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eidesignlearning · 8 months ago

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From Theory to Practice: Using Immersive Learning to Drive Experiential Learning

Introduction

Immersive learning empowers skill-based organizations by providing realistic, interactive environments where employees can develop critical hands-on abilities. Through technologies like VR and simulations, learners practice real-world scenarios safely, accelerating skill acquisition and retention. This approach ensures a future-ready workforce, driving both personal and organizational growth.

Exploring the Synergy: Immersive Learning and Experiential Learning

Immersive learning accelerates right-skilling by merging technology-driven simulations with experiential learning. It creates realistic, risk-free environments where employees refine their skills through hands-on practice, adapting their strategies based on evolving scenarios. Tools like VR and AR, used by platforms such as Thrive and The Void, enable learners to retain critical knowledge and apply it effectively in real-world roles.

By integrating immersive learning with right-skilling initiatives, organizations can rapidly equip their workforce to meet changing industry demands, fostering agility, innovation, and enhanced performance in a competitive market.

Addressing the 4 Elements of Experiential Learning with Immersive Learning

Typically, there are four elements of experiential learning, namely: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.

Here, I outline how immersive learning can add value to each of these elements to make experiential learning more authentic.

Concrete Experience: The first stage of experiential learning focuses on practical, real-world experiences. Immersive platforms like Strivr, Virti, and Mursion bring this to life by creating realistic, interactive environments through simulations and virtual reality. These platforms allow learners to actively practice skills and apply knowledge in a safe, controlled setting. This direct engagement deepens understanding, enhances retention, and makes the experience more memorable, ultimately accelerating skill development.

Reflective Observation: At this stage, learners reflect on their experiences to gain insights and evaluate their actions. Platforms like CenarioVR, LearnBrite, and Vivid Learning Systems leverage immersive tools such as VR and interactive videos with replay and review features. These technologies enable learners to revisit their decisions from different perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of outcomes. This reflective process helps identify areas for improvement, enhances critical thinking, and solidifies the comprehension of key concepts, driving more effective skill development.

Abstract Conceptualization: At this stage of experiential learning, learners begin forming general principles from their reflections and experiences. Platforms like zSpace, Talespin, and Engage enhance this process by offering immersive, scenario-based learning with instant feedback. These dynamic environments allow learners to engage with real-world challenges, identify patterns, and form new ideas. By bridging practical actions with theoretical concepts, immersive learning helps solidify understanding and fosters the ability to apply knowledge more effectively in various situations.

Active Experimentation: In the final stage of experiential learning, learners apply their newfound knowledge to various situations to evaluate outcomes. Platforms like BizSim, Kahoot!, and Unity Simulation Pro use immersive simulations and interactive scenarios to enhance this active experimentation. These tools provide a safe, controlled environment where learners can test ideas, iterate solutions, and refine their skills. This hands-on approach builds confidence and ensures effective application of new concepts in real-world scenarios.

8 Immersive Learning Strategies to Drive Experiential Learning

Adopting immersive learning strategies is essential for deepening experiential learning through hands-on practice, critical thinking, and ongoing feedback. Here are eight effective strategies:

Simulations: Create interactive learning environments that mimic real-world scenarios where learners can practice skills, enhance problem-solving and decision-making abilities, and apply knowledge in a risk-free setting.

Gamification: Incorporate game elements like points, levels, and rewards to make learning more interactive and enjoyable, boost motivation, engage learners, and improve retention.

Extended Reality (XR)/Augmented Reality (AR): Integrate digital overlays into physical environments to provide immersive, hands-on experiences, enhance learning, and engage learners in dynamic and realistic simulations.

Virtual Reality (VR): Create a fully immersive environment, where learners can engage in lifelike situations, practice high-pressure scenarios and soft skills, and explore environments in ways that wouldn’t be possible in the physical world.

Interactive Videos: Engage learners with narrative-driven content where they make decisions, answer questions, or explore alternative outcomes, thereby increasing engagement and promoting active learning.

Adaptive Learning Platforms: Use AI-driven adaptive learning platforms such as Edcast, Docebo, Filtered, and Cognota, to personalize learning paths and experiences in real-time by adapting content and pacing based on individual learners’ needs and performance.

Branching Scenarios: Enable learners to explore the consequences of different outcomes based on their decisions in a safe environment, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Story-based Learning: Use immersive narratives to anchor learning in relatable, real-world contexts, enabling learners to connect emotionally with the content and better retain important ideas.

Use Cases of Immersive Learning in Driving Experiential Learning

Immersive learning effectively drives experiential learning through virtual simulations for training in high-risk professions where real-world practice is challenging. Some use cases include:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Allowing learners to “walk in someone else’s shoes,” by providing realistic simulations that replicate different perspectives and experiences. As learners navigate situations from various viewpoints in a controlled, experiential setting, they gain empathy and a deeper understanding into the challenges and emotions that others face.

Leadership Development: Providing realistic simulations of leadership challenges, enabling leaders to practice decision-making and explore various strategies in a risk-free environment. By experimenting with different leadership styles and tactics while receiving immediate, actionable feedback, leaders can refine their skills and build confidence in handling complex situations, while eliminating real-world consequences.

Sales Training: Engaging sales professionals in lifelike sales scenarios, enabling them to practice and refine their techniques, adapt strategies, and handle objections without the pressure of actual outcomes. This risk-free space for experimentation builds confidence and improves effectiveness in real sales situations.

Compliance Training: Offering interactive scenarios where learners can apply compliance knowledge in practical and realistic contexts. By converting abstract regulations into tangible, hands-on experiences, immersive learning enhances understanding and retention of complex rules and critical guidelines, while also making compliance training more engaging.

Customer Service Training: Allowing customer service representatives to practice handling difficult customers in a realistic, yet safe environment. This hands-on approach helps refine communication and problem-solving skills, experiment with various conflict-resolution techniques, and build confidence to handle difficult situations with professionalism and poise in real-world scenarios.

Future Outlook and Trends

Immersive learning is set to revolutionize skill development by offering personalized, engaging experiences that enhance retention and application. Its potential to drive higher ROI makes it a leading choice for future learning strategies.

AI will drive the future of learning, with adaptive platforms tailoring content and support in real time to meet individual needs. These AI-driven systems will use data analytics to foster collaborative, social learning and create dynamic educational environments.

Technologies like AR and VR will further enhance immersive and experiential learning, offering more interactive and engaging experiences. Advanced data analytics and machine learning will analyze learner data to optimize performance and tailor experiences, providing deep insights into engagement and effectiveness. This data-driven approach will enable organizations to refine their training programs, boost learner success, and achieve better ROI.

Conclusion

Immersive learning is revolutionizing experiential learning by creating authentic, risk-free environments where learners can refine real-world skills. Utilizing AI, VR, AR, and adaptive technologies, it offers personalized, impactful experiences across domains like leadership and sales. Data analytics is crucial in measuring effectiveness and guiding continuous improvement. The evolution of AI-driven platforms will further enhance interactive, collaborative learning, driving greater individual and organizational success in a dynamic, future-ready environment.

#elearning solutions #learning strategies #immersive learning

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nicholasandriani · 2 years ago

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Immersive Edutainment: Exploring the World of E-Learning with Captivate, Unity, VR, and Mozilla Hub. Game-Based Learning and Buddhism, Obviously.

In the fast-evolving world of education, the integration of technology has revolutionized the way we learn and engage with content. As an eLearning instructor, I recently had an exhilarating experience producing and developing an interactive module that blended game-based learning, virtual reality (VR), and Mozilla Hubs to create captivating edutainment content. Join me on this exciting journey…

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entaberp · 2 years ago

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How to Implement Competency-Based Learning in Your Classroom

As a result of Entab's experiential learning assets, students and schools can implement CBL more effectively. Students can use the resources to gain hands-on experience and develop practical skills. Schools can use the resources to design robust curricula for their students. It allows for more effective and engaging learning experiences. The experiential learning assets also facilitate collaboration and communication among students, teachers, and parents, creating a deeper understanding of the material and leading to improved outcomes. This creates an environment where students feel supported and motivated to learn, leading to greater success.

#competency based assessment #competency based evaluation #competency learning #competency based learning #assessment teaching #competency based teaching #competency based #experiential learning solutions #immersive learning experience #experience the learning lab #learning experience

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fyuyushia · 3 months ago

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Have we met before? Maybe in another time I loved you, maybe you're the one that I would run to, don't know why it's all a blur. I think I know you. - "Have we met before?"

Graphite stains the pristine white sheet of paper, making a soft hum as friction allowed for writings to appear on your notebook. Music played faintly in the background, ears plugged with earphones which blasted your favorite tunes for only you to hear.

The ambient light of the library helped you focus on studying. Scanning through the contents of the math textbook you borrowed from one of the sections of the library, you eagerly skimmed through the contents, determined to learn every bit you hadn't understood about the subject.

The entrance exams for the college you were shooting for drew near, and, out of sheer love for the university, you buried your nose in the books for days on end. Frequenting the library near your home, the people by the reception began to recognize you for your visits that happened for long hours, starting from 12 pm sharp to the library's closing time.

Today wasn't much different. Like routine, you arrived at the library at 12, took out a book, a notebook, your pen, and a dream. You waste no time slaving away to the lessons, meticulously understanding each and every one in hopes of reaching your dream job and by extension, your dream life.

Your wrist moved rhythmically, jotting down notes, attempting to solve formulas by your lonesome. How much lead did you use? Last you counted it was 10, by now, you had probably spent a whole pack.

This goes here and, you grab your calculator, rechecking your answers to ensure that you did them right.

"Excuse me," interrupting you in the midst of solving a problem, was someone coming up to your table (which was stacked with books) and calling for you.

You don't notice it the first time. Only responding when he calls for you the second time, when he does the added motion of leaning down to put his face in your periphery. Snapping out of your immersion, you peer up at him and blink.

You took off one of your earbuds and sat up straight. "Yes?"

The man-you noticed was a real looker—flashed you a small smile. "Is this seat taken? Would you mind if I sat here with you?" He pauses, eyes darting towards your surroundings. "There's no other seats available, you see. I promise I won't be a bother."

"Ah, of course!" Snapping out of your daze, you caught yourself before you could fall prey to his charms and become one of his (no doubt) victims.

Pulling your scattered books closer to you to make space for the man, you urged him to sit down on the seat across you. He gratefully accepts and allows himself to sit on the non-occupied seat.

"Thank you," he says, to which you respond with a nod.

You swallow thickly, shaking your head to rid yourself of your lecherous thoughts. Shifting your focus to the problem at hand, you plug in your earphone and hit play, resuming your own business and letting him do his.

Scribbling solutions on your scratch paper, you rest your head against your free hand. The stranger settled on the space in front of you, taking out his own textbooks and studying as well.

Admittedly, your eyes would occasionally drift towards the man. You took in his dangerously charming features. A tall man with a well built physique, a mature look and an air of mystery provided by his dark choice of clothing(which, in your honest opinion, suited him well). Had it not been for the fact that he was studying the same coverage as you, you would've thought he was older by a few years.

But most importantly of all, he felt familiar, somewhat. There was this certain tug in your heart, feeling nostalgic when you caught sight of him. It was weird, you were certain that if you did encounter someone so goodlooking you would remember them well. But you didn't, and yet you felt somewhat bittersweet as you observed the man.

"I'll give you a future you deserve. Please trust me in this, I'd do everything just to make you smile."

A foreign whisper echoes in the back of your mind, overriding the music that played in the background.

Much to your chagrin, the stranger suddenly looked up from his book and met your eyes, catching you in the act of staring. He sends over a polite smile your way; you flinch and avert your gaze in turn.

You clear your throat, pretending like you weren't just caught staring at him. Growing finicky, you tighten your hold on your mechanical pencil and hastily write down your answers.

He laughs, his shoulder shaking softly as he takes in your panicked act. Though you couldn't hear it due to the loud music blaring through your earbuds, the sight of his amused grin alone had your heart racing. It wasn't often you could see such a looker out in the open, you reasoned to yourself.

Sparing one last glance at him—just to make sure he wasn't bothered with you staring—you find him still staring at you instead. You nearly jump in your seat, but managed to keep yourself still for the most part. Nonchalant, just like you wanted to be.

He points at your ear, tilting his head a bit in question. Taking notice of his gestures, you pause the music and take them off once more.

"Did you say something?"

"Ah," he repeats the motion, pointing to his ear. "Your earphones. The music's leaking out."

Your lips part in a 'o' shape.

"Oh."

Your cheeks flush, flustered by your blunder. "I-sorry, I didn't notice."

"It's fine, I was just worried about your hearing. Playing it on full volume will hurt your ears, you know?"

"Oh, oh it's fine! Thank you though, for the concern, I mean."

He gives you a shut eye smile. Idly tapping his fingers against the wooden desk, he hums. "[Band name], right?"

"I like that band too." Keeping the conversation going, he leans slightly forward in a futile attempt to get a bit closer. "The one you just played, in particular's my favorite."

His eyes narrow ever so slightly when he sees your eyes sparkle. Glad to see a kindred soul, you pushed your phone to the side and engaged in a light conversation with him.

"Really? I didn't expect to find a fellow listener so conveniently! Especially since they're more of in the lesser know side."

"Right?" He chuckles, his deep baritone making your heart experience an earth quake in real time. "I was introduced to it by a friend."

You don't miss the way his voice grows laced with a melancholic tone. "Oh? That friend of yours has good taste. They've been one of my favorites since they first debuted!"

"Debuted? That's an awfully long time." The man feigns a shocked expression. "What's your favorite song then, and why?"

Your lips parted into a smile. He was asking all the right questions, allowing you to talk to him about your fondness for the band. "Well, you see, I-"

He nods as you chatter away, lips pressed into a smile. Giving small nods and hums to let you know he was listening, you happily talk away with him your passion for the band, only pulling away when he looks at you too softly for your comfort.

"Oh! Sorry, I was talking too much, wasn't I?"

If you were to be truthfully honest, then you'd say that reason you just spouted was not the reason you stopped yapping. If you were, again, to speak truthfully, then you'd say it was mostly because of the certain way he looked at you. Yearning for something, a certain look of fondness glimmering within the irises of his grey hues. The way that he directed such soft gaze at you had your head spinning, and though you tried desperately not to fall into his trap, you found yourself charmed hook, line, and sinker.

He laughs-the sound, a pleasing melody to your ears-his head perched atop his palm. "No, not at all. By all means, do continue."

"No, no, it's fine. I've said all I wanted to say anyways." You scratched your cheek, hoping he wouldn't notice just how warm your cheeks have gotten.

The stranger hums, pausing as he feels the silence stretch and slowly envelope the two of you on its bubble once more. You part your lips, looking away from him, hesitating, wanting to talk more to the fellow fan but scared of sounding weird.

"You sure have a lot of books stacked up."

You shift your gaze towards the stack of books that rested beside you. "Oh, yes, well, I'm aiming for one of the bigger universities so I have to put in this much effort if I want to get in."

He nods, idly drumming his fingers against the table. "Which one are you trying to get into?"

You answer with your chosen university, a shy smile on your lips. The stranger lights up, donning a pleasantly surprised demeanor once he hears your answer.

"Really? That's the university I'm trying to get into as well." He laughs, "what a coincidence. Do you think it's fate?" What bullcrap.

You chuckle as well, amused by the coincidence. "So it seems. It's nice to meet a fellow soldier here."

His smile quirks up a bit higher than before. "Indeed. Say, what's your name?"

You easily tell him your name, answering with a chirp in your voice. You've gotten comfortable with this odd man, for whatever reason, he just seemed trustworthy despite a part of your head judging him harshly and betting on the fact that he was a playboy.

"What's yours?"

The man—you now learned had the name of Jinwoo—answered. He offered a hand, you accept it and give it a short shake.

"Best of luck to us, the name's Sung Jinwoo."

And, like a lock falling apart, the gates to a knowledge kept hidden opened slightly. Brief glimpses of a past you couldn't recognize living through in flashed against your eyes.

Gates, hunters, and most importantly, Sung Jinwoo.

Short flashes of whispered confessions, wordless exchanges of affection-the once blurry figure suddenly painted Jinwoo's features, giving you both a name and a face.

You tentatively pulled away, retracting your arms from his hold.

His quirks up a brow then curls it in worry. "Is something wrong?"

Your brows crease, conflicted. What was that just now? It felt like the memories were yours but it also felt like it wasn't. You never lived through such a life, only met him now.

"No, nothing's wrong! Just that..." You trail off, hesitant to ask. "It feels like... Have we met before?"

The man, Jinwoo, freezes at your words. For a moment, you could see a glimpse of pure shock written on his face. His lips parted slightly, and his eyes widened just a smidge before returning to its usual pokerface.

Your cheeks flush when silence overtakes the two of you. You scramble to correct things, worried that he might have seen you as a creep or that you were flirting with him.

"Oh! Uhm, nevermind-that sounded weird right? I didn't mean it in that way I just-"

"We have."

"No no I'm sorry I-" you stop. "We have? When?"

Jinwoo recovers from his initial surprise. Tilting his head a bit to the side, he conjures up a teasing smile. "Want to know when?"

You swallow thickly, trying to not mind the fact that he looked so pretty doing that-making that particular face.

"Yes, if you'd be willing to tell me."

Crossing his arms and resting them against the table, he leans closer to you.

"Then, first, can I have your number?"

Pt.2 in the making... I should really focus on capture target series but attention span go brr hehe

#ᯓᡣ𐭩fyuyu's works #jinwoo sung x reader #sung jinwoo x reader #solo leveling x reader #manhwa x reader #sung jinwoo x y/n #sung jinwoo x you

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cherrykpawp · 4 months ago

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Heat // Ch 5.5

Pairings: Yunho, San, Mingi. Mentions of HJ, SH, YS, WY, and JH

This chapter includes: Flashbacks, hybrids, Owner!Yunho, Dance instructor!Yunho, Black cat hybrid!San, Husky hybrid!Mingi, Origin of adoption

AN: When "A/N" is mentioned in this chapter, it means "artist's name", not "authors note". You can visualize any artist you want as I left it pretty vague.

Taglist: @m-flowerjunnie-oa, @mrsminseochoi, @strawwff, @sunlight120902, @awkward-fucking-thing, @menialmoonchild, @jjongsho, @chanscase143, @lililiarina, @babyquokkasworld

W.C: 3.6k

“Sorry, Yunho-ssi, I’m booked and busy for the week. I’m unsure when my free day is, but I’ll let you know. I promise.”

“I’m out of town for the next month, I return on the 8th, if you want to plan something then?”

“My deadline is approaching soon, so I won’t be able to make time at the moment. Maybe try hanging out with your coworker?”

Yunho felt forlorn for a while. The worst part of being an adult with a professional career is that there’s barely any free time to hang out with your friends and celebrate each other's victories. Hongjoong busied himself, running his hybrid vet clinic damn near all the time; Jongho was out of town performing at grand events and teaching students abroad; and now he’s on the phone with Seonghwa, frowning at the fact he isn’t able to see his friend. Yunho had just finished performing with a major artist at a sold-out stadium with the choreography he came up with— it was something he’d been nervous about for months.

Being the perfectionist he was, Yunho constantly altered dance moves before showing them. Their fans seemed to love it, complimenting the key parts that Yunho contributed to. After performing for a month and returning home, he wanted to celebrate with his friends— drink to his accomplishments, receive praise for his hard work and dedication, and relax with everyone after months of not seeing each other. It’s not like he hasn’t received that from them already; there were times when they hung out, but it was never collectively as a group. ‘Something just hits differently when you’re around your people’ he thought.

“That’s all I do, hang out with them. Hell, I’ve been with them all month. I saw my parents the other day, too.” Yunho sighed in despair on his couch. His house, which he had once felt so proud of attaining, now felt abandoned and cold, with no sign of life except for himself.

On the other side of the call, Seonghwa inhaled sharply, trying to devise a solution. “Well… you could always meet new people at the club,” he suggested. Yunho brooded over the notion, disapproving of it. “Or you could get hybrids of your own for company.”

The thought of getting hybrids never crossed Yunho’s mind, as he never saw the fascination. They’re pretty unique, considering they're recognized as a species that coexists with humans, but he always wondered how these incubated creatures could provide him with emotional support. However, since they’re part animal, hybrids had to be adopted. He’d met Seonghwa’s hybrids, Yeosang and Wooyoung—they seemed like normal humans. They just had another set of ears and a tail, but from what he had learned, hybrids could be any species.

“I mean… I could use some liveliness here,” Yunho rubbed his face. “I’m just not sure...”

They chatted briefly before Seonghwa had to hang up, immersing himself back into his project. Yunho, once again, was left alone, celebrating his accomplishments in his living room. And to end the night with a bang, he went to his room and fell asleep.

The liveliness of having a demanding career.

And that’s how Yunho found himself standing outside a hybrid vet clinic the next day, feeling silly just for being here. He browsed for the highest-rated clinics with the best reviews, which led him to Hongjoong’s clinic. Yunho thought he’d be able to see his friend today, but unfortunately, Hongjoong was in a meeting for the next few hours. He decided to settle for seeing him when he was available.

Yunho entered the clinic, hands in his pockets, already feeling out of place. He was met by a female staff member dressed in all white, wearing a nurse's cap on her head. She greeted Yunho with a wide smile and a jaunty attitude. “Hello, welcome in! How may I assist you today?”

Yunho scratched the back of his jet-black hair. “A friend recommended that I come here to adopt some hybrids,” Yunho said abashedly, avoiding eye contact and sort of regretting coming here.

“That’s great to hear. What type of hybrids are you interested in adopting?” she inquired.

Yunho shrugged. “I don’t know. This is my first time here.”

The female staff member stood up from her seat, moved from around her desk with a clipboard in hand, and handed it to Yunho. “Please write down your name, phone number, and email address before we start. It’s to help inform you about any other potential hybrids that arrive at our facility or any updates on the one you looked into.” Yunho swiftly wrote down all his information, handing the clipboard back to her. “Is there a specific age range you’re looking for?”

Yunho furrowed his brows, forgetting that hybrids start as children rather than full-fledged adults, “22-23 years old.” The female staff nodded, leading Yunho down a hall. The corridor felt endless, but Yunho could briefly see little hybrid children in the rooms he passed, playing with blocks and an assortment of toys. The further he went down, the older the hybrids started appearing, ranging from preteens to teens, to young adults, to finally, adults. “You can take your time in here, I’ll be right by the door waiting for you.” She bowed, opening the door for Yunho to walk into the room.

In the room, there were several different species with breeds that he couldn’t specifically name besides their general terms. They were separated by gender and sex just so there wasn’t any ‘mingling’ among them. As he browsed around, he noticed that they all wore crisp, white pullovers, sweatpants, and white socks, with an identification card clipped to their collar. He went to the primarily male section since he wasn’t set on having a girl hybrid over his house. All of the male hybrids tried to get his attention, calling him over to talk and coax him into adopting them. Some were different types of cat and dog breeds, and even exotic breeds like tigers, but they didn’t pique his interest.

As he scanned the room, Yunho glanced at a black cat hybrid who had isolated himself, playing with his tail and silently singing to himself. His hair was semi-long, mostly black, with the left side of his bangs dyed white-blonde. Yunho strolled over to said hybrid, taking a seat next to him. The black cat hybrid looked up at Yunho and gave him a small smile. “Hello,” he greeted, averting his gaze and continuing to play with his tail.

“Hi,” Yunho squinted his eyes toward the ID card, “San-ah.” The black cat hybrid nodded, letting go of his tail and giving his full attention to him. “Why are you over here by yourself?”

“Well… I don’t like everyone here,” San made a face, displaying abhorrence. “Some are rambunctious, some don’t like to play, and some don’t want to be friends, so I sit by myself most of the time.”

Yunho frowned, “That’s respectable. How long have you been here?”

San pondered on the question for a while, trying to think carefully. “About..three years?”

“Three?”

“Mhm,” San honestly answered, “I get adopted here and there, but eventually, I get sent back because I’m not what my previous owners expected. They say I’m too independent, sleep a lot, or too ‘to myself’. Whatever that means.”

“What kind of excuse is that?” Yunho scoffed. San’s ears went down, tail wrapping around his arm. “I’m sorry that happened. They didn’t deserve you.”

San shrugged again. “I appreciate that. But did you see any hybrids you liked? The tiger over there has a high waitlist with potential owners who want to try and adopt him. You should go add yourself,” San concluded that Yunho wouldn’t pick him.

“I wasn’t interested in that hybrid, unfortunately,” a surprised expression on San’s face, “if you’d allow me, I’d like to adopt you. You can be as independent as your heart desires. I have an extra room at my house where you can have your privacy.”

San’s eyes gleamed with hope, but soon died out. “You’re going to return me after a month, too. I don’t know about that.”

“No, I wouldn’t,” Yunho shook his head, “This is my first time ever coming to a vet clinic or adopting a hybrid. My friend suggested this to me since I… I needed a companion of my own.”

San observed his face for any signs of disingenuousness; so far, the older male looked truthful. “I’d love for you to adopt me, but um… I’ve made one friend here and I wouldn’t want to leave him. I’d rather stay with him unless both of us come with you.”

Now, Yunho was in a dilemma. He had only intended to get one hybrid, but now it was either adopting both of them or leaving companionless, returning to his solitude.

And the whole point of coming here was to fill that solitude.

Yunho deeply inhaled. “Where’s your friend?”

San pointed to the right of him, and Yunho looked in the direction of a husky hybrid who seemed to be fighting sleep. His hair was a washed-out baby pink, short and spiky. His eyes were half-lidded, and his head slowly tilted forward before jerking back. The action made Yunho chuckle at his tiredness. Yunho got up from his seat and walked over to the husky, who suddenly became alert when he saw the older male approach. He sat cross-legged in front of the hybrid, who mirrored him. Yunho peered at his ID again, but the hybrid unclipped and showed him more properly before clipping it back onto his collar.

“Mingi-ah, it’s nice to meet you,” Younho said. Mingi almost responded until a yawn overcame him. Yunho cooed at the younger, “Sleepy, are we?”

“It’s nice to meet you too. Sorry for yawning, I haven’t been sleeping well,” Mingi apologized, his tail swaying side to side behind him. Yunho pouted because he didn’t think Mingi had to apologize for being tired; it's natural.

“Oh? Why is that?” Yunho questioned.

“It gets cold in here sometimes, and not everyone’s a fan of cuddling for warmth. Then again, that tiger hybrid over there is the warmest, and everyone goes to him for cuddles.” Mingi scowled at the tiger hybrid.

“Why does everyone favor the tiger hybrid so much? You're the second one to mention him today.”

“He’s one of our newest exotic breeds. He arrived about two weeks ago and has eyes on him while we—who have been here for months or years—get overlooked. Cat and dog hybrids are quite prevalent.” Mingi stated bluntly, wiping the sleep out of his eyes.

“How long have you been here?”

“A year and a half,” he’s been here for a shorter time than San, Yunho jotted down mentally.

“Why are you back here?”

“I wanted to come back here,” Mingi shrugged. “My previous owners weren’t the greatest people, and their other hybrids didn’t get along well with me. They were too pompous.”

Yunho hummed, understanding how the hybrid felt. San and Mingi’s stories saddened him and only made him want them more—to offer them a better life.

“Well, your friend over there, San, said he wouldn’t want me to adopt him without assuring you had a home too. I’d like to adopt you as well if you’d like,” Yunho offered the proposition to the husky hybrid. Mingi’s eyes lost their sleepiness.

He looked at San first, who nodded with a dimpled smile, before looking back at the male in front of him. “Yes. So long as San’s with me.”

Yunho smiled back. “Then it’s all set. I’ll inform the female staff that I plan on adopting you both.” Yunho rose from the floor, bowing at San and Mingi before leaving the room.

Mingi got up from the floor and tackled San. “Hyung, you kept your promise!” Mingi rubbed his head into San’s chest. “We get to leave together.”

San chuckled, reciprocating his hug, “I told you I wouldn’t leave without you. Wherever you go, I go.”

~~~

Yunho called a car service to drive him and the hybrids home, glancing at the rearview mirror to see them whispering in each other's ears and giggling. The female staff member had given Yunho a summary about hybrids, sending him home with pamphlets, booklets, civil clothes to change into from their usual wear, and a list of heat hotels for their ruts, and heat suppressants. Yunho didn’t know what a ‘heat’ or ‘rut’ was until she explained it; it sounded intense from how she described it, so he made sure to get that under control immediately. Yunho had fully introduced himself once they walked out of the building, realizing he’d forgotten to mention it earlier. They practiced saying his name, rolling it off their tongue. Once they stepped out of the car, they stood in awe at how the outside of his house looked—he seemed very well off.

Once they stepped inside, they stuck to each other, timid about where to go or how to act until Yunho gave them instructions. Yunho placed the booklets and pamphlets on the kitchen counter. “You guys hungry?” he asked. San and Mingi nodded frantically, “You can relax at the dining table or watch TV while I prepare some ramen. It won’t take too long.”

The hybrids were still reserved about where to go, still adjusting to their new life. They settled at the dining table because it was closer to the kitchen and was the first place Yunho recommended.

They sat there quietly, scanning the interior and admiring the artwork and sculptures around the living area. They complimented his taste amongst one another, pointing to which pieces of art stood out to them. Yunho returned with two bowls of ramen and chopsticks, setting it in front of the hybrids. San and Mingi thanked him for the meal before eating.

“So I plan on getting you your clothes tomorrow and will set up your heat hotel appointments accordingly. You have your own separate rooms for privacy down here, just a few feet from the living room. You'll get to decorate your rooms however you want. You’ll also get phones and other electronic devices soon. I have gaming consoles available if you want to play anything. You have the freedom to do whatever you want; I’m not too strict on anything. The only thing I’m strict on is if you plan on going outside. I’ll need your trackers active so that you don’t get lost, and if you do, I can at the very least locate you and pick you up. If you make any mess, or if there’s any mess lying around, please clean it up. There are no limitations. If you want certain foods, I can buy them or cook them for you. If you are allergic to anything, please let me know.”

Yunho went down his mental list, seeming to have mentioned everything he wanted. “And yeah, that’s all. Any questions?”.

San and Mingi’s eyebrows rose, stopping mid-bite. “Wow, you’re really lenient,” San replied. It wasn’t a question, but Yunho accepted it.

“Even my previous owners weren’t this thoughtful,” Mingi said cocking his head to the side.

Yunho’s face was faintly flushed. “I mean, what else are you supposed to offer hybrids? You’re just like the rest of us. The only difference is the... well… tails and ears. Am I doing too much?”

San quickly waved his hands, reassuring Yunho. “No, not at all. All of our experiences have been different. Most of the time, we’re just given what's already provided at our owner’s house. You’re already offering us so much more, and we just got here.”

Yunho let out a small ‘Oh..’ not knowing exactly what to say next, but he knew that the boys needed to eat first.

Mingi felt like conversing. “I heard it’s your first time owning hybrids. What made you want to?”

Yunho leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. “Sorry if I sound weird, but… I just wanted company. All my friends are too busy with their lives—having such tedious careers like mine—and I wanted to hang out with them, but it's whatever. I shouldn’t be too upset, though, because I expected this, and they have their own lives. My friend, Seonghwa, was the one who recommended the idea of adopting hybrids since he has two of his own.”

Their ears flicked at finding out that they could make potential other hybrid friends. “Another one of my friends owns the clinic I adopted you from”.

“Mr. Kim Hongjoong?” San tilted his head. It's crazy how small the world is.

“The one and only”, Yunho proudly confirmed.

“He’s so nice, I’ve only met him about three times, though. He is always on the go,” Mingi commented.

“I know right?” Yunho sighed. They now understood Yunho’s point.

“But it’s not weird at all, I’m more than positive that there’s worse out there. Companionship is one of the main reasons people adopt hybrids. Other reasons include hybrids being gifted to someone else as a present, to fill a void of someone they lost, or maybe they need help with assistance at hybrid workplaces. Things like that. So you're completely fine,” San smiled at Yunho, easing the weight off his shoulders. “I’m more than grateful to be here.”

“Same,” Mingi muffled, mid-chew.

Yunho noticed that their tails swayed rapidly; they were probably really happy to be here. “Thank you for allowing me to bring you to my home. Hopefully, you’ll get to meet Yeosang and Wooyoung soon.”

San hummed at the mention of his potential friends. “Mr. Yunho, what do you do for work? Your house is lovely.”

“You don’t have to call me ‘Mr.’ or anything. We’re in the same age range—Yunho is better,” Yunho brushed off the formal address. “But I’m a Dancer mentor, instructor, and choreographer. I just came back from a tour this month, traveling with a major artist. Their fans fell in love with the dance I made. I wanted to boast about it to my friends, but—” Yunho got cut off by an uproar of congratulations from the two hybrids, who suddenly became exuberant.

“Wooooo, yeah! Dancing machine Yunho-ssi,” Mingi made a sad attempt at a robot, mainly to make Yunho smile, which he accomplished. San cheered for the older male, fist-bumping the air. “Who was the artist?”

“Their name is A/N”, Yunho replied.

San and Mingi stood up abruptly, Mingi’s hands flying to his head. They just realized they were in the presence of Jeong Yunho. No wonder it sounded so familiar to them. “You did the—the—the,” Mingi mimicked the key part of the dance, and San copied his friend right after finishing the verse to A/N’s song.

Yunho grinned from cheek to cheek, chest warming. The hybrids were speechless after that. “I didn’t know you guys knew the dance,” Yunho said

“What? That’s my favorite song, I learned the dance and everything. I did it a lot while at my previous owner's house, but I stuck out like a sore thumb since no one knew what fun was over there., Mingi was still starstruck, while San had his hand over his mouth, in awe all over again. “Hyung, we’re at a celebrity’s house.” Mingi shook San aggressively.

Yunho shook his head, suddenly embarrassed, “Celebrity is too much. Plus, my other friend is a real celebrity.” He brushed off, referring to Seonghwa.

San disagreed, “No, Yunho hyung, you’re a celebrity.” His expression seemed so serious.

Yunho accepted the compliment with a smile. “Then I’m a celebrity,” he chuckled. “Truly, though, I am humble.” He bowed toward them.

They continued to chat about Yunho’s accomplishments and shared facts about themselves, educating each other in the process. Having hybrids wasn’t as bad as Yunho thought—not that they were inherently bad or anything. On their first night, San and Mingi slept in the same room, not wanting to separate from each other. But eventually, when their bedroom accessories arrived, they moved into their respective rooms. Yunho would make them breakfast before leaving for work at his dance studio, while they played games or were on their phones until his return.

Their first time meeting Seonghwa and finding out he was a famous fashion designer triggered the same reaction they had when they first learned who Yunho was. Their first time meeting with the hybrids was… different. San was welcomed with kisses by Wooyoung, but Mingi was bitten by him. It took Mingi a week to warm up to Wooyoung after that. Yeosang seemed to be the more level-headed and ‘normal’ one out of the four of them, a conclusion San and Mingi drew on their own. San admired Yeosang's muscular physique, wishing to achieve that same stature, only to end up becoming twice as bulky and muscular. San admits he went a bit overboard, but working out had become a habit for him. Plus, now he could work out with Yeosang. Mingi became enthralled by Seonghwa's interest in fashion, defining his style through the catalogs Seonghwa provided. Seonghwa even designed an outfit based on Mingi's tastes, decorating it with jewelry that he felt completed the look. Yunho and Seonghwa would babysit each other's hybrids depending on their schedules, and in the process, they exposed themselves to one another more, forming an unbreakable bond. Two years flew by living with Yunho, content with their new lives and the possibilities they experienced. On nights when Mingi felt sentimental, he always thanked San for making the right choice.

That’s what Mingi was doing the night Yunho came home later than expected. When the doorbell rang, San planned to playfully scold Yunho for arriving late in the blistering cold—until he and Mingi were introduced to a certain Calico hybrid…

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writingquestionsanswered · 1 year ago

Note

Tips for writers with ADHD that get major writers block/burnout

Writers with ADHD and Writer's Block/Burnout

Tip #1 - Troubleshoot the Problem - I want to start here, in the most obvious place, because even for writers with ADHD, writer's block is often the result of a specific issue that can be surmounted once identified. My post 5 Reasons You Lost Interest in Your WIP, Plus Fixes! addresses some of the most common ones. It's worth checking to see if something on there resonates with you as a potential obstacle to progress.

Tip #2 - De-Stress Your Writing Time - Human brains are wired to respond in specific ways to perceived threats... fight, flight, or freeze. Quite often, what we call "writer's block" is actually your brain having a freeze response to writing because it's causing you stress and is therefore perceived as a threat.

So, anything you can do to de-stress your writing time can help. Troubleshooting the problem as in #1 is a good start. Set reasonable goals and deadlines... you can estimate your available writing time and calculate that with your estimated WPM to see if it's even possible for you to hit your word count goal. Go easy on yourself when you don't reach goals... celebrate even the smallest of wins, because negative thinking makes writing more stressful. Do what you can to set up an inviting writing space, light a candle (safely), play soft music, use ambient lighting, have your favorite beverage and snack at hand.

Tip #3 - "Gamify" Your Writing - Turning your writing goals into game achievements can make writing fun, which is another great way to de-stress it. You can usually find free game board templates online, or you can create your own. I like to set mine up like this:

You can set as many tasks as you want (within reason) for each goal, and your prizes can be anything from a handful of candy to buying something you really want, or doing something you really want to do. Whatever works for your budget that motivates you to get the tasks done.

Tip #4 - Do an Immersive Writing Sprint Session - YouTube is a wonderland of helpful videos for writers... not just easily digestible writing advice and research information, but also writing music, ambience rooms, and one of my favorites, immersive writing sessions. These are themed ambience rooms with ambient video, music, and sound effects, but they also have a writing sprint timer on the screen, so you are encouraged to write for however long (usually 10 to 20 minutes), then you get a five or ten-minute break before the next sprint starts. These can be a really great way to get into the zone if you're struggling otherwise.

Tip #5 - Eliminate Distractions - When you have ADHD, pretty much anything can be a distraction. If my desk is messy, I'll pause mid-sentence to clean it rather than write. If there's something on my desk I can fidget with or play with, I'll do that. If my phone is handy, I'll pick it up and start scrolling through social media. If I'm listening to music with words, I'll go look up the lyrics and fall down some weird tangentially related rabbit hole. If I'm hungry or thirsty, I'll get up fifty times to get a small snack or drink. So, I clean my desk ahead of time and remove anything I might be tempted to fiddle with. I only play instrumental music (usually an ambience room). I put my phone on silent or leave it in another room.

Literally anything I can do to head my usual distractions off at the pass. For me, it actually makes a big difference. Try keeping a running list of things that distract you while writing during a week of writing sessions. Then, go through the list and write solutions. This helps you build a pre-writing session distraction elimination routine.

I hope something here will work for you! I may do a part two to this soon, so keep an eye out!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

♦ Questions that violate my ask policies will be deleted! ♦ Please see my master list of top posts before asking ♦ Learn more about WQA here

#wqaadvice #adhd writer

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cepheustarot · 2 years ago

Text

What kind of vibe do you have?

Attention! This reading is for entertainment purposes only. This tarot reading does not give a 100% guarantee that all the describes being ultimate truth. Only you know yourself best.

Paid readings

Pick a pile. Choose one or more pictures. Trust your intuition.

Pile 1: You’re the vibe of a strong person who’s determined, productive and active, and people see you as a leader who can inspire and lead people, you motivate others by your example. You are one of those who are not standing still and constantly busy with anything, you are constantly in motion, around you are always a stormy activity. Along with this comes the vibe of a person of cool head and rational thinking, you know a lot and have a lot of experience behind you, people see you as a wise person, they see you as someone who gives the right advice and can always help. To some extent you can call a genius of some kind, because you will definitely find a way out of any situation, find a solution to any problem. Also you are very curious by nature, love to learn everything new, you literally absorb knowledge (I would also suggest that you’re very interested in sociology, psychology and the like, you’re one of those people who likes to study human behavior, society on the sociological side, human interaction and all that sort of stuff). I also want to note that if you are very interested in a topic or question, then you will definitely find the answer, no matter which way, but you will achieve your goal.

Pile 2: From you comes the vibe of a person prone to melancholy, you can constantly be seen in a brooding state, you seem a little detached from the reality around you and you are immersed in yourself, in your inner world, constantly thinking about something personal, something only you understand. You’re just as hesitant by nature, you’re hard-pressed to make choices, because you weigh decisions everything carefully, consider every option from the outside, and you find pros and cons in every option, you think a lot about the consequences, what your decision will lead to in the future. You have the whole vibe of a person who has a tendency to analyze a lot, not only about yourself, but also about others, you think a lot about the actions of others and as if looking for a catch in their actions. Also, you have an inner linchpin and in stressful situations you become a person who remove his emotions for a while and faces the problem, successfully solving it. You may think a lot about problems, but you never dive into them, you are able to control your thoughts and actions. In other words, you never let problems get you unsettle. You are a pretty determined and hard man who will handle any obstacle.

Pile 3: You have the vibe of a person who is easy-going, you are easily interested in something and you are curious about many things, you can say that you have tried a lot in your life and you always have something to tell others, to share your history and experience in one or another field. Perhaps because you have tried a lot, you do not know what one to do in life, what particular area to choose, as you are attracted to everything. With this you have a vibe of an ambitious person, you most often follow the case to the end, most likely you have a lot of plans for life and you are the ones who think of any little things and details. People see you as a cheerful, friendly person, you always cheer others up and leave good memories, you have a good sense of humor and are able to conduct a dialogue so that everyone will be interested, including you. Partly, you have the vibe of a somewhat naive person who often head in the clouds and build castles in the air. You also stand up your end and if you want something very much, you will certainly achieve, you do not care if people do not support your decisions, because it is only your life and you decide what it will be.

#tarot #tarot cards #pick a card #pick a card reading #pick a pile #pick a pile reading #pac #tarot reading

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magicedtech · 3 months ago

Text

How Digital Learning is Transforming Education in 2025

The educational landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. As we move through 2025, digital learning has become the cornerstone of modern education, revolutionizing how knowledge is delivered and acquired across all learning environments.

K12 learning solutions have evolved dramatically, shifting from supplementary tools to essential educational frameworks. These comprehensive platforms now offer personalized learning paths that adapt to each student's unique needs, learning style, and pace of progress.

Key Transformations in Digital Education

Digital accessibility solutions stand at the forefront of this educational revolution. Schools and institutions are increasingly partnering with digital accessibility consultants to ensure all learning materials are available to every student, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities.

The benefits of implementing robust digital accessibility solutions include:

Equal learning opportunities for students with diverse needs

Compliance with educational accessibility standards

Enhanced engagement for all learners

Reduced need for separate accommodations

Immersive training solutions represent another groundbreaking advancement in educational technology. Virtual and augmented reality applications now allow students to experience abstract concepts in tangible ways, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical understanding.

These immersive environments are particularly valuable for:

Science laboratories without physical constraints

Historical reenactments and cultural explorations

Technical and vocational training simulations

Medical and healthcare procedure practice

Behind these innovations are sophisticated content development solutions that empower educators to create engaging, multimedia-rich learning experiences. These authoring tools integrate assessment capabilities, analytics, and adaptive content delivery to ensure educational materials meet specific learning objectives.

The Impact on Learning Outcomes

Educational institutions implementing comprehensive digital frameworks report significant improvements in student engagement, knowledge retention, and overall academic performance. The personalization offered by modern educational technology addresses the diverse learning needs that traditional one-size-fits-all approaches often miss.

Teachers leveraging these digital tools find themselves transitioning from mere information providers to learning facilitators and mentors. This shift allows for more meaningful student-teacher interactions focused on higher-order thinking skills rather than basic knowledge transfer.

As we continue through 2025, the integration of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and adaptive learning technologies will further enhance educational experiences. The most successful institutions will be those that balance technological innovation with human connection, creating learning environments that are both digitally advanced and emotionally supportive.

For educators looking to navigate this digital transformation, consulting with experienced learning technology specialists is the first step toward building an educational approach that prepares students for an increasingly digital future.

#accessibility #immersive learning #k12 learning solutions

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miraculouslbcnreactions · 5 months ago

Note

If you've seen Werepapas, you must be just as baffled as everyone else during "that" scene, huh?

And if you didn't, trust me, you will.

I haven't been watching season six and, based on what I've heard about it, the only way I would ever watch it is if some form of payment was involved. However, I do know what scene you're talking about because I follow enough blogs to have seen the chaos.

For those who are a little more removed from the fandom, the new episode Werepapas just aired and, in it, Adrien's grandparents are akumatized via his amok rings. This is actually a nice bit of tension because we know that akumas can be overcome by talking it out instead of fighting, but we haven't seen what that looks like with the new butterfly holder. This episode provides a good way to show off what that looks like now, emphasizing how much harder it is to deal with Lila's manipulation and establishing that talking it out will not be as easy as it was in season four and five. It also gives Adrien a moment to shine as he obviously has to be the one to free his own grandparents since Marinette has no connection to them and you can't destroy the rings without killing him, right?

Right?

[Image description: Adrien's amok rings lying broken in Ladybug's hand. An akuma is coming out of them, but there is no feather]

Wrong! Let's just let Ladybug break the rings without consequences while Adrien is trapped in a trophy and left completely out of another fight with his family. That's way better story telling!

I know people are horrified by this and asking why Ladybug apparently didn't even try to find another way to free the akuma, but I'm just laughing because I called that she could probably do this months ago! Crocoduel logic fits the pattern! The rings probably had to be on fingers for the amok to go free or some similar bullshit.

Or maybe this is some new logic? Or maybe Adrien isn't a sentimonster after all! Or maybe Lila stole his rings offscreen/in the still unaired first episode! Who knows? Not me! The complete lack is logic is what makes it fun, though, right? Right?

Btw, since we're talking about Marinette and the rings, does anyone know how Marinette knows that the rings are Adrien's amok? Who told her? It wasn't Gabriel or Félix. Did it happen in the London special? Does she even know or was she only hesitant to break the rings because she knew how much they meant to Adrien? I honestly have no idea. I'm still not sure if she knows that he's a sentimonster since all she was canonically told was that Emilie randomly got pregnant after a long battle with infertility:

Félix: But even the best remedies couldn't seem to overcome their curse. (Marinette squints her eyes, immersing herself more in the story.) Félix: Until one day, the curious princess learned that she was expecting — (Both depict Emilie pregnant and Gabriel, with peacock feathers spreading on the background.) Félix: She was pregnant. (Marinette's eyes widen upon realization.)

And that Amelie also got pregnant soon after using the peacock:

Félix: The curious princess felt badly for her twin sister. So, she asked the tailor if he could do something for the good princess and the lord of war to have a child as well. (The scene switches to Félix, acting as Gabriel, talking to Kagami who is acting as Colt.) Félix: (as Gabriel) After much study, I have discovered a solution for you and your wife. But there will be a price to pay. You will give me your best knight to guard my future son. In exchange, I will lend you this magic amulet. It will allow you to give life to your dream and to control it. Kagami: (as Colt) Sorcery? Never! Félix: (as Gabriel) Well, it's up to you, of course. (Just as "Gabriel" is about to take back his offer, "Colt" chases after his hand and accepts this "sorcery" that "Gabriel" talks about, taking the Peacock Miraculous with him as well.)

Ah Miraculous, you never change. How a show for kids is so confusing is beyond me!

note this is all what I've picked up second hand so feel free to let me know if I got any details wrong

#stevecrafts2k #This one gets to jump the queue because it's topical and people are freaking out #ml writing salt #ml writing critical #werepapas salt #werepapas spoilers

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novlr · 2 years ago

Note

How do you write characters who ignore their feelings

When you write characters who ignore their feelings, you delve into a complex psychological landscape that, if done well, can resonate deeply with readers. These characters are walking contradictions, their emotions simmering just beneath the surface. This tension between their inner experiences and external expressions makes them fascinating and relatable to readers.

Behaviour

Disregard their own emotional well-being

Focus on logic and facts

Appear stoic or unfazed in stressful scenarios

Engage in compulsive behaviours as a distraction

Will take on burdens without complaining

Avoid conversations about their feelings

Can be reliable in a crisis

Immerse themselves in work or hobbies

Seen as cold or insensitive by others

Exhibit control issues, and micromanaging tendencies

Interactions

Difficulty forming deep, emotional connections

Uncomfortable with physical displays of affection

Struggle to empathise with others’ feelings

Change the subject when discussions turn emotional

Appear indifferent or detached in social settings

Perceived as blunt or straightforward in their communication

Offer practical solutions to problems, rather than emotional support

Have a small, close-knit circle of friends, if any

Inadvertently hurt others by dismissing their emotions

Often seen as the ‘rock’ or ‘anchor’ by their peers

Body language

Cross arms or create physical barriers when emotional topics arise

Maintain a steady, controlled posture

Rarely exhibit nervous ticks or fidgeting

Minimal eye contact during emotional conversations

Often have a rigid or stiff walk or stance

Avoid touch or recoil slightly from unexpected contact

Neutral or hard to read facial expressions

Look away or distance themselves from emotional displays

Rarely cry or show signs of emotional distress in public

Likely to control voice pitch and volume meticulously, even when agitated

Attitude

A practical and no-nonsense demeanour

Often skeptical of emotional reasoning or decisions

May seem dismissive or cynical about sentimentality

Value strength, self-sufficiency, and independence

Pride themselves on not ‘giving in’ to emotions

Can be incredibly self-disciplined and focused

View emotional displays as weaknesses or inconveniences

Have a strong drive to maintain composure under pressure

Sometimes accused of lacking passion or enthusiasm

Can come across as disinterested or aloof

Positive story outcomes

Learn to acknowledge and accept their emotions in a healthy way

Build stronger, more genuine relationships through vulnerability

Find themselves more at peace after emotional breakthroughs

Gain respect from others for their growth and emotional maturity

Overcome past traumas that caused them to suppress their feelings

Develop a more balanced approach to problem-solving

Become a role model for others struggling with emotional expression

Facilitate a cathartic moment that resolves a central conflict

Experience personal breakthroughs leading to unexpected joy

Discover hidden strengths through the acceptance of weakness

Negative story outcomes

Relationships may deteriorate because of emotional neglect

They could face a breakdown from accumulated stress

Might cause unintended harm to themselves or others

Risk becoming isolated because of their lack of emotional openness

Can suffer from health issues related to suppressed emotions

Might miss out on life-changing opportunities because of fear of vulnerability

Could be overtaken by their emotions in a critical moment

May lose the trust or respect of peers who crave emotional honesty

Potentially fail to resolve a major conflict because of emotional barriers

Their growth as a character might stagnate, leading to a tragic outcome

Helpful Vocabulary

Aloof

Detached

Dismissive

Stoic

Impassive

Restrained

Unflappable

Resolute

Suppressed

Guarded

Inexpressive

Dispassionate

Self-contained

Unemotional

Nonreactive

Disconnected

Inhibited

Controlled

Reticent

Reserved

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pyrrhiccomedy · 1 year ago

Text

the one thing I have heard probably the most consistently, from the most people, since being diagnosed with breast cancer, is that I have a "good attitude;" meaning, that I make jokes about having cancer, which makes whoever is listening to me feel better about the fact that I have cancer.

Here's the thing - the worst part of having cancer (so far, in my experience - I'll update as this progresses) is having to live with the constant, oppressive dread that right now, somewhere in my body, a cancer cell is taking root in my bones, or in my lungs. That it will silently grow, and spread, and eventually become rampant and untreatable, killing me decades before my time, and I won't know that I'm on that course until it's too late to do anything about it. That I will have to leave my wife alone, that she will have to watch me die painfully and without dignity, and that I will leave this world without having had the time to see so much of what makes it beautiful and strange.

this is not a funny thought!

However, the second worst part of having cancer is - okay, so they removed the tumor, right, and at the same time, they also removed a clump of lymph nodes in my armpit. They do that to test whether or not the cancer has spread. So coming out of surgery, I have two incision sites: one above where the tumor was, and the other one on my trunk right about where your bra passes under your arm.

And that means I'm not allowed to wear deodorant for ten days.

Imagine me: stinky, in my bed. I am an adult woman with a beating heart. I will not claim I have any greater share of dignity or wisdom than a typical example of my cohort, but I have lived and learned and erred, and amassed a small collection of accomplishments which I would not be ashamed to present to God at my reckoning, should such a being exist, and should such a reckoning take place. Times when I have shown meaningful kindness to someone when it would have been more convenient or popular to do nothing. Times when I have told a necessary truth to my own painful detriment. Things I have made that possessed, to at least a meager measure, a glimmer of genuine beauty. Trust I have earned, and not betrayed. I'm not a saint, but my soul is not nothing, and as I am forced to reckon with my own mortality in a way that few people my age ever do, I, like - I smell pretty bad? And like - my armpit is, like, clammy. I mean, how long has it been since you didn't wear deodorant for multiple days. There's a change in texture that I was not expecting. Just in the right armpit! The left armpit is fine, she gets to have deodorant.

But like, stress makes the B.O. situation not so hot, and I'm medically prohibited from doing the one thing that would rectify the situation. I own deodorant. It's right over there. I can see it from where I'm sitting. I am sure you understand of course that I am immersed in greater miseries. Even aside from the existential dread of having cancer - the incisions are painful. I'm very tired. I have two blown-out veins from when the anesthesiologist struggled to find a workable injection site before the surgery, so I have some wild bruising, and I can't really bend my left arm. But these are afflictions with some dignity. To have pain or fatigue after surgery is rather ennobled in the common discourse. But - do I have to smell like ham, too?

Must I smell like rank ham?

Of course the solution to the ham smell is just to take more showers, but bathing after surgery presents its own category of woes, which are also not particularly dignified. And it's here, caught betwixt the Scylla and Charybdis of 'smelling like old meat' and 'unwinding my boob from its surgical sling to take another ride around the wet room rodeo' that I find the humor in my situation. The feeble ape rails against her trivial but intractable stink!

And that humor spreads - much like cancer! - to everything else that it touches. It is, actually, very funny to tell someone that the joke Christmas gift they got for me is probably what gave me cancer. It's funny, when people find out I got my diagnosis on January 2nd, to blandly follow that up with "--So, 2024, not off to a great start, but 2025 is going to be my year." It's funny, when someone invites me to something we both know I probably don't want to go to, to suck air between my teeth and go, "Ooh, I would, but, you know--the cancer. Yeah, I can feel it flaring up right now. Maybe next time."

Things are funny when they subvert your expectations. People expect you to treat your cancer diagnosis very gravely, and so it's funny - to them, and to me - when I don't. And then they tell me I have "a great attitude."

"You'll be fine," I've heard over and over again. "You have a great attitude. That's the most important thing, in this kind of a situation - keeping a great attitude."

I certainly hope that's true! There is definitely plenty of science to support the idea that a positive mental attitude has an impact on health outcomes. I think the effectiveness of modern chemotherapy drugs, and the extent to which my particular cancer responds to them, will have a significantly larger impact; and that moreover, it's probably prudent to remember that people with great attitudes die of cancer every day. But I will not turn my nose up at a percentage point or two perhaps coming from the willingness to crack jokes about all the cancer I've got, and how surprised I was to learn that I'd got it.

As I suggested up top, I know that when people say "you have a great attitude," they sometimes genuinely mean that they are pleased to find me in a mental state that might increase my chances of recovering from a deadly disease, but mostly they mean "thanks for not being a huge bummer about your cancer. I appreciate you for not ruining my day about it." And I'm completely okay with that. Like, yeah - I am deliberately sparing you from the burden of having to Take Seriously my life-threatening condition. You're welcome. I, too, would rather avoid this conversation on one of the finite number of Thursdays God has seen fit to grant unto the measure of our lives. What the fuck are you supposed to do about any of this?

(Shout out to my one good work buddy who, on hearing the news, instantly responded with "Oh my god, Geri Hallwell aka Ginger Spice also got breast cancer young! You're like twins!" Thus far he is the only person who has said something in response to the news that actually made an immediate, positive impact.)

So anyway, obviously all I ever say in response to "you have a great attitude" is "Thanks! I'm just focusing on the positives and taking it a day at a time." Because that's true, and moreover, it's all anyone needs to hear.

What I'd like to say - not to them, because there's no point in burdening them any further than the embarrassing reminder of death burdens anyone - but maybe to someone, maybe just to You, maybe that's why I'm writing this -

What I'd like to say is: dogg, you have no idea how subverted my expectations have been lately. How could I not find this funny?

How profoundly alienated from the absurdity of death would I have to be to not laugh about this?

Like - I know this is so stupid, but listen: I could die. No, no - listen - no I know everyone dies - but like - are you listening? Are you actually listening? I could die. I could die. I could die. I could die.

Isn't that so funny? Isn't that actually so funny?

And this - this attitude that I'm in, right now, this one right here, where shaking my head ruefully and marveling at the - maybe belated, but I think probably actually quite premature - realization that oh no, 'everyone dies' means for me too, huh - and laughing at myself for never, apparently, really grasping that until now, and laughing at the incredible statistical unlikelihood my cancer - I've never won anything before! - and laughing at how woefully ill-prepared most people are to respond to news like this, and laughing about how, of everything terrible about cancer, the actual number-two-on-the-list worst thing about it so far is that I can't put on deodorant -

Is this the great attitude you're talking about?

I'm not angry, I'm not resentful, I'm curious, I'm really curious. Do you understand why I'm laughing?

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