not be a problem, but it might be indicative of a bigger problem. That they aren’t as interested as you are. That they don’t treat you as well as you treat them. That the relationship is unbalanced. That you aren’t getting everything you need from them, even though you’ve been giving them everything you possibly can.
Even though you really like this person, even though you want to make excuses for them so you can continue to keep them in your world, you have to be honest with yourself. You have to admit that, if they aren’t bothering to text you back for long periods of time, maybe they aren’t the right one for you. Maybe you value your conversations more than they do. Maybe they aren’t giving you as much as you deserve. Maybe you should move on.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-30--The Problem Each Zodiac Sign Is Going To Face In April 2020

“ It feels like there are unlimited things to read for every situation and emotion , right there all in @ @ @ @ @ “ Enjoying the new app a lot .
I can store my favorites now , @ @ @ @ @ back to and read again and again.
” ~ RescueKJ “ I was lost in @ @ @ @ @ , etc .
until I found this app .
My life never felt good enough @ @ @ @ @ to turn to in my everyday rollercoaster of life.
” ~ MrsPerry143

How You’ll Do Everything Based On Your Zodiac Sign includes an exhaustive analysis of each sign’s personality. You’ll learn which high school clique represents them (Pisces are the cool art kids), who would get eaten first in a scary movie (Gemini, obviously) to how each sign prefers to say ‘I love you’ (for Taurus, it’s with good food). Alternating between silly, sweet, and serious, this book is filled with deep dives into the mind of everyone whose birth chart you can get your hands on.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-29--Tarot for Coronavirus: Introducing Weekly Collective Energy Readings To Guide You Through the Covid-

Tarot for Coronavirus: Introducing Weekly Collective Energy Readings To Guide You Through the Covid-19 Pandemic

King Of Wands—You are your own leader .
Regardless of political affiliations and whether or not your local government is enforcing strict policies in an attempt to flatten the curve of Covid-19 , you are your own leader now .
If you live somewhere where local officials are not taking this seriously , the advice is to assume the leadership you want or need internally .
Conversely , if you live in a city or state where leadership is proving effective in stemming the spread of the virus , don ’ t ease up in terms of vigilance .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or someone you love , are sickened , you must find it within yourself not to fall apart .
We must accept that we can ’ t control external circumstances during this pandemic .
But with a steady hand on your own wheel , YOU can dictate how you respond to this crisis internally .
And this will affect outcomes for you and perhaps the world on a collective level .
Be intentional about how you spend your time .
Should you obsessively read the news and feel drained or powerless , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in extraordinary times and be selective about how much you take in and what you focus on ?
Be intentional about who you spend time with , too ( as much as this is possible , given the circumstances ) .
Transmute fear or panic into something that will enable growth instead .
After all , great works of art have been made , and previously unthinkable innovations unearthed , during times of duress in the past .
Collectively , there is a strong energy signal available to us related to the creative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , should we choose to tune into it right now .
I personally feel everyone has the ability to tap into this energy signature , even if you don ’ t consider yourself particularly creative .
As Covid-19 drastically changes how we spend our time and money , you may find that without all that FOMO interrupting your inner guidance , you might actually receive and act on the inspiration that comes to you .
Whether that ’ s finishing a book you ’ ve been meaning to write for forever , learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handwritten love letters for the first time , suddenly , there is the space to do so .
This may not be true for everyone in the collective , but even those on the front lines of the pandemic may find unexpected bursts of inspiration in treating patients or ways to bring love and light into the darkest places .
For those of us stuck at home , tapping into this creative energy does help bring healing to others on a collective level .
So , turn off the news and get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discontent , or withdrawn , you are ( obviously ) not alone .
This is the first time in my lifetime that I have experienced the Four Of Cups ’ energy on a collective level .
These are , indeed , trying times for all of us .
The advice is to simply accept these feelings , whatever they encompass .
You may be missing friends or family , or feeling grief over losing a loved one , friend , job , or a routine you relied on .
You may feel depressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is all completely expected and normal .
You don ’ t need to cover up your feelings or invent some alternative reality for yourself on Instagram .
If things suck right now , allow yourself time to process and accept it without beating yourself up .
Though the collective energy is there for you to tap into something healthy and creative when you ’ re ready , we may not all be ready for it at the same time .
If this week is more about coming to terms with what is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journal out every morning and write your observations , concerns , thoughts , and feelings .
Get it all out , as if ridding yourself of toxins before starting your day .
Then , with that out of the way , be as mindful as possible throughout the rest of your day .
You must be open in order to let the light back in .
No joke !
On the global , external level , we are living through unthinkable times , and sometimes it feels surreal , like a bad dream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this card ’ s summary brief because it merely confirms what we all know .
Many are worried , afraid , distraught , or downright panicking , and we can easily confirm this by watching the news or scrolling through Twitter .
Contrasting the Nine of Swords , we have some good news on the collective level .
You may discover that you , or those around you , are discovering what truly brings them joy and savoring time well spent with “ family ” .
Many within the collective are finding ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managing to find peace during this period of forced isolation , by spending uninterrupted , meaningful time with their loved ones .
It may not be accurate for everyone , of course , but the Ten of Cups suggests many are experiencing a deepening of their familial ( or extended family ) core right now .
When this pandemic is over , there will be tighter bonds and a new respect for a simpler kind of living that prioritizes deep human connection over fleeing , surface-level distractions .
This week , look to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even during difficult times , and see if you can do the same by focusing on joy in your own home .
Two Of Swords—Hold Your Breath We are at an impasse , and there isn ’ t a clear path forward , based on what ’ s happening externally this week .
At the very least , we may see efforts in one area to stem the spread of Coronavirus mitigated by the lack of efforts in another .
This could be a peek into the collective on an administrative level—we may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it ’ s too late to make a difference this week , or leadership is poor .
This could be due to a lack of data , supplies , or action—hard to say .
It could be related to all sorts of things , but my sense is this will be a week where we see a lot of collective breath-holding to see how the curve forms , given the individual circumstances in each municipality , city , state , or country .
The picture that comes to mind is of standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive wave heading your way .
You can ’ t avoid it , you can ’ t overcome it .
If you dig into the sand and tense your body too much , you ’ ll only get slammed harder when it comes .
So , you hold your breath , relax your body as much as you can , and let it hit you .
What more can you do in that moment ?
That ’ s the energy , so don ’ t expect bold new moves this week .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we don ’ t have any of this under control .
In conclusion , I suggest you re-read the collective internal energy suggestions above when you start to feel overwhelmed this week .
Turn off the news if you become exceedingly angry or deflated that not enough is being done .
You ’ ll be right to feel this way , but it won ’ t stop “ the wave ” from coming .
If you spend the week ruminating on everything that should be different than it is right now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only hurting your immune system .
We need you healthy .
Hang in there .
Collective hug to you , my friend .
In honor of our friend , The Curve , which we are all trying to flatten , I am including a “ curve ” card every week .
Consider this to be meditation inspiration or advice to help you flatten your own curve ( i.e.
, internal obstacle ) this week .
I hope this speaks to you , or at least gives you something to think about when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s okay to stop , it ’ s okay to rest .
You must recharge your yourself .
This is a time of retreat .
This is what you need right now , despite the disruption being unexpected .
Are you resisting this time of forced pause ?
If you feel deep friction during this period of solitude , it may be time to unearth why you felt the need to be so busy in the first place .
I strongly suggest the following book to work through internal motivations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if you are loving this downtime , good for you—keep it up this week .
Don ’ t feel bad if you ’ re not “ productive enough.
” The universe thanks you for not freaking out this week , and those books weren ’ t going to read themselves , were they ?
KJ Parish has been reading tarot cards for strangers for 15 years .
While she believes we each play a vital role in shaping our lives , Tarot is exceptionally good as a reflective tool to provide guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a series of Tarot created specifically for coping during the global Covid-19 pandemic .
May these readings bring you awareness and peace .

We are living through extraordinary times. You may be feeling like you could use some advice right now, beyond how to properly sanitize your doorknobs and surfaces. For this, we turn to the good ‘ol universe in the form of Tarot. Below, you’ll find collective internal and external readings to get you through the week. I created a select format for these weekly readings in the form of a three-card-spread for internal and external forces, plus one meditation card I have named “The Curve.” It is my hope that these readings will help inform, inspire, and (most importantly) help you feel calmer during the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting shelter-in-place orders. We are all in this together, after all.
This Week’s Collective Internal Energy:
King Of Wands—You are your own leader.
Regardless of political affiliations and whether or not your local government is enforcing strict policies in an attempt to flatten the curve of Covid-19, you are your own leader now. If you live somewhere where local officials are not taking this seriously, the advice is to assume the leadership you want or need internally. Conversely, if you live in a city or state where leadership is proving effective in stemming the spread of the virus, don’t ease up in terms of vigilance. You own your response. If you, or someone you love, are sickened, you must find it within yourself not to fall apart. We must accept that we can’t control external circumstances during this pandemic. But with a steady hand on your own wheel, YOU can dictate how you respond to this crisis internally. And this will affect outcomes for you and perhaps the world on a collective level. Be intentional about how you spend your time. Should you obsessively read the news and feel drained or powerless, or can you accept that you are living in extraordinary times and be selective about how much you take in and what you focus on? Be intentional about who you spend time with, too (as much as this is possible, given the circumstances). Transmute fear or panic into something that will enable growth instead. After all, great works of art have been made, and previously unthinkable innovations unearthed, during times of duress in the past.
Knight Of Cups—Love & Art
Collectively, there is a strong energy signal available to us related to the creative arts and building deeper connections with others, should we choose to tune into it right now. I personally feel everyone has the ability to tap into this energy signature, even if you don’t consider yourself particularly creative. As Covid-19 drastically changes how we spend our time and money, you may find that without all that FOMO interrupting your inner guidance, you might actually receive and act on the inspiration that comes to you. Whether that’s finishing a book you’ve been meaning to write for forever, learning some new skills, or even drafting handwritten love letters for the first time, suddenly, there is the space to do so. This may not be true for everyone in the collective, but even those on the front lines of the pandemic may find unexpected bursts of inspiration in treating patients or ways to bring love and light into the darkest places. For those of us stuck at home, tapping into this creative energy does help bring healing to others on a collective level. So, turn off the news and get to it.
Four Of Cups—Discontent / Withdrawal
If you feel alone, discontent, or withdrawn, you are (obviously) not alone. This is the first time in my lifetime that I have experienced the Four Of Cups’ energy on a collective level. These are, indeed, trying times for all of us. The advice is to simply accept these feelings, whatever they encompass. You may be missing friends or family, or feeling grief over losing a loved one, friend, job, or a routine you relied on. You may feel depressed for all sorts of reasons. This is all completely expected and normal. You don’t need to cover up your feelings or invent some alternative reality for yourself on Instagram. If things suck right now, allow yourself time to process and accept it without beating yourself up. Though the collective energy is there for you to tap into something healthy and creative when you’re ready, we may not all be ready for it at the same time. If this week is more about coming to terms with what is, that’s okay. Get a journal out every morning and write your observations, concerns, thoughts, and feelings. Get it all out, as if ridding yourself of toxins before starting your day. Then, with that out of the way, be as mindful as possible throughout the rest of your day. You must be open in order to let the light back in.
This Week’s Collective Energy: External
Nine Of Swords—The Nightmare
No joke! On the global, external level, we are living through unthinkable times, and sometimes it feels surreal, like a bad dream or apocalyptic movie. I will make this card’s summary brief because it merely confirms what we all know. Many are worried, afraid, distraught, or downright panicking, and we can easily confirm this by watching the news or scrolling through Twitter.
Ten of Cups—Joy & Family
Contrasting the Nine of Swords, we have some good news on the collective level. You may discover that you, or those around you, are discovering what truly brings them joy and savoring time well spent with “family”. Many within the collective are finding ways to deepen their connection, and even managing to find peace during this period of forced isolation, by spending uninterrupted, meaningful time with their loved ones. It may not be accurate for everyone, of course, but the Ten of Cups suggests many are experiencing a deepening of their familial (or extended family) core right now. When this pandemic is over, there will be tighter bonds and a new respect for a simpler kind of living that prioritizes deep human connection over fleeing, surface-level distractions. This week, look to families making the most of it, even during difficult times, and see if you can do the same by focusing on joy in your own home.
Two Of Swords—Hold Your Breath
We are at an impasse, and there isn’t a clear path forward, based on what’s happening externally this week. At the very least, we may see efforts in one area to stem the spread of Coronavirus mitigated by the lack of efforts in another. This could be a peek into the collective on an administrative level—we may see less movement in terms of policy because it’s too late to make a difference this week, or leadership is poor. This could be due to a lack of data, supplies, or action—hard to say. It could be related to all sorts of things, but my sense is this will be a week where we see a lot of collective breath-holding to see how the curve forms, given the individual circumstances in each municipality, city, state, or country. The picture that comes to mind is of standing in the ocean when you see a massive wave heading your way. You can’t avoid it, you can’t overcome it. If you dig into the sand and tense your body too much, you’ll only get slammed harder when it comes. So, you hold your breath, relax your body as much as you can, and let it hit you. What more can you do in that moment? That’s the energy, so don’t expect bold new moves this week. There will continue to be an overall feeling that we don’t have any of this under control.
In conclusion, I suggest you re-read the collective internal energy suggestions above when you start to feel overwhelmed this week. Turn off the news if you become exceedingly angry or deflated that not enough is being done. You’ll be right to feel this way, but it won’t stop “the wave” from coming. If you spend the week ruminating on everything that should be different than it is right now, you’ll be feeling drained and only hurting your immune system. We need you healthy. Hang in there. Collective hug to you, my friend.
The Curve:
In honor of our friend, The Curve, which we are all trying to flatten, I am including a “curve” card every week. Consider this to be meditation inspiration or advice to help you flatten your own curve (i.e., internal obstacle) this week. I hope this speaks to you, or at least gives you something to think about when you’re sitting on your stoop journaling.
Five of Swords—Rest
It’s okay to stop, it’s okay to rest. You must recharge your yourself. This is a time of retreat. This is what you need right now, despite the disruption being unexpected. Are you resisting this time of forced pause? If you feel deep friction during this period of solitude, it may be time to unearth why you felt the need to be so busy in the first place. I strongly suggest the following book to work through internal motivations while you have the time.
Conversely, if you are loving this downtime, good for you—keep it up this week. Don’t feel bad if you’re not “productive enough.” The universe thanks you for not freaking out this week, and those books weren’t going to read themselves, were they?
KJ Parish has been reading tarot cards for strangers for 15 years. While she believes we each play a vital role in shaping our lives, Tarot is exceptionally good as a reflective tool to provide guidance, insight, and different perspectives. This is a series of Tarot created specifically for coping during the global Covid-19 pandemic. May these readings bring you awareness and peace.