thoughtcatalog--2020-03-19--10+ Ways To Slightly Improve Your Life Under Quarantine

In case you ’ ve been living under a rock , the coronavirus is happening .
And it ’ s happening right now .
However , just because you are under quarantine doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t treat yourself and focus on improving your life .
Even the smallest little changes can go a long way and help you create positive habits and routine adjustments .
So sit back , relax , and read on to learn new ways to slightly improve your life under quarantine .
Take ownership of your space and redecorate , highlight new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lights , and clean up your clutter .
You may be staying in your space longer than you hoped .
It ’ s about time you mixed things up and committed to some redesign .
Remember all those times you said you would get back to reading ?
Well , now is your chance .
With tons of great books to choose from , you have so many worlds to explore .
Looking for some reading inspiration ?
Here are some of the best books from 2020 ( so far ) .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Start making a list of things you ’ ve always wanted to do and places you want to visit ( when this quarantine is over of course ) .
Maybe you ’ ve always wanted to visit the penguins in Argentina or make homemade bread ?
Get that on your list and eventually start checking things off .
I think it ’ s safe to say that we have a bit more free time on our hands than we did before .
With no commute and generally adjusting to social distancing life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than before .
So why not practice something new ?
Maybe you want to try playing guitar or learn how to paint .
While the world is not exactly your oyster right now , there are endless possibilities to explore at home .
Make new playlists .
Share your playlists .
Clean up old playlists that you have just been mindlessly playing on repeat for months .
Maybe you want to explore new music too .
Now is an incredible time to just sit down and focus on your evolving music taste .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ back of your closet that you haven ’ t worn in months ?
They are dying to see the light of day , yet they sadly remain hidden .
Time to clean all that out .
Maybe you will find some hidden gems or better yet , maybe you can donate your clothes .
Goodwill and The Salvation Army will gladly accept your donations .
You can also do a quick search and find local organizations that will accept clothing donations .
While most gyms and studios are closed , that doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an option .
There are so many free workout tutorials on YouTube .
Cosmopolitan even listed some of the best FREE YouTube workout videos .
You can also simply go for a run ( some fresh air might be nice as well ) .
During these tense times , it is especially important to check in with yourself .
Stress and anxiety can quickly skyrocket so make sure you are taking time each day to meditate , close your eyes , and take a few deep breaths .
Check out The Calm Place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quick , but important meditative break .
Commit yourself to a daily goal and hold yourself accountable .
Carve a few minutes out of your schedule each day for your very important little goal .
Get a little creative when it comes to your cooking .
The New York Times Cooking offers a free 28 day trial for new users .
While you may not be able to travel right now , you can still taste new culinary dishes from around the world .
Don ’ t let coronavirus ruin the gift of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give and receive movie , TV , book , and music recommendations .
Collaborate on a playlist .
Start a book club .
Start a new series .
Now is also a great time to invest in yourself and in your abilities .
You could play around with coding or practice learning a language .
Think about projects you want to complete and ways you can improve your skills .
Stay informed .
Read news from expert sources and stay up to date on the facts .
Don ’ t get lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are better than that .

In case you’ve been living under a rock, the coronavirus is happening. And it’s happening right now. However, just because you are under quarantine doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself and focus on improving your life. Even the smallest little changes can go a long way and help you create positive habits and routine adjustments. So sit back, relax, and read on to learn new ways to slightly improve your life under quarantine.
Reclaim Your Space
Take ownership of your space and redecorate, highlight new accent pieces, invest in some string lights, and clean up your clutter. You may be staying in your space longer than you hoped. It’s about time you mixed things up and committed to some redesign.
Read More Books
Remember all those times you said you would get back to reading? Well, now is your chance. With tons of great books to choose from, you have so many worlds to explore. Looking for some reading inspiration? Here are some of the best books from 2020 (so far).
Create a Bucket List
The bucket list! The bucket list! Start making a list of things you’ve always wanted to do and places you want to visit (when this quarantine is over of course). Maybe you’ve always wanted to visit the penguins in Argentina or make homemade bread? Get that on your list and eventually start checking things off.
Practice Something New
I think it’s safe to say that we have a bit more free time on our hands than we did before. With no commute and generally adjusting to social distancing life, the days seem to have more time than before. So why not practice something new? Maybe you want to try playing guitar or learn how to paint. While the world is not exactly your oyster right now, there are endless possibilities to explore at home.
Tidy Up Your Music
Make new playlists. Share your playlists. Clean up old playlists that you have just been mindlessly playing on repeat for months. Maybe you want to explore new music too. Now is an incredible time to just sit down and focus on your evolving music taste.
Reorganize
You know all those clothes in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in months? They are dying to see the light of day, yet they sadly remain hidden. Time to clean all that out. Maybe you will find some hidden gems or better yet, maybe you can donate your clothes. Goodwill and The Salvation Army will gladly accept your donations. You can also do a quick search and find local organizations that will accept clothing donations.
Focus on Your Body
While most gyms and studios are closed, that doesn’t mean working out isn’t an option. There are so many free workout tutorials on YouTube. Cosmopolitan even listed some of the best FREE YouTube workout videos. You can also simply go for a run (some fresh air might be nice as well).
Focus on Your Mind/Soul
During these tense times, it is especially important to check in with yourself. Stress and anxiety can quickly skyrocket so make sure you are taking time each day to meditate, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Check out The Calm Place by The New York Times for a quick, but important meditative break.
Dedicate Yourself To A Daily Goal
Commit yourself to a daily goal and hold yourself accountable. Carve a few minutes out of your schedule each day for your very important little goal.
Invest Time in Your Meals
Get a little creative when it comes to your cooking. The New York Times Cooking offers a free 28 day trial for new users. While you may not be able to travel right now, you can still taste new culinary dishes from around the world.
Give and Receive Movie, TV, Book, and Music Recommendations
Don’t let coronavirus ruin the gift of sharing. Now is a fantastic time to give and receive movie, TV, book, and music recommendations. Collaborate on a playlist. Start a book club. Start a new series.
Call Your Friends & Family
Call your mother.
Invest Time In Personal Development
Now is also a great time to invest in yourself and in your abilities. You could play around with coding or practice learning a language. Think about projects you want to complete and ways you can improve your skills.
Read the News
Stay informed. Read news from expert sources and stay up to date on the facts. Don’t get lost in the wave of hysteria. You are better than that.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-19--The One Thing Each Zodiac Sign Should Stock Up On To Get Them Through Their Quarantines

Whatever single candle the money left in your bank account can get you .
Windex for your mirrors .
Self @ @ @ @ @ Anything that will constantly validate you .
Nothing .
You have everything .
You got @ @ @ @ @ just in case .
A fire fit .
You may be at home , but @ @ @ @ @ look good doing it .
Anything but the plane ticket to Hawaii you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ money to gold already , we know you ’ re already thinking about it .
@ @ @ @ @ down you ’ re going to be experiencing

Aries:
Drugs.
Taurus:
Whatever single candle the money left in your bank account can get you.
Gemini:
Windex for your mirrors. Self obsession stops for nothing.
Cancer:
Anything that will constantly validate you.
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:
Phone chargers, and backup battery banks.
Virgo:
Nothing. You have everything. You got it four months ago, just in case.
Libra:
A fire fit. You may be at home, but you are still going to look good doing it.
Scorpio:
Lube.
Sagittarius:
Anything but the plane ticket to Hawaii you’re considering.
Capricorn:
Just convert your money to gold already, we know you’re already thinking about it.
Aquarius:
Gatorade for whatever inevitable come down you’re going to be experiencing
Pisces:
Music to cry to.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-19--When Your Anxiety Makes It Impossible To Focus

When your anxiety makes it hard to focus , you aren ’ t able to accomplish as much as you would like in a single day .
And that can cause even more anxiety .
It can create a vicious cycle where you want to get things done and end up mad at yourself because as hard as you try you aren ’ t able to get things done .
You aren ’ t able to keep your mind focused .
You aren ’ t able to concentrate on the right thing .
All of your attention is being dragged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is placed on something else , something you wish you could stop thinking about but is eating away at you , consuming you .
When your anxiety makes it hard to focus , it ’ s difficult to explain your issue to anyone else because they will act like it isn ’ t a big deal .
They ’ ll simply tell you not to worry about it , to take your mind off it , but it ’ s not that easy for you .
You can ’ t just turn your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You can ’ t just forget about the main thing that has been on your mind .
It doesn ’ t matter that you know you shouldn ’ t be thinking about this specific problem right now .
It doesn ’ t matter that you know you have all of these other things you should be thinking about instead .
You can ’ t control your brain .
You don ’ t have the power to make yourself stop caring .
You ’ ll always care , whether you want to or not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to focus , the easiest thing to do is procrastinate .
To give up .
To say you ’ ll do it tomorrow when your mind isn ’ t as panicked .
And sometimes , that ’ s the right move .
Sometimes , you should give yourself a break until you feel better again .
But life doesn ’ t always wait .
Sometimes , you ’ re going to have to get shit done anyway .
You ’ re going to have to push yourself .
You ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do this .
You do have what it takes .
You aren ’ t going to let yourself down .
When you have anxiety , you might think the worst of yourself , but the funny thing is that you prove you are capable each and every day .
You ’ re always surprising yourself .
You ’ re always doing things you never thought you could .
When your anxiety makes it hard to focus , you might have moments when you feel like you are a lost cause .
Like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything right .
Like your brain is programmed to fail you .
But that is not true .
Your anxiety isn ’ t going to stop you from succeeding .
Your anxiety isn ’ t going to stop you from living a beautiful life .
Right now , you might have a little trouble concentrating , but you ’ re going to get past this moment .
You ’ re going to be okay .
You ’ re going to accomplish whatever it is you need to accomplish — and you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after that .
But for now , take it one step at a time .
Breathe .
Go easy on yourself .
Don ’ t rush yourself .
Believe in yourself .

When your anxiety makes it hard to focus, you aren’t able to accomplish as much as you would like in a single day. And that can cause even more anxiety. It can create a vicious cycle where you want to get things done and end up mad at yourself because as hard as you try you aren’t able to get things done. You aren’t able to keep your mind focused. You aren’t able to concentrate on the right thing. All of your attention is being dragged in a different direction. Your focus is placed on something else, something you wish you could stop thinking about but is eating away at you, consuming you.
When your anxiety makes it hard to focus, it’s difficult to explain your issue to anyone else because they will act like it isn’t a big deal. They’ll simply tell you not to worry about it, to take your mind off it, but it’s not that easy for you. You can’t just turn your thoughts off like a light switch. You can’t just forget about the main thing that has been on your mind. It doesn’t matter that you know you shouldn’t be thinking about this specific problem right now. It doesn’t matter that you know you have all of these other things you should be thinking about instead. You can’t control your brain. You don’t have the power to make yourself stop caring. You’ll always care, whether you want to or not.
When your anxiety makes it hard to focus, the easiest thing to do is procrastinate. To give up. To say you’ll do it tomorrow when your mind isn’t as panicked. And sometimes, that’s the right move. Sometimes, you should give yourself a break until you feel better again. But life doesn’t always wait. Sometimes, you’re going to have to get shit done anyway. You’re going to have to push yourself. You’re going to have to prove yourself wrong. You can do this. You do have what it takes. You aren’t going to let yourself down.
When you have anxiety, you might think the worst of yourself, but the funny thing is that you prove you are capable each and every day. You’re always surprising yourself. You’re always doing things you never thought you could.
When your anxiety makes it hard to focus, you might have moments when you feel like you are a lost cause. Like you’re never going to do anything right. Like your brain is programmed to fail you. But that is not true. Your anxiety isn’t going to stop you from succeeding. Your anxiety isn’t going to stop you from living a beautiful life. Right now, you might have a little trouble concentrating, but you’re going to get past this moment. You’re going to be okay. You’re going to accomplish whatever it is you need to accomplish — and you’re going to accomplish a million more things after that.
But for now, take it one step at a time. Breathe. Go easy on yourself. Don’t rush yourself. Believe in yourself.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-19--50 Hobbies You Can Master In Two Weeks From The Comfort Of Your Own Home

1 .
Calligraphy .
Practicing every day for a fortnight would improve penmanship .
2 .
What about astronomy ?
Get a few books and grab your binoculars and go outside for half an hour .
3 .
Candle making .
You can get a decent enough starter kit on Amazon and it should do you until you learn the basics .
It ’ s super addictive and fun !
You become obsessed with formulas and whatnot very quickly .
Bonus : you can choose how strong they will smell , have unlimited candles for your house to smell incredible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few bucks selling them if you ’ d like to go down that route .
4 .
Sewing .
If you can ’ t already effect minor repairs to your own clothes , it ’ s damn useful .
5 .
Cross stitch .
You can learn in 15-20 minutes and then it ’ s easy .
6 .
You can learn the beginnings of sign language in two weeks no problem .
8 .
Origami ranges from super simple to outrageously complex , so it ’ s a great option , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you absolutely have more to learn .
9 .
Gardening .
If you don ’ t have yard space , gardening on a balcony or patio is still feasible .
Plenty of herbs love sitting in pots in the sun and cherry tomatoes and peppers do well in such contained environments .
There ’ s tons of creative methods that people have come up with for gardening in tight spaces .
10 .
Journaling .
Much like dreams , your life will become more interesting , and you ’ ll remember it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
Physically , ideally .
11 .
I was going to say knitting !
Very relaxing , and great to do whilst watching TV or listening to an audiobook .
There are plenty of tutorials online and it ’ s not just done by old ladies , I promise !
12 .
Embroidery !
Skeins of floss are pretty cheap and it is very relaxing .
Plus if you do a pillowcase you ’ ll have a rad looking pillowcase when you get done .
13 .
Making electronic music .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addicted to buying all the newest plugins .
14 .
Yoga .
It will be good for your body .
15 .
Card magic/tricks .
Like for real just find your old Uno cards from 2007 and start with them , everything is available online .
You just might need a new deck for advanced tricks .
16 .
Binding books is great !
More or less easy to learn , you don ’ t need a lot other than paper , a needle , thread , and glue .
Makes for great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tarot cards .
If you don ’ t have access to a set or a way to get a set , you can do Tarot readings with playing cards as well !
18 .
Paper mache .
Like any craft , you can get better as you go along .
But the basics are simple , and you probably have everything you need at home to begin .
20 .
Rock painting .
Rocks are basically free .
Craft paint costs about .80/bottle .
Try dot painting mandalas .
Lots of examples online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There ’ s how-tos all over the internet .
Since you are just learning and not making great works of art , any old thread will do , a needle , and beads .
Either find cheap beads or go to the thrift store and buy used jewelry to salvage for parts .
22 .
Live streaming ?
You may not get a big following in 2 weeks but it ’ s still fun to do .
23 .
Juggling !
It ’ s really fun , and there ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 .
Skateboarding .
You can get a “ starter ” board for less than $ 100 , it ’ ll last you awhile until you start thrashing it , keeps you physically occupied a lot , and after 2 weeks , you ’ ll be pretty confident in riding .
25 .
Ukelele… not saying you will be pro , but a ukelele , 14 days , and some YouTube tutorials , you ’ ll be strumming along pretty good .
26 .
Archery is very cheap once you spend your initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Once you have that you ’ re essentially done unless you want to upgrade your bow .
It teaches you to be calm and relaxed and it ’ s fun .
There are even YouTube videos on how to make your own longbow if you want to save even more .
27 .
Drawing .
Paper , pencil… go draw stuff .
Not say you ’ ll be good just 14 days in but it ’ s cheap and it ’ s a start .
28 .
Running .
You need shoes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time .
Plus , they last for months .
29 .
Photography .
Grab you phone , maybe your laptop , and make an Instagram account for it .
Make sure you ’ re open to criticism and everything so you can improve .
You can buy a light for maybe ten dollars .
And if you don ’ t want want to buy a light just move some lamps around .
Go onto YouTube and look up photography hacks or something along those lines and you ’ ll get dozens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the free kind that gives you the basics .
There is also a website called Photopea that I heard was good but I haven ’ t really done enough testing on there to recommend it except for the fact that I know it ’ s free .
30 .
Reading books .
Experiment with different genres .
Try different authors .
One of the most productive and most frugal hobbies out there .
31 .
Audio editing .
It ’ s funner than it sounds .
Audacity is free .
Sites like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the time .
I ’ ve spent hours cutting clips together , it ’ s fun especially when you have a goal sound you are trying to reach , to challenge you .
32 .
Lockpicking can be pretty neat .
Got an old padlock ?
You ’ re already halfway there .
Next you can either buy a starter set of picks or make some out of the metal insert from old windshield wipers .
The downside is that most cheap locks can be opened pretty easily , and you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on anything you own .
But when you find a lock that beats you for a week , finally getting it to pop open is satisfying beyond words .
Good place to start is just about any Masterlock , then move onto some of the smaller 4-pin Abus models to learn spool pins .
American brand locks are usually full of serrated pins , and some of the more expensive locks will sometimes combine different types of pins .
One thing to remember is to never practice on any lock that is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage the lock and either jam it into one position , or make the key no longer function .
33 .
Programming .
Download an IDE for your language of choice and watch some YouTube videos .
34 .
You can buy a guitar for under $ 100 and there is a ton of free material online to help you learn to play .
35 .
Solving a Rubik ’ s Cube .
The beginner ’ s method doesn ’ t take that long to learn it took me about 4 days to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go faster and beat your times .
Then you can get faster cubes and different shapes and varieties and it ’ s really fun to cube .
36 .
It ’ s a little odd to call meditation a ‘ hobby ’ ; but it ’ s free , you can start right now , and it will change your life forever !
Just sit down somewhere and focus on your breathing .
Thoughts will come up , oh boy , will they come up , and that ’ s okay ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notice you ’ re no longer focusing on your breathing , bring your focus back .
With practice , your mind WILL quiet down eventually and the first time that happens is mind blowing .
38 .
Piano , it ’ s not always expensive and you can learn a decent amount in 2 weeks .
39 .
How to hula hoop .
It ’ s fun and it ’ s good for you .
40 .
Darts and the various games associated with throwing darts .
I started playing a few hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m still only playing a few hours a week but I make some decent cash doing it .
41 .
Learn morse code if you don ’ t know it .
42 .
Penspinning .
2 weeks should be enough to learn some basic tricks and those already look very impressive .
43 .
I ’ m currently learning shorthand .
Very simple to process in the brain , big pain in the arse in practice .
But it ’ s good fun !
44 .
Learn how to make different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ language .
Ok , maybe you can ’ t learn a language within 14 days , but you could learn how to count to 10 in every language and see how many you get by the end .
46 .
Stardew Valley is $ 15 on iOS and Android .
You ’ ll be addicted to it .
47 .
3D printing !
It ’ s not quite “ inexpensive , ” but starting out is a lot cheaper than most people expect .
And within 14 days you can absolutely be printing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lenin busts , etc .
You can get a Creality Ender 3 for $ 200-ish .
I ’ ve been using that printer for 6 months or so and it hasn ’ t let me down !
48 .
Lucid dreaming .
Practice it and once you have done it , you just have to go to sleep to transport to your imaginary world .

If you’re going to be stuck at home, you might as well learn one of these hobbies from Ask Reddit.
1. Calligraphy. Practicing every day for a fortnight would improve penmanship.
2. What about astronomy? Get a few books and grab your binoculars and go outside for half an hour.
3. Candle making. You can get a decent enough starter kit on Amazon and it should do you until you learn the basics. It’s super addictive and fun! You become obsessed with formulas and whatnot very quickly. Bonus: you can choose how strong they will smell, have unlimited candles for your house to smell incredible, and you could even make a few bucks selling them if you’d like to go down that route.
4. Sewing. If you can’t already effect minor repairs to your own clothes, it’s damn useful.
5. Cross stitch. You can learn in 15-20 minutes and then it’s easy.
6. You can learn the beginnings of sign language in two weeks no problem.
7. Bread making is rewarding, relaxing, and delicious.
8. Origami ranges from super simple to outrageously complex, so it’s a great option, because even if you take to it quickly, you absolutely have more to learn.
9. Gardening. If you don’t have yard space, gardening on a balcony or patio is still feasible. Plenty of herbs love sitting in pots in the sun and cherry tomatoes and peppers do well in such contained environments. There’s tons of creative methods that people have come up with for gardening in tight spaces.
10. Journaling. Much like dreams, your life will become more interesting, and you’ll remember it more, when you start writing it down. Physically, ideally.
11. I was going to say knitting! Very relaxing, and great to do whilst watching TV or listening to an audiobook. There are plenty of tutorials online and it’s not just done by old ladies, I promise!
12. Embroidery! Skeins of floss are pretty cheap and it is very relaxing. Plus if you do a pillowcase you’ll have a rad looking pillowcase when you get done.
13. Making electronic music. As long as you don’t get addicted to buying all the newest plugins.
14. Yoga. It will be good for your body.
15. Card magic/tricks. Like for real just find your old Uno cards from 2007 and start with them, everything is available online. You just might need a new deck for advanced tricks.
16. Binding books is great! More or less easy to learn, you don’t need a lot other than paper, a needle, thread, and glue. Makes for great and personal/actual useful presents.
17. Tarot cards. If you don’t have access to a set or a way to get a set, you can do Tarot readings with playing cards as well!
18. Paper mache. Like any craft, you can get better as you go along. But the basics are simple, and you probably have everything you need at home to begin.
19. Coloring. It’s surprisingly fun and relaxing.
20. Rock painting. Rocks are basically free. Craft paint costs about .80/bottle. Try dot painting mandalas. Lots of examples online.
21. Learning to bead weave. There’s how-tos all over the internet. Since you are just learning and not making great works of art, any old thread will do, a needle, and beads. Either find cheap beads or go to the thrift store and buy used jewelry to salvage for parts.
22. Live streaming? You may not get a big following in 2 weeks but it’s still fun to do.
23. Juggling! It’s really fun, and there’s a ton of great tutorials on YouTube.
24. Skateboarding. You can get a “starter” board for less than $100, it’ll last you awhile until you start thrashing it, keeps you physically occupied a lot, and after 2 weeks, you’ll be pretty confident in riding.
25. Ukelele… not saying you will be pro, but a ukelele, 14 days, and some YouTube tutorials, you’ll be strumming along pretty good.
26. Archery is very cheap once you spend your initial money on a bow and some arrows. Once you have that you’re essentially done unless you want to upgrade your bow. It teaches you to be calm and relaxed and it’s fun.
There are even YouTube videos on how to make your own longbow if you want to save even more.
27. Drawing. Paper, pencil… go draw stuff. Not say you’ll be good just 14 days in but it’s cheap and it’s a start.
28. Running. You need shoes and can easily find deals online all the time. Plus, they last for months.
29. Photography. Grab you phone, maybe your laptop, and make an Instagram account for it. Make sure you’re open to criticism and everything so you can improve.
You can buy a light for maybe ten dollars. And if you don’t want want to buy a light just move some lamps around.
Go onto YouTube and look up photography hacks or something along those lines and you’ll get dozens of videos.
Download Photoshop on your phone, the free kind that gives you the basics. There is also a website called Photopea that I heard was good but I haven’t really done enough testing on there to recommend it except for the fact that I know it’s free.
30. Reading books. Experiment with different genres. Try different authors. One of the most productive and most frugal hobbies out there.
31. Audio editing. It’s funner than it sounds. Audacity is free. Sites like freesound.org have new homemade recordings from users all the time. I’ve spent hours cutting clips together, it’s fun especially when you have a goal sound you are trying to reach, to challenge you.
32. Lockpicking can be pretty neat. Got an old padlock? You’re already halfway there. Next you can either buy a starter set of picks or make some out of the metal insert from old windshield wipers. The downside is that most cheap locks can be opened pretty easily, and you’ll learn to never trust a lock on anything you own. But when you find a lock that beats you for a week, finally getting it to pop open is satisfying beyond words.
Good place to start is just about any Masterlock, then move onto some of the smaller 4-pin Abus models to learn spool pins. American brand locks are usually full of serrated pins, and some of the more expensive locks will sometimes combine different types of pins.
One thing to remember is to never practice on any lock that is being used. There is always potential to damage the lock and either jam it into one position, or make the key no longer function.
33. Programming. Download an IDE for your language of choice and watch some YouTube videos.
34. You can buy a guitar for under $100 and there is a ton of free material online to help you learn to play.
35. Solving a Rubik’s Cube. The beginner’s method doesn’t take that long to learn it took me about 4 days to learn and after that you can try to go faster and beat your times. Then you can get faster cubes and different shapes and varieties and it’s really fun to cube.
36. It’s a little odd to call meditation a ‘hobby’; but it’s free, you can start right now, and it will change your life forever!
Just sit down somewhere and focus on your breathing. Thoughts will come up, oh boy, will they come up, and that’s okay; observe them without judgement. When you notice you’re no longer focusing on your breathing, bring your focus back.
With practice, your mind WILL quiet down eventually and the first time that happens is mind blowing.
37. Lego/blox kits, also model making.
38. Piano, it’s not always expensive and you can learn a decent amount in 2 weeks.
39. How to hula hoop. It’s fun and it’s good for you.
40. Darts and the various games associated with throwing darts. I started playing a few hours a week 2 years ago and now I’m still only playing a few hours a week but I make some decent cash doing it.
41. Learn morse code if you don’t know it.
42. Penspinning. 2 weeks should be enough to learn some basic tricks and those already look very impressive.
43. I’m currently learning shorthand. Very simple to process in the brain, big pain in the arse in practice. But it’s good fun!
44. Learn how to make different rope knots.
45. Learn a language. Ok, maybe you can’t learn a language within 14 days, but you could learn how to count to 10 in every language and see how many you get by the end.
46. Stardew Valley is $15 on iOS and Android. You’ll be addicted to it.
47. 3D printing! It’s not quite “inexpensive,” but starting out is a lot cheaper than most people expect. And within 14 days you can absolutely be printing everyday items like candleholders, coasters, Lenin busts, etc. You can get a Creality Ender 3 for $200-ish. I’ve been using that printer for 6 months or so and it hasn’t let me down!
48. Lucid dreaming. Practice it and once you have done it, you just have to go to sleep to transport to your imaginary world.
49. Chess. Easy to learn, difficult to master.
50. Masturbation. Relieves stress, good cardio, endless smiles and joy and a amazing social distancing tool.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-19--You’re Allowed To Be Disappointed 2020 Isn’t What You Dreamed

You walked into 2020 hoping this would be the best year of your life .
You hoped you would accomplish every single thing on your checklist .
You hoped you would finally find a sense of happiness and peace and stability .
You hoped this would be the best year ( and decade ) you have ever experienced .
So it ’ s okay if you ’ re feeling off balance right now .
It ’ s okay if you ’ re unsure what to think .
It ’ s okay if you ’ re sick to your stomach with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to focus on simple tasks , if you ’ re scared or angry or disappointed .
Even though what ’ s going on in the world is so much bigger than any of us , even though it ’ s more important now than ever to care about the well-being of your family , friends , and strangers across the world you ’ ve never even met before , you ’ re still allowed to be disappointed about your own personal losses , no matter how small , no matter how silly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the long-run .
You ’ re allowed to be disappointed about cancelling the date you ’ ve been excited about for weeks , or the trip you ’ ve been planning for months , or the wedding you ’ ve been planning for years .
You ’ re allowed to be disappointed about missing out on time spent with your friends or with your crush or with your forever person who lives far , far away .
You ’ re allowed to be disappointed about not getting to sit next to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in class anymore or not getting to celebrate your birthday with all of your friends or not getting to cross off every event listed on your calendar .
You ’ re allowed to be disappointed that you can ’ t go about your day like usual , that the things you usually take for granted have suddenly been taken away from you , that your world has been turned upside down and inconvenienced .
Feeling sad or frustrated or disappointed about your own personal problems isn ’ t selfish .
It doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You ’ re allowed to cry your eyes out .
You ’ re allowed to complain about what you ’ re missing .
You ’ re allowed to be upset .
Your feelings are completely valid — as long as you don ’ t let them overshadow the big picture .
As long as you stay safe , stay inside , and stay smart .
As long as you understand , sometimes , the best thing to do is the hardest thing to do .
As long as you understand this universe doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
Even though things might be rough right now , there are going to be plenty of times in the future when you grab drinks with friends again , when you can get in shape at the gym again , when you can make-out with your crush again .
When all this is over , you can make up for lost time .
You can really live without holding yourself back , without any restraints .
But for now , you ’ re going to have to pause .
You ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your own company .
You ’ re going to have to take a break from your average life .
And even though there are much larger problems in the world , it ’ s still okay to be disappointed about that .

You walked into 2020 hoping this would be the best year of your life. You hoped you would accomplish every single thing on your checklist. You hoped you would finally find a sense of happiness and peace and stability. You hoped this would be the best year (and decade) you have ever experienced. So it’s okay if you’re feeling off balance right now. It’s okay if you’re unsure what to think. It’s okay if you’re sick to your stomach with worry, if you’re unable to focus on simple tasks, if you’re scared or angry or disappointed.
Even though what’s going on in the world is so much bigger than any of us, even though it’s more important now than ever to care about the well-being of your family, friends, and strangers across the world you’ve never even met before, you’re still allowed to be disappointed about your own personal losses, no matter how small, no matter how silly, no matter how meaningless they may seem in the long-run.
You’re allowed to be disappointed about cancelling the date you’ve been excited about for weeks, or the trip you’ve been planning for months, or the wedding you’ve been planning for years. You’re allowed to be disappointed about missing out on time spent with your friends or with your crush or with your forever person who lives far, far away.
You’re allowed to be disappointed about not getting to sit next to the person you’ve been flirting with in class anymore or not getting to celebrate your birthday with all of your friends or not getting to cross off every event listed on your calendar.
You’re allowed to be disappointed that you can’t go about your day like usual, that the things you usually take for granted have suddenly been taken away from you, that your world has been turned upside down and inconvenienced.
Feeling sad or frustrated or disappointed about your own personal problems isn’t selfish. It doesn’t make you a horrible person. You’re allowed to cry your eyes out. You’re allowed to complain about what you’re missing. You’re allowed to be upset. Your feelings are completely valid — as long as you don’t let them overshadow the big picture. As long as you stay safe, stay inside, and stay smart. As long as you understand, sometimes, the best thing to do is the hardest thing to do. As long as you understand this universe doesn’t revolve around any one of us.
Even though things might be rough right now, there are going to be plenty of times in the future when you grab drinks with friends again, when you can get in shape at the gym again, when you can make-out with your crush again. When all this is over, you can make up for lost time. You can really live without holding yourself back, without any restraints.
But for now, you’re going to have to pause. You’re going to have to learn to enjoy your own company. You’re going to have to take a break from your average life. And even though there are much larger problems in the world, it’s still okay to be disappointed about that.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-19--Now Is A Good Time To Relearn How To ‘Play’

The world is suddenly uncertain and a lot of us are just sitting at home watching the Coronavirus pandemic play out on our screens .
For most of us , there ’ s nothing we can do to slow the spread of the virus so there is going to be a lot of downtime in our future .
If you ’ re an American or a product of America ’ s culture ( like me ! )
you ’ re probably noticing pressure to use this time to be “ productive ” .
Maybe you even have a list of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while you ’ re homebound .
This is a post about how you should not do that .
A few months ago I took up watercolor painting .
I had dabbled in oil painting a few years ago but I really hadn ’ t even drawn or doodled since my high school art class days .
Painting went about how you ’ d expect for a beginner : at first I was mediocre , and then I improved .
Most days if I spend time painting , I notice how good it feels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels to have a hobby you just do for leisure .
There is no race to run , no one to grade my skills , no deadline for becoming a painting master .
I just paint what I feel like painting , for the purpose of the pleasure I feel when I do it .
I didn ’ t expect that taking up a new hobby would accomplish anything .
I was just looking for a way to fill my time .
I started painting a lot of self-portraits and I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ image get a lot healthier .
When I ’ m trying to paint a realistic looking portrait , I have to look at lines and colors and shapes .
I realize how differently shaped people ’ s faces , bodies , and features are .
I ’ m not looking to judge what I see , I am curious about how to observe and transport it onto a sheet of paper .
My brain figured out a way to make my time productive without me having to do anything .
I didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my body image , or that painting self-portraits would help me do just that .
When we do anything that challenges us and gives us time for reflection , we move forward .
Unstructured ‘ play ’ time helps my mind relax and have time to think through stressors and problems I ’ m having in a way that more visually active activities like watching TV or scrolling through the internet do not allow .
Things bubble up to the surface .
I learn about my values and goals .
I learn what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what causes me to give up on a challenge versus push through .
A few years ago I quit the gym .
I was never a workout fanatic but I liked to go and take classes .
I loved planning for the gym even more .
The problem was that I had such an all or nothing approach to working out that it really wasn ’ t fun for me .
Everything related to working out was about counting and burning calories and pushing myself to show up every day and meet all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never just went and then did what I felt like doing .
As I focused on recovery from an eating disorder , I realized I had to take a break from working out altogether as I was no longer capable of doing it without focusing on numbers or weight loss .
I would have never thought that someone could go to the gym for pleasure .
But humans thrive when we are challenged , even our bodies love that temporary stress of a challenging workout .
Now that my brain is functioning a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve been able to dip my toes into working out in a healthy way .
I do what is pleasurable for me .
Most days what feels good for me is just walking my dog around the park near my house .
Other times it ’ s doing a Yoga With Adrienne video on YouTube or walking up and down my stairs .
I am always paying attention to how it makes me feel .
By following what feels good to me I am learning to listen to my intuition .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what my body is hungry for rather than having a need to do a prescribed workout every day because it happens to be part of a 30 day challenge or because it will burn the amount of calories I ate for dinner .
The more I slow down enough to do things like this — because I am curious about them or because it pleases me — the more I feel I am remembering a very human part of me that has become numbed by constant stimulation .
I feel more confident because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know now that I am an authority about what is good for me .
I don ’ t need to follow someone else ’ s plan or have a goal .
I don ’ t have to steer the river .
Wherever my find myself , if I listen enough to take the next right step , I will get to where I want to go .
The global pandemic we are in right now is a challenge , to say the least , which means that it is also an opportunity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ being asked to slow down and stay home .
I wonder if you can use this time to engage your curiosity and try to remember what it was like to be a kid and do things just because they felt good .
What would it feel like to just idly play ?
You only need a pen and paper to let your mind wander .
Maybe you just need to journal or doodle .
Maybe you used to knit and it ’ s time to explore that again .
Try to be willing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have to have a plan or an intention , it ’ s enough just to do something for leisure and pleasure .
Maybe this is the right time to binge read all of John Douglas ’ books and become an expert on the criminal mind .
Whatever the most authentic part of you has been craving , I hope you indulge while you ’ re social distancing .
You deserve to do things just because they feel good ( you know , things that don ’ t harm yourself or others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of useful information about your wants and needs in the process .

The world is suddenly uncertain and a lot of us are just sitting at home watching the Coronavirus pandemic play out on our screens. For most of us, there’s nothing we can do to slow the spread of the virus so there is going to be a lot of downtime in our future. If you’re an American or a product of America’s culture (like me!) you’re probably noticing pressure to use this time to be “productive”. Maybe you even have a list of things you’d like to finish while you’re homebound. This is a post about how you should not do that.
A few months ago I took up watercolor painting. I had dabbled in oil painting a few years ago but I really hadn’t even drawn or doodled since my high school art class days. Painting went about how you’d expect for a beginner: at first I was mediocre, and then I improved. Most days if I spend time painting, I notice how good it feels to slow down and enjoy how it feels to have a hobby you just do for leisure. There is no race to run, no one to grade my skills, no deadline for becoming a painting master. I just paint what I feel like painting, for the purpose of the pleasure I feel when I do it.
I didn’t expect that taking up a new hobby would accomplish anything. I was just looking for a way to fill my time. I started painting a lot of self-portraits and I’ve noticed it’s helped my body image get a lot healthier. When I’m trying to paint a realistic looking portrait, I have to look at lines and colors and shapes. I realize how differently shaped people’s faces, bodies, and features are. I’m not looking to judge what I see, I am curious about how to observe and transport it onto a sheet of paper.
My brain figured out a way to make my time productive without me having to do anything. I didn’t know I needed to work on my body image, or that painting self-portraits would help me do just that. When we do anything that challenges us and gives us time for reflection, we move forward. Unstructured ‘play’ time helps my mind relax and have time to think through stressors and problems I’m having in a way that more visually active activities like watching TV or scrolling through the internet do not allow. Things bubble up to the surface. I learn about my values and goals. I learn what I’m like under pressure and what causes me to give up on a challenge versus push through.
A few years ago I quit the gym. I was never a workout fanatic but I liked to go and take classes. I loved planning for the gym even more. The problem was that I had such an all or nothing approach to working out that it really wasn’t fun for me. Everything related to working out was about counting and burning calories and pushing myself to show up every day and meet all the goals I was tracking. I never just went and then did what I felt like doing. As I focused on recovery from an eating disorder, I realized I had to take a break from working out altogether as I was no longer capable of doing it without focusing on numbers or weight loss. I would have never thought that someone could go to the gym for pleasure. But humans thrive when we are challenged, even our bodies love that temporary stress of a challenging workout. Now that my brain is functioning a little better (thanks therapy!) I’ve been able to dip my toes into working out in a healthy way. I do what is pleasurable for me.
Most days what feels good for me is just walking my dog around the park near my house. Other times it’s doing a Yoga With Adrienne video on YouTube or walking up and down my stairs. I am always paying attention to how it makes me feel. By following what feels good to me I am learning to listen to my intuition. I have the space to listen to what my body is hungry for rather than having a need to do a prescribed workout every day because it happens to be part of a 30 day challenge or because it will burn the amount of calories I ate for dinner.
The more I slow down enough to do things like this — because I am curious about them or because it pleases me — the more I feel I am remembering a very human part of me that has become numbed by constant stimulation. I feel more confident because I’m trusting myself. I know now that I am an authority about what is good for me. I don’t need to follow someone else’s plan or have a goal. I don’t have to steer the river. Wherever my find myself, if I listen enough to take the next right step, I will get to where I want to go.
The global pandemic we are in right now is a challenge, to say the least, which means that it is also an opportunity. For most of us, we are being asked to slow down and stay home. I wonder if you can use this time to engage your curiosity and try to remember what it was like to be a kid and do things just because they felt good. What would it feel like to just idly play?
You only need a pen and paper to let your mind wander. Maybe you just need to journal or doodle. Maybe you used to knit and it’s time to explore that again. Try to be willing to trust yourself, that you don’t have to have a plan or an intention, it’s enough just to do something for leisure and pleasure. Maybe this is the right time to binge read all of John Douglas’ books and become an expert on the criminal mind. Whatever the most authentic part of you has been craving, I hope you indulge while you’re social distancing. You deserve to do things just because they feel good (you know, things that don’t harm yourself or others), and you’ll get a lot of useful information about your wants and needs in the process.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-20--You Won’t Find A Love That Is Perfect, But You Will Find A Love That Is Real

You will not find a love that is perfect , but you will find a love that is real .
You will not find a love that is perfect , but you will find a love that sees you .
The kind that brings down your walls , that asks you to share the parts of your soul you have tucked away and kept hidden from the world .
You will not find a love that is perfect , but you will find a love that shows you that it is okay to be the kind of person who balances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is okay to be the kind of person who has not always known how to quiet the beating of their heart within their chests .
And this love , it will hold you there .
It will not vilify you for the ways you have to heal your sadness , for the ways you show up in this world .
This love , it will not flinch at the sight of your darkened past — it will hold you there .
Not just when you are a gleaming example of beauty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baring your teeth .
When you are unraveled before it .
It will not run from you when you take off your mask .
You will not find a love that is perfect , but you will find a love that connects .
This love , it will not shy away from the depth of you .
It will dive .
It will sit you down , and ask you about your childhood home .
It will ask you what it felt like to lose your mother , what it felt like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fit in .
This love , it will know you .
And on some levels , it will feel like it always has — that you have been carrying around a longing for it , that on some level , your soul was always waiting to reconnect with the heart of it , was always waiting to come back home to the parts of itself you eventually found in another human being .
You will not find a love that is perfect , but you will find a love that reminds you that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will inject honey into the soul of you , it will feel like warmth has cracked within your bones .
And you will see how it learns you , and fights for you , and stays to weather the storms by your side .
You will be reminded that there is connection in a world that often chooses distance over depth .
You will be reminded that there is hope to be found pouring from the fingertips of another human being , tucked between the layers of the things you have yet to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not find a love that is perfect , but you will find a love that is light , that isn ’ t heavy to carry , that does not weigh down the core of you .
You will finally understand that love was always meant to be soft .
That it was always meant to be tender .
No , you will not find a love that is perfect — but you will find a love that reminds you just how worthy you always were .
This love , it will show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too much , that the way you sent your heart to war for other human beings was not foolish , that the way you were incapable of loving in halves was not wrong .
This love , it will show you that it was always okay to be the kind of person who loved in a way that was full , and nourished , and hopeful all over .
That it was always okay to be the kind of person who could never shy away from their heart .
This love , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times you were asked to slaughter your instincts , for all of the times you tried to break yourself down just to comfort or impress someone who was not meant for you .
This love , it will show you that you were always worthy of it , that you always deserved to be seen , and understood , that you always deserved to be held and cared for the way you held and cared for all that came before it .
This love will teach you — that you were never too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You were always enough .

You will not find a love that is perfect, but you will find a love that is real.
You will not find a love that is perfect, but you will find a love that sees you. The kind that brings down your walls, that asks you to share the parts of your soul you have tucked away and kept hidden from the world. You will not find a love that is perfect, but you will find a love that shows you that it is okay to be the kind of person who balances both hope and hurt within then, that it is okay to be the kind of person who has not always known how to quiet the beating of their heart within their chests. And this love, it will hold you there. It will not vilify you for the ways you have to heal your sadness, for the ways you show up in this world. This love, it will not flinch at the sight of your darkened past — it will hold you there. Not just when you are a gleaming example of beauty or perfection, but when you are baring your teeth. When you are unraveled before it. It will not run from you when you take off your mask.
You will not find a love that is perfect, but you will find a love that connects. This love, it will not shy away from the depth of you. It will dive. It will sit you down, and ask you about your childhood home. It will ask you what it felt like to lose your mother, what it felt like to always be the person who never quite fit in. This love, it will know you. And on some levels, it will feel like it always has — that you have been carrying around a longing for it, that on some level, your soul was always waiting to reconnect with the heart of it, was always waiting to come back home to the parts of itself you eventually found in another human being.
You will not find a love that is perfect, but you will find a love that reminds you that goodness exists. This love, it will inject honey into the soul of you, it will feel like warmth has cracked within your bones. And you will see how it learns you, and fights for you, and stays to weather the storms by your side. You will be reminded that there is connection in a world that often chooses distance over depth. You will be reminded that there is hope to be found pouring from the fingertips of another human being, tucked between the layers of the things you have yet to discover about them. No, you will not find a love that is perfect, but you will find a love that is light, that isn’t heavy to carry, that does not weigh down the core of you. You will finally understand that love was always meant to be soft. That it was always meant to be tender.
No, you will not find a love that is perfect — but you will find a love that reminds you just how worthy you always were. This love, it will show you that you were never asking for too much, that the way you sent your heart to war for other human beings was not foolish, that the way you were incapable of loving in halves was not wrong. This love, it will show you that it was always okay to be the kind of person who loved in a way that was full, and nourished, and hopeful all over. That it was always okay to be the kind of person who could never shy away from their heart. This love, it will make up for all of the times you were asked to slaughter your instincts, for all of the times you tried to break yourself down just to comfort or impress someone who was not meant for you. This love, it will show you that you were always worthy of it, that you always deserved to be seen, and understood, that you always deserved to be held and cared for the way you held and cared for all that came before it. This love will teach you — that you were never too much. You were always enough. You were always enough.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-20--I’m Exhausted Of Men Keeping It Casual In Order To Gaslight Women

TW : I am a woman who exclusively has sex with men .
I can only speak to my experience !
When I think about the things I enjoy about sex , I think about the connection I feel to the other person and how it feels to experience something sublime with someone else .
Later on , I think about physical pleasure , but I can get that on my own , it ’ s not exclusive to sex so it ’ s not one of the main reasons to seek it out .
For me , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a rare thing to find .
I remember trying to explain to a guy on Tinder once that I wouldn ’ t have sex with him because it was destined to be bad sex .
He couldn ’ t understand ( or , he understood just fine and couldn ’ t care ) .
For men like him ( and , it ’ s a lot of men , percentage wise ) even bad sex is good sex because he gets off and adds to his body count .
What do I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things that makes sex special or pleasurable for me .
I just get to live with another layer of STD/pregnancy anxiety until I get my period and/or next visit the doctor .
And sure , men have to worry about STDs and pregnancy too , but let ’ s be real .
Because of the nature of sex and the way our bodies work and the roles we have been socialized into , it ’ s way easier for women to get infected than for men .
And if a woman gets pregnant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to go through pregnancy or abortion , and even if they get married the woman is , no matter what , likely to be doing most of the childcare and planning for the kid ’ s life and future .
This is just the way it shakes out most of the time and an extra burden for women to carry if they are sexually active with men .
Knowing this , I ’ ve still had casual sex because it feels like the cost of entry to not be alone .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something I could opt out of if I wanted a normal life .
And I ’ ve had a lot of bad , unwanted sex as a result .
I ’ ve been dating men for about 15 years and in that time my anxiety has grown like a hockey stick .
I don ’ t think it ’ s a coincidence that being told my feelings are inappropriate and second guessing every time I feel angry or hurt about something has harmed my health .
I think that my self-esteem and sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it ’ s caused pretty major damage to me .
I went to the emergency room when I had a panic attack in my doctor ’ s office during a routine appointment .
How did I get to the point where I didn ’ t trust myself to make it through a doctor ’ s appointment so much that I panicked and ended up in the ER ?
It might have something to do with being consistently told that the way I think , feel , and act is “ wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into hookup culture ’ s race to the bottom of how robotically we can treat each other .
I ’ ve come to the point of working on my self-esteem where I have to wonder if maybe I ’ m not just flawed .
Maybe my feelings are valid .
Maybe instead of being fundamentally unhealthy I ’ m just putting myself in unhealthy situations again and again .
I don ’ t agree with “ you don ’ t owe them anything ” culture .
I think you owe it to everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and care .
What else is the point of civilization ?
What else is the point of living in community ?
You should treat everyone you meet as if they deserve dignity simply by existing .
If they become toxic to you , establish boundaries , but you don ’ t get to blow people off once you ’ ve used them for whatever fun you can suck out of them .
You don ’ t get to haggle with them for the least care you can give them while being intimate with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know this is wrong , but I feel wrong because so many people tell me that it feels perfectly healthy for them .
I feel like a burden for wanting someone to care about me .
I feel like I am one of those people in the Erin Brokovich town that is telling people I drank the water and got sick and everyone has a vested interest in trying not to believe me .
It ’ s “ my fault ” for not being clear enough that I ’ m unable to enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people should care about each other whether they are having sex or not .
And I know male socialization plays a big role in this .
We acknowledge that people who are veterans have an unavoidably higher risk for suicide because of the way we train them to be soldiers .
We teach men that they are more manly when they sleep with a lot of women .
We teach them that they are weak for wanting to connect , for wanting to be touched or loved or cuddled .
We teach them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to achieve while we also teach women that their emotional connection with a man is the most important thing in their life .
This isn ’ t something individual men are in charge of or to blame for , but we can also acknowledge it isn ’ t a great system for women .
If men are taught to take advantage of people and be vague about the truth in order to get what they want , maybe we need to teach women that men are fundamentally untrustworthy .
If they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bed , why do we teach women that being with a man is a status symbol ?
Why don ’ t we teach women to protect themselves from men ?
Why don ’ t we teach them that they can take a look at what is being offered , consider it , and then choose to walk away ?
If I am not getting what I need and want out of sex , I am not going to have it anymore .
If that makes me difficult or prudish , so be it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then that is a price I am willing to pay to no longer have unwanted and unenjoyable sex with men .
I wish someone would have told me this was okay sooner but I will settle for having learned it by my mid 30 ’ s .
It feels good to know I am no longer going to do something that doesn ’ t serve me .

TW: I am a woman who exclusively has sex with men. I can only speak to my experience!
When I think about the things I enjoy about sex, I think about the connection I feel to the other person and how it feels to experience something sublime with someone else. Later on, I think about physical pleasure, but I can get that on my own, it’s not exclusive to sex so it’s not one of the main reasons to seek it out. For me, it’s more about connection and that has become a rare thing to find.
I remember trying to explain to a guy on Tinder once that I wouldn’t have sex with him because it was destined to be bad sex. He couldn’t understand (or, he understood just fine and couldn’t care). For men like him (and, it’s a lot of men, percentage wise) even bad sex is good sex because he gets off and adds to his body count. What do I get? Certainly not any of the things that makes sex special or pleasurable for me. I just get to live with another layer of STD/pregnancy anxiety until I get my period and/or next visit the doctor.
And sure, men have to worry about STDs and pregnancy too, but let’s be real. Because of the nature of sex and the way our bodies work and the roles we have been socialized into, it’s way easier for women to get infected than for men. And if a woman gets pregnant, it’s her body that has to go through pregnancy or abortion, and even if they get married the woman is, no matter what, likely to be doing most of the childcare and planning for the kid’s life and future. This is just the way it shakes out most of the time and an extra burden for women to carry if they are sexually active with men.
Knowing this, I’ve still had casual sex because it feels like the cost of entry to not be alone. I haven’t felt like it was something I could opt out of if I wanted a normal life. And I’ve had a lot of bad, unwanted sex as a result.
I’ve been dating men for about 15 years and in that time my anxiety has grown like a hockey stick. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that being told my feelings are inappropriate and second guessing every time I feel angry or hurt about something has harmed my health. I think that my self-esteem and sense of self-efficacy have been eroded by gaslighting, and it’s caused pretty major damage to me. I went to the emergency room when I had a panic attack in my doctor’s office during a routine appointment. How did I get to the point where I didn’t trust myself to make it through a doctor’s appointment so much that I panicked and ended up in the ER? It might have something to do with being consistently told that the way I think, feel, and act is “wrong” when it doesn’t fit into hookup culture’s race to the bottom of how robotically we can treat each other.
I’ve come to the point of working on my self-esteem where I have to wonder if maybe I’m not just flawed. Maybe my feelings are valid. Maybe instead of being fundamentally unhealthy I’m just putting myself in unhealthy situations again and again.
I don’t agree with “you don’t owe them anything” culture. I think you owe it to everyone you encounter to treat them with respect and care. What else is the point of civilization? What else is the point of living in community? You should treat everyone you meet as if they deserve dignity simply by existing. If they become toxic to you, establish boundaries, but you don’t get to blow people off once you’ve used them for whatever fun you can suck out of them. You don’t get to haggle with them for the least care you can give them while being intimate with their body.
It feels like I know this is wrong, but I feel wrong because so many people tell me that it feels perfectly healthy for them. I feel like a burden for wanting someone to care about me. I feel like I am one of those people in the Erin Brokovich town that is telling people I drank the water and got sick and everyone has a vested interest in trying not to believe me. It’s “my fault” for not being clear enough that I’m unable to enjoy sex without care. I just think people should care about each other whether they are having sex or not.
And I know male socialization plays a big role in this. We acknowledge that people who are veterans have an unavoidably higher risk for suicide because of the way we train them to be soldiers. We teach men that they are more manly when they sleep with a lot of women. We teach them that they are weak for wanting to connect, for wanting to be touched or loved or cuddled. We teach them to avoid forming emotional connections with people in order to achieve while we also teach women that their emotional connection with a man is the most important thing in their life. This isn’t something individual men are in charge of or to blame for, but we can also acknowledge it isn’t a great system for women.
If men are taught to take advantage of people and be vague about the truth in order to get what they want, maybe we need to teach women that men are fundamentally untrustworthy. If they’ll lie to get you into bed, why do we teach women that being with a man is a status symbol? Why don’t we teach women to protect themselves from men? Why don’t we teach them that they can take a look at what is being offered, consider it, and then choose to walk away?
If I am not getting what I need and want out of sex, I am not going to have it anymore. If that makes me difficult or prudish, so be it. If I am single forever, then that is a price I am willing to pay to no longer have unwanted and unenjoyable sex with men. I wish someone would have told me this was okay sooner but I will settle for having learned it by my mid 30’s. It feels good to know I am no longer going to do something that doesn’t serve me.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-20--The Perils Of Irrationally Rationalizing The Irrational

This is not a poem .
This is me trying to figure something out .
And I ’ m not getting my fucking period .
My mind is racing , I can ’ t stop thinking .
Where do you even begin with it all ?
I can ’ t write everything down ; it ’ s happening too fast .
Which gets to be incredibly frustrating .
I hate to think of all those fleeting thoughts .
How many of them were worth remembering ?
How many had the answer ?
Too many , I think .
Even now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say ?
What is this structure ?
What does it mean ?
What does it mean ?
Why did this happen ?
Why did he say this ?
Why did she say that ?
Why did I step in shit when I should ’ ve could ’ ve would ’ ve missed it ?
Why did I meet you when I should ’ ve could ’ ve would ’ ve missed you ?
All these seemingly unlikely events , all strung together so perfectly .
Feels like a dream .
That must mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too precise .
Too fortunate to mean nothing .
What does my horoscope say today ?
Will it corroborate ?
Validate ?
Is it a coincidence that it mentioned wanting to move across the country ?
Oddly specific .
I have been counting down .
Only 86 more days .
I ’ m overdue for an oil change , but… It seems unlikely that my Co-Star mentioned road trips and my check engine light also turned on this morning .
I think I ’ m on to something .
Is there some kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is that why we always look up for answers ?
Planes gone by .
Clouds with no shape .
Is that my dead dog ’ s face ?
Oh , look , a paper bag .
What does that mean ?
Solving life like a math problem .
If 2+2=4 , does him liking my post + me randomly deciding to wear the same outfit we first met in = we ’ re meant to be together ?
( Wrong answer ) What does my friend cancelling our plans + me feeling sad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ + accidentally running into my ex ’ s ex = ( ? )
Do accidents actually happen ?
Is there a way to logically quantify unlikely coincidences and gut feelings ?
Does it make sense or am I trying to make it make sense ?
You don ’ t make sense of the world through chaos .
**Take a shot every time I use the word “ sense ” ** What is the subtext of life ?
The themes ?
The motifs ?
Author ’ s intent ?
Divine intentions ?
What is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we trying to gain from one another ?
How do we win off of one another ?
When I don ’ t know , I look for the answers through accidents , whispers , scenes from our loves , sometimes Radiohead songs .
I have a terrible habit of trying to find the meaning in the meaningless .
When I do look up to the stars , I wonder if you ’ re looking up with me .
I feel like you are sometimes .
I think we always know if we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think we ’ re all connected and that if you think about someone enough , it means they ’ re thinking about you too .
A random call : Oh , I was just thinking about you !
See , I was right !
That has to mean something .
It can ’ t always be a coincidence .
It can ’ t be that absurd .
Maybe the timing of me writing this essay was fate .
( No , I don ’ t want to use the “ F ” word @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not for me but for somebody else .
Maybe this is somebody else ’ s answer .
I was oddly compelled by the questions of others , but aren ’ t we all ?
I don ’ t know what I ’ m trying to say , I don ’ t know who I ’ m writing this for .
There ’ s always someone out there that I ’ m cryptically writing to .
I can ’ t ignore these feelings .
I can ’ t shake the sensation that I might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When you ’ re thinking about them , you ’ re doing more than thinking about them .
They ’ re more than a fleeting thought .
Like a background character in a deeper analysis of yourself .
When you think about them , you feel something .
You almost sense something .
“ I wonder if they ever think about me ?
” In some odd way you know they do .
Random text .
Random like .
Random call .
Random movie .
Random song .
I don ’ t know… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mean something , right ?
It ’ s all too important .
We feel too much .
We feel everything .
It must mean something .
How much should I trust what I feel ?
Sifting through the pieces of life , trying to put it together like a puzzle that just won ’ t fit .
I can ’ t help but think how significantly happier I ’ d be right now .
I wonder what was supposed to happen .
It feels like so much was supposed to happen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was it the right choice ?
Did I make the wrong choice ?
Oh god , did I stray away ?
Every decision is essentially yes or no .
We can ’ t control the choices we ’ re given ; we can control the choices we make , but is there a right choice ?
Is this making sense ?
CAN WE RATIONALLY RATIONALIZE THE IRRATIONAL ?
?
?
Truthfully , I ’ m very high .
Somewhere between cloud five and nine , and I think I can hear Where is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kinda rhymes . )
But all the preceding questions still stand .

This is not a poem.
This is me trying to figure something out.
And I’m not getting my fucking period.
My mind is racing, I can’t stop thinking.
Where do you even begin with it all?
I can’t write everything down; it’s happening too fast.
Which gets to be incredibly frustrating. I hate to think of all those fleeting thoughts. How many of them were worth remembering? How many had the answer?
Too many, I think.
Even now.
What exactly am I trying to say?
What is this structure?
What does it mean? What does it mean? Why did this happen? Why did he say this? Why did she say that?
Why did I step in shit when I should’ve could’ve would’ve missed it?
Why did I meet you when I should’ve could’ve would’ve missed you?
All these seemingly unlikely events, all strung together so perfectly.
Feels like a dream. That must mean something, right?
It’s too precise.
Too fortunate to mean nothing.
What does my horoscope say today? Will it corroborate? Validate?
Is it a coincidence that it mentioned wanting to move across the country?
Oddly specific.
I have been counting down. Only 86 more days.
I’m overdue for an oil change, but…
It seems unlikely that my Co-Star mentioned road trips and my check engine light also turned on this morning.
I think I’m on to something.
Is there some kind of cheat sheet in the sky? Is that why we always look up for answers?
Planes gone by. Clouds with no shape. Is that my dead dog’s face?
Oh, look, a paper bag. What does that mean?
Solving life like a math problem.
If 2+2=4, does him liking my post + me randomly deciding to wear the same outfit we first met in = we’re meant to be together? (Wrong answer)
What does my friend cancelling our plans + me feeling sad and deciding to go for a walk + accidentally running into my ex’s ex = (?)
Do accidents actually happen?
Is there a way to logically quantify unlikely coincidences and gut feelings?
Does it make sense or am I trying to make it make sense?
You don’t make sense of the world through chaos.
**Take a shot every time I use the word “sense”**
What is the subtext of life? The themes? The motifs? Author’s intent? Divine intentions?
What is everybody constantly thinking about? What are we trying to gain from one another? How do we win off of one another?
When I don’t know, I look for the answers through accidents, whispers, scenes from our loves, sometimes Radiohead songs.
I have a terrible habit of trying to find the meaning in the meaningless.
When I do look up to the stars, I wonder if you’re looking up with me.
I feel like you are sometimes. I think we always know if we’re thinking of one another.
I think we’re all connected and that if you think about someone enough, it means they’re thinking about you too.
A random call: Oh, I was just thinking about you!
See, I was right!
That has to mean something. It can’t always be a coincidence. It can’t be that absurd.
Maybe the timing of me writing this essay was fate. (No, I don’t want to use the “F” word.)
Divine intervention (?)
Not for me but for somebody else.
Maybe this is somebody else’s answer. I was oddly compelled by the questions of others, but aren’t we all?
I don’t know what I’m trying to say, I don’t know who I’m writing this for. There’s always someone out there that I’m cryptically writing to. I can’t ignore these feelings.
I can’t shake the sensation that I might be on their mind as well.
When you’re thinking about them, you’re doing more than thinking about them.
They’re more than a fleeting thought. Like a background character in a deeper analysis of yourself.
When you think about them, you feel something. You almost sense something.
“I wonder if they ever think about me?”
In some odd way you know they do.
Random text.
Random like.
Random call.
Random movie.
Random song.
I don’t know… You just know.
It all has to mean something, right?
It’s all too important.
We feel too much. We feel everything.
It must mean something.
How much should I trust what I feel?
Sifting through the pieces of life, trying to put it together like a puzzle that just won’t fit.
I can’t help but think how significantly happier I’d be right now.
I wonder what was supposed to happen. It feels like so much was supposed to happen.
We do always have a choice… so was it the right choice?
Did I make the wrong choice? Oh god, did I stray away?
Every decision is essentially yes or no.
We can’t control the choices we’re given; we can control the choices we make, but is there a right choice?
Is this making sense?
CAN WE RATIONALLY RATIONALIZE THE IRRATIONAL???
(???????????????)
(????????????????????????????)
Truthfully, I’m very high.
Somewhere between cloud five and nine, and I think I can hear Where is My Mind. (Woah, that kinda rhymes.)
But all the preceding questions still stand.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-20--On Being Thankful For Those Who Hurt Us

On Being Thankful For Those Who Hurt Us

Firstly , this is a testament to the connection you had .
At the end of the day , the people who affect us the most are those who we truly let see us .
Those we felt a deep connection to .
At one point in time you let someone affect you to the point where they were deeply ingrained in your heart .
Being hurt by them is difficult because you cared so much .
Let this be a reminder that you tried for something .
That you genuinely cared for someone in a way most people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favors being disconnected , and guarded , over being open — you opened yourself up to someone , and while it didn ’ t end the way you envisioned , you still experience something that injected beauty into your life for a moment in time .
There is hope in that .
Yes , it hurts .
But it is growing you .
No one ever wants to be hurt by the person who they thought they would be with forever .
No one wants to deal with those emotions .
No one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain .
It is gritty and messy and in a moment , it can feel extremely dark .
If you are in a moment like this right now , you have to understand that this feeling is temporary .
In return , by making it through the tunnel of this hurt , you will come out stronger and more compassionate and you will learn things about yourself that you never would have if you hadn ’ t met this person .
Nothing is for nothing .
It ’ s all growth .
Sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soulmate .
But the most difficult feelings we experience with them , change us for the better .
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that people come into our lives sometimes , and while we often hope that they stay , sometimes they aren ’ t meant to .
Sometimes people come into our lives to teach us certain things about ourselves .
How to speak up for ourselves .
How to advocate for ourselves .
What we like , and what we dislike .
How to see our own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stand up for our hearts , and the way we love in the world .
Not everyone is meant to be a forever .
But the lessons always remain .
The lessons always stay .
You can not control what happened , but you can control how you heal , and grow from it .
Let this be a lesson in control .
Sometimes we lose people we never thought we would .
Sometimes the people we trust the most hurt us .
Sometimes really unfortunate , really messy things happen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because we can not control other human beings .
We can not control how they show up for us , or how they treat us .
We can only control the way we react .
The way we grow from the experience .
And when you come to peace with that , you actually grow into a kinder human being .
When you acknowledge how you feel , let it pass through you , and choose to experience it and grow from it and learn what it has to teach you , instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world , it makes you more conscious .
It makes you self aware because you don ’ t want others to feel that way .
You feel more responsible for the hearts of other human beings , you gain a form of compassion .
Some of the kindest human beings I know have been hurt the most .
Some of the kindest human beings have had to pull themselves out of the dark , and they recognize that they don ’ t want to create it .
They soften instead of hardening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how they want to make people feel .
You now know what you deserve .
When we heal from the hurt , we realize that we deserve more than that depth of damage .
We start to see our worth .
And sometimes it can be an extremely gritty process — to take note of all the times we slaughtered our instincts or didn ’ t stand up for what we wanted .
It can be difficult to admit we settled in so many ways , that we didn ’ t trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t fight for what we needed .
But it is within that knowledge that we can dedicate ourselves to choosing more for ourselves .
It is within that growth that we learn to define love as being so much more than feeling let down , or saying yes when we want to say no , or feeling lonely in the presence of someone who is meant to care for us .
It is within those lessons , that we learn how to be kinder to ourselves , how to stand up for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the day , moving on is about forgiveness .
Understand that this experience , this human being , served a beautiful purpose in your life .
Come to terms with that , sit with it , and find peace within it .
That is the only way to truly move on , because when we forgive due to seeing how this person or this situation made us better , we stop ruminating over what we lost , we stop ruminating over negative emotions , and we start to focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out new foundations within ourselves .
We don ’ t have to hate the people who broke us .
That only hurts us in the long run more .
If we try to change or grip at that negativity , we are always going to allow for those past experiences to negatively impact our future .
Instead , choose to focus on the good — because there is always good , there is always a lesson , and let go .
That is true forgiveness .

This article is inspired by episode #6 of the In Your Feelings Podcast, a collaboration from Thought Catalog and Bianca Sparacino.
Subscribe here: Spotify | iTunes
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emq5poXEcxM&w=560&h=315%5D
Firstly, this is a testament to the connection you had.
At the end of the day, the people who affect us the most are those who we truly let see us. Those we felt a deep connection to. At one point in time you let someone affect you to the point where they were deeply ingrained in your heart. Being hurt by them is difficult because you cared so much. Let this be a reminder that you tried for something. That you genuinely cared for someone in a way most people will never experience. In a world that favors being disconnected, and guarded, over being open — you opened yourself up to someone, and while it didn’t end the way you envisioned, you still experience something that injected beauty into your life for a moment in time. There is hope in that.
Yes, it hurts. But it is growing you.
No one ever wants to be hurt by the person who they thought they would be with forever. No one wants to deal with those emotions. No one wants to live in all of that pain. It is gritty and messy and in a moment, it can feel extremely dark. If you are in a moment like this right now, you have to understand that this feeling is temporary. In return, by making it through the tunnel of this hurt, you will come out stronger and more compassionate and you will learn things about yourself that you never would have if you hadn’t met this person. Nothing is for nothing. It’s all growth.
Sometimes, we mistake a teacher for a soulmate. But the most difficult feelings we experience with them, change us for the better.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that people come into our lives sometimes, and while we often hope that they stay, sometimes they aren’t meant to. Sometimes people come into our lives to teach us certain things about ourselves. How to speak up for ourselves. How to advocate for ourselves. What we like, and what we dislike. How to see our own value, our own worth. How to stand up for our hearts, and the way we love in the world. Not everyone is meant to be a forever. But the lessons always remain. The lessons always stay.
You cannot control what happened, but you can control how you heal, and grow from it.
Let this be a lesson in control. Sometimes we lose people we never thought we would. Sometimes the people we trust the most hurt us. Sometimes really unfortunate, really messy things happen, and we cannot control it. Because we cannot control other human beings. We cannot control how they show up for us, or how they treat us. We can only control the way we react. The way we grow from the experience.
And when you come to peace with that, you actually grow into a kinder human being.
When you acknowledge how you feel, let it pass through you, and choose to experience it and grow from it and learn what it has to teach you, instead of letting it harden you to the world, it makes you more conscious. It makes you self aware because you don’t want others to feel that way. You feel more responsible for the hearts of other human beings, you gain a form of compassion.
Some of the kindest human beings I know have been hurt the most. Some of the kindest human beings have had to pull themselves out of the dark, and they recognize that they don’t want to create it. They soften instead of hardening. They know who they want to be and how they want to make people feel.
You now know what you deserve.
When we heal from the hurt, we realize that we deserve more than that depth of damage. We start to see our worth. And sometimes it can be an extremely gritty process — to take note of all the times we slaughtered our instincts or didn’t stand up for what we wanted. It can be difficult to admit we settled in so many ways, that we didn’t trust our intuition, that we didn’t fight for what we needed. But it is within that knowledge that we can dedicate ourselves to choosing more for ourselves. It is within that growth that we learn to define love as being so much more than feeling let down, or saying yes when we want to say no, or feeling lonely in the presence of someone who is meant to care for us. It is within those lessons, that we learn how to be kinder to ourselves, how to stand up for our hearts and what they need.
At the end of the day, moving on is about forgiveness.
Understand that this experience, this human being, served a beautiful purpose in your life. Come to terms with that, sit with it, and find peace within it. That is the only way to truly move on, because when we forgive due to seeing how this person or this situation made us better, we stop ruminating over what we lost, we stop ruminating over negative emotions, and we start to focus on what we gained and how we built out new foundations within ourselves.
We don’t have to hate the people who broke us. That only hurts us in the long run more. If we try to change or grip at that negativity, we are always going to allow for those past experiences to negatively impact our future. Instead, choose to focus on the good — because there is always good, there is always a lesson, and let go. That is true forgiveness.
This article is inspired by episode #6 of the In Your Feelings Podcast, a collaboration from Thought Catalog and Bianca Sparacino.
Subscribe here: Spotify | iTunes


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-22--30 Horror Movies To Stream On Netflix, Hulu, and Prime While You’re Social Distancing

Girl on the Third Floor The neighbor says “ this house brings out the worst in people , ” and it ’ s way worse than you could ever imagine A mysterious death in a nearby town causes a mortician and his son to work late .
The body is perfect on the outside , but they discover the inside of her has been tortured and destroyed .
How is this possible ?
Unfortunately , these men find out .
Josef is a man with terminally ill cancer who hires a videographer , Brice , to help him create a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these men are tortured on camera before ultimately meeting a gruesome death , and I ’ ll give you a hint : it ’ s not Josef .
Two guys return to the doomsday cult that they grew up in , and something horrible seems to be controlling time and space .
This sci-fi horror film has been an inspiration to horror film makers for the last two decades .
A once lost spaceship is now found , and a team of astronauts must search it .
It ’ s a mystery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the ship now has on board .
Two scam artists who fake hauntings in order to come “ save ” the family gets presented with their toughest case of hauntings : a real one .
Scarlett Johanson lures men to their death with her sensuality .
Seems like a usual plot , but this movie is anything but .
Watch the original , not the remake .
Trust .
If you like to giggle at something gorey , this is the movie for you .
Two rednecks save a girl who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they kidnapped her .
They try to save her , but Tucker and Dale keep accidentally gruesomely murdering them .
Taking place in Iran during the 1980s Iraq-Iran war , this movie follows a woman whose husband is sent to war just before something crashes into her house that brings something terrifying with it .
Maybe a little too on-the-nose for the current situation , but that might make this movie all the scarier .
This movie takes place in a time where you can pay to have the same disease as your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of sick obsession , A group of friends go off the grid to a secluded cabin .
You know how this story goes .
What makes this one different ?
A young Chris Hemsworth .
That and the fact that they are trapped in a surveyed realm called “ the killing floor ” and their every move is being secretly filmed and controlled .
People reference this move all the time , but have you *actually* watched it ?
3 separate paranormal cases are followed through the perspective of one paranormal investigator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A poor woman is hired by a wealthy family for child care , as well as much more than she thought she had signed up for .
American soldiers in WWII find a Nazi base where there are experimenting with creating super-soldiers .
This movie is the peak of historic science fiction .
A bunch of pledges are forced through heinous hazing in order to join a fraternity .
It ’ s like Animal House if Animal House had attempted murder in it .
An army of gargantuan wasps infiltrate the outdoor dinner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are stung have some pretty freaky side effect , and it ’ s up to the goofy waiter to save them for some reason .
A bunch of girls who are dying for social media fame start killing for it .
Somos Que Lo Hay ( We Are What We Are ) After the patriarch of a head hunting family dies , the eldest son must step up to find food for his family before they die , or worse , are found out .
When you think of breaking-and-entering movies , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matters even scarier , this scary story was loosely based on a true event .
A group of people in a hospital find a portal to another dimension , and it is not exactly pleasant .
It ’ s like Stranger Things on ketamine .
The matriarch of a family dies , and they slowly discover a demonic family secret that she has left behind .
From the same director as Hereditary , Midsommar follows Dani , a girl who has just lost her whole family to murder-suicide , as she embarks on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his friends .
One of the friends brings them to a festival at his home commune .
The bright colors of this movie are terrifying when paired with the darkness of the festival ’ s rituals .
A group of friends at a dinner party discover that the whole street is experiencing a black out , except for the house down the street .
When they go to investigate , it seems that this house is having the same exact dinner party .
Natalie Portman stars in this movie about her encounter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” while she was looking for answers about what happened to her husband there .
No one has come back alive , until now .
This oldie and weirdie is about twin brothers who share the same profession , gynecology , and the same girlfriends , their patients .
Everything goes smoothly until one of the brothers develops an unhealthy obsession with one of the patients .
I mean , girlfriends .
I mean , patient girlfriends .
A group of women get stuck in a cave with horrors that make you glad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house for a while .
It ’ s black and white .
It ’ s a vampire movie .
But it also has a western theme .
It ’ s Irainian .
It ’ s a real movie you can watch .
This non-fiction fiction is a “ docudrama ” about a real life serial killer .
He goes to jail for killing his mom , and once he ’ s released , he goes on a killing spree .
Sounds like someone did not learn their lesson .

Netflix
Girl on the Third Floor
The neighbor says “this house brings out the worst in people,” and it’s way worse than you could ever imagine
The Autopsy of Jane Doe
A mysterious death in a nearby town causes a mortician and his son to work late. The body is perfect on the outside, but they discover the inside of her has been tortured and destroyed. How is this possible? Unfortunately, these men find out.
Creep
Josef is a man with terminally ill cancer who hires a videographer, Brice, to help him create a video diary for his son. One of these men are tortured on camera before ultimately meeting a gruesome death, and I’ll give you a hint: it’s not Josef.
The Endless
Two guys return to the doomsday cult that they grew up in, and something horrible seems to be controlling time and space.
Event Horizon
This sci-fi horror film has been an inspiration to horror film makers for the last two decades. A once lost spaceship is now found, and a team of astronauts must search it. It’s a mystery where the ship has been, and what the ship now has on board.
Malevolent
Two scam artists who fake hauntings in order to come “save” the family gets presented with their toughest case of hauntings: a real one.
Under the Skin
Scarlett Johanson lures men to their death with her sensuality. Seems like a usual plot, but this movie is anything but.
Shutter (2004)
Watch the original, not the remake. Trust.
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil
If you like to giggle at something gorey, this is the movie for you. Two rednecks save a girl who was drowning and all of her friends think they kidnapped her. They try to save her, but Tucker and Dale keep accidentally gruesomely murdering them.
Under the Shadow
Taking place in Iran during the 1980s Iraq-Iran war, this movie follows a woman whose husband is sent to war just before something crashes into her house that brings something terrifying with it.
Hulu
Antiviral
Maybe a little too on-the-nose for the current situation, but that might make this movie all the scarier. This movie takes place in a time where you can pay to have the same disease as your favorite celebrity. It is a new level of sick obsession,
Cabin In The Woods
A group of friends go off the grid to a secluded cabin. You know how this story goes. What makes this one different? A young Chris Hemsworth. That and the fact that they are trapped in a surveyed realm called “the killing floor” and their every move is being secretly filmed and controlled.
Children of the Corn
People reference this move all the time, but have you *actually* watched it?
Ghost Stories
3 separate paranormal cases are followed through the perspective of one paranormal investigator who is trying to solve them.
The Housemaid
A poor woman is hired by a wealthy family for child care, as well as much more than she thought she had signed up for.
Overlord
American soldiers in WWII find a Nazi base where there are experimenting with creating super-soldiers. This movie is the peak of historic science fiction.
Pledge
A bunch of pledges are forced through heinous hazing in order to join a fraternity. It’s like Animal House if Animal House had attempted murder in it.
Stung
An army of gargantuan wasps infiltrate the outdoor dinner party of the mayor. Those who are stung have some pretty freaky side effect, and it’s up to the goofy waiter to save them for some reason.
Tragedy Girls
A bunch of girls who are dying for social media fame start killing for it.
Somos Que Lo Hay (We Are What We Are)
After the patriarch of a head hunting family dies, the eldest son must step up to find food for his family before they die, or worse, are found out.
Prime
The Strangers
When you think of breaking-and-entering movies, you think of this one. To make matters even scarier, this scary story was loosely based on a true event.
The Void
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFNF_tSk97k
A group of people in a hospital find a portal to another dimension, and it is not exactly pleasant. It’s like Stranger Things on ketamine.
Hereditary
The matriarch of a family dies, and they slowly discover a demonic family secret that she has left behind.
Midsommar
From the same director as Hereditary, Midsommar follows Dani, a girl who has just lost her whole family to murder-suicide, as she embarks on a trip to Sweden with her boyfriend and his friends. One of the friends brings them to a festival at his home commune. The bright colors of this movie are terrifying when paired with the darkness of the festival’s rituals.
Coherence
A group of friends at a dinner party discover that the whole street is experiencing a black out, except for the house down the street. When they go to investigate, it seems that this house is having the same exact dinner party.
Annihilation
Natalie Portman stars in this movie about her encounter in another realm called “The Shimmer” while she was looking for answers about what happened to her husband there. No one has come back alive, until now.
Dead Ringers
This oldie and weirdie is about twin brothers who share the same profession, gynecology, and the same girlfriends, their patients. Everything goes smoothly until one of the brothers develops an unhealthy obsession with one of the patients. I mean, girlfriends. I mean, patient girlfriends.
The Descent
A group of women get stuck in a cave with horrors that make you glad that you’re not leaving your house for a while.
A Girl Walks Home At Night
It’s black and white. It’s a vampire movie. But it also has a western theme. It’s Irainian. It’s a real movie you can watch.
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU3P6WXzvXU
This non-fiction fiction is a “docudrama” about a real life serial killer. He goes to jail for killing his mom, and once he’s released, he goes on a killing spree. Sounds like someone did not learn their lesson.