#Personal Reflections

[thoughtsthatgounnoticed]

Can we please collectively cry about Colin’s speech to Penelope in Episode 8? 😭

It’s almost been a week of mourning since the end of Season 3 and I’m now at my final stage of grief - Acceptance. As emotions subside, some of us will be rewatching S3 and may have a change of heart. Despite the issues I had with S3 P2, I’ve realised there is so much to love about Polin in S3.

Every season Bridgerton delivers a swoon worthy love speech/confession, but Colin’s actually made me cry and had me reflecting on what type of love I want for myself not in my fantasies, but in real life.

It was tender, loving, and romantic. Borne out of his vulnerability and sincerity. I know many wanted the book confession, but this one suited Pen and Colin so well thematically. Colin, who up to this point, has had to grapple with the LW revelation and that means acknowledging feelings of betrayal while experiencing forms of jealously, self-reflection, and love, while letting go of his hero complex, speaks with so much adoration. It evokes a sort of passion that is gentle and quiet, but delivered with unquestionable conviction and belief.

It’s more realistic than dramatic, more grounded than grandiose. He speaks with such reverence and humility to the person he loves - a true moment of softness and calmness, not of anger or desperation. I only wish the show allowed us to be more privy to his thoughts or private character moments, because the realisation of his feelings that is now reflected in his words would have been beautiful to see.

He even says that IF he was to only live with the sole purpose of loving Penelope he would be fulfilled. It’s of course hyperbolic, because we know he has purpose and passions outside of his love story whether that be in his writings or travels, but it paints an incredible image of immeasurable deep devotion. Kind of like when you say you love someone as deeply as the UNIVERSE, or that you will meet and love them in EVERY lifetime. Or even on the other end of the spectrum, when you say you will never love this person even if they were the LAST person on earth! It’s a figure of speech that is limitless.

I also love the simplicity of Penelope’s response. To praise someone for something as pure and as simple as their goodness is so beautiful. Penelope, who has always been moved by Colin’s gentle goodness and kindness to her despite feeling unseen by society, is clearly touched. By letting go of his ego and hero complex he becomes a true hero to Penelope - a GOOD man that proudly stands beside the woman he loves. They could have used any other expression, but she chooses to value the goodness in him. It’s an interesting word choice!

I’ve seen some people think his speech is all about Pen and that devalues his importance or puts him beneath her. I disagree. Despite his insecurities, Colin (a rich man from a loving family) will always have an opportunity to find himself and his purpose, to travel, and to have a voice in society. In a society where men are privileged, Colin uplifts her to be his equal. He says he stands beside her, not behind her.

It’s just so endearing and I’ll be looking forward to seeing all the reflections people have once we take a breather. To be lucky in this fandom is to have seen your favourite couple grow and evolve across the span of 3 seasons - even if it’s not perfect, and with their appearance in S4 confirmed, we’ll get to see more of them - no matter the capacity in which they’ll return.

[wholenessblooming]

there are ways, and roads, and paths,

diverging routes in all directions,

but nothing brings effortless peace

like this inner Heart - guiding

gently, growing this trust

slowly within.

i didn't know what faith

and surrender were

until surrounded by situations, i met

a small purple sunbird

fluttering its humble wings,

she was not merely surviving,

she was living, flying, trusting

to be.

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

When I gaze into your eyes, the world fades away, leaving nothing but the moment between us. I know it may sound like a cliché, but being with you takes me back to a time when life was simple, when I was a child, untouched by the weight of the world, and everything was pure.

[crosstheveil]

To understand the mind—its functions, health, and the symptoms of illness—is to engage with the soul. The word psychology stems from the Greek psyche, meaning soul, yet much of modern psychology focuses on managing behavior and emotions to align individuals with societal norms. If the cure to disease is to normalize the soul to the conditions of the world, it serves to reduce our health to mere adaptation, teaching us to gain control of our thoughts and feelings just to 'fit' in. The soul in all its passion and yearning is more often coerced to live out of harmony with higher ideals and purpose. True healing requires self-mastery—not just control or comfort—there must be a way of guiding the mind to operate as it was truly meant to, in a state of integrity and inner freedom. If we are fallen and there is sin or there is a sickness in the world, it is nothing but the irrational use of the mind.

[jintaka-hane]

Reflections

One of the things I struggle with the most in my life is opening up to others and sharing the things I like and am passionate about.

I am the kind of person who, when I like something, I REALLY like it, and I research and inform myself, sometimes practically getting a personal PhD on the subject. And as a child, I heard words that changed the way I interact with others forever.

I must have been 12 or 13 years old, and I had just seen what was then my favorite movie. I probably spent the whole week talking about it, repeating lines, and recalling the scenes I loved the most… until someone close to me said: "Wow, you're obsessed!"

At that moment, I thought that what interested me didn't necessarily have to interest others, which makes sense, but I also thought that talking about the things I like BORED AND ANNOYED others.

So… I started to hide and keep my passions to myself.

I have friends, and they are friends who I know would help me without hesitation if I had a problem, but we don't share the same tastes. While I was a teenager listening to HIM, my best friend was dancing to Ricky Martin. Hey, they don't have to be mutually exclusive, but to give some context to my life.

Today, twenty-something years have passed since my younger self heard that "you're obsessed," and I still find myself closed off, always listening attentively to the passions that others share with me, even if I don't share them, but keeping mine to myself.

If someone shows even a little interest in my tastes, I am incredibly surprised and… being so unaccustomed to it, I feel uncomfortable, exposed, and I speak briefly to try to end the topic quickly.

As if my interests aren't as valid as others'.

Despite this having happened to me my whole life, sometimes, like today, I find myself reflecting on it.

So you have no idea how grateful I am to have discovered Tumblr and to be able to interact with some of you.

Thank you to everyone who has ever read something of mine, mentioned me in something you thought I might like, or interacted with me in any way.

Thank you, you make my days brighter.

😊 💕

[chasingconnections]

Welcome to My Journey!

Hello, everyone! I’m excited to share this space with you. This blog is my personal journey through thoughts, feelings, and reflections on life’s experiences. From the warmth of heartfelt moments to the complexities of deep emotions, I’ll be exploring it all.

Life can be a beautiful, messy adventure, and I believe that sharing these moments can create a deeper understanding. Join me as I navigate this path of self-discovery and embrace the little things that make life special.

Thank you for being here, and I hope you find something that resonates with you along the way!

Warmly,

chasingconnections

[figureskatingfanblog]

If Beck Strommer doesn't get a second assignment, I will riot. He's got the best shot at the JGP Final now. They better give it to him.

[myflagmeansace]

love how Good Omens, in particular S2, shows what it's like living in our world's harmful societal structures (i.e., capitalism, racism, sexism, ableism, etc)

when you're on the side that benefits from the harmful structure it's easy to:

get "cast out" when you start to question the harmful structure

believe you're on the "right" side even though you continue to benefit from the harmful structure

believe that if you get more power and influence within that harmful structure that you'll change it for the "better"

believe the power and influence you have within that structure was "earned" because of your hard work and talents rather than just a way to maintain the harmful structure

[tparadox]

Back in the early days of Netflix when they were starving for content to put on the "Netflix Instant" streaming bonus you got for free with your DVD rentals, they had a bunch of web series. I saw some of HISHE (through their deal with Starz somehow?), The Guild, and maybe all of Spaceballs: The Web Series there.

I bring this up because I saw Red Vs. Blue there and decided to watch this thing that I'd heard people enthusing about and others talking semi-academically about early Machinema. It seemed like each season was there bundled into episodes so it was like three or four hour-plus "episodes". And I liked a little bit how it started out making fun of Halo capture the flag games, but the characters were just so dumb in a way that was already either a little out of fashion by then or just would've been better received by a middle schooler or high schooler when I was already in college. I think I finished the second season and decided it wasn't for me, but that also seemed like when it was about to become more plot focused and less just screwing around in a video game.

Some years later I was doing unpaid labor for a production company that partnered with Rooster Teeth for a while and I got to meet Burnie Burns a few times, but unlike other interns who were freaking out about meeting a childhood celebrity I was just like, "that's kinda neat". I think I've technically gotten paid by RT for at least one job in the heyday of my post production services freelancing. I was and am based in their area so I entertained the idea of trying to work for them, but as time went on it seemed less likely and then I started to hear stories from the inside about how badly they were organized thanks to being run by a bunch of high school buddies who accidentally had a TV studio built under them. I was always expecting that to be their undoing, not being sacrificed on the altar of tax write-offs by Hollywood's final boss.

But all I've actually seen of Rooster Teeth's stuff is that portion of RvB, some live action shorts our company produced for them that had disappointing releases, Day Five season 2 (see post-production services), and I think I got to see all of Crunch Time. I believe Slow Mo Guys started there but I've mainly seen them after they appear to have left.

People seem to really love RvB and RWBY. How would RT fans recommend RT stuff to me?

[blueheartbookclub]

"A Journey Through Memoirs: Exploring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 'Memories and Adventures'"

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Memories and Adventures" offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of one of the most celebrated authors of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Through a series of captivating anecdotes and reflections, Doyle invites readers to accompany him on a remarkable journey through his personal and professional experiences, providing invaluable insights into the man behind the iconic literary creations.

Spanning a wide range of topics, from Doyle's childhood memories to his adventures as a medical student and his later career as a renowned author, "Memories and Adventures" offers a multifaceted portrait of a complex and multifaceted individual. Doyle's prose is engaging and conversational, drawing readers into his world with warmth and sincerity. Whether recounting his early days as a struggling writer or sharing anecdotes about his encounters with famous figures of the era, Doyle's narrative style is both engaging and illuminating.

One of the most striking aspects of "Memories and Adventures" is Doyle's candidness and self-awareness. Throughout the book, he reflects on the highs and lows of his life with honesty and humility, offering readers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of his mind. From his struggles with writer's block to his doubts about the literary merits of his most famous creation, Sherlock Holmes, Doyle's reflections are refreshingly candid and introspective.

At the heart of "Memories and Adventures" lies Doyle's enduring passion for adventure and exploration. From his travels across the globe to his adventures in the realm of spiritualism and the supernatural, Doyle's life was marked by a restless curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. His accounts of his travels to far-flung destinations such as Africa, Australia, and America are filled with vivid descriptions and colorful anecdotes, transporting readers to exotic locales and distant lands.

In addition to his adventures in the physical world, Doyle also delves into the realm of the imagination, sharing insights into his creative process and the genesis of some of his most beloved works. From the inception of Sherlock Holmes to the inspiration behind his historical novels and supernatural tales, Doyle offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a literary legend.

In conclusion, "Memories and Adventures" is a captivating and deeply personal memoir that sheds new light on the life and legacy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Through his engaging prose and candid reflections, Doyle invites readers to join him on a journey through the highs and lows of his remarkable life, offering a rich tapestry of anecdotes, insights, and adventures along the way. Whether you're a fan of Sherlock Holmes or simply curious about the man behind the myth, "Memories and Adventures" is sure to delight and inspire readers of all ages.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Memories and Adventures" is available in Amazon in paperback 18.99$ and hardcover 25.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 498

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[tio-trile]

Something something vampires have no reflection so he can't even try to see his brother's face anymore when he looks into the mirror

[beholdthemem]

My fellow bitches under 5'5. Whatever the money, do not take a job working at a middle school. A fellow adult tried to put me in detention last month and would NOT give up until I showed her my badge proving Yes, The School Hired Me To Work Here. It's not meant for people our height.

[wholenessblooming]

sometimes i’m so in awe of this resilience of our bodies. this wondrous way that healing works —physical, mental and emotional.

some days it seems so easy, this healing. and some days its just hopeless to even try anything.

but the next day and the next day we have to try again, push ourselves a little bit towards healing. caring for ourselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally—because healing and growth are active processes. we can’t just hope to be healed some day, we have to continue the care (whatever works) and let our bodies do the rest.

[lavandamichelle]

Namaste: One of My Favorite Words (and Why It Still Lights Me Up)

Hey there, lovely souls! This is officially blog post #3, and I am soooo excited to keep sharing more pieces of my heart with y’all. Today, I want to introduce you to one of my all-time favorite words—a word that found me during my college years, stuck with me through every twist and turn, and still centers me to this very day: ✨ Namaste ✨ Yep, that little word that sounds soft and sweet—but…