thoughtcatalog--2020-12-17--9 Beautiful Life Lessons From ‘The Good Place’

1 .
“ You fail and then you try something else .
And you fail again and again , and you fail a thousand times , and you keep trying because maybe the 1,001st idea might work.
” – Michael Remember , nobody is successful on their first attempt .
You shouldn ’ t give up hope , simply because you suffered from rejection or some sort of setback .
You need to keep going .
You need to believe you ’ ll get there eventually .
The worst thing you can do is give up on yourself .
2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if people are good or bad .
What matters is , if they ’ re trying to be better today than they were yesterday.
” – Michael You ’ re not perfect .
You ’ re never going to be perfect .
However , you can actively try to better yourself .
You can put effort into becoming the strongest version of yourself .
You can admit that you have flaws and do your best to change them bit by bit , every single day .
Relationships aren ’ t easy .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfectly , problems will still pop up from time to time .
You both have to be willing to fight for the relationship .
You both need to put in effort every single day .
You need to make a conscious choice to be there for each other .
4 .
“ Time .
That ’ s what the Good Place really is .
It ’ s not even a place , really .
It ’ s just having enough time with the people you love.
” – Chidi Take advantage of every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved ones .
Appreciate them while they ’ re still around because nothing lasts forever .
However , while it does last , it ’ s forking beautiful .
5 .
“ Sometimes , when you ’ re feeling helpless , the secret is to help someone else .
Get out of your own head .
Trust me .
The next time someone asks for help , say yes.
” – Michael Being a good person is selfish in a way , because it helps you , too .
You should never hesitate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lend them a hand .
Do them a favor .
Give them a shoulder to lean on .
You should be the person you wish you had when you were suffering .
6 .
“ Here ’ s an idea .
What if we don ’ t worry about whatever comes next ?
” – Chidi You can ’ t plan out every single second of your existence — and why would you want to ?
Sometimes , you need to go with the flow .
You need to act spontaneous , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best moments in life you ’ ll never see coming .
7 .
‘ You know , sometimes a flaw can make something even more beautiful.
” — Tahani You ’ re imperfect and that ’ s not a bad thing .
That ’ s not an insult .
That ’ s what makes you unique .
That ’ s what makes you so undeniably you .
Instead of covering up your insecurities , try to embrace them .
Learn to love your authentic self .
8 .
“ Where I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually .
So I learned that when something dope comes along , you got ta lock it down !
If you ’ re always frozen in fear and taking too long to figure out what to do , you ’ ll miss your opportunity , and maybe get sucked into the propeller of a swamp boat.
” – Jason You don ’ t want to wait forever for the timing to be right .
You don ’ t want to hold yourself back out of fear .
If you want something badly enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Take action .
Take a leap .
Don ’ t let the opportunity pass you by .
9 .
“ I assume he ’ s doing the same as every human .
Some good days .
Some bad days .
He ’ s got a few friends , a few people he can ’ t stand .
He ’ s learning some things , all by himself , and hopefully learning to ask for help when he needs it .
He ’ s messing up , and trying again , and messing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong , and then trying to make them right .
That ’ s what everyone does.
” – Eleanor So many people out there love you .
So many people see your worth .
No matter how alone you feel right now , no matter how much you ’ ve been doubting yourself , remember that a million other people are experiencing the exact same emotions right now .
We ’ re in this together , even when it feels like we ’ re on an island alone .

1. “You fail and then you try something else. And you fail again and again, and you fail a thousand times, and you keep trying because maybe the 1,001st idea might work.” – Michael
Remember, nobody is successful on their first attempt. You shouldn’t give up hope, simply because you suffered from rejection or some sort of setback. You need to keep going. You need to believe you’ll get there eventually. The worst thing you can do is give up on yourself.
2. “What matters isn’t if people are good or bad. What matters is, if they’re trying to be better today than they were yesterday.” – Michael
You’re not perfect. You’re never going to be perfect. However, you can actively try to better yourself. You can put effort into becoming the strongest version of yourself. You can admit that you have flaws and do your best to change them bit by bit, every single day.
3. “If soulmates do exist, they’re not found. They’re made.” – Michael
Relationships aren’t easy. Even once you find someone who fits you perfectly, problems will still pop up from time to time. You both have to be willing to fight for the relationship. You both need to put in effort every single day. You need to make a conscious choice to be there for each other.
4. “Time. That’s what the Good Place really is. It’s not even a place, really. It’s just having enough time with the people you love.” – Chidi
Take advantage of every moment you get to spend with your loved ones. Appreciate them while they’re still around because nothing lasts forever. However, while it does last, it’s forking beautiful.
5. “Sometimes, when you’re feeling helpless, the secret is to help someone else. Get out of your own head. Trust me. The next time someone asks for help, say yes.” – Michael
Being a good person is selfish in a way, because it helps you, too. You should never hesitate to reach out to someone in need. Lend them a hand. Do them a favor. Give them a shoulder to lean on. You should be the person you wish you had when you were suffering.
6. “Here’s an idea. What if we don’t worry about whatever comes next?” – Chidi
You can’t plan out every single second of your existence — and why would you want to? Sometimes, you need to go with the flow. You need to act spontaneous, adventurous, and free-spirited. Some of the best moments in life you’ll never see coming.
7. ‘You know, sometimes a flaw can make something even more beautiful.” — Tahani
You’re imperfect and that’s not a bad thing. That’s not an insult. That’s what makes you unique. That’s what makes you so undeniably you. Instead of covering up your insecurities, try to embrace them. Learn to love your authentic self.
8. “Where I’m from, most things blow up eventually. So I learned that when something dope comes along, you gotta lock it down! If you’re always frozen in fear and taking too long to figure out what to do, you’ll miss your opportunity, and maybe get sucked into the propeller of a swamp boat.” – Jason
You don’t want to wait forever for the timing to be right. You don’t want to hold yourself back out of fear. If you want something badly enough, then you should chase after it. Take action. Take a leap. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.
9. “I assume he’s doing the same as every human. Some good days. Some bad days. He’s got a few friends, a few people he can’t stand. He’s learning some things, all by himself, and hopefully learning to ask for help when he needs it. He’s messing up, and trying again, and messing up again, and then getting things wrong, and then trying to make them right. That’s what everyone does.” – Eleanor
So many people out there love you. So many people see your worth. No matter how alone you feel right now, no matter how much you’ve been doubting yourself, remember that a million other people are experiencing the exact same emotions right now. We’re in this together, even when it feels like we’re on an island alone.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-17--7 Reasons You Miss Them That Really Have Nothing To Do With Them

1 .
You miss having someone around all the time .
You might be feeling lonely .
You might miss having someone to snuggle at night .
You might miss having someone to text about your day .
You might miss having someone to tell you everything is going to be okay in the end .
You might not miss them specifically .
You might wish someone , anyone , was around to keep you company .
2 .
You miss feeling attractive .
If you ’ re struggling to love yourself , then you probably get most of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It probably helps when you ’ re complimented or when you ’ re seeing how much you turn someone on .
Without a partner , you might feel like you aren ’ t attractive anymore , but you have to remember that isn ’ t the case .
You ’ re still beautiful , even when there ’ s no one around to drool over you .
3 .
You miss feeling like you were on the right track .
Unfortunately , there ’ s so much pressure to settle down , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward marriage and children and a traditional life .
When you ’ re single , you might feel like others are judging you .
You might feel like you ’ re falling behind .
You might miss how proud other people seemed of your relationship .
You might miss knowing others were jealous of your love .
But you have to remember , it ’ s better to be happy than to look happy .
4 .
You miss having a partner to help you through life .
It ’ s hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s hard to get every single chore done on your own .
It ’ s hard to take care of all your responsibilities on your own .
You might miss having someone around to carry some of the weight .
You might miss having a teammate to help you out when you ’ re overwhelmed and don ’ t have enough hours in the day to get shit done .
5 .
You miss having someone around who knows everything about you .
It ’ s hard to enter new relationships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This other person doesn ’ t know your history .
They don ’ t know the names of your family members or the struggles you ’ ve been through in the past .
You might miss a certain someone because they already know you better than anyone .
You can be yourself around them .
You don ’ t have to hide .
You might miss the freedom of being yourself .
6 .
You miss the sex .
You might miss this person in a physical sense more than an emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they made your body feel .
You might miss the connection you shared beneath the sheets more than anything else .
7 .
You miss being in a relationship .
You might not miss them .
You might miss the idea of them .
You might miss what it means to be in a relationship .
You have to remind yourself that running back to them isn ’ t going to magically solve your problems .
You don ’ t belong together .
You don ’ t even miss them as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miss having a partner , so you might as well search for a good one .

1. You miss having someone around all the time. You might be feeling lonely. You might miss having someone to snuggle at night. You might miss having someone to text about your day. You might miss having someone to tell you everything is going to be okay in the end. You might not miss them specifically. You might wish someone, anyone, was around to keep you company.
2. You miss feeling attractive. If you’re struggling to love yourself, then you probably get most of your confidence from the people around you. It probably helps when you’re complimented or when you’re seeing how much you turn someone on. Without a partner, you might feel like you aren’t attractive anymore, but you have to remember that isn’t the case. You’re still beautiful, even when there’s no one around to drool over you.
3. You miss feeling like you were on the right track. Unfortunately, there’s so much pressure to settle down, to be in a relationship, to work toward marriage and children and a traditional life. When you’re single, you might feel like others are judging you. You might feel like you’re falling behind. You might miss how proud other people seemed of your relationship. You might miss knowing others were jealous of your love. But you have to remember, it’s better to be happy than to look happy.
4. You miss having a partner to help you through life. It’s hard to pay the rent on your own. It’s hard to get every single chore done on your own. It’s hard to take care of all your responsibilities on your own. You might miss having someone around to carry some of the weight. You might miss having a teammate to help you out when you’re overwhelmed and don’t have enough hours in the day to get shit done.
5. You miss having someone around who knows everything about you. It’s hard to enter new relationships because you’re starting from scratch. This other person doesn’t know your history. They don’t know the names of your family members or the struggles you’ve been through in the past. You might miss a certain someone because they already know you better than anyone. You can be yourself around them. You don’t have to hide. You might miss the freedom of being yourself.
6. You miss the sex. You might miss this person in a physical sense more than an emotional sense. You might miss the way they made your body feel. You might miss the connection you shared beneath the sheets more than anything else.
7. You miss being in a relationship. You might not miss them. You might miss the idea of them. You might miss what it means to be in a relationship. You have to remind yourself that running back to them isn’t going to magically solve your problems. You don’t belong together. You don’t even miss them as much as you think you do. You simply miss having a partner, so you might as well search for a good one.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-17--What Each Zodiac Sign Needs From A Partner, Emotionally

You need someone who is able to handle your baggage without making you feel guilty , like you ’ re broken .
You need someone who can hold a conversation with you about silly , hypothetical situations as well as deep , intellectual conversations .
You need someone who is comfortable showing their vulnerable side and isn ’ t afraid to shed tears in front of you .
You need someone who is going to listen when you ’ re upset and adjust their behavior accordingly instead of acting defensive and displacing the blame .
You need someone who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a calm , mature manner instead of getting into a screaming match with you whenever you disagree .
You need someone who is going to actively listen when you speak instead of nodding along absentmindedly .
You need someone who is going to share their feelings with you freely instead of expecting you to force information out of them .
You need someone who is going to say those three little words on a frequent basis instead of expecting you to magically know how they feel .
You need someone who opens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears and insecurities , instead of only talking about happy things all the time .
You need someone who can admit when they are wrong and is willing to take steps toward bettering themselves .
You need someone who encourages you to open up without ever making you feel like you ’ re crazy or overdramatic .
You need someone who is able to see your side of the situation and willing to come to compromises instead of whining to get their way .

Aries
You need someone who is able to handle your baggage without making you feel guilty, like you’re broken.
Taurus
You need someone who can hold a conversation with you about silly, hypothetical situations as well as deep, intellectual conversations.
You need someone who is comfortable showing their vulnerable side and isn’t afraid to shed tears in front of you.
Cancer
You need someone who is going to listen when you’re upset and adjust their behavior accordingly instead of acting defensive and displacing the blame.
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 need someone who is going to talk through issues with you in a calm, mature manner instead of getting into a screaming match with you whenever you disagree.
Virgo
You need someone who is going to actively listen when you speak instead of nodding along absentmindedly.
Libra
You need someone who is going to share their feelings with you freely instead of expecting you to force information out of them.
You need someone who is going to say those three little words on a frequent basis instead of expecting you to magically know how they feel.
Sagittarius
You need someone who opens up to you about their past and fears and insecurities, instead of only talking about happy things all the time.
Capricorn
You need someone who can admit when they are wrong and is willing to take steps toward bettering themselves.
Aquarius
You need someone who encourages you to open up without ever making you feel like you’re crazy or overdramatic.
You need someone who is able to see your side of the situation and willing to come to compromises instead of whining to get their way.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-18--How Each Zodiac Sign Handles Their Deepest Fears

You pretend you aren ’ t afraid of anything so you wear a straight face and act like you ’ re fine when you ’ re secretly panicking inside .
You avoid everything that scares you .
You make constant excuses in order to remain in your comfort zone .
You give yourself a little while to freak out about your fears and imagine the worst-case scenarios — and then you take the leap and try not to think anymore .
You ’ re only able to face your fears when it means helping out a loved one .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bat an eye because you care about them more than yourself .
You procrastinate because you allow your fears to get the best of you .
You allow them to slow you down .
You try to view your fears through an analytic lens .
You try to figure out why you ’ re so afraid and what it all means .
You are unashamed of your fears .
You are okay admitting you are vulnerable .
You laugh away your fears .
You joke about them to make them feel less powerful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reckless .
You don ’ t think through consequences so you ’ re never too worried .
You say screw you to your fears .
Whenever something scares you , you force yourself to face it so you can get over that fear .
You keep your worst fears hidden so no one can use them against you .
You never speak them aloud .
You face your fears with your head held high .
You might be nervous , but you believe in yourself .

Aries
You pretend you aren’t afraid of anything so you wear a straight face and act like you’re fine when you’re secretly panicking inside.
You avoid everything that scares you. You make constant excuses in order to remain in your comfort zone.
Gemini
You give yourself a little while to freak out about your fears and imagine the worst-case scenarios — and then you take the leap and try not to think anymore.
Cancer
You’re only able to face your fears when it means helping out a loved one. In that case, you don’t bat an eye because you care about them more than 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
You procrastinate because you allow your fears to get the best of you. You allow them to slow you down.
Virgo
You try to view your fears through an analytic lens. You try to figure out why you’re so afraid and what it all means.
Libra
You are unashamed of your fears. You are okay admitting you are vulnerable.
You laugh away your fears. You joke about them to make them feel less powerful.
Sagittarius
You are fearless, verging on reckless. You don’t think through consequences so you’re never too worried.
Capricorn
You say screw you to your fears. Whenever something scares you, you force yourself to face it so you can get over that fear.
Aquarius
You keep your worst fears hidden so no one can use them against you. You never speak them aloud.
Pisces
You face your fears with your head held high. You might be nervous, but you believe in yourself.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-18--How Each Zodiac Hides Their Crushes

How Each Zodiac Hides Their Crushes

You ’ re mean to your crushes .
You argue with them and are sarcastic around them .
You ignore your crushes .
You actively avoid talking to them and looking at them .
You talk about your other crushes to your crushes .
You make it sound like you ’ re interested in other people .
You act extra friendly to everyone around your crushes .
You make it seem like you ’ re this nice to everyone .
You intimidate your crushes .
You make them feel like they don ’ t stand a chance since your standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about your crushes .
You swear you don ’ t have feelings for people when you do .
You speak about your exes so much it seems like the only people you ’ re interested in is them and not anyone new .
You become friends with your crushes .
You act like you only see them in a platonic way .
You ignore your feelings .
You cut crushes out of your life to save yourself the drama .
You never speak about your crushes .
You act like they don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t interested in relationships .
You tell everyone you ’ re planning on staying single .
You make jokes so it seems like your attraction to someone is fake .
Like you ’ re not actually being serious .

You’re mean to your crushes. You argue with them and are sarcastic around them.
Taurus
You ignore your crushes. You actively avoid talking to them and looking at them.
You talk about your other crushes to your crushes. You make it sound like you’re interested in other people.
Cancer
You act extra friendly to everyone around your crushes. You make it seem like you’re this nice to everyone.
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 intimidate your crushes. You make them feel like they don’t stand a chance since your standards are so high.
Virgo
You straight-up lie about your crushes. You swear you don’t have feelings for people when you do.
Libra
You speak about your exes so much it seems like the only people you’re interested in is them and not anyone new.
Scorpio
You become friends with your crushes. You act like you only see them in a platonic way.
Sagittarius
You ignore your feelings. You cut crushes out of your life to save yourself the drama.
Capricorn
You never speak about your crushes. You act like they don’t exist.
Aquarius
You act like you aren’t interested in relationships. You tell everyone you’re planning on staying single.
Pisces
You make jokes so it seems like your attraction to someone is fake. Like you’re not actually being serious.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-18--Read This If You Worry That You’ll Never Really Get Your Life Together

If you are someone who is worried that they will never get their life together , your fear is clouding your vision .
These words will bring you back to clarity .
If you are someone who is worried that they will never get their life together , it means that despite all of your disbelief , and through all of your confusion , and though you feel so lost in this moment , you still know that there is another life calling to you , and waiting for you .
You know you are meant for more , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone who is worried about getting their life together , the magnitude of this vision likely keeps you away from the actual work of bringing it together .
In becoming so swept up in all that you know you desire , and all that you know you ’ re meant for , you overlook something vital .
The work of changing your life is subtle .
It happens in small moments — the ones you overlook , the ones that are passing you by right this second .
It means that when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your skin , you wake up and you put on SPF .
It means that when you don ’ t have money to spend , you don ’ t spend it .
It means that when you realize you ’ re acting irrationally and taking your feelings out on someone who doesn ’ t deserve it , you stop taking them out on someone who doesn ’ t deserve it .
It means that when you realize you need a glass of water , you drink a glass of water .
It means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your email twice each day , you only check your email twice a day .
It means that when you know something must be done , you do it , instead of waiting until it ’ s snowballed into a far bigger problem .
Getting your life together means that you stop avoiding the subtle discomfort of doing what ’ s not ideal in favor of being able to completely avoid the massive discomfort of realizing that you ’ re in yet another crisis .
So much of what makes our lives go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along and throws us off course , but how we slowly allow ourselves to fall off in the micro-moments that we don ’ t choose the right thing .
The right thing is very often not a heroic act .
It ’ s never backed by movie music , there ’ s usually no victory lap , no recognition , and for a while , no reward .
It ’ s just you , and a choice , and how you make it .
For most of your life , you will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of it .
You will be able to slide by doing the bare minimum , resorting to what ’ s comfortable , denying what you need in favor of what you want .
You are a free being and you can choose that .
But then you can not be surprised when the consequences choose you .
So instead of waking up tomorrow and feeling overwhelmed by how far you are from where you want to be , and how much has to get done , and how deeply you believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you woke up and just figured out the next right step , and then took it ?
And then figured out the next right step after that , and took it again ?
What if your life was no longer a picture you were trying to paint so perfectly but a collection of moments and choices you simply had to allow to build up upon one another ?
What if you ’ re not overwhelmed by the mountains you ’ ve yet to climb , but the fact that you continually delay taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that matter is that there is no such thing as really having your life together .
There ’ s no measure at which you ’ re an adult , at which you ’ re safe , at which you ’ ve done it all right .
There is only a life that you are comfortable with , and a life that you are not .
A life that you are proud of , and a life that you are not .
The difference often comes down not to the big facts about who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the little things you do within those ideas and identities that make up your character , the heart of who you are and the soul of what you are yet to be .
The way out is not overhauling your life one day , it ’ s waking up every day and choosing to figure out the next best thing to do with what you have and where you are , and then doing it .
You will not be able to avoid every challenge , mistake and problem this way , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of them .
We spend so much of our lives wondering about the people we might be — how we appear , what we could change , whether we are good or not .
We spend so little time actually being those people , actually changing , actually doing what we already know is good .
It ’ s not as complicated as you want to believe .
A good life is built of tiny , good decisions , made over and over again , until you ’ re reaping a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve sown .
You are constantly in a process of becoming and unbecoming , but in each moment that we ’ re given an opportunity to choose differently , we usually revert to the same old familiar habits and choices .
What if , instead of reinventing ourselves from the inside out , we just decided to do one thing right , and then allowed it to unravel and transform the rest ?

If you are someone who is worried that they will never get their life together, your fear is clouding your vision.
These words will bring you back to clarity.
If you are someone who is worried that they will never get their life together, it means that despite all of your disbelief, and through all of your confusion, and though you feel so lost in this moment, you still know that there is another life calling to you, and waiting for you.
You know you are meant for more, and capable of more.
If you are someone who is worried about getting their life together, the magnitude of this vision likely keeps you away from the actual work of bringing it together. In becoming so swept up in all that you know you desire, and all that you know you’re meant for, you overlook something vital.
The work of changing your life is subtle.
It happens in small moments — the ones you overlook, the ones that are passing you by right this second.
It means that when you realize you should wear SPF to protect your skin, you wake up and you put on SPF. It means that when you don’t have money to spend, you don’t spend it. It means that when you realize you’re acting irrationally and taking your feelings out on someone who doesn’t deserve it, you stop taking them out on someone who doesn’t deserve it.
It means that when you realize you need a glass of water, you drink a glass of water. It means that when you commit to only checking your email twice each day, you only check your email twice a day. It means that when you know something must be done, you do it, instead of waiting until it’s snowballed into a far bigger problem.
Getting your life together means that you stop avoiding the subtle discomfort of doing what’s not ideal in favor of being able to completely avoid the massive discomfort of realizing that you’re in yet another crisis.
So much of what makes our lives go off the rails is not what comes along and throws us off course, but how we slowly allow ourselves to fall off in the micro-moments that we don’t choose the right thing.
The right thing is very often not a heroic act. It’s never backed by movie music, there’s usually no victory lap, no recognition, and for a while, no reward.
It’s just you, and a choice, and how you make it.
For most of your life, you will be able to get away with not doing a lot of it. You will be able to slide by doing the bare minimum, resorting to what’s comfortable, denying what you need in favor of what you want.
You are a free being and you can choose that.
But then you cannot be surprised when the consequences choose you.
So instead of waking up tomorrow and feeling overwhelmed by how far you are from where you want to be, and how much has to get done, and how deeply you believe you are falling behind, what if you woke up and just figured out the next right step, and then took it? And then figured out the next right step after that, and took it again?
What if your life was no longer a picture you were trying to paint so perfectly but a collection of moments and choices you simply had to allow to build up upon one another? What if you’re not overwhelmed by the mountains you’ve yet to climb, but the fact that you continually delay taking the first steps?
The truth of that matter is that there is no such thing as really having your life together.
There’s no measure at which you’re an adult, at which you’re safe, at which you’ve done it all right.
There is only a life that you are comfortable with, and a life that you are not. A life that you are proud of, and a life that you are not. The difference often comes down not to the big facts about who you are or aren’t, but the little things you do within those ideas and identities that make up your character, the heart of who you are and the soul of what you are yet to be.
The way out is not overhauling your life one day, it’s waking up every day and choosing to figure out the next best thing to do with what you have and where you are, and then doing it.
You will not be able to avoid every challenge, mistake and problem this way, but you will be able to avoid a lot of them.
We spend so much of our lives wondering about the people we might be — how we appear, what we could change, whether we are good or not. We spend so little time actually being those people, actually changing, actually doing what we already know is good.
It’s not as complicated as you want to believe.
A good life is built of tiny, good decisions, made over and over again, until you’re reaping a full harvest of all that you’ve sown.
You are constantly in a process of becoming and unbecoming, but in each moment that we’re given an opportunity to choose differently, we usually revert to the same old familiar habits and choices.
What if, instead of reinventing ourselves from the inside out, we just decided to do one thing right, and then allowed it to unravel and transform the rest?


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-18--30 Insanely Stupid, Short Jokes To Text Your Friends

1 .
I ordered a chicken and an egg online .
I ’ ll let you know .
3 .
I used to be addicted to the hokey pokey .
It took a while but I turned myself around .
4 .
I know someone that does a great impression of an owl… 5 .
Who ’ s the coolest person in the hospital ?
The ultra sound guy .
Who ’ s the coolest when the ultra sound guy isn ’ t there ?
The hip replacement guy 6 .
I went to a beekeeper to buy a dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave them to me .
So , being an honest person I told him , “ Sir , you gave me one too many !
” He looked at me and said , “ That one ’ s a freebie !
” 7 .
What ’ s the difference between a steak and a shooting star ?
One ’ s meaty , the other is a little meteor .
8 .
Having turned 40 , I ’ ve realized I can ’ t handle my alcohol as well as I used to .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ beers… # 18 and # 19… 9 .
Why are pirates called pirates ?
Because they AHRR !
10 .
How long did Cain hate his brother ?
As long as he was Able .
11 .
Apparently , someone in London gets stabbed every 52 seconds .
Poor guy .
12 .
Yesterday I saw a guy spill all his Scrabble letters on the road .
I asked him , “ What ’ s the word on the street ?
” 15 .
What do you call it when a chameleon can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
16 .
Did you know that Napoleon Bonaparte never said ‘ thank you ’ to anyone ?
Yeah , it ’ s because he couldn ’ t speak English .
17 .
Install mirrors ?
Now that ’ s a job I can see myself doing !
19 .
What are Mario ’ s overalls made of ?
Denim-denim-denim !
🎶 21 .
What do you call a magician without magic ?
Ian .
22 .
What ’ s the difference between sexy and kinky ?
Sexy is when you use a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole chicken .
23 .
I would love to travel to Holland someday .
Wooden shoe ?
24 .
What did Missy Elliot say when selling ice cream ?
Come get ya free cone .
25 .
Why isn ’ t your nose 12 inches long ?
Because then it would be a foot .
26 .
Why do sharks swim in saltwater ?
Because pepper water makes them sneeze .
28 .
What ’ s the difference between in-laws and outlaws ?
Outlaws are wanted .
29 .
A couple of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the other , “ Man , I hate your mother.
” The other says , “ Try the potatoes , then.
” 30 .
What do you call a one-eyed dinosaur ?
DoYouThinkHeSaurus .
What do you call a one-eyed dinosaurs dog ?
DoYouThinkHeSaurus Rex .

These jokes from Ask Reddit are stupid enough to get a laugh.
1. I ordered a chicken and an egg online. I’ll let you know.
2. Conjunctivitis.com. That’s a sight for sore eyes.
3. I used to be addicted to the hokey pokey. It took a while but I turned myself around.
4. I know someone that does a great impression of an owl…
5. Who’s the coolest person in the hospital? The ultra sound guy.
Who’s the coolest when the ultra sound guy isn’t there? The hip replacement guy
6. I went to a beekeeper to buy a dozen bees. He counted out 13 and gave them to me. So, being an honest person I told him, “Sir, you gave me one too many!” He looked at me and said, “That one’s a freebie!”
7. What’s the difference between a steak and a shooting star? One’s meaty, the other is a little meteor.
8. Having turned 40, I’ve realized I can’t handle my alcohol as well as I used to. This weekend I got drunk on two beers…#18 and #19…
9. Why are pirates called pirates? Because they AHRR!
10. How long did Cain hate his brother? As long as he was Able.
11. Apparently, someone in London gets stabbed every 52 seconds. Poor guy.
12. Yesterday I saw a guy spill all his Scrabble letters on the road. I asked him, “What’s the word on the street?”
13. I know a great knock-knock joke, you start.
14. Unemployment jokes don’t work.
15. What do you call it when a chameleon can’t camouflage? A reptile dysfunction.
16. Did you know that Napoleon Bonaparte never said ‘thank you’ to anyone? Yeah, it’s because he couldn’t speak English.
17. Install mirrors? Now that’s a job I can see myself doing!
18. Why don’t sharks eat drowning attorneys? Professional courtesy.
19. What are Mario’s overalls made of? Denim-denim-denim! 🎶
20. Pretentious? Moi?
21. What do you call a magician without magic? Ian.
22. What’s the difference between sexy and kinky? Sexy is when you use a feather. Kinky is when you use the whole chicken.
23. I would love to travel to Holland someday. Wooden shoe?
24. What did Missy Elliot say when selling ice cream? Come get ya free cone.
25. Why isn’t your nose 12 inches long? Because then it would be a foot.
26. Why do sharks swim in saltwater? Because pepper water makes them sneeze.
27. What does a baby computer call its father? Data.
28. What’s the difference between in-laws and outlaws? Outlaws are wanted.
29. A couple of cannibals are having lunch. One says to the other, “Man, I hate your mother.”
The other says, “Try the potatoes, then.”
30. What do you call a one-eyed dinosaur? DoYouThinkHeSaurus.
What do you call a one-eyed dinosaurs dog? DoYouThinkHeSaurus Rex.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-18--A Christmas Playlist For When You’re Sick Of Hearing The Same Old Songs Every Year

You ’ ve heard the same exact holiday songs every single year since you were a child .
Although they ’ re classics and are going to give you sweet nostalgia , they can get old quickly .
They can make you feel more like a grinch than anything else .
If you ’ re sick of listening to the same songs your grandparents once played for you , here are a few more modern tunes to get you in the holiday spirit this year : 1 .
It ’ s Not Christmas Till Somebody Cries by Carly Rae Jepsen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they fed him fish My uncle made it worse by talking politics I had a few opinions , might have started a fight Well , it ’ s not Christmas ’ til somebody cries.
” 2 .
Oh Santa !
by Mariah Carey , Ariana Grande , and Jennifer Hudson “ I ’ ve been really , really , really good this year So put on that red suit and make him appear Make this Christmas cheer Just ain ’ t the same without my baby.
” 3 .
Like It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t wan na miss a single thing Don ’ t wan na put end to all this cheer But as long as you ’ re with me It ’ s always the time of the year.
” 4 .
You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Gwen Stafani and Blake Shelton “ Thought I was done for , thought that love had died But you came along , I swear you saved my life And I wan na thank you , baby ‘ Cause you make it feel like Christmas.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ariana Grande “ Don ’ t make me fall in love again If he won ’ t be here next year Santa , tell me if he really cares ‘ Cause I can ’ t give it all away If he won ’ t be here next year.
” “ Presents , what a beautiful sight Don ’ t mean a thing if you ain ’ t holding me tight You ’ re all that I need Underneath the tree.
” I don ’ t need diamonds , no sparkly things ‘ Cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nothing lights my fire or wraps me up , baby , like you do Just want a cozy , a cozy little Christmas here with you.
” “ Take a trip down Candy Cane Lane with me I ’ ll call Rudolph down to meet us in the street We can dance , he can prance There ’ s no can ’ t ’ s , ’ cause here , everything is possible.
” 9 .
One More Sleep by Leona Lewis “ I ’ ve got 5 more nights of sleeping on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re coming home 3 more dreams of you and mistletoe 2 more reasons why I love you so I ’ ve got 5 more nights until you ’ re next to me 4 more days of being lonely 3 more wishes I can barely breathe If I can make it to Christmas Eve.
” 10 .
I Am the Grinch by Tyler , The Creator “ I don ’ t like love I don ’ t like fun When I ’ m around Christmas is done.
” “ I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I can ’ t stop staring at your face I should be playing in the winter snow But I ’ mma be under the mistletoe .
”

You’ve heard the same exact holiday songs every single year since you were a child. Although they’re classics and are going to give you sweet nostalgia, they can get old quickly. They can make you feel more like a grinch than anything else. If you’re sick of listening to the same songs your grandparents once played for you, here are a few more modern tunes to get you in the holiday spirit this year:
1. It’s Not Christmas Till Somebody Cries by Carly Rae Jepsen
Best lyrics:
“My boyfriend is a vegan so they fed him fish
My uncle made it worse by talking politics
I had a few opinions, might have started a fight
Well, it’s not Christmas ’til somebody cries.”
2. Oh Santa! by Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Hudson
Best lyrics:
“I’ve been really, really, really good this year
So put on that red suit and make him appear
Make this Christmas cheer
Just ain’t the same without my baby.”
3. Like It’s Christmas by The Jonas Brothers
Best lyrics:
“And I don’t wanna miss a single thing
Don’t wanna put end to all this cheer
But as long as you’re with me
It’s always the time of the year.”
4. You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Gwen Stafani and Blake Shelton
Best lyrics:
“Thought I was done for, thought that love had died
But you came along, I swear you saved my life
And I wanna thank you, baby
‘Cause you make it feel like Christmas.”
5. Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande
Best lyrics:
“Don’t make me fall in love again
If he won’t be here next year
Santa, tell me if he really cares
‘Cause I can’t give it all away
If he won’t be here next year.”
6. Underneath The Tree by Kelly Clarkson
Best lyrics:
“Presents, what a beautiful sight
Don’t mean a thing if you ain’t holding me tight
You’re all that I need
Underneath the tree.”
7. Cozy Little Christmas by Katy Perry
Best lyrics:
“Our love is something priceless
I don’t need diamonds, no sparkly things
‘Cause you can’t buy this a-feeling
Nothing lights my fire or wraps me up, baby, like you do
Just want a cozy, a cozy little Christmas here with you.”
8. Candy Cane Lane by Sia
Best lyrics:
“Take a trip down Candy Cane Lane with me
I’ll call Rudolph down to meet us in the street
We can dance, he can prance
There’s no can’t’s, ’cause here, everything is possible.”
9. One More Sleep by Leona Lewis
Best lyrics:
“I’ve got 5 more nights of sleeping on my own
4 more days until you’re coming home
3 more dreams of you and mistletoe
2 more reasons why I love you so
I’ve got 5 more nights until you’re next to me
4 more days of being lonely
3 more wishes I can barely breathe
If I can make it to Christmas Eve.”
10. I Am the Grinch by Tyler, The Creator
Best lyrics:
“I don’t like love
I don’t like fun
When I’m around
Christmas is done.”
11. Mistletoe by Justin Bieber
Best lyrics:
“I don’t wanna miss out on the holiday
But I can’t stop staring at your face
I should be playing in the winter snow
But I’mma be under the mistletoe.”


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-21--Which ‘The Wilds’ Character You Are, Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Like Toni , you ’ re a total tomboy .
You ’ re active , adventurous , and spontaneous .
Unfortunately , you have some unresolved anger issues .
You ’ re used to other people screwing you over , so you expect the worst from them .
Although you come across as aggressive when people first meet you , you secretly have a soft , sweet , vulnerable side .
You would do anything for the people you care about the most .
Like Martha , you ’ re an animal lover .
You care about pets more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never going to hurt you .
Although you ’ ve suffered through some incredibly tough times , your past hasn ’ t hardened you .
Despite the pain you ’ ve endured , you still have a soft heart and would do anything for anyone .
Although you dislike change and struggle to come out of your shell , you ’ re trying .
You always put in plenty of effort .
Like Rachel , you ’ re a self-starter with huge dreams that some people consider unobtainable .
However , you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to put energy into your work in order to excel , so you never allow yourself to slack .
You constantly find new ways to stay motivated .
You put in effort every single day .
Unfortunately , sometimes you burn yourself out in the process .
Like Shelby , your faith is unshakable .
You can find the silver lining in any scenario .
You ’ re a natural-born optimist who always encourages others and gives pep talks in order to keep hope alive .
However , although you come across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dark past and plenty of secrets you keep close to your chest .
Like Dot , you ’ re responsible , dependable , and wise beyond your years .
Everyone looks to you for guidance .
They consider you the leader .
They assume you have all the answers .
Since you ’ ve been taking care of yourself from a young age , you don ’ t really mind the extra responsibilities .
You ’ re tough enough to take care of yourself — and everyone else .
Like Gretchen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pride yourself on your inner strength and intelligence .
Your ambition is unmatched .
However , you ’ re so obsessed with the idea of making something of yourself that it can cloud your judgment .
Your drive to succeed can make it difficult to choose between right and wrong .
You ’ re a natural beauty with an impeccable fashion sense .
You ’ re also a social butterfly who shamelessly flirts with almost everyone you meet .
Some people might call you promiscuous , but you wear the title proudly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on your appearance .
They have no idea what you ’ ve been through in the past .
Like Jeanette , you ’ re an optimist who loves to have fun .
You always have a smile on your face and could talk for hours about pop culture .
Since you have such a sunny , carefree persona , no one can tell when you ’ re suffering .
You wear a mask in order to trick people into thinking you ’ re okay .
Like Rachel , you ’ re highly competitive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t afraid to chase after your wildest dreams .
However , you feel constant pressure to impress everyone around you .
You always want to come across as strong and confident .
You might act like you couldn ’ t care less about anyone else ’ s opinion , but you are secretly terrified of anyone thinking you ’ re weak .
Like Leah , you ’ re a loner who can take care of yourself .
Some people consider you an old soul because you would rather spend your time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your own age .
Although you ’ re intelligent , broody , and tend to get lost in your thoughts , you ’ re not immune to making bad decisions .
You have a tendency to fall for the wrong people .
Like Nora , you ’ re creative .
You have an impressive amount of artistic talent and can easily make something out of nothing .
However , you ’ re also quiet and reserved .
You would rather listen to someone else speak than do the talking yourself .
You have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because you ’ re undeniably unique .
Like Dot , you come across as tough and confident .
Everyone assumes you ’ re doing well because you know how to take care of yourself .
However , most people don ’ t realize the reason why you ’ re so independent is that you ’ ve had to take care of yourself from a young age .
You were forced to mature before you were ready .

Aries
Toni
Like Toni, you’re a total tomboy. You’re active, adventurous, and spontaneous. Unfortunately, you have some unresolved anger issues. You’re used to other people screwing you over, so you expect the worst from them. Although you come across as aggressive when people first meet you, you secretly have a soft, sweet, vulnerable side. You would do anything for the people you care about the most.
Taurus
Martha
Like Martha, you’re an animal lover. You care about pets more than people because you know they’re never going to hurt you. Although you’ve suffered through some incredibly tough times, your past hasn’t hardened you. Despite the pain you’ve endured, you still have a soft heart and would do anything for anyone. Although you dislike change and struggle to come out of your shell, you’re trying. You always put in plenty of effort.
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
Gemini
Rachel
Like Rachel, you’re a self-starter with huge dreams that some people consider unobtainable. However, you’re a realist. You understand you have to put energy into your work in order to excel, so you never allow yourself to slack. You constantly find new ways to stay motivated. You put in effort every single day. Unfortunately, sometimes you burn yourself out in the process.
Cancer
Shelby
Like Shelby, your faith is unshakable. You can find the silver lining in any scenario. You’re a natural-born optimist who always encourages others and gives pep talks in order to keep hope alive. However, although you come across as sweet and innocent, you have a dark past and plenty of secrets you keep close to your chest.
Leo
Dot
Like Dot, you’re responsible, dependable, and wise beyond your years. Everyone looks to you for guidance. They consider you the leader. They assume you have all the answers. Since you’ve been taking care of yourself from a young age, you don’t really mind the extra responsibilities. You’re tough enough to take care of yourself — and everyone else.
Virgo
Gretchen
Like Gretchen, you’re a workaholic. You pride yourself on your inner strength and intelligence. Your ambition is unmatched. However, you’re so obsessed with the idea of making something of yourself that it can cloud your judgment. Your drive to succeed can make it difficult to choose between right and wrong.
Libra
Fatin
You’re a natural beauty with an impeccable fashion sense. You’re also a social butterfly who shamelessly flirts with almost everyone you meet. Some people might call you promiscuous, but you wear the title proudly. Unfortunately, strangers commonly misjudge you based on your appearance. They have no idea what you’ve been through in the past.
Scorpio
Jeanette
Like Jeanette, you’re an optimist who loves to have fun. You always have a smile on your face and could talk for hours about pop culture. Since you have such a sunny, carefree persona, no one can tell when you’re suffering. You wear a mask in order to trick people into thinking you’re okay.
Sagittarius
Rachel
Like Rachel, you’re highly competitive. You know what you want and aren’t afraid to chase after your wildest dreams. However, you feel constant pressure to impress everyone around you. You always want to come across as strong and confident. You might act like you couldn’t care less about anyone else’s opinion, but you are secretly terrified of anyone thinking you’re weak.
Capricorn
Leah
Like Leah, you’re a loner who can take care of yourself. Some people consider you an old soul because you would rather spend your time reading and writing than socializing with people your own age. Although you’re intelligent, broody, and tend to get lost in your thoughts, you’re not immune to making bad decisions. You have a tendency to fall for the wrong people.
Aquarius
Nora
Like Nora, you’re creative. You have an impressive amount of artistic talent and can easily make something out of nothing. However, you’re also quiet and reserved. You would rather listen to someone else speak than do the talking yourself. You have a hard time fitting in with others because you’re undeniably unique.
Pisces
Dot
Like Dot, you come across as tough and confident. Everyone assumes you’re doing well because you know how to take care of yourself. However, most people don’t realize the reason why you’re so independent is that you’ve had to take care of yourself from a young age. You were forced to mature before you were ready.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-22--A Desperate Plea For Jordan Peele To Remake ‘The Skeleton Key’

I love Louisiana and I love horror and I think we can do better .
Spoiler alert : this article discusses ‘ The Skeleton Key ’ ( 2005 ) including plot spoilers .
Most people agree that The Skeleton Key ( 2005 ) is a decent horror movie .
Ehren Kreuger wrote an average horror story with an above-average twist .
Director Iain Softley did a good job .
The movie has good scares , I don ’ t have any complaints .
I recommend this movie to people all the time as one of the best executed twist endings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the midst of a major horror movie genre revival coupled with unprecedented real life horror in our daily lives .
We are spending every day worrying about Coronavirus , living through a civil rights movement , and ( almost ) fresh from having a cult-leader running our country .
Media made before the pandemic just doesn ’ t feel that horrifying anymore .
We deserve to be rewarded for our endurance through all of this with a freshly terrifying take on an old classic ( is there anything better ? )
, @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adept as Jordan Peele to helm the project and turn it into something really special .
If you haven ’ t seen it , The Skeleton Key is about a woman named Caroline ( Kate Hudson ) who finds a job in rural Louisiana as a live-in care worker for an elderly man who has just suffered a stroke that renders him unable to speak .
She is hired by the man ’ s wife and moves into the couple ’ s plantation home .
Now living deep in the bayou , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voodoo magic called “ hoodoo ” and begins to suspect her employer might be using it against her and the man she is tasked with protecting .
In a twist ending , it is revealed that Caroline ’ s employer is in fact a hoodoo practitioner .
She ’ s also almost a hundred years old , formerly worked on the plantation as a servant , and has survived with her husband by switching bodies with someone younger every few decades .
In this case the husband has already stolen the body of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for the woman to take the body of Caroline .
First of all , the whole movie takes place in an antebellum plantation home and this is barely talked about .
I understand I ’ m a northerner but my first thought when I see a plantation home is that it was built by people who were enslaved and used as a slavery compound .
Do you want to live in a haunted house full of angry spirits ?
Because I ’ m pretty sure moving into a plantation home is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Skeleton Key used the same plantation 12 Years a Slave was filmed at .
It ’ s a real place and you can look up a list of people who were actually enslaved there .
In 2020 , The Skeleton Key feels like a story about race that never actually talks about race .
In part , that ’ s just not the story Ehren Kreuger wrote .
It ’ s also not a reality he has lived .
That ’ s okay .
But I feel like we ’ ve collectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Key would be like coming from someone comfortable talking about racism and slavery who also happens to be a talented writer and filmmaker ?
What would the story be like if it was written for an audience in the post George Floyd and Breonna Taylor world ?
What if the story told on the screen looked more like the world the way it actually is , where race is a part of the conversation when you are doing something like going to live at a house with a gruesome genocidal history ?
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it explores something you thought you knew and makes you afraid of it .
Have you ever driven past a corn field after seeing Children of the Corn or seen a TV turn to fuzz after a viewing of The Ring ?
A good sequel or franchise movie does this by going back to the origin story and revealing something that changes the way we think .
Sometimes it shuffles the deck between who we think are the good guys and who is the villain .
A good remake does this too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands of a genre-tested and proven horror mind like Jordan Peele could explore the horrors of the original Skeleton Key story that were left untouched by the original writer and director and more .
Consider the whole wide unexplored world of Hurricane Katrina horror .
We ’ ve never had a mainstream movie that could explain to people who weren ’ t there the horror of the U.S. government ’ s slow and racist response to Hurricane Katrina .
Families were wading through cemeteries to keep their loved ones ’ bodies from floating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good horror movie about it ?
We need a movie ( whether it ’ s this one or another one ) to do for our cultural understanding of Hurricane Katrina what Candyman did for housing projects in Chicago .
Even if the original story from The Skeleton Key was simply retold with Peele ’ s capacity for storytelling , it would be a gift .
I haven ’ t gone on about Jordan Peele ’ s pedigree here because I think I speak for a lot of the horror community when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s unnerving and scary AND actually about something .
But , in case there are any haters still reading , Peele wrote , directed , acted in , and produced Get Out 2015 ) which is probably the most interesting horror movie that has been made in the last two decades .
He also wrote and directed Us ( 2019 ) , wrote the to-be-released Candyman remake , wrote and produced new Twilight Zone episodes , and is executive producing Lovecraft Country for HBO .
The man was born for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remakes there are detractors who say everything is a remake of a remake and we need fresh ideas in the genre .
I agree !
But I have also had a very hard year and I would please like some cool horror that helps me process what is going on in the world .
This is my open plea for whomever it may concern to give Jordan Peele the keys to the kingdom and hope he has enough time to dream up something creepy for us .

I love Louisiana and I love horror and I think we can do better. Spoiler alert: this article discusses ‘The Skeleton Key’ (2005) including plot spoilers.
Most people agree that The Skeleton Key (2005) is a decent horror movie. Ehren Kreuger wrote an average horror story with an above-average twist. Director Iain Softley did a good job. The movie has good scares, I don’t have any complaints. I recommend this movie to people all the time as one of the best executed twist endings in a horror movie.
However…
We are in the midst of a major horror movie genre revival coupled with unprecedented real life horror in our daily lives.
We are spending every day worrying about Coronavirus, living through a civil rights movement, and (almost) fresh from having a cult-leader running our country. Media made before the pandemic just doesn’t feel that horrifying anymore. We deserve to be rewarded for our endurance through all of this with a freshly terrifying take on an old classic (is there anything better?), especially if we can get someone as adept as Jordan Peele to helm the project and turn it into something really special.
If you haven’t seen it, The Skeleton Key is about a woman named Caroline (Kate Hudson) who finds a job in rural Louisiana as a live-in care worker for an elderly man who has just suffered a stroke that renders him unable to speak. She is hired by the man’s wife and moves into the couple’s plantation home. Now living deep in the bayou, the woman learns about a local version of voodoo magic called “hoodoo” and begins to suspect her employer might be using it against her and the man she is tasked with protecting.
In a twist ending, it is revealed that Caroline’s employer is in fact a hoodoo practitioner. She’s also almost a hundred years old, formerly worked on the plantation as a servant, and has survived with her husband by switching bodies with someone younger every few decades. In this case the husband has already stolen the body of the couple’s lawyer and they plan for the woman to take the body of Caroline.
Here’s the original trailer:
First of all, the whole movie takes place in an antebellum plantation home and this is barely talked about. I understand I’m a northerner but my first thought when I see a plantation home is that it was built by people who were enslaved and used as a slavery compound. Do you want to live in a haunted house full of angry spirits? Because I’m pretty sure moving into a plantation home is the #1 way to do that. The Skeleton Key used the same plantation 12 Years a Slave was filmed at. It’s a real place and you can look up a list of people who were actually enslaved there.
In 2020, The Skeleton Key feels like a story about race that never actually talks about race. In part, that’s just not the story Ehren Kreuger wrote. It’s also not a reality he has lived. That’s okay. But I feel like we’ve collectively moved on. Imagine what The Skeleton Key would be like coming from someone comfortable talking about racism and slavery who also happens to be a talented writer and filmmaker? What would the story be like if it was written for an audience in the post George Floyd and Breonna Taylor world? What if the story told on the screen looked more like the world the way it actually is, where race is a part of the conversation when you are doing something like going to live at a house with a gruesome genocidal history?
One of the signifiers of good horror is that it explores something you thought you knew and makes you afraid of it. Have you ever driven past a corn field after seeing Children of the Corn or seen a TV turn to fuzz after a viewing of The Ring? A good sequel or franchise movie does this by going back to the origin story and revealing something that changes the way we think. Sometimes it shuffles the deck between who we think are the good guys and who is the villain. A good remake does this too. An expert remake, say at hands of a genre-tested and proven horror mind like Jordan Peele could explore the horrors of the original Skeleton Key story that were left untouched by the original writer and director and more.
Consider the whole wide unexplored world of Hurricane Katrina horror. We’ve never had a mainstream movie that could explain to people who weren’t there the horror of the U.S. government’s slow and racist response to Hurricane Katrina. Families were wading through cemeteries to keep their loved ones’ bodies from floating away. Why isn’t there a good horror movie about it? We need a movie (whether it’s this one or another one) to do for our cultural understanding of Hurricane Katrina what Candyman did for housing projects in Chicago. Even if the original story from The Skeleton Key was simply retold with Peele’s capacity for storytelling, it would be a gift.
I haven’t gone on about Jordan Peele’s pedigree here because I think I speak for a lot of the horror community when I say I trust him to make horror that’s unnerving and scary AND actually about something. But, in case there are any haters still reading, Peele wrote, directed, acted in, and produced Get Out 2015) which is probably the most interesting horror movie that has been made in the last two decades. He also wrote and directed Us (2019), wrote the to-be-released Candyman remake, wrote and produced new Twilight Zone episodes, and is executive producing Lovecraft Country for HBO. The man was born for this.
Whenever there is a conversation about remakes there are detractors who say everything is a remake of a remake and we need fresh ideas in the genre. I agree! But I have also had a very hard year and I would please like some cool horror that helps me process what is going on in the world. This is my open plea for whomever it may concern to give Jordan Peele the keys to the kingdom and hope he has enough time to dream up something creepy for us.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-21--9 Hilarious, Underrated Christmas Movies To Put You In The Holiday Spirit

You ’ ve probably seen the same animated holiday movies every single year since you were a child .
However , you don ’ t have to re-watch Charlie Brown or Rudolph if you already have the lines memorized .
You can watch something a little more modern , something that is meant to give you a good laugh .
If you ’ re in the mood for a fun holiday movie , try watching one of the options below : “ A committed bachelor with a no-strings policy gets an urgent message from the ghost of his late uncle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s jilted girlfriends.
” “ Fed up with the commercial aspects of Christmas , particularly all the money spent , and alone for the holiday for the first time in decades , as their daughter has just joined the Peace Corps , grumpy Luther Krank and his sweet wife , Nora , decide to skip Christmas this year and forgo the gifts , the tree , the decorations , the cards , the parties and to spend the dollars saved on a 10-day Caribbean cruise.
” An optometrist with rigid concepts about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbor who sets out to put so many christmas lights on his house that they ’ ll be seen in space… “ You ’ re invited to the most outrageous holiday party of the season .
When the CEO decides to close her hard-partying brother ’ s branch , he and his fired up co-workers decide to throw an epic office party to land a VIP client and save everyone ’ s jobs.
” “ Santa ’ s youngest son Arthur embarks on a magical adventure to deliver the final gift to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kumar go on a Christmas Eve bender while trying to replace a prized Christmas tree in this comedy sequel.
” “ Three best friends set out to find the Nutcracka Ball – the Holy Grail of Christmas parties – and enter a night of debauchery and hilarity.
” “ A Bad Moms Christmas follows our three under-appreciated women as they rebel against the challenges of the Super Bowl for moms : Christmas.
” “ Once a happy boy and now the town delinquent , Davey ( voiced by Sandler ) is given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community and discover the true meaning of the holiday season .
”

You’ve probably seen the same animated holiday movies every single year since you were a child. However, you don’t have to re-watch Charlie Brown or Rudolph if you already have the lines memorized. You can watch something a little more modern, something that is meant to give you a good laugh.
If you’re in the mood for a fun holiday movie, try watching one of the options below:
“A committed bachelor with a no-strings policy gets an urgent message from the ghost of his late uncle, delivered through the ghosts of Connor’s jilted girlfriends.”
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Breckin Meyer
“Fed up with the commercial aspects of Christmas, particularly all the money spent, and alone for the holiday for the first time in decades, as their daughter has just joined the Peace Corps, grumpy Luther Krank and his sweet wife, Nora, decide to skip Christmas this year and forgo the gifts, the tree, the decorations, the cards, the parties and to spend the dollars saved on a 10-day Caribbean cruise.”
Starring: Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd
An optometrist with rigid concepts about christmas tradition is enraged by a new neighbor who sets out to put so many christmas lights on his house that they’ll be seen in space…
Starring: Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick, Kristin Davis
“You’re invited to the most outrageous holiday party of the season. When the CEO decides to close her hard-partying brother’s branch, he and his fired up co-workers decide to throw an epic office party to land a VIP client and save everyone’s jobs.”
Starring: Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, T.J. Miller
“Santa’s youngest son Arthur embarks on a magical adventure to deliver the final gift to a child to save Christmas.”
Starring: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent
“Harold and Kumar go on a Christmas Eve bender while trying to replace a prized Christmas tree in this comedy sequel.”
Starring: John Cho, Kal Penn, Neil Patrick Harris
“Three best friends set out to find the Nutcracka Ball – the Holy Grail of Christmas parties – and enter a night of debauchery and hilarity.”
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anthony Mackie
“A Bad Moms Christmas follows our three under-appreciated women as they rebel against the challenges of the Super Bowl for moms: Christmas.”
Starring: Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn
“Once a happy boy and now the town delinquent, Davey (voiced by Sandler) is given one last chance toredeem himself with the community and discover the true meaning of the holiday season.”
Starring: Tyra Banks, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider Genres


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-21--7 Ugly Life Lessons I Learned From 2020

7 Ugly Life Lessons I Learned From 2020

1 .
You have to learn how to make yourself happy because no one else is guaranteed to stay with you forever .
You can ’ t rely on other people to bring you happiness .
Sometimes , you ’ re going to be stuck in your home alone .
Sometimes , you ’ re going to be trapped with your own thoughts .
You won ’ t have the chance to distract yourself with parties and work and social media .
You ’ ll be completely on your own — which is why you need to know how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to put conscious effort into your self-growth because no one else is going to do the work for you .
So many people are happy living in their ignorance — but you don ’ t want to be one of those people .
You don ’ t want to keep making the same mistakes and turning away from people who are suffering .
You need to be brave enough to admit that there are a lot of things you don ’ t know and that you need to start educating yourself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ person so you don ’ t end up accidentally hurting people you claim to care about deeply .
3 .
You have to remind people how much you care as often as possible because everyone is suffering .
You aren ’ t the only one who has been going through a rough time .
The people you love , the people who seem like they have their lives together , are probably suffering , too .
They need your kind words .
They need you to remind them you ’ re there for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there for them emotionally , even when you can ’ t be there physically .
4 .
You have to take care of your emotional and physical health .
It doesn ’ t matter how young you are .
You aren ’ t indestructible .
Anything could happen .
Make sure you take care of yourself instead of putting off seeing a doctor or a dentist or a therapist .
Make sure you stop procrastinating because you deserve to feel healthy and safe and fulfilled .
You deserve to be here .
5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of your life , even when you love them .
You might be trying hard to keep someone in your life , even though you have wildly different views .
You might be trying to ignore your differences in order to get along with them .
But some differences are too big to overcome .
Some differences ( disrespectful differences ) aren ’ t worth the pain .
Even though you love someone , you might have to let them go in order to feel free .
6 .
You have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people suck .
You can ’ t believe everything you hear .
You have to be careful about the type of information you ’ re consuming .
You have to fact check what you read and make sure you ’ re not getting tricked into believing something that simply isn ’ t true .
You need to always be aware that , although there are good people in this world , there are bad people , too .
Not everyone has good intentions .
7 .
You have to keep going .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world is a mess , you have to keep going .
You can ’ t let yourself give up hope .

1. You have to learn how to make yourself happy because no one else is guaranteed to stay with you forever. You can’t rely on other people to bring you happiness. Sometimes, you’re going to be stuck in your home alone. Sometimes, you’re going to be trapped with your own thoughts. You won’t have the chance to distract yourself with parties and work and social media. You’ll be completely on your own — which is why you need to know how to make yourself happy.
2. You have to put conscious effort into your self-growth because no one else is going to do the work for you. So many people are happy living in their ignorance — but you don’t want to be one of those people. You don’t want to keep making the same mistakes and turning away from people who are suffering. You need to be brave enough to admit that there are a lot of things you don’t know and that you need to start educating yourself. You need to become a more well-rounded person so you don’t end up accidentally hurting people you claim to care about deeply.
3. You have to remind people how much you care as often as possible because everyone is suffering. You aren’t the only one who has been going through a rough time. The people you love, the people who seem like they have their lives together, are probably suffering, too. They need your kind words. They need you to remind them you’re there for them. They need you to be there for them emotionally, even when you can’t be there physically.
4. You have to take care of your emotional and physical health. It doesn’t matter how young you are. You aren’t indestructible. Anything could happen. Make sure you take care of yourself instead of putting off seeing a doctor or a dentist or a therapist. Make sure you stop procrastinating because you deserve to feel healthy and safe and fulfilled. You deserve to be here.
5. You have to cut mean people out of your life, even when you love them. You might be trying hard to keep someone in your life, even though you have wildly different views. You might be trying to ignore your differences in order to get along with them. But some differences are too big to overcome. Some differences (disrespectful differences) aren’t worth the pain. Even though you love someone, you might have to let them go in order to feel free.
6. You have to keep your guard up high because some people suck. You can’t believe everything you hear. You have to be careful about the type of information you’re consuming. You have to fact check what you read and make sure you’re not getting tricked into believing something that simply isn’t true. You need to always be aware that, although there are good people in this world, there are bad people, too. Not everyone has good intentions.
7. You have to keep going. Even when everything feels wrong, even when the world is a mess, you have to keep going. You can’t let yourself give up hope.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-21--7 Crappy People You Should Leave Behind In 2021

1 .
Leave behind people who try to stunt your growth .
Leave behind people who want you to be the same exact person you were years ago , when you first met them .
People change .
Ideas change .
Personalities change .
You shouldn ’ t feel pressured to act like the kid you used to be back before you knew more about the world .
You ’ re growing and changing — and that ’ s a beautiful thing .
You should surround yourself with people who encourage you to keep learning more about the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place .
2 .
Leave behind people who act like they ’ re above you .
Leave behind people who think that they ’ re so much better than you because they ’ re making more money or have a ring on their finger or have children in their belly .
Leave behind people who expect you to want the exact life that they have and act like you ’ re falling behind because you don ’ t have those things yet .
Leave behind people who make you feel like you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re equals .
3 .
Leave behind people who are unable to control their temper .
People who are unable to apologize .
People who continue making the same mistakes again and again without learning from them .
You shouldn ’ t be having the same stale arguments with someone again in 2021 .
If they can not accept their failings , work on their flaws , and try to avoid making more mistakes , then you don ’ t need them in your world .
You deserve better .
4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with your authenticity .
You shouldn ’ t hang around people who expect you to be happy all the time , who are bothered when you admit you aren ’ t doing the greatest .
You should have friends who encourage you to keep it real with them , who encourage you to vent when something has gone wrong .
Your friends should be there for you during your worst times , not just the fun times .
5 .
Leave behind people who treat your accomplishments as personal losses .
You shouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are upset by your successes .
Your friends should be celebrating your wins .
They should be popping champagne and crying tears of joy alongside you .
If they are overly jealous , and can not even bear to congratulate you on a job well done , then they aren ’ t worthy of your time .
6 .
Leave behind people who make your life worse .
Don ’ t keep someone around because you feel guilty about saying goodbye , because you have a long history with them , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your friendship .
If someone is actively making your life worse , then you shouldn ’ t keep them around any longer .
You should walk away without a glimpse back .
7 .
Leave behind people who fail to make time for you .
Everyone is busy with their own lives .
They might not have much time to spend with you lately , even though they love you dearly .
However , if they make a habit out of ignoring all your texts and canceling all your plans , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s natural to assume you ’ ve grown apart and don ’ t need to remain in each other ’ s lives anymore .

1. Leave behind people who try to stunt your growth. Leave behind people who want you to be the same exact person you were years ago, when you first met them. People change. Ideas change. Personalities change. You shouldn’t feel pressured to act like the kid you used to be back before you knew more about the world. You’re growing and changing — and that’s a beautiful thing. You should surround yourself with people who encourage you to keep learning more about the world, not people who try to anchor you in place.
2. Leave behind people who act like they’re above you. Leave behind people who think that they’re so much better than you because they’re making more money or have a ring on their finger or have children in their belly. Leave behind people who expect you to want the exact life that they have and act like you’re falling behind because you don’t have those things yet. Leave behind people who make you feel like you’re lesser than them even though you’re equals.
3. Leave behind people who are unable to control their temper. People who are unable to apologize. People who continue making the same mistakes again and again without learning from them. You shouldn’t be having the same stale arguments with someone again in 2021. If they cannot accept their failings, work on their flaws, and try to avoid making more mistakes, then you don’t need them in your world. You deserve better.
4. Leave behind people who are uncomfortable with your authenticity. You shouldn’t hang around people who expect you to be happy all the time, who are bothered when you admit you aren’t doing the greatest. You should have friends who encourage you to keep it real with them, who encourage you to vent when something has gone wrong. Your friends should be there for you during your worst times, not just the fun times.
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
5. Leave behind people who treat your accomplishments as personal losses. You shouldn’t waste your time with people who are upset by your successes. Your friends should be celebrating your wins. They should be popping champagne and crying tears of joy alongside you. If they are overly jealous, and cannot even bear to congratulate you on a job well done, then they aren’t worthy of your time.
6. Leave behind people who make your life worse. Don’t keep someone around because you feel guilty about saying goodbye, because you have a long history with them, or because you feel like you owe them your friendship. If someone is actively making your life worse, then you shouldn’t keep them around any longer. You should walk away without a glimpse back.
7. Leave behind people who fail to make time for you. Everyone is busy with their own lives. They might not have much time to spend with you lately, even though they love you dearly. However, if they make a habit out of ignoring all your texts and canceling all your plans, it’s natural to be upset. It’s natural to assume you’ve grown apart and don’t need to remain in each other’s lives anymore.


thoughtcatalog--2020-12-21--What Each Zodiac Sign Needs To Feel Comfortable In A Relationship

Trust .
They need to know you aren ’ t going anywhere and aren ’ t going to hurt them .
Communication .
They need to feel like they ’ re able to talk to you about anything and everything .
Support .
They need to know you ’ re there for them when times get tough and will always try to cheer them up again .
Authenticity .
They need to know their partner is being honest and upfront with them at all times .
Quality time .
They need to know you ’ re willing to set aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treating them as an afterthought .
Chemistry .
They need to know there ’ s a spark and that your interests align .
Stability .
They need to know the relationship is peaceful and strong .
A commitment .
They need to know you ’ re as serious about the relationship as they are in order to feel comfortable .
Time .
They need the chance to get to know someone before they can fully commit to that person .
Friendship .
They need to know their relationship runs deeper than just physical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what they ’ re getting into and don ’ t want any surprises .
Encouragement .
They need to know that you ’ re in their corner and will support them with everything they decide to do .

Aries
Trust. They need to know you aren’t going anywhere and aren’t going to hurt them.
Communication. They need to feel like they’re able to talk to you about anything and everything.
Gemini
Support. They need to know you’re there for them when times get tough and will always try to cheer them up again.
Cancer
Authenticity. They need to know their partner is being honest and upfront with them at all times.
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
Quality time. They need to know you’re willing to set aside plenty of time for them instead of treating them as an afterthought.
Chemistry. They need to know there’s a spark and that your interests align.
Libra
Stability. They need to know the relationship is peaceful and strong.
Scorpio
A commitment. They need to know you’re as serious about the relationship as they are in order to feel comfortable.
Time. They need the chance to get to know someone before they can fully commit to that person.
Capricorn
Friendship. They need to know their relationship runs deeper than just physical attraction.
Aquarius
Consistency. They need to know what they’re getting into and don’t want any surprises.
Pisces
Encouragement. They need to know that you’re in their corner and will support them with everything they decide to do.