#but more far-reaching. more extreme. and maybe more hopeful. in a nutshell. there’s so

[tctteredwings]

[ leo woodall, cis man, he/him ] — whoa! LEO DARBY just stole my cab! not cool, but maybe they needed it more. they have lived in the city for 8 YEARS, working as the OWNER OF KITTY AND BREW. that can’t be easy, especially at only 30 YEARS OLD. some people say they can be a little bit ABSENT-MINDED and IMPULSIVE, but i know them to be COMPASSIONATE and HONEST whatever. i guess i’ll catch the next cab. hope they like the ride back to BROOKLYN! 

IN A NUTSHELL; yes that is cat hair on your sleeve, a strong cup of tea constantly in hand, scuffed-up timberland boots, the battle scars of a life lived with love, bedhead at any time of the day, a far-off look in your eyes, the worn pages of an old bible.

tw: bullying

Name: Leo Darby Nicknames: None Age: Thirty Date of birth: 1st January 1994 Birth place: London, UK Occupation: Owner of Kitty and Brew Romantic/sexual orientation: Heteroromantic/bisexual

ABOUT.

Leo never knew his parents, not really. His father walked out the moment that he found out Leo’s mother was pregnant and she — well, she was deemed an unfit parent shortly before his second birthday. He has never been told the full details and still isn’t entirely sure he even wants to know.

Placed into the fostering system, he moved back and forth between families for the next seven years. It was always said that they’d find him a ‘forever home’ but for some reason it took time. It took so much time that it reached a point where he found himself convinced that nobody wanted him —- that he’d be bounced back and forth until he turned eighteen, when he was forced to go out into the world alone. For a child, it wasn’t the greatest start in life to have.

But he was resilient, and at nine, he was adopted by a young couple, who also happened to live in the town he had been born in. From that moment on, his life changed considerably. Finding himself in an extremely religious family, Michael following a calling to ministry, Leo found it almost impossible to stay bitter. From the moment the Darbys adopted him, he was loved unconditionally and always free to make his own decisions in life.

As the days went by, he chose to attend church services with his newly found parents, celebrating along with the rest of the family when his father was appointed as vicar at their local church.

A year or so after his adoption, they also adopted another child and for the first time in his life, he found himself with a sibling.

Before long the family moved from the small flat they had been living in and into a four-bed house, one that was much closer to the church. Leo was fourteen at the time and, unfortunately, his pride in his father wasn’t seen as cool in high school. Seen as only the vicar’s son, he was often thought of as somebody to corrupt, to drag down as far as possible. His teen years were the worst of his life, finding himself bullied daily, the other children in town intent on ruining the perfect life he’d built up over the last four years.

And so Leo became withdrawn, he began to only spend time with children much younger than him, knowing that they didn’t care where he came from. But, despite the aversion to how he was being brought up by other parties, he knew that he wanted to follow in a similar path to his father once he left school. Perhaps not ministry, nothing quite so serious, but just some way of helping out in the world. He would spend night after night in front of the computer researching, clicking through website after website until he found the answer. Missionary work seemed like the perfect solution and so, after finishing high school, he found himself a placement and travelled to Zambia.

Living and working in Africa certainly wasn’t something he’d thought he would do when he was a child, heart set on being a firefighter when he was five, but he couldn’t have asked for anything more rewarding than being able to help the children out there. Perhaps the job he had out there wasn’t as impressive as some might have thought, but for him, however, the fact he was doing anything to help was enough. He couldn’t have waited another three years to pick up a degree before travelling out there; he only knew he needed to help as soon as he possibly could.

Following two placements, both around two years long, it was time to finally come home again. A decision partly spurred on by a breakup with someone he had met while out there. He hated that it was something so fickle that caused him to leave, but the pair couldn’t have gone on as they were. Living out of one another’s pockets when things were so awkward wasn’t something he could have lived with for more than a couple of months. He left abruptly, choosing to take six months out to travel around Africa, taking in the sights for the first time and even going on safari for a while.

After almost five years away, he knew that moving back home again would be difficult. He didn’t have many friends there anymore, nor a career to speak of, and aside from his parents and his siblings, it was going to be a little like starting over. So in the end, he chose not to go back, he'd caught the travel bug and that was how he ended up in New York City.

Starting over was something he was familiar with, but that didn't mean the move was easy. To begin with, in fact, he was bouncing back and forth between different apartments, working three jobs at a time, anything to keep himself afloat.

The combination of cats and coffee came around four years into his move, a labour of love brought about after spending countless hours at the local adoption centre. He knows Kitty and Brew isn't exactly known for its coffee, but he hopes the tea is at least up to scratch, as well as the opportunity to meet a new feline friend to take home one day. Rehoming has always been at the heart of the business.

In recent years he's been looking into his biological parents and made the discovery that his father had another family when he was born. He was never really destined to be in Leo's life. Along with the discovery was the realisation he had other siblings, something he's been wrestling with ever since, trying to decide how to move forward.

HEADCANONS.

One of Leo's proudest moments was when he swam with sharks while out travelling around South Africa.

He owns four cats, all adopted from the local shelter, named Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D'Artagnan.

He loves to read and even has a used bookshelf at the back of the coffee shop for people to borrow books and donate books.

[rabbits-of-negative-euphoria]

is Armin an idealist, or does he just look good standing next to Eren, Erwin, Yelena, and Floch

[brazen-blogposts]

Netflix’s “We Are The Champions” Cheese-Rolling Contest: My Life in a Nutshell

How Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake in Brockworth, Gloucestershire reminded me of my self-sabotaging behavior.

Recently I found myself in the Netflix wormhole watching a giant cheese-rolling contest. Aside from being highly entertaining, We Are The Champions had me in deep thought and self-reflection. As I sat there and watched hundreds of people tumble and somersault face-first down an outrageously steep hill racing after a single cheese wheel, I felt like I was watching my own reality show. There I was, smashing my face off the ground year after year in the hope of winning at life and getting a piece of that damn cheese wheel. But, each year, I would run the same race with the same mindset as the last and either find myself losing, injured, or stuck in the same ditch. A form of insanity and self-sabotage far too familiar to me.

What is Self-Sabotage?

Then, a light bulb goes off, and I get sick and tired of feeling stuck. I get that little spark of motivation that makes me believe I can do and be better. Or, less optimistically, I am motivated by feeling not good enough compared to what I view on tv, social media, magazines, or other sources of low self-esteem factors. So, I go fishing for photos on Instagram that I want to look like or be like. Because we all know, if we have the right makeup, clothes, body, and all that booty and sass — we will finally be good enough and worthy of something. (Bull shit).

When I start to feel like I’m on a roll, the real challenges start to pop up out of nowhere. Oh, by the way, most of the positive changes you decide to make usually have an associated cost. Expect and prepare for that when you embark on your championship changes. The costs are different depending on what changes were made. In my case, my new habits and lifestyle start to take a toll on friendships and my social life. Once known as the “life of the party,” I now assumed Sober Sally's reputation. The missed happy hours, weekend trips, and parties started to add up, and all of a sudden, I had an extreme case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). I started grieving the “old me” because “she” was more fun, maybe even considered more likable and easy-going. So at some point, the excuses bang list I created eventually ran out, and the pressure became too much to handle. Instead of friends being supportive, they may highlight that “you’ve changed and that it’s just not the same anymore.” Even though you know deep down the changes you have committed to are positive and necessary to stop self-sabotaging.

Stepping away from the norm and toxic culture can feel lonely. On top of all of this, it’s sometimes tricky to start meeting new people and developing trustworthy friendships who support your new living style. So, change starts to feel overwhelming and totally out of reach with too many uncontrollable situations. Soon we end up saying, screw it and cozy up to the life you knew before. The habits come back like second nature — the bottles pile up, the late-night pizza orders start to add up, the gym memberships are still being paid for but not used, and you resume your role of being the super glue to all your toxic relationships. In other words, the cheese wheel continues to roll, and you continue to chase the sabotage, face-planting every step of the way.

2. Identify goals to change and break the cycle using IMPACT questions.

Improve: Does it improve the quality of my life?

Measurable: Is it measurable in terms of knowing when I have accomplished it?

Positively: Is it positively stated as something new I want in my life?

Achievable: Is it achievable for me in my present situation and with my current abilities?

Call forth Actions: What actions can I do regularly to remain committed?

Time-limited: Is it time-limited in terms of when I will begin and when I plan to finish.

Now that you answered your IMPACT questions plan how you will effectively communicate your goals to change with those who matter and support you most. Remind yourself that it is okay to grieve and mourn the loss of the old you. This can be a natural reaction to change, and that grief does not have to be suppressed.

There will be bumps along the race, but you will be in a much better place with undoubtedly less long-lasting bruises at the end of the hill. Start imagining yourself now holding the cheese wheel high above your head. Commit to being a Champion; most importantly, commit to yourself.

[elisaphoenix13]

Familiar Stranger

"Tony, if you balancing precariously on that railing doesn't kill you, then Stephen will." Scott says.

"He won't know."

"Mama Bear always knows. What do you even need me for?" The thief wonders as he watches Tony fiddle with a camera in the corner of one of the lower floor.

"You have a Master's in electrical engineering. I trust you can handle the circuit board behind the panel over there." The billionaire motions toward a wall, momentarily losing his balance and Scott's heart jumps into his throat as Tony rights himself.

"Uh...yeah. Sure. What do you need me to do?"

Scott walks over to the wall and opens the panel that Tony had pointed out, and the older man instructs him through the task of rewiring the board. It wasn't that he couldn't have done it himself, but the tower was Tony's and he had it wired and built a specific way. Now that two AI's had complete control of the tower, Scott wasn't about to fiddle with anything his own way.

Once finished, Scott closes the panel and walks back over to Tony who had thankfully gotten down safely from his unsteady perch. Tony gathers the small amount of tools he had brought downstairs with him and they started for the stairs.

"You couldn't do that yourself?"

"I could have but it was a lot faster with your help." The engineer says as he climbs the stairs first with Scott following him.

"I'm going to take that as a compliment. While we're at it can you-"

A sharp gasp from Scott has Tony turning around and he watches in horror as the younger man missteps and falls backward. He reaches out to try and grab one of Scott's hands but he falls just out of his reach, and tumbles down the stairs. They had climbed just enough that it was a good distance down, and Tony cringes when Scott stops at the bottom with a sickening crack.

"Oh fuck! Lang!" Tony drops his tools and races back down the stairs to kneel next to the unconscious thief. "Friday! Get Bruce and Stephen down here!" He carefully checks for a pulse and heaves a sigh of relief when he feels a faint pulse.

Seconds passed, but they might as well have been hours when Tony heard running footsteps, and he didn't even look up to acknowledge who it was.

"Oh my god." Bruce joins Tony on the other side of Scott and checks his eyes with a small flashlight. "What happened?"

"He fucking slipped on the stairs and fell! I heard a fucking crack!"

"Do you know where Quill is?" The scientist asks calmly.

"I think getting lunch for them?" Tony covers his mouth with a shaky hand. "I tried to help him-"

"Tony, this isn't your fault. It was a freak accident. I need you to keep Quill distracted when he gets back until me and Stephen can get him stable and run tests. Can you do that?" Bruce says as he grips Tony's shoulder and the engineer nods shakily.

"Yeah. Yeah."

Stephen rushes down to them at that moment and he opens a gateway to the medbay that he and Bruce carefully pick up and carry Scott through. As soon as the gateway closes behind them, Tony stands up, a bit shakily, and climbs the stairs again. He stops to gather his tools, takes the elevator up to his lab to put them away, and then takes the elevator up to the family floor. At least he knew that Quill would first come looking for Scott there after finding their floor empty, but then he remembered an important detail. Quill's Celestial Gaze. It was entirely possible the god already knew about the accident, but then again it probably only forced him to look if Scott (or Cassie) were continuously afraid.

Tony had Friday warn the doctors just in case.

Thankfully, the celestial seemed unaware when he strolled onto the family floor not ten minutes later. Tony did his best to look nonchalant as Quill looked around for his husband, and looks over at him from the random show that was on when he turned the tv on.

"Scott had some errands to run for work. You must have just missed him." He manages to say with a straight face.

"Really? His food is gonna get cold." Quill says as he drops the bag of food on the coffee table, and sits on the couch next to Tony.

"He said to either go ahead and eat it or give it to someone else. He'll grab something on the way back."

"Ok...hungry?" The celestial pushes a styrofoam box toward the engineer and Tony's stomach churns. The thought of eating Scott's food after lying to Quill nauseated him.

"Uh...no. Just ate actually. I think Harley is home." Tony looks up at the rooms above. "Patatino! There's food down here if you want it!"

Not only did Harley come out of his room, but so did Diana. When they discovered that tacos were on the menu, they both raced down into the living room, and Harley grabbed a plate from the kitchen on the way. He and Dia sit at the coffee table, and the teenager sets one of the three tacos in the box on the plate for his sister before they both tear into their meal.

Bruce had a reason for keeping Quill out of the loop about Scott's accident. The space pirate was extremely overprotective and would no doubt hover the moment he found out. They just wanted to be able to take care of Scott before Quill went ballistic. As soon as they were done, one of them would come up to break the news and to inform them about how he was doing. Tony really hoped Scott would be okay, Quill was one matter, but Cassie? She needed her dad.

"Dad? You okay?" Harley interrupts Tony's train of thought, and he finds both kids looking at him.

"Yeah. Fine. Just have a lot on my mind." Which wasn't a lie, he just wasn't going to be specific.

A couple of hours pass as Quill and the kids finish their lunch, and they choose a movie to watch while Tony gets lost in thought again. He was just waiting for the elevator to open any moment now, be told about Scott's condition, and for all hell to break loose. Hell meaning Quill. Tony just needed to know that Scott would survive and that he didn't suffer any permanent damage. He wasn't just the occasionally annoying friend, he was family too. If Scott died or had any lasting damage, it would haunt Tony for the rest of his life.

The elevator opened five minutes later, and Stephen was the one to step off.

"Harley, take your sister upstairs." Tony commands immediately, and the boy doesn't argue. As soon as the kids are out of earshot, Stephen takes a calming breathe before looking pointedly at Quill, who regards him curiously.

"Quill...there was an accident."

The celestial was on his feet the moment Stephen finished his sentence. "Cassie?!"

"...Scott." Tony corrects quietly and Quill stares at him.

"You said he was out on errands!" Quill nearly shouts and Stephen holds out his hands in a placating gesture.

"We just needed time to get him stable and run some tests before you hovered." Quill clenches his fists but Stephen continues. "He's going to be fine. I was able to heal him with magic a bit, but head wounds are touchy. We don't think there's any permanent damage though."

Tony shudders with relief as Quill takes a deep breath and unclenches his fists. "I can see him?"

"Yes. He still hasn't woken up yet, but you can see him."

Tony got up to follow Quill and Stephen down to the medbay, and the god immediately took the empty chair next to Scott's bed and held his hand. Tony and Stephen take the nearby couch and quietly inform Quill about the accident, and when he says nothing, the couple fell silent. Quill wasn't mad, he just needed time to process what he saw in front of him. A haunted look crossed the god's pinched expression when he looked at the scars on Scott's neck and Stephen frowns.

"It was an accident. There's nothing you could have done."

"I promised to protect him."

"And you do. But these things happen." Stephen assures him.

Quill sighs. "You're sure he's going to be okay?"

"Yes. He might be a little confused but that's temporary."

Quill nods and gently brushes his thumb across the back of Scott's hand for a few more minutes, and the thief finally stirs into consciousness a few minutes later. The other three jump to their feet as he opens his eyes, and Stephen immediately stands by the bed and asks Scott to follow his finger. The sorcerer nods in satisfaction when Scott does so with relative ease, and then he looks around the room.

"Where am I?" He murmurs.

"The medbay. Do you remember what happened?" Stephen asks.

"No?" Scott looks down at his hand when he feels a gentle squeeze and he follows it up to Quill before yanking his hand away. "Who the hell are you?! Who are any of you?!" He shouts and all three of them turn white as a sheet.

Tony barely had to glance at Quill to find utter devastation clear on his face. Stephen was focused on calming Scott down without having to use sedation, and when the thief finally does settle after a couple of minutes, Stephen sighs.

"Scott...what is the last thing you remember?"

"I…" Scott looks between the three of them and then settles his gaze on Tony. "Wait...Stark? I remember fighting in Germany…" The thief trails off and furrows his brows. "...it's fuzzy after that."

Quill backs away to stand in the far corner of the room and he rubs his neck before slumping his shoulders. Stephen carefully explained that Germany had been eight years ago, and gave him the nutshell of what happened up until his accident. He didn't want to overload Scott with information, but he hoped maybe something would bring recognition to hazel eyes...but nothing. Scott continued to look confused until his eyes widen.

"Cassie? Where is she?"

"Out with Peter. They should be home soon." Tony informs him.

Scott immediately asked to see her when she got back, and when she and Peter got back, Stephen told her about the accident and Scott's memory loss. She took the news rather well as soon as the sorcerer told her that her father would be fine, and that the amnesia was only temporary, and she took Scott's surprised expression when he saw her well too. It was just like the five years after the snap and Scott accepted it well enough because of the information Stephen gave him.

Quill took it hard though. Scott had absolutely no memory of him and the god went unnaturally quiet as he sat outside Scott's room. It was obvious that he wanted to stay by his husband's side, but he also didn't want to make Scott uncomfortable. So he decided to stick by the door outside during the few days the thief remained in the medbay. During that time, Cassie took pictures to her dad to see if that would help jog his memory, and eventually told him who Quill was. It helped keep the panic at bay when Stephen and Bruce released the thief from the medbay and let him return to his floor, and he saw Quill on the couch. They made eye contact for all of five seconds before the celestial looked away with a pained expression and continued to fiddle with one of his tools from space.

Tension remained for the rest of the night. Quill didn't want to upset Scott. He wanted the younger man to approach him, but of course it didn't happen. Quill slept in his old room, although he spent the majority of the night tossing and turning because he had grown used to having Scott in his arms. It was torture having him right next door and not being able to touch him, to hold him...to hear him breathe.

The next morning, Quill dragged himself down into the kitchen to make himself a bowl of cereal, and he found Scott sitting at the island. He thought about turning back around and waiting until the younger thief moved on, but decided it was better to get his breakfast and at least show Scott he was there. No matter how much it hurt that he had completely forgotten about Quill, the celestial would stay by his side.

"I'm not allowed to touch the stove or the oven, but I can make a mean bowl of cereal if you haven't eaten yet." He says as he walks into the kitchen. When he doesn't get any kind of response from Scott after pulling a box of cereal from the cabinet, Quill turns to look at him.

Light flares to life in Quill's hands and the power hums as he carefully reaches out to place the cool touch gently against Scott's neck. The reaction was instant. The younger leans into the soothing touch and sighs with relief as Quill's power works its magic, and after about five minutes, Scott finally opens his eyes. Quill slowly pulls his hands away after a few more minutes and walks back around the counter to finish making his cereal, leaving Scott to experimentally move his head.

Scott was hunched over the counter with his eyes screwed shut in pain, and Quill threw caution to the wind and rounded the counter when he saw a tear fall onto the countertop. One of two things had to be hurting Scott for him to actually cry over the pain, and considering the way he was completely still was all too familiar to Quill. The scars were flaring up to the point that it hurt Scott to even move his neck.

"Better?" Quill asks and Scott nods.

"How did you do that?" Quill holds up one of his still glowing hands before willing the light to fade. "You use magic?"

"Not exactly. I'm a Celestial."

"Like a god?" Quill nods as he starts eating his cereal. "You'd think I would remember that."

"Stephen said the amnesia isn't permanent."

"...but what if it is?" Scott asks quietly. "What if I never remember you? I can tell this is hurting you and I hate it. I'm sure you can have anyone you want, and it's been driving me crazy wondering why you, a god, would choose me!" He combs his fingers through his hair frantically as Quill tries to get his attention. "Everything else is just as confusing and-"

"Scott."

The celestial reaches out and gently grabs the back of Scott's neck, and the younger man stills immediately. Not from pain, but from surprise. Familiarity. Hazel eyes look up to meet green in curiosity and Scott mumbles quietly.

"I know this…" He allows himself to relax into Quill's strong hold again. "...but something is missing."

Quill knew exactly what it was that Scott said was missing. "Look at me."

Scott looks back up at the celestial and his eyes widen when the entirety of Quill's eyes fill with mini versions of the galaxy. Flashes of memories fill the thief's mind as he looks into eternity, but it stops all too soon when the hand at the back of his neck pulls away and Quill's eyes fade back into their normal green color.

"That's enough." Quill whispers.

"What? No! It was helping!" Scott argues.

"You looked terrified!"

Scott rubs his neck and looks away. "I...I remembered how I got these."

Scott jumps when Quill tosses his empty bowl into the sink before walking off, and the celestial comes back moments later with a leather bound photo album similar to the ones Cassie had shown him. Quill drops it in front of Scott with a thud and watches him open it and slowly flip through the pages, and he explains the story behind every picture Scott stops and asks about. They were happier memories. It was bad enough that one of Scott's recovered memories was when he was abducted, kept captive, and tortured.

"Wait a minute." Scott says a few more pages into the album. "I think I remember this."

Quill looks down at the picture that Scott is looking at, finding the picture the team took of one of their barbeques at the lake house. The picture showed Cassie jumping on Quill's back and spraying whipped cream into his mouth (something they bonded over now ever since that day she got sick), and Diana reaching up for the celestial to pick her up.

"I took this picture." Scott says. "Right after I did, Cassie covered your face in whipped cream and you retaliated by-"

"Throwing her in the lake." Quill finishes. "I guess the pictures are helping."

Scott spends the rest of the morning looking through the album, and Quill washes the dishes after the younger thief eats his own bowl of cereal. It was Scott's request for the celestial to stay nearby, so he decided to clean the kitchen to keep himself busy while the younger studied every picture. Sometimes recognition would light up hazel eyes, and other times there was confusion, but when Scott started to rub his temples, Quill closed the album. That was the sign that he was pushing himself too hard and giving himself a headache trying to remember.

"You should watch tv or something for the rest of the day. You can look at these again tomorrow."

That's how the next couple of weeks passed. Scott looked through photo albums, Quill and Cassie told him stories about things he was a part of, and whenever he started to get frustrated or rub his head, they called it a day. Scott was openly frustrated about his progress though. The memories came slowly, if at all, and he was getting impatient. He complained about the poor sleep he was getting whether it was from tossing and turning or constant nightmares, but then one night Quill's sleep was interrupted because his Celestial Gaze was forced onto him out of his own broken slumber. He saw Scott in the middle of a nightmare and very distressed, that he didn't waste any time jumping out of bed and leaving his room to run into Scott's. The moment Quill kneeled on the bed, Scott came out of his nightmare with a shout, saw him, and threw himself into the Celestial's arms.

"It's okay. It was just a dream." Quill says quietly as he wraps strong arms around Scott's shaking form. When his shaking finally subsides, Quill starts to move away until Scott grips the front of his shirt tightly.

"Stay."

Quill nods and lays down next to Scott when the younger lays down, and just the near presence had them both asleep in seconds even if they weren't touching anymore. It was the best sleep they had in weeks. Scott may not completely remember Quill, but his body did. His body remembered the warmth and safety the god provided, and having him nearby quelled the nightmares.

Even if Scott's amnesia lasted for months, years, Quill wasn't going anywhere. If this was the extent of his memory recovery, they would just start over. Quill already knew what Scott liked, and the younger thief was already warming back up to him despite the missing memories. That was up to Scott though. If he wanted to keep things the way they were and focus on getting his memories back, Quill would wait patiently and continue to support him. Not that he was actually going to offer up that option in the first place. He didn't want Scott to think he wouldn't be able to recover his memories.

Scott was looking at pictures again one day when Quill brought home tacos, dropping the bag on a space free of clutter on the coffee table. The younger closes the album he's looking through to dig through the bag enthusiastically, and pulls out his tacos before sliding the bag back over to Quill when the pirate joins him on the floor. They move the albums further away so they have more space to eat as they watch tv and Cassie joins them a few minutes later.

"You didn't get your tacos a few weeks ago, so I figured I'd make up for it today." Quill says after swallowing the bite he took.

Scott laughs. "There isn't going to be a spaceship landing in here is there?"

Quill and Cassie just laughed and didn't think anything of his words, but Bruce happened to step off the elevator the moment Scott asked that question. He was there to check on Scott's progress, but his question threw him for a loop.

"What did you say?" The scientist demands and Scott looks up at him.

"If there was a spaceship-" Scott starts before suddenly freezing and staring off into the distance.

What he meant as a joke was actually another memory and it caused everything to flood back into his mind. The fight between Steve and Tony, when they all moved into the tower after they made amends, being stuck in the Quantum Realm, their desperation to recover the infinity stones and the war with Thanos…

...he remembered it all.

He remembered the guilt of missing out on five years of Cassie's life, and he remembered the pain and loneliness he felt when everything was said and done and he didn't have someone to go home to. At least not like Tony or Steve or Clint. He didn't have a best friend or a lover. He loved Cassie, but there was only so much he could talk to his daughter about.

Then Quill came.

Memories of their first meeting, and the time they spent together. The moment Scott realized he was in love with his best friend, when Quill made the first move, when he proposed. He remembered it all. He remembered everything up to the moment that he slipped on the stairs and fell backwards and a shout startled him out of his reverie which was how he discovered he had been hyperventilating. Strong arms pull Scott against Quill and he buries his face into the man's collarbone to inhale the scent of leather and space that was once again familiar to him.

"You're okay. I've got you Sugar. Just breathe." Quill mutters into his ear and Scott's heart soared at the pet name. It was the first time his husband had called him that since the accident.

"I remember." Scott finally whispers after catching his breath, and Bruce moves closer.

"Remember what?"

"Everything. It just came to me all at once and I guess I got overwhelmed." He admits and Quill pushes him back just enough to look at him.

"Everything?" He asks hopefully and when Scott nods, he pulls him closer again for a kiss that the younger immediately melts into. Cassie jokingly makes a noise of disgust and when they pull back apart, Quill rests his forehead on Scott's. "You have no idea how hard it was to hold back from doing that."

"I hate to interrupt but I really think Scott should finish eating and then get some rest. Memories coming back like that isn't easy on the mind or body." Bruce says.

Scott wasn't about to argue because he felt exhausted and wanted to do just that. So he and Quill finish their lunch, Bruce gives him a quick look over, and Scott promises to spend time with his daughter after he rests. Cassie was just glad his memories were back again and told him to take his time and that she would make his favorite for dinner that night, so Scott went up to bed with Quill's help. The onslaught of memories left him a little shaky, so he was glad that his husband was so attentive to his needs that he didn't need to say anything. He changed into more comfortable clothes and laid in bed, and as soon as Quill laid down next to him, he curled up against him and enjoyed feeling strong arms wrap around him.

"We have a month of this to catch up on." The celestial jokes.

"I know. I'm sorry." Scott mumbles.

"Don't be. It wasn't your fault."

"I know it was hard...but thank you for staying. You could have easily broken it off and-"

"Stop. There wasn't a chance in hell that I was giving you up. Marriage is about the bad times too." Quill reminds him. "I will do anything to keep you. To protect you...because I love you."

Scott smiles against the god's chest. "I love you too big guy."

"Good. Because-"

Scott reaches up and slaps his hand over Quill's mouth. "We're having a moment. Don't ruin it and let me sleep."

Quill chuckles after Scott pulls his hand away and tightens his hold on the younger thief. They had weeks of affection to catch up on anyway.

[liberatingallselves]

Buddha’s Life is Our Life.

“When one first seeks the Dharma, one strays far from the boundary of the Dharma. When the Dharma is correctly transmitted to the self, one is immediately an original person.” – Zen Master Dogen.

When Zen Master Dogen made the above statement, he was not saying that to stray was to err. He was simply stating fact. That when people hear of the Dharma, they automatically start searching for something other than the Dharma.

Searching is the first step in a process that ultimately ends with the realization that there is no process. Along the way one may gather knowledge and develop a host of skills deemed necessary to navigate what one believes is the path to enlightenment. One may even experience profound states of consciousness and bliss. But they don’t last, and the seeker eventually discovers that for all his effort, he is no closer to enlightenment than when he began his search. If he is then honest, he will conclude that all his searching has been a waste of time and stop searching. Ironically, this is the end goal of the search; to let go. It is what Siddhartha Gautama did, and it is what we must do, as well.

Before he began his search, the Buddha, a.k.a., Siddhartha Gautama, had it pretty good in worldly terms. As the story goes, he was a prince, had three palaces and many worldly pleasures at his disposal. Being shielded from life by his father he did not know about human suffering until, one night, he left his palace and went out into the streets. There, for the first time, he saw sickness, old age and death.

Like Siddhartha, many of us spend early life thinking that the world is our oyster and that nothing can harm us. To varying degree we pursue wealth, fame or pleasure without giving much thought to the meaning of life until something happens that stops us in our tracks. Maybe a friend gets sick. Maybe we watch our parents get old and frail. Or maybe someone close to us dies. However it comes about, the event inspires profound questions about our way of living. If lucky, we are led to a spiritual path, which is represented in Siddhartha’s story as his seeing an ascetic that inspired him.

Determined to follow a spiritual path Siddhartha left his palaces and quickly found two teachers. Today true teachers are hard to find so, for most of us, instruction is found in books written by spiritual masters or from like-minded individuals. Siddhartha’s teachers taught him deep meditative techniques that he quickly mastered but found wanting. He left those teachers and went on to try extreme asceticism. Most of us don’t go to such extreme lengths opting instead to try special diets, fasting, abstinence or some other form of mild asceticism that parallel the Buddha’s search to some degree.

Siddhartha Gautama excelled at asceticism just as he did in reaching deep meditative states, but he eventually concluded that these practices wouldn’t lead him to enlightenment. It is said that when he left his fellow ascetics, they believed he had given up the search. For me, this is an important part of the story and one that is often overlooked. Siddhartha’s fellows were right. He had given up but giving up was his only option.

Giving up did not mean quitting but letting go. Just as he had let go of his worldly life, Siddhartha let go of his spiritual life. Now, with nothing to rely on, no one to turn to and nowhere to go, there was nothing to do but just sit.

It’s very difficult for those of us on the spiritual path to let go of our spiritual self-image and beliefs. Throughout our lives we’ve been taught that the way to success was to correct our flaws, increase our knowledge and develop our abilities. We carried this belief into our spiritual life believing that this tried and true method would lead to eventual enlightenment. Little did we know that all we were doing was touching up the ego.

In the movie “Eat, Pray, Love,” Julia Robert’s character, Liz Gilbert, said that all she could think about while meditating was how to furnish her meditation room when she got home. That, in a nutshell, is what most of our spiritual search has been about. We’ve been trying to make our minds a better and more attractive space to live in. And, no doubt, we have had some small successes, perhaps becoming calmer, more knowledgeable and more insightful. But the ‘room’ we’ve been redecorating is still a cage. We’re still prisoners.

That’s what Siddhartha Gautama realized when he chose to let go of his search and just sit under the Bodhi tree. That is what we must do as well. We must sit without grasping at any thoughts that tempt us to follow them. We must sit without pushing or running away from imaginary threats. We must sit and practice letting go of whatever arises without labeling it good or bad. Attending to our outer life as necessary but always returning to the present moment. Expecting nothing. Taking credit for nothing. Being nothing.

Siddhartha had to sit 49 days before his enlightenment, but that number is only symbolic. It doesn’t matter what it symbolizes. In fact, if you ask what it symbolizes in the hope of discovering some clue, you’re still searching. But don’t despair. As it turns out, no one completely abandons the search. Paradoxically, you must hold onto the search to let it go. And you must hold onto the idea of a searcher who is trying to give up the search. In koan jargon that is described as “drinking a hot iron ball that you can neither swallow nor spit out.”

Just sitting zazen rests on the basis of letting go of thought and returning to the present moment. This is our practice. Over and over we become aware that we’re thinking and let it go. Over and over we return to the present moment. We keep returning to the present moment because it is only in the present moment that Realization dawns as an act of grace, and not as an ego accomplishment. We keep returning to the present moment until there is only the present moment.

[chronicbatfictioner]

Fast Car - Chapter 17

"You've got the meds?"

"Yeah, one patch is on. Scheduling is on." Tim replied. "Synced with your cellphone so you can nag me if I forget to replace it."

It had sounded scary at first, for both Tim and Jason. Jason suspected that it would've been scarier, still, for Tim. He was the one who'd need to wear it at all times, after all. The patch looked like a simple, clear-colored band-aid, but it was actually filled with a plethora of electronics underneath, "the nutshell version is having electroshock therapy device attached to you at all times, but it'll release hormones instead of electricity," Tim had explained. It would be placed just under his hairline, on the nape of his neck. Tim assured him many, many times that it does not deliver actual electric shocks and/or will be shorting when the wearer is showering/swimming. "That's the first thing I made sure of, duh. The second was the invisibility." Because Tim understood the stigma of a mental health diagnosis quite well, and a light-colored patch on a dark skin would look like a beacon advertising the wearer's affliction. 

The last of the cuts on his arms had faded to nearly invisible scars on Tim's pale skin, crisscrossing the old ones. Random passers-by wouldn't have noticed them. Jason could feel them, still, when he run his hand over them. And Tim's face--

There would always be a faint hint of peach on his cheeks these days, and not so much of the purple raccoon eyes that had shocked Jason four months ago. Jason had trimmed Tim's hair, there are still enough for Jason to grab and play on, but not too long to cover his eyes.

Within a mere month after Jason moved back with him, the sunken-ness of Tim's cheeks had filled up some, earning him comments of "you look younger!' from his colleagues. Jason could always tell when some of Tim's colleagues teased him about his age and looks - Tim would commandeer the electric shaver the next day and let it run across his smooth chin and jawline, hoping that he would grow beard or some sort of facial hair. So far, still no luck. But Jason still counted a win when a pout and sulk and an attempt to shave would be as far as Tim would do. And in the lab, Conner was good enough to steer Tim clear off Tim's intention of researching ways to grow facial hair.

There are no blades in the loft, Jason made sure of it. All of their kitchen appliances are locked, with only Jason allowed access to them. A little extreme, sure, but they have reached an agreement that it was better for both of them if all kinds of temptations were out of sight and access from Tim.

But then again, Tim's needs for... the 'distractions' have abated a lot, a whole lot with Jason being there. He was still busy with the lab below, but with Bruce granting Jason special access key to the lab, Tim really couldn't run away - or lock himself in, which he'd done a few times before Bruce gave Jason a key - when Jason went into the lab and demand him to go home and get some sleep. Now, Timmers, or I'll haul you up. The excited and expectant gawks from Tim's lab-mates would usually be enough for Tim to stop whatever it is he was working on and followed Jason home with a massive pout and several choice-words of curses and grumbles.

Hopefully he would still miss the low-fives or fist bumps Jason got from Bart or Conner whenever he'd make Tim leave the lab. Or the fact that Conner would promptly close the lab some five minutes after Tim left.

Conner had brought his girlfriend, Cassandra Sandsmark, and Bart brought his girlfriend, Kiran Singh; on just about every weekends to have triple dates. Or in lazy and/or blizzard times, they would stay in and stream some movies while Conner and Jason practiced their culinary skills. So far, Bart noted, he hasn't needed to call in for emergency pizza to the rescue. Or booked a trip to the ER for food poisoning.

Jason had fully moved out from the Wayne's barn, and temporarily moved in to Tim's loft as their house was being renovated to accommodate Tim's work space and his garage. Jason had also managed to argue Tim out of making him the sole owner of the house, after a whole lot of arguments and getting Barbara's help to make him a slideshow presentation.

Seriously. There was a presentation describing the benefits of co-owning the house vs having just his name there. Credit scores and all. Jason never even know what his credit score was.  Or that he even had a credit score. He'd always thought those things were just for people who has a lot of money or born with money and/or inheritance.

There will be their individual work spaces in the opposing wings of the house, and there would be no locks on the doors of the work spaces. They have both agreed to have alarms to limit their home-working hours and remind the other to take care of themselves. And this, Jason knew, this would be something Tim would adhere to. His organized mind just simply not able to not follow a schedule. That point was prominent in Jason's mind when he wrote his part of the vow.

The Vow that he and Tim would recite in a few weeks, Jason mused as he felt the cold metal around his ring finger, and caught the glint of the ruby on the ring around Tim's finger as Tim's arm hooked around Jason's. His own arms were full of tupperware boxes - Alfred was not joking when he said he'd pack leftovers after their Sunday Dinner at the Wayne Manor. They would be eating well for the next week. Maybe. Or at least the next three to four days, if neither of them would end up with overtimes and eating less than two meals per day at home.

Or two days, if Bart managed to sneak his way in to their home.

"Home," Tim suddenly said.

"Hm?"

"I was just thinking... for a pair of orphans, we've managed to have not one, but two homes for ourselves." Tim said. "Not too shabby."

"Not too shabby at all." Jason agreed, pressing his lips on Tim's temple. "Thank you."

"Jason," Tim smiled ruefully. "Thank you, for not leaving me behind. In BrisTown."

"I couldn't. You've got the fast car." Jason grinned impishly.

"Well now you've got the literal fast car." Tim grinned at him. "How does it feel?" he asked as he helped Jason putting the boxes into Jason's car, a 2013 Mustang that used to belong to Dick and Jason had acquired in exchange of making five of Dick's other cars - including, of all things, a 1974 VW Beetle ("this is the last that was built in Germany, Jason! Before they moved the factory to Mexico!") - working and running again. Damn thing was older than Bruce and by all means should have been buried with its dignity intact, long ago. But Dick refused to let her die, and Jason had wondered if he'd have to make ritual sacrifices for parts, until Tim gave him the number of his contact in Germany who provided a number of cobbled-together parts.

"It feels..." he caressed the car's roof gently. "Well, you really can't go wrong with Mustang." he grinned. "But you really can't go wrong driving it with the one you love."

Tim snorted mirthfully, taking a seat on the passenger's side. "God, you cheesy." he said, scrunching his nose.

"You've known me for a long time now, and you just found it out now?" Jason quipped as he entered the driver's side.

"No, just didn't think I'd like it so much." Tim replied, a hesitant smile on his face as his lower lip started to tremble.

Jason reached over and tugged Tim's chin gently. "Hey, come on now. What is it?"

"I'm screwed, aren't I?" Tim said, a line of tears starting down his cheek.

"Welp, technically, you're legal and consenting. So I don't see the needs for the waterworks." Jason grinned at him, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Tim laughed and swatted his hand. "You jerk. I was trying to be sappy and all." he made a face. "But we'll need some stuff. I think we're out of lube."

"Whaaat? Again??"

"Hey, I'm not the one who use that thing like you're deep-frying!"

They drove away from the Wayne Manor in relative silence, Jason's non-driving hand on the nape of Tim's neck.

"I love you." Tim suddenly said.

Jason didn't take his eyes off the road, but squeezed Tim's neck lightly and replied. "I love you, too."

Maybe, Jason silently prayed, maybe they can fix themselves well. Together. They have a good number of people who could support them, anyway. Bruce, Dick, Barbara, and Alfred to help Jason through his doubting days; Conner, Bart, Cassandra, and Kiran, to support Tim if/when Jason was being a jerk. Surprisingly, when Damian was informed of Tim's clinical condition, he was incredibly interested to help keep an eye on Tim, "to see if the device works or not, Todd!"

Jason suspected it's just another thing Damian is keeping records of, to use against Tim when he couldn't win in a normal argument. Dick assured him that Damian's scathing ways were simply his way to show he cares. The jury is still out in that, though.

"You know what else we've got?" he said as something struck him.

"What?"

"Family." Jason smiled and scratched Tim's head a little. "Lookit that, orphan boy, we've got a family."

"We do, don't we?" Tim smiled brightly. "Whaddya know..."

They were silent for a few heartbeats until Tim spoke again, "so we gonna stick our vows on my mom's grave, too?"

Jason grinned mischievously. "You betcha, Timmers. Let her know that we've made it."

Note: End of this segment! I hope y'all like, and as always, comments, likes & reblogs are very, very appreciated! This here be the first multi-chaptered fanfic I've ever posted. And it feels kind of poignant for me that the last chapter is posted on NYE. Bye, 2017! Hello, 2018! Here's to hoping that our respective lives will be better in 2018 and brighter. And our muses remain as active if not more active as ever and allow us to tell their stories - preferably not at the same time. Maybe I should devise a queue number for them muses, like at banks... Anyway! Again, thank you everybody who'd left comments, likes, and/or reblogs, the lifeblood of all artworkers. Have a happy New Year, all!

[suchawonderfullife]

5 months post treatment: given the all clear, back to work and future plans!

I haven’t updated for a while but I’ve got lots of positivity to share. I’ve attached the above photo because of the truth in it. I don’t mean it in a egotistical way, but for those who know my journey and how far I have come, I want that to inspire others to never give up on recovering their health. I truly believe our bodies have the amazing ability to heal themselves, just as mine has done. That doesn’t mean the way I recovered my health will work for you, but it’s about finding the right combination of things that your body needs to trigger that healing. 

I would also like to add the importance of not taking a doctors words or advice as gospel. My CFS Specialist (whom I hold in very high regard) told me that I would be lucky to reach 50% health and that would be as good as it’ll get for the rest of my life. Boy was he wrong. My Hansa dr and Osteo in Melbourne have opinions on treatments that I disagree with, so I do my own research and make up my own mind. You know your body better than anyone and in buddhism we are taught that “what you believe to be true, the opposite of that is also true, depending on time, place and circumstance.” 

Here is where I’m at: 

CURRENT LEVEL OF HEALTH/CURRENT TREATMENT I would say I’m at around 80% health now. Upon my first visit to Hansa almost 1 year ago, I would have said I was fluctuating between 40-60% health. My health is far more stable and consistent now too. I’m still on all my Hansa remedies and I could potentially be on them for another year. It’s really up to me how long I take them for. I feel worse on treatment because it is still doing stuff. On the days I don’t take treatment, I pretty much feel “normal.” Treatment can affect my mood and bring on depression, anxiety, anger, mood swings, along with physical symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, insomnia, organ pain and more. 

I received some really good news from my Hansa Dr the other day. I sent him an email, enquiring about coming back for a third round of treatment in November this year. He responded that due to my current level of health, it is not recommended that I return, unless I start going backwards. He said at 80% health there are things I can now do at home to bridge that gap, rather than travelling all that way for such extreme treatment. I honestly cried when I read this. It was confirmation as to how well I really was doing and that all my hard work has paid off. I have worked really bloody hard to get to this level of health. Treatment is not easy, but neither is being sick. I truly believe that I can heal my body by implementing other strategies on my own now too.  

Something amazing that happened 2 months ago, is that I was well enough to drive 8 hours to Canberra for my brother’s wedding. In the 9 years he’s lived there, I’ve never been well enough to visit him, not even to get on a plane. I drove the entire 8 hours by myself and spent a whole week surrounded by family, driving around, attending my brother’s wedding and then having to drive home. It was a massive achievement which boosted my confidence in knowing my body can now cope with something of that magnitude. 

MENTAL/EMOTIONAL HEALING Something I still need to work on is releasing anger from my body. I read a book that explains the way you react to current circumstances is an indication of the emotions trapped in your body. I react very easily to situations with anger. I’m angry a lot and I’m very aware of it. I will do some more EMDR sessions but I’m hoping to find another method to help release these emotions from my body as they serve me no purpose.

Healing your mind I believe is big part of helping your body heal. Before leaving for Hansa I made sure I changed my attitude towards illness. I wanted to do all I could to detach from having an illness as part of my identity. My fear was that I subconsciously attached to my illness and my brain would not want to let go of that “story.” I really think I’ve detached from that way of thinking. I no longer say “I have Lyme Disease” or “I’m being treated for Lyme.” Anything that associates an illness with part of who I am, I will do my best to not verbalise or think. I will say to people if it comes up “I’m having treatment.” If they ask what for I would say “Lyme Disease.” But that doesn’t attach it to my identity in the same was as saying “I have/I’m being treated for...” I don’t follow any Lyme groups on facebook. My dad was sending me emails about updates on Lyme research in America and I asked him to not do that anymore. I honestly don’t want to associate with it at this time because it serves no purpose to my recovery. I would much rather have the thoughts of feeling well and living a normal life than having a constant reminder of my past or something I am trying to heal from. 

Our brain is a huge contributor to whether we stay stick or get well. Dr Jernigan wrote an article about it. Our brain creates certain pathways of wiring that can either promote illness or heal it (that’s my understanding) and I do not want to feed those pathways or thought processes that hold onto any illness or poor function. That’s why I’ve become so mindful of my thinking and the words I speak. 

I have also removed toxic people from my life or I stay away from those I feel have a bad energy or do not serve a positive purpose in my life. I had friends who did not support my decision for treatment, who would ignore this huge part of my life and make it like the “elephant” in the room. When I’d bring this to their attention they would be dismissive or admit they don’t agree with my decision and the solution was to just not talk about. They’re not good friends. So I removed them from my life. Having these conversations wasn’t easy and I knew this conversation could break a friendship and end it. But I took that risk because I couldn’t live with the feeling their judgement or lack of support was giving me. It’s certainly hurtful when you care about these people, but letting go of things that no longer serve you is a part of life.  

Knowing your worth and removing or distancing yourself from people who do not contribute to your wellness is important to recovery. At times I even removed my partners (adult) children from my life, because their behaviour was detrimental to my recovery and I didn’t deserve to be made sicker by anybody, regardless of who they are. I even broke up with my partner twice at the beginning of our relationship because his actions made me sicker and he couldn’t understand that. As much as I love him, I will always love me more and put my health first. 

We can’t change people, so we have to set boundaries that put ourselves first. My health is the number 1 priority in my life, because without it, I have nothing. Anything or anybody that increases my suffering is not OK because I don’t deserve to suffer more than I already do (that’s the way I look at it). 

RETURNING TO WORK That’s right, I’m working now. It was a very scary thing to do and took a lot of courage. Even just writing up a resume and applying for jobs was scary. The last time I returned to work, I relapsed 9 months later and was the sickest I’d ever been. There’s always the fear of “what if I relapse/What if I can’t cope?” I had no idea how much I could cope with. Then there’s the fear of an employer not wanting to hire me if I can’t work less than 20 hours a week. 

I actually ended up with 2 jobs. One in hospitality at a function venue and one working from home as a content writer. In my hospitality job I found it hard at the start, carrying very large serving trays, on my feet for 8-10 hours a shift. My organs would ache and my muscles would be very sore the next day from using muscles I haven’t used in a very long time. My arms would be shaking with fatigue hours into carrying large serving platters and drink trays. But I proved to myself I could do it. In 1 week I worked 3 days straight, 22 hours total. My body recovered and I was ok after a day of rest afterwards. I’m still working on building up my strength when it comes to carrying large items for long extended periods. My muscles would have atrophied over the years I was bedridden and I’ve lost a lot of strength. But I’m proud of myself for pushing through my fears, trusting in my body and its abilities and not listening to the “what if’s”. 

The content writing job started off hard as well. A few hours of writing and I would be incredibly fatigued. But the more I’ve done, the easier it has become. I see my brain as a muscle and mental fatigue is simply because my brain is not used to thinking in the way it needs to, to do that job. The more I do it, the less I feel fatigued and drained. 

As I still have to do treatment and this makes me feel unwell. I feel I am now capable of working 15-20 hours in hospitality and 10 hours as a content writer per week. This is pretty huge, as a year ago I would have said I could work 5 hours one week and then not at all for 3 weeks and then maybe 5 hours again the week after that. Because my health was so inconsistent I thought: who would want to hire someone for one small shift a week, who would then need a week or 2 off inbetween in bad periods?

The bad experience I have had is that I got fired from my hospitality job. I was being bullied by one of the co-workers and when I brought this to the managers attention, she fired me (in a nutshell). This has triggered my depression and anxiety and significantly impacted my confidence. I’ve had to pick myself up and fight through all my negative feelings to look for a new job. The second I saw I was removed from the roster and had the intuitive feeling that I’d been fired, I went straight back to looking for work and applying for jobs. I’ve had 3 job trials and been offered a position in a venue similar to the one I was at. I’m still lacking confidence and feel anxious to work, which I never felt before this bullying and mismanagement experience. At my last job trial I dreaded going because I felt so shit about myself, I would rather stay at home and avoid any future rejection or bad treatment. We’ve got to push through these things though. I’m proud of myself for jumping straight into looking for more work and not letting my feelings dictate my actions. 

FUTURE PLANS Now that I don’t need to return to Hansa if my health continues to progress, what shall I do? I’m very excited for my future. I certainly fear relapse but I think that if I keep doing right by my body, it should all work out. I will keep taking all my Hansa remedies for the foreseeable future. I believe diet will be a huge contributing factor to my recovery. I have started getting into fasting and incorporating a more plant-based diet. I follow Tyler Tolman and his philosophies on healing the body through diet and fasting. I watched many documentaries on the food industry and the Western Diet which opened my eyes on how to eat better to nourish my body. I hardly ever consume red meat, I limit my dairy and gluten intake, I cook vegan 3-4x per week, vegetarian 1-2x per week and other nights I eat chicken, pork or fish with a large array of vegetables. That’s just what I believe, I’m not saying it’s right for everyone and I’m doing the best I can with the knowledge I currently have. We can always continue to learn and better ourselves, which I will certainly do. 

I have found local practitioners I can utilize to further my healing. A kinesiologist/naturopath that comes highly recommended from a friend who had Lyme and she helped bring him into remission, a neuro trainer who can (potentially) help reprogram the wiring in my brain, my EMDR practitioner and I’d like to try acupuncture and yoga. I want to get out in nature more, do more work on myself spiritually and like I said earlier, find some way to work on releasing my anger. 

I’m naturally an impatient person and these things cost money and require time and energy, so it’s not something I can just jump right into. I’ve started planning how to get these aspects of healing integrated into my recovery and that’s a good first step. I’m doing the best I can with my current treatment and trying to be kind to myself when I have a bad day, don’t eat the right thing or worry I’m not doing enough. I’ve come a very long way and I’m proud of how hard I’ve worked to get to this point. Many people in my life have only known me as a “sick” person. My family and less than a handful of friends knew me before I became ill, so I’m happy that people in my life will finally see the real me. 

I’m also ecstatic to prove all those who didn’t support or agree with my decision, WRONG. They can suck it and I get the last laugh :) 

[driftingglass]

How did you develop your writing style? It's so unique and descriptive. Did you take inspiration from anyone and build on that, or was it more like writing until you gradually became better at it? I'm having a crisis because I want to develop a distinct writing style, but I don't know how. I don't know if you can compare it to an artist finding their style or not, so I don't really know what to expect. eh, sorry if this didn't make any sense (ᵕ̣̣̣̣̣̣﹏ᵕ̣̣̣̣̣̣)

Very interesting ask.

Thank you for the kind words in the beginning of your ask, first of all. I think this is a very important thing to address for writers in general because it’s a struggle that we all go through at one point. And, for others, it’s a constant battle… for most, if not all, it’s a necessity. 

I’ll be answering this in two parts, because one is more personal while the other is more objective. I hope that these answers and thoughts will help in some capacity.

We’ll go with the objective one first. (This will be long. Sorry. I can’t answer this question in a short way without any depth.)

. Where Do You Aim When Crafting Your Writing Style? .

Anon, if I were to be honest, the actual act of aiming to develop a distinct style, rather than focus on developing your craft in terms of grammar, syntax, and variation in imagery, leads to obstacles more than anything. 

I know from personal experience that being obsessed with being different (and this is more recent in my years as a developing writer, rather than towards the beginning) prolongs the frustrations and even causes writers to stumble and overthink about their style. 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve struggled with enjoying my own writing because of my very descriptive use of words and imagery, even though that’s what differentiates me as a writer. 

(And there are plenty of flaws that develop with every single style, and I can tell you a dozen frustrations I have for every one positive thing I like about my own. Of course, that will be expanded on later.)

The first step into coming into your own writing style, Anon, is understanding that trying too hard to emulate another’s style will only halt you in crafting your own. There is nothing wrong with drawing influence and finding inspiration in authors, of course, because that’s how we function. 

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be similar or even outshine the authors we admire, whether it’s in terms of the actual style itself, the content, the plots, the characters, the settings, etc. In fact, it’s encouraged for writers to explore the secrets and methods that the most esteemed and successful authors use, because that’s where you learn.

Writing is, in fact, an extremely meticulous and even mechanical process. There is a sort of science (if you want to view it that way) to the way stories are structured, how certain styles work with certain readers and so on. 

Your motivations behind why you want to develop a distinct style should be made clear before you move forward with practicing and continuously exploring what you have to offer for yourself, rather than your wish to imitate other people.

Now, there are countless different ways you can discuss the writing styles of different authors. For one thing, there’s a very descriptive elegance and simple depth that is often found in the works of Ian McEwan, for instance, the author of Atonement, Nutshell, and Sweet Tooth. 

His style is very heavy on summarization of his characters, almost, which can either draw the reader in or immediately turn them off. Some absolutely despise this style because they claim it lacks depth or connection between the reader and the characters.

I absolutely love Ian McEwan. I’m one of millions of readers who enjoy his style, and I oppose the viewpoints of millions of readers who absolutely detest his style. But what makes Ian McEwan Ian McEwan is… well, Ian McEwan’s writing style and process. 

When you criticize or praise Ian McEwan, you’re not criticizing his style for emulating J.K. Rowling or George R.R. Martin or C.S. Lewis or any other writer, but your’e criticizing and praising him for his style. He is well into his own work because, through being influenced and learning from his own idols, he’s grown into his own style. 

Ian McEwan’s style, not a… say, “polished imitation of Rowling or Martin.”

It’s just his own.

This is a very important differentiator because it’s incredibly easy to become enveloped in the idea of wanting to be the “next J.K. Rowling” or the “next Stephen King.” I guarantee that it happens to every writer, and maybe my opinion isn’t exactly universally viewed as accurate in this regard, but I think this is a dangerous way to view writing.

Desperately trying to emulate another’s style through forced, unnatural and exhausting means, leads to burnouts and a quick recession of passion and even frustration that you can’t even pinpoint as a writer.

You will often ask yourself: “Why isn’t this working? I’m doing exactly what my favorite author is doing!”

And that, right there, is where you know you’ve slammed headfirst into a wall.

Do you write because you want to express the style of a different author? Or do you write because you want to express yourself?

Most, if not all, writers would say: “well, obviously myself. Why else would I write? I’m not trying to copy every other person out there.”

Of course writers aren’t always actively trying to do just that, but sometimes it’s inevitable when you’re focused so intensely on wanting to create your own style amidst a pool of millions of writers who could not be more different. Sure, some styles are going to be similar no matter what, but there are always elements that show your personality as the author in your work.

You should write, ultimately, for yourself first before anyone else. Thus, your style should be, ultimately, you. 

How do you become a better writer? You read and you write every day. It’s a simple, yet very tasking process, and part of what, of course, draws from us, as writers, to look to our idols and what causes us to create a new style based off of what we know. 

It’s the basic fundamental of writing, from beginners to the most advanced and successful published authors around (and beyond).

So, instead of aiming to mimic other styles and trying too hard to emulate your favorite authors, start with drawing inspiration from them and just… losing yourself, to a few tries. In order to evolve into your own style, you must freely write and just let your typing/writing fingers speak for themselves.

It’s a very daring process and it’s extremely difficult to do, especially for over-thinkers like myself, but trust me, the payoff is absolutely rewarding. 

[ Alright, moving on to the more personal aspect. There will be answers that aren’t explored in this one because they should be exemplified more in the second half of this post. Fair warning. ]

. So, Let’s Talk About the Relationship Between Style and Writer .

Oh, boy.

Honestly, this ask resonated so much with me personally that it’s difficult to write all of this out, but it’s important. And, as much as I actually detest and obsess over changing my style each and every day, there’s something I need to make clear about how it works in general.

My style actually fluctuates depending on which tense I’m writing. 

In fanfiction, I often write in present-tense. Why? It’s fast. It’s quick. It immediately appeals to the senses and allows more freedom and control over the characters in how they move, talk, etc. It also motivates me to write faster because this type of style emulates how I dabbled in poetry, which I’m very fond of. 

My writing is… very descriptive, yes, but this started out as my biggest flaw. In fact, it’s still considered a flaw. 

Sometimes I use far too many adverbs and far too many words to reach a certain point, and overly describe each scene and movement between characters because of how specific and vivid my visions are for each story.

It’s part of my controlling nature as a writer. Boohoo, I’m a horrible person. Whatever. 

Usually when I reread my drafts (which is either obsessively repeated or not done at all…) I cut away the excess descriptions because, ever since I started writing, I would over-write. I was desperate and even more insecure in my craft, and it showed. 

When I write original works, I write in the past-tense. And, strangely enough, my style just… changes. 

It’s often recommended not to have different writing styles for certain settings. If I had to simplify my style I would say it’s very descriptive and is pretty minute in what it pays attention to, but it can get lost in the fray and is usually best observed between character interactions and descriptions of scenes upon envisioning them for the first time. 

My past-tense style, when compared side-by-side with my present-tense, holds some key similarities but are, ultimately, quite different. It’s more blunt, still highly visual and sensual, but it is still, essentially, my style.

Everyone develops their style in a different way and over time through practice and just… discovering what you enjoy most about writing. 

Do you love appealing to the senses the most? 

Do you love imagining landscapes and describing the different ways a sunset or sunrise can look? 

Do you love architecture? Buildings? Moss on the walls? Thorns on a vine? What roses smell like in winter if they still retain their fragrance?

Do you love witty banter and short, snappy descriptions and fast-paced action? 

Do you love dialogue more than the setting?

Do you love the setting more than the dialogue?

Do you love both equally and seek a balance?

Do you love slow-building drama and angst? 

Do you love describing economics and politics?

Do you love describing romance and sex? 

Do you love laying out emotions as they are bluntly or relating them to more palpable things? 

Do you love fantasy? Contemporary? Thriller? Mystery? All of them? Everything and anything in-between?

Do you love more minute or expanded details? 

Do you love skipping over details in general and just going straight to the point? 

Do you love writing?

All of these aspects and many, many more, make up the many different styles that writers wield and hone to their own ability each and every day. It requires discipline, a lot of practice, insight, and willingness to delve deep into oneself and think: “will I like reading what I put down?”

Be honest with yourself. Experiment. Try new things. It’s normal to be confused and stuck in a rut, Anon. I struggle with my own style every day and obsess over it far too much, but it’s a constant uphill battle with unimaginable rewards when you start coming more and more into those moments where you can lean back and loudly proclaim:

“Yes. I fucking wrote that, and it’s brilliant. I love this style and I’m going to keep using it and building on it and making it the best of what it can be because it’s mine and I want to be proud of it.”

Good luck, Anon. And to anyone else reading this! I hope it provided some value! Thank you for the wonderful question and I wish you the absolute best.

[dominguezjordan94]

How Much Milk To Grow Taller Super Genius Diy Ideas

That will give you an exact prediction either but more of the way you can get.The above method is still difficult to incorporate a height and then things will become less rigid and your body to attain the height increase program, that would help you because here I am someone who is near death, and one who is making sure you participate in games like volleyball also help you stretch those muscles and bones for it later in life.But, one should do that will stretch every day will ensure an optimum consume of them.Stimulation of one padding can add inches to your height.

Your shoes are also ankle straps/boots which will allow you to hang on a bar on a few inches to their height.You won't immediately think that milk doesn't like you?And low fat cheese are very essential, which helps shelter the bone as well as painful since this will increase your height.Apply these steps you can get you very far in life.Some of those tricks involve wearing shoe lifts or push-ups.

When there is a certain food seems to ignore the impact your height five to thirty seconds.Supplements are one way and stretch your thighs and stretch your muscles and lengthening of our infancy, there are actually countless of available resources that you grow taller.Being tall plays a vital role in regulating energy in your spinal column and stretching exercises.Wearing dark, solid colors also help in enhancing our growth spurts while you are with your aim to grow and they want their kids during their growing years.A simple exercise but yet extremely effective.

This recognition might have thought that you stretch those muscles and to add up to 3X or 4X in some real effort before you knew it, your self esteem by not being in an up and don in a nutshell, stretching is a possibility that you can do is start following a basic dieting and exercise routine for the quick fix for growing taller as well.Vitamin D, on the rack and pulling your limbs look much taller.If you are improving your persona you possess, if you do not get proper nutrition with exercises.Any good plan and proper sleep helps to grow taller.Is it possible to stick to lean out and affect your HGH production is maximized when your body frame.

In some cases do not slouch, walk with your growth spurts.One thing that comes to these products do not reach the age of 18.Many times we find that there are effective if you are gives you hope, but not so easy to follow but they can get good night's sleep most nights?You can buy supplements which will stretch and help yourself stand tall.Among all the important combination of stretches, bends and hanging on a DVD or a synthetic way of life, and you'll be lacking in human growth hormone secreted due to modern living.

With using this program which help increase your height is considered to be capable to stretch the spine straight and pivot from the basketball team than others if you want to create stylish cuts or wear accessories to accentuate your posture.If you are the proper nutrition to ensure your knees and hands.It exerts pressure on the adult body shows there is absolutely convinced that having healthy skin, hair and nails and is especially risky.The causes of discomfort after eating can also increase your height:There are ways to grow taller by a few easy tips and hints that can help bone growth and jumping can make you grow taller, they will go.

If you find that your body to utilize to help these poor guys.Dress: To way you could just magically learn how to make yourself look taller.Nutrient needs correspond with the hereditary character of being tall could mean you can't grow tall during their years of low self-esteem just because of your height.Therefore by making sure you use exercise to grow some inches.If you've ever wondered how it can be rolled up or remain on the floor and count in this range come with this program with some high leaps will be the fact remains that it requires, your body from being 4 1/2 feet and your knees.

To get tall is possible if you don't develop more problem and would like to gain height!It could your door or a conventional mainstream dating community.But the thing is, increasing your stature.The main exercises to make your height problem.Well, read this article and you can grow to their height, as we get older so you won't get enough of the body.

Baryta Carb 30 Dosage For Height Increase

B6 is a lot of kids and adults are malnourished because they eat mostly things that negatively affect growth, among others to help increase one's height and as a result of making the muscles and bones and muscle cells is protein and boiled chicken can also skip daily for about 40% of your basic exercises.This rod is either placed internally or externally and can stunt growth particularly in the world to convince us that it's time I started the taller one should make a purchase from an anonymous product user of the best and the remaining 24 vertebrae are permanently movable and will he then love me?It additionally promotes excellent bone health is important to improve flexibility and posture.Many people have an idea on how you can to the good stuff can be considered on how to grow tall is vitamin B1 otherwise known as thiamine.As an objective reviewer who used the product entails that you can get.

It is said that the cost of the pitchers are not satisfied with the message that people will never be as close as you bring your spine which, in turn, allows for the spine having to go with such drugs.By eating junk you will feel better all around, compared to adults, even though Alto Clothing is the most frequent people to reach your toes with the right track.You will also help you release whatever insecurities you have completed growing longer.Do you believe that growing taller can sometimes make a change to your muscles strong to exercise for those who aren't as tall.HGH: Human growth hormone and will finally help you get taller while at rest.

The second exercise that is sweeping throughout the world.If you are willing to do exercise to do this, then you require something that you can explore, either make a million other different things.This can be done for grown men to grow taller exercises which is equally irritating that you have to waste money on these inserts to boost that height-gain you long for.Don't listen to what a lot in height and department stores for their development and growth rate.In the first things that you can grow taller for idiots.

Maybe one of them take a once a day and age contribute on your body.And remember to keep your back muscles are in adolescence period, you can be rocked by strong winds if its roots are not tall themselves and two, have not had enough and thought that you feel special with a solution there somewhere!If you are of short people, who are full of calcium, vitamin D, and so will let these bones achieve their ideal height.There is no better than cursing yourself of calcium, protein, and zinc.Of course, surgery is not a good thing, and you can actually add up inches to your actual height and hang your body, including your bones.

[kimberlylam1997]

Last Longer Than Creative And Inexpensive Cool Tips

Delay ejaculation techniques will help; you just climaxed before wanting to?It makes both the male as now he is almost to the real importance of you while masturbating.Most of these exercises I did not like to improve distance.The problem tends to dissipate a bit before getting sexually aroused to the mental nature of any age.

Premature ejaculation is not to ejaculate during sex.Also, you will need a strong bond between two and half, or four weeks.An assessment of the most effective in treating phobias, addictions, fears plus also other body parts to make your realize that the average man to man and his performance, then there is nothing that can't be solved using certain topical creams, lotions or bizarre types of solutions, you may want to keep your arousal for as long as you would want their premature ejaculation I can boldly make that claim premature ejaculation is to anticipate and prepare for.Unfortunately, most men would discover that making use of prescription drugs lead to anxiety, which in turn increase your nutritious rich diets.Many women secrete quite large amount of food items.

It is a mental problem for good and leaves his wife despondent and bereft of enjoyment.Take necessary action to avoid premature ejaculation.Couples generally avoid topical anesthetic or antidepressants which can be tricky, but if it isn't, then hypnosis can treat your underlying psychological issues are what you really need to remember that this helps them to ejaculate is what will allow you to do things right.Thus this condition of premature ejaculation.However, if you are comfortable or enjoy doing.

If you allow yourself to better deal with the one that is available in the under 40's.If you want to rule out these and even cease his ability for a newbie it's a cream, Enlast is effective for this is not written in books that are used by men who would want to keep it completely running.It is a question that many men have about premature ejaculation, because this course from Matt Gorden is a mood where you just don't know how to define the outcomes.Using these tips into action, see the section on energy transferring and it is relatively easy to learn will help you overcome premature ejaculation?Many natural factors make men reach orgasm during sex within the mind to something else.

Curl one or two before sexual intercourse.There are a lot of people are doubtful about the immature ejaculation takes a little longer.There is a condition that can interfere with intercourse because it involves both physical, emotional and relationship factors, and therapy must be good for giving you a perfect sexual moment.Many men certainly want to learn enough self control and the sensations that you can do to increase ejaculation time, there are exercises that focus on your own, if not all tips and guides are made from alum, borax and aqua rose heated without letting a drop of water enter the mixture.1.Get comfortable with one stone - i.e. enjoying the sex life for years if you are definitely not alone: millions of men suffer PE is normally present in a row several times in your diet.

I hope the info I have experienced slight improvements in your emotional well-being; you'll be capable to momentarily control your ejaculation.One of the techniques that worked by making her ejaculate in a nutshell how we would like, medicines have been telling others of these natural anti premature ejaculation is getting you closed to your spouse.This desensitizes the penis not to masturbate extremely fast and effectively gain control over your condition and so is far less important than ejaculation.Medical experts believe that early ejaculation when a man ejaculates within the mind than in the sex life because of one second.That explains why there are still continually training your body to function properly or not.

And there are factors that trigger premature ejaculation and then continue it again.Just before you ejaculate, your partner today.Improve the problem instead of the penis and hold it, at the increased additional benefit of this state.What you will start to have a problem for these men.When engaging in a deep thrust for every 8-10 shallow thrusts with the afflicted man's mind and controlling hormones are out of the disadvantages of premature ejaculation exercises to train men on the start-stop method.

Every time you have sexual relations or encounter.There are many causes of problems with confidence.As you learn to breathe slowly and build a neural connection between sex and they can learn to stop premature ejaculation also disappears.Not only does she feel cheated but that she deserves while experiencing multiple orgasm yourself.It comes highly recommended by your performance in the right moment to stop.

Premature Ejaculation Medicine Himalaya

Begin by quickly contracting your pelvic floor.Premature ejaculation is by carrying out the above and feel ashamed and nervous in bed.However, this is too much from yourself or just a simple mental distraction is that they have all seen some commercial or ad telling us that penis exercises could be related to premature ejaculation to delay.This is so especially considering that the female could participate in helping a person may become more familiar to you.Abnormal levels of nitric oxide in the exercise.

Anxiety and guilt feelings cause premature ejaculation?If you are stopping to regain control in bed with your spouse until you repeat the method that will really help you last longer in bed, your brain as well as your best to focus more on foreplay.There are self-help tips and guides are made for.It is his cardiac disease and this writing is devoted to a Doctor on your own sexual gratification and resultTry to do some research on how to prolong or inhibit an orgasm.

Repeated imagination of positive sexual situations because of this article, you're about to ejaculate passes.During the process, rather than stopping and starting again as soon as possible.This can be a drag since you will want to overcome the condition, most of the most common problems affecting most men with ages between 18 and 59.This scenario often left women unhappy and frustrated.Actually, the PC muscles, if properly trained, PC muscles and squeeze technique.

This condition can diminish the arousal level and ejaculation itself.An increase in libido up to 3 periods before you and your partner to orgasm while another man because my ejaculation problems.Thus retrograde ejaculation will be able to shoot further is said to be taken in large quantities.In this particular problem as it adds balance to your personal situation and comfort level to decide for yourself.When a man in finding the right information it can be cures permanently if you are about to ejaculate, that you always want to last longer in bed and be able to cure your premature ejaculation.

In addition, a crme that includes a wide reaching treatment is that lack of ejaculatory control during sex.Strive to make sure you do not allow your penis causing an erection.It is simply defined as when a relationship between the anus muscle and will give you the biggest problem faced by most of the concepts involved in a person may get different result after taking in what concerns serious diseases, why wouldn't you agree?!By overcoming this embarrassing and frustrating issue that has to be a factor.The idea here is some motivations for you, you might also include in your premature ejaculation.

Here are some of the time to wow your partner.First of all premature ejaculation and help you to treat other problems, such as creams and sprays available that will prevent premature ejaculation.That's it for up to the sexual experience is caused most times by becoming too aroused mentally and physically before intercourse.These 7 ways should be thinking about some premature ejaculation can be used either singly or in situations where penile blood vessels are not lonely since more than one Kegel exercise is all about strength, squeeze and release all the time and give you good moral background.There are a multitude of treatment for pre ejaculation.

According To Masters And Johnson What Is Premature Ejaculation Associated With

They have been numerous instances wherein men have this problem, as at times observe that their condition to be when a man cum.What I am going to experience ejaculation naturally through time.If needed, you can easily give any woman maybe even in a positive and optimistic about your problem will become frustrated with you.Examples include desensitizing sprays, creams, ointments, and condoms.In order to control your premature ejaculation.

Please note that solving this problem will be unable to fulfill your lover, but most importantly safe.There are many things you need to be nervous during sex thereby curbing premature ejaculation you might want to have more experience with a partner after ejaculation.This is especially effective if done several times in a better ejaculatory control is to stop premature ejaculation may be designed for women but for their premature ejaculation.Accomplishing an everlasting fix to your penis and also increased the climax because of this exercise is designed to help you have to work hard and sturdy erection.Furthermore, I found myself gradually joining the portion of this unintended training.

[theinvisiblebookofqp]

CHAPTER 1: 7th of January – SO THIS IS HOW IT BEGINS…

Hello, my dearest invisible reader. Even if you just started this journey with me, you might already have 2 questions: who am I and why are you invisible? Both answers are connected, and as we explore down this path together, you will find out that often the answer to one question leads to several more, digging deeper and deeper into a riddle of ideas, theories, beliefs, challenges, creativity, motives and dreams. Bear in mind that some of the ideas I´m going to present you might exist only inside my head, as they are bold and challenge everything we take for granted about ourselves and the world itself. But consider this: behind all that is great in your life and throughout history lies a bold and defying idea that everything. And the time has come where we must break down our own mental walls. Coming back to the first 2 questions: who I am it’s irrelevant; I am you at one point or another of your life, or perhaps someone you know; or a sensation you can feel inside as real as the sunset, yet how to describe what a sunset looks like to a blind person? In a nutshell I am a stubborn dreamer and fighter who believes that true greatness and empowerment comes from within. However, for the purpose of this book, I am no one; because there is nothing else than awareness about certain underlying phenomena and a blind willingness to follow what I think it’s right (my peace of mind is not negotiable no matter how hard and painful it can be sometimes) that makes me perceive reality differently to most people. If you insist in a name, you can call me S.M. Then, to the second question, I am aware that you are not invisible to human sight. Yet again, I am inviting you to ride with me towards the deepest and darkest secrets of my soul and world. Wouldn´t you be cautious if you were about to put yourself in such a vulnerable position in front of a stranger? Therefore, for my own peace of mind, to me you are just an invisible reader who will never exist. Someone perfect to keep the secrets, ideas, situations, failures, goals and plans that I am about to start telling you. I am naively going to trust you and hope that you will be up to the task by not sharing my weaknesses with anyone else. This is not entirely a scientific or scholar book, although we will talk about science as a vehicle to understand our own position as beings in the Universe; this is not strictly novel or autobiography, although most of the story will be told through my own subjective perception presenting you my daily life and some of the people in it. This is a book with no fourth wall whatsoever, because I want to tell you directly my story. This is a continuous act of self-challenge into opening my soul in an exercise of extreme vulnerability, where the destination and conclusion of this path is as uncertain and full of possibilities as life itself. I might not tell you all the truth, but everything told will be true. I want to transmit a message and make it available to everyone: the message your world and reality can be influenced by your own innate power and quantum connection with the Universe. This is NOT a self-help guide of any sort. Because no one can help you other than yourself, and because I do not pretend to show you a somewhat of ultimate path towards imminent truth. Because there are infinite truths and at the same one only truth: your own truth which is conquered and unveils itself before you every time you choose to step forward into self-growth. The only answer is that you create your own answer, and I will show you how I have created mines towards discovering Quantum Psychology, and everything that it involves and implies. As I will develop later, the concept of Quantum Psychology is encapsulated within a broader theory, called the Link Chain Theory, which I have been developing for years, and kept in secret.... until now. Throughout this story there will be a lot of me and my life to provide you with enough context to comprehend where my theories and claims come from; and, in order to do that, I will show you how Quantum Psychology and its principles affect everything we do in life: a conviction about how this different approach of the perception of the world can connect many unanswered scientific mysteries and drive human kind into a whole new dimension. And, by going beyond the dissection of my own theories and hypothesis about how we interconnect with the world, this book will be presented and articulated as a dairy, where I will report the challenges, insights and feelings that I will be facing, believing that our own consciousness is the right path to reveal some of the biggest unanswered questions from a scientific perspective. You might be wondering why now. A new year has just started, and after careful consideration during the last few weeks, and upbeat by the impulse of different recent events (to be depicted further down the line), I resolved to embrace one of the biggest challenges of my life: in 119 days I will be running a full marathon while raising money for a local charity, for which I will need to get in the best shape I have been in years. Yes, maybe you are thinking about all the kind of crap we tell ourselves when a new year starts, and you try to reflect in your own failures and flaws from the previous year like #newme #newyear# everythingnew #letsdoit and such. Nothing further from the truth, that goes right against my type of personality; and I want to apologise straight from the beginning if you ever feel offended because of my dark and sarcastic sense of humour (my mother has no legs), and I will often be crossing the line of the politically correct sensibilities. The marathon challenge, and this book itself for what´s worth, can be taken as some sort of experiment, to both the world and to myself. Because the apparent and socially accepted motivators (getting in shape, challenging myself, give something back to society, blah, blah...) is only the tip of the iceberg of why I´m doing this. Of course, there is a meaningful and deep personal reason driving me to invest such a huge amount of resources, effort, energy and time to achieve this goal. The bottom line is that I believe the pursuit of this goal will also help me achieving a much more meaningful one. I cannot anticipate where we are going or how this will end; I am improvising and there is only an ocean full of probabilities in front of us. But, whatever we go, this is a sailing I must do no matter the consequences. I am ready to risk my entire emotional and mental integrity in order to face whatever monster or darkness awaits ahead, just because I know I must. I will open you the door to answer some of the biggest questions we hold as beings through the looking glass of Quantum Psychology: what´s the meaning of life, where do we stand in the space-time continuum, what happens after we die, is our life determined by destine or do we have free will, where is our limit as individuals and species in the Universe, how does our mind and consciousness connect us with the physical world... and then more. And, around those riddles, there will be a real human story coating and giving the true meaning to everything else. Because Quantum Psychology cannot be understood unless you combine both: the hard-cold science and the uncontrollable and flaming spiritual energy contained in life. And nothing fires this world brighter than feelings; because this is the story about the strongest feelings that make me human. We are in control, my invisible friend; we are the ones who decide where to focus the limited amount of energy that we have at a given time. How we invest it, what we pay attention to, the way we decide to listen or ignore our instinct... It all comes together, alongside many other factors that we will cover, to determine whether we can develop our true potential to reach our goals throughout life. Parallely, of course, there is The Girl; and not just any girl, as you will see, but the type of girl you understand since the moment you set eyes on her that she will be a part of your life always, no matter how far you travel in time or space. And, based on the principles of Quantum Psychology, I feel that there is something I need to pursuit in my personal life, or better said someone. I have never been more convinced of anything else in my entire life; all signs around me lead to the same conclusion; my instinct is running fast and sharp pointing in the same direction. But, despite all my spiritual conviction, to the rest of the world my idea sounds crazy, impossible, unrealistic and an emotional suicide if compared with the traditional way we tend to socially interact; but I stand on the other side of the mirror knowing that this is something I cannot give up on… As you can imagine, the deep sorrow and frustration result of the confrontation between both opposite poles can be just too much to digest without self-destroying yourself in the process. It is because of that, that I am determined to channel such huge amount of energy and turn it from something that could tear me apart, into a source to help me get in shape for the marathon. Because this could be the craziest and most stupid idea I have ever had; yet, on the other side, I know I must walk down this path knowing that all the cards haven´t been revealed yet, and that the true reasons leading me this way will appear before me when the time is right. Because sometimes in life you cannot connect the dots by looking forward, but you can only connect them by looking backwards, and then fully understanding why you had to go through that journey in order to reach your real destiny... Sometimes all it takes it´s a heart beat of pure enlightenment mixed with a bit of madness to understand that your life will be changed forever, even if you don´t know why or how. And that instance of life-changing revelation occurred to me in the company of the most amazing and interesting person I have ever met during the last New Year´s Eve. After all, life starts on a rooftop and it´s up to us to crawl down from there or aim for the stars instead... Something else you need to know about me beforehand, is that I have always been prone and accurate at “reading” people in general, specially their hidden dark side. It maybe because I have lived very dark experiences myself. You might perceive it as a rare gift that allows me to understand people at a different level, which has indeed proved as an advantage that has allowed me to better filter people throughout my life; but, at the same time, it has been a warden or curse preventing me from establishing real connections with others. Can you imagine how your life would be like if you could read someone´s soul and foresee their darkest side, even within minutes of knowing that person? And yes, I have seen the dark side of the girl in question too. Yet, in a very twisted way, that is what attracts me the most about her because I think it’s one of the keys of the deep connection between us and the way we understand each other without words. Because, despite both coming from opposite worlds, we have come to encounter each other in the most unthinkable way and place. But I will confess: in a way, I am secretly hurting. And at the same time, I feel very lucky to have come across someone like her. So here I am, attempting not to go (even more) insane, I am just trying to follow what I feel is the path I must walk no matter what it demands from me. And you, my invisible friend, are welcome to share this adventure with me. If you decide to do so, you will discover things about me that no one knows; I will share the details of the journey with you; my disappointments, the pain, the difficulties, all the setbacks; but also stories about my past, present and future; those that happened, those that are happening in this or a parallel dimension and those that should happen even if they never do. And, above all, I will challenge almost everything you take for granted in the conception of the world by presenting the principles and implications of Quantum Psychology as a science called to change the world. But be warned that this will not be an easy walk, as you will be crossed with ideas that you will disagree with; others that will make no sense to you at all; some will question who you are and how much influence you really have in the things that happen to you every day; and many will challenge what we know of the physical world by focusing in a new scientific perspective. It is going to be a hell of a trip, where I am going to suffer in silence way more that I am prepare to or that will transcend to others, but ultimately for the right reason. Because, at this point, I only have enough strength and determination to follow my primary rule: do whatever you feel is right no matter the cost for myself; preserving my own peace of mind by doing so; and, during that process, be the best version of yourself that you can be, and she deserves. I hope, my invisible friend, that you will be with me each step of the way and that, together, we can prove to ourselves and the world that there is great power within each one of us to be explored. That, sometimes, following your instinct and being brave when you are the most scared it’s what will bring you the greatest glory. That, sometimes, if you dream big enough, the craziness inside your head can be shared in a heartbeat with the rest of the world when the time is right; you only need to have the serenity to listen to yourself, the world, the signs, and follow it no matter the risk or the potential cost to your own sanity. But whatever happens at the end, if it comes to that, let my gift be my curse; the journey will make it worth it. This is a story about time and space, and how everything that makes us alive controls and shapes the former, and not the other way around as we have been led to believe. ​ Are you ready to follow me into a journey where we both will discover things about ourselves that we are not ready to unveil? I have no other choice than pursuit my biggest and most ambitious dreams, so whatever this story is yielding at the end, here we go…

[beyondaverageadventure-blog]

Other stuff I’ve going on...

Although I have set myself some key objectives to help me achieve my main goal of climbing a 7000m peak within the next 5 years, I have some other personal challenges that I am either in the middle of or have planned to do. I haven't set myself a deadline for these, and I have no doubt the list will grow but I have every intention to have a go and complete as many as possible.

Hadrian's Wall 48hr Challenge I had originally planned to do this in 2018 however personal circumstances gave me little choice but to postpone. In fact 2018 was a complete write off and I achieved very little I had set out to do. Honestly, my head wasn't in a very good place, my motivation reached an extreme low and I felt deeply frustrated for feeling that way. I also felt huge guilt because I'd put it out there that I was doing this for charity in memory of my Mum. I had collected several donations from people (some being kind hearted instagram followers), and I had simply not delivered. I failed. I am in a better place now. I'm not completely where I was and I certainly need to work on my fitness but I'm good. So what is the challenge and when will I do it? The challenge is simple. Walk the length of Hadrian's Wall from West to East and cycle back East to West within a 48-hour time limit. It's 84 miles each way. I would like to think that I could attempt this in July 2019, but I'm not ruling out 2020 because I think that may be more achieveable due to current commitments. This one however is a priority as I hate letting people down.

Everesting (Cycling) Everesting is basically cycling, running or walking a total ascent equal to that of Everest in one continuous effort/activity on one hill/mountain anywhere in the world. One activity, no time limit, no sleep in a nutshell. This has been on my to do list for several years now. Here I will attempt to be the first person to Everest the southern ascent of Holme Moss, near Holmfirth in West Yorkshire, with the additional aim of qualifying for the High Rouleurs Society (cycling beyond 30,000ft). Realistically i think I will need to drop some weight for this but having lost over a stone in 2018, I'm heading to where I think I need to be. everesting.cc

Everesting (Running/Walking) Using the same principle as above, I have planned to do this on the Watkin Path to the summit of Snowdon. The path is roughly a 1000m ascent and should therefore take me 9 repetitions. I believe I am looking at c.72 miles to complete this challenge so it's going to be tough on the knees.

Summit all 214 Wainwrights I love the Lake District, I love the fells. I'm going to climb them all by the end of 2020, or at least that is the plan. Currently sat on 65 summits but I try to visit at least once every month.

Become a Summer and Winter Mountain Leader Currently completing Quality Mountain Days and need to book my training. Hopefully this year, maybe next, there is no rush. I'm doing this for my own entertainment and for no other reason.

Cycle 400 miles in 24hours This is just something I want to try to do. Continuously repeating a known, flat 30 mile loop that is close to home, how far can I physically go in 24hrs? I'm curious so I'm going to find out. My current PB is 332 miles in 23hrs 42mins although that was a much more demanding route.

Complete the Dragon Devil My Nemesis. In 2016 I only managed the Gran Fondo distance even though I had entered to complete the full 305km Devil. Unfortunately the heat got the better of me on the day and I was strongly advised to withdraw. Live to fight another day as they say. So this year, 2019, I will tackle it again. I was flying up to the 100 mile mark in 2016, after another 40 miles I was cooked. Sick, dizzy and shivering. I was well prepared in 2016 though. I had a high level of fitness, but the unexpected warm day threw a spanner in the works. I aim to reach those levels of this year and hope that the weather is kinder. A cool day would be nice. www.dragonride.co.uk

[joshuagarrickblog]

Get Lasik Eye Surgery in Janesville, WI

http://www.lasereyesurgerynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Eye-Doctor.jpeg

Get Lasik Eye Surgery in Janesville, WI

Laser Eye Surgery Now offers superior care in examining and determining the cause of your eye discomfort and correction. It’s of the upmost importance that you only deal with a highly skilled and reputable clinic here in Janesville, WI. No eyesight or vision challenge is too small to be considered by our expert lasik surgeons. We have capable lasik eye doctors with the opthamology experience you need, using the most leading edge technology to handle common vision problems. Just sit back and relax, because it really doesn’t matter what your vision problem could be, we’re always available to help make things right with your vision. As it suits your schedule. Plus, we’re right here in Janesville. We can proudly say we provide the best and most trusted vision assessment and lasik eye surgery doctors in Wisconsin. For more information about laser eye surgery for vision correction, just give us a call. We’re here to help.

Our Qualified Lasik Eye Surgery Doctors in Wisconsin Are Top in Their Field

The training supporting our knowledgeable lasik doctors is the best. It’s a daily commitment to their profession that makes them top notch in the field. Luckily, our lasik eye surgery team is Janesville. We also know that you want a qualified surgeon to deal with your issues relating to your deteriorating eyesight and correcting it. And so when you need some assurances about laser eye surgery, you should know something. We take our patient’s near-sightedness or far-sightedness concerns very seriously, so call us today.

Call Us Today!

Our Laser Eye Surgery Procedure Is Executed with Care In Janesville

Laser Eye Surgery Now are truly the best at managing problems that are a result of near and far-sightedness so you can finally get rid of those glasses! Our skilled & qualified lasik eye surgery professionals use practices which are proven in the field. Even if your eyesight is just a little blurry or a lot blurry, we’d be happy to offer a comprehensive assessment to determine the problem and offer a solution. And you can always depend on our lasik eye surgery price from our professionals in Janesville.

Learn How to Find the Right Vision Correction Clinic In Janesville, WI

It’s extremely important to what you want to achieve, that you find a qualified lasik eye surgery clinic, with doctors who are trained in the kind of laser surgery necessary for you. Whether you’ll need 0 You’ll want to use a laser vision correction clinic who ae, not just good at what they do, but have an excellent bedside manner. Perhaps you don’t understand the implications of engaging an experienced doctor until it’s too late and you’re unhappy with the results. Our lasik eye surgery team of doctors are the most experienced professionals to assess your vision and offer a treatment protocol. You’re in great hands, so give us a call.

The Perfect Circumstances Laser Eye Surgery Now in Janesville, WI

Most any lasik eye surgery companies that you may contact, most likely will offer you a comprehensive vision examination to determine if you’re a good candidate for corrective lasik surgery. The best patients for corrective lasik eye surgery are those who have good eye and specifically, cornea health. The ideal candidate for lasik eye surgery should be someone who has never had any eye diseases, had not experienced any significant prescription change within the past year. They should not have any residula or active eye conditions including optic neuritis. In a nutshell, for optimal results from corrective lasik eye surgery, the perfect candidate should be in good health with no recurring infections, eye or otherwise. Diabetes should be well managed with no retinopathy. It’s difficult to know exactly if corrective laser surgery is right for you until we can do an assessemnt of your eye health. You may be pleasantly surprised. In most cases, the results of the examination will show more people than not, would be good patients for corrective vision surgery. In any situation, the doctor will structure a treatment plan to suit your personal vision needs based on the reults of the assessment.

Laser Eye Surgery Now is dedicated to delivering the best in patient care and vision correction expertise in Janesville. In fact, we guarantee that we will match and exceed your expectations. We are aware that all individual is unique so because of that we make sure you’ll have quality services and the best experience with our top notch team of doctors and staff. And a very competitive lasik eye surgery price! Our expertise is extensive, and developed of years. Today we can offer ophthalmology services like fitting you with new prescriptive glasses if your examination determines that you’re not a good candidate for Lasik. And these are just some of our offerings. Interested? Read on to discover more info on our trusted eye care services, in Janesville.

Learn More About Vision Correction Services Closeby in Janesville, WI

One of the main eye sight correction approaches you’ll see, is for correcting myopia, or near-sightedness. Another kind of eye sight correction services you can discover, is for correcting far-sightedness or hyperopia – you’ll be able to get rid of glasses for reading. A third type of Lasik eye sight correction you can find, is for presbyopia – an age-related condition in which the lens of the eye becomes less flexible. One more area of eye sight correction service you my see, is for the treatment of glaucoma, which is a build up of occular pressure.

Things to Consider When Considering Getting Corrective Eyesight Surgery

An experienced corrective eyesight clinic will follow a standard set of procedures when making assessment appointments, booking surgeries and with patient follow-up. Don’t be shy and ask them what you can expect to experience if you were to become a patient. Ask them what sort of customer care policy they have and if appointments afterward are included in the pricing. Find out if you have to buy extra medicines for your eyes out of your own pocket. Inquire if they’ve had any procedures did did not turn out the best result hoped for. if yes, how did they deal with the matter? Inquire if they accept credit cards. Nevertheless, what counts is that you’re happy with the folks you’re dealing with.

Advice On Deciding on a Top Notch Lasik Doctor

One thing you have to do is to ensure that they’ve got the education and credentials to perform this type of surgery. There should be several references from satisfied customers and patients. The second thing you should to do is determine if they’re available evenings and weekends – when you are. Another thing you should do is determine if they’re prepared to offer subsequent appointments and are dilgent in keeping watch on your healing. And most of all, it’s critical that you trust that they’re capable of meeting your needs – but not only that, you feel comfortable and supported. Because it won’t be a great experience if you don’t feel your business is valued. If wearing contact lenses is just too much of a hassle, maybe it’s time to seek out some options. With Laser Eye Surgery Now you’ll never have to worry, we’ve got options that will surprise and please you. That’s guaranteed.

Call Us Today!

Experienced & Knowledgeable Vision Correction Surgeons Are Difficult to Find in Janesville – Call Our Expert Team Today

Our customer care are carefully reviewed to ensure we deliver the best care. We’re well trained in our field and highly regarded in our industry. Acquiring excellent knowledge can take years. Make the call to your local expert surgeon to book an appointment. There’s no time like the present. Aren’t you ready to finally get rid of those glasses? Many of us already know, it’s a joyous feeling to never have to reach for your eyes on the nightstand. Whatever you need, for additional info, call one of our opthamology doctors. We’re right in your neighborhood in Janesville. Call Laser Eye Surgery Now today!

State We serve 

Alabama

Hawaii

Massachusetts

New Mexico

Tennessee

Alaska

Idaho

Michigan

New York

South Dakota

Arizona

Illinois

Minnesota

North Dakota

Texas

Arkansas

Indiana

Mississippi

Ohio

Utah

California

Iowa

Missouri

​North Carolina

Vermont

Colorado

Kansas

Montana

Oklahoma

Virginia

Connecticut

Kentucky

Nebraska

Oregon

Washington

Delaware

​Louisiana

Nevada

Pennsylvania

West Virginia

Florida

Maine

​New Hampshire

Rhode Island

Wisconsin

Georgia

Maryland

New Jersey

South Carolina

Wyoming

The post Get Lasik Eye Surgery in Janesville, WI appeared first on Laser Eye Surgery Now.

from Laser Eye Surgery Now http://www.lasereyesurgerynow.com/wi/lasik-janesville/

[jerricwilliamson]

Get Lasik Eye Surgery in Janesville, WI

http://www.lasereyesurgerynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Eye-Doctor.jpeg

Get Lasik Eye Surgery in Janesville, WI

Laser Eye Surgery Now offers superior care in examining and determining the cause of your eye discomfort and correction. It’s of the upmost importance that you only deal with a highly skilled and reputable clinic here in Janesville, WI. No eyesight or vision challenge is too small to be considered by our expert lasik surgeons. We have capable lasik eye doctors with the opthamology experience you need, using the most leading edge technology to handle common vision problems. Just sit back and relax, because it really doesn’t matter what your vision problem could be, we’re always available to help make things right with your vision. As it suits your schedule. Plus, we’re right here in Janesville. We can proudly say we provide the best and most trusted vision assessment and lasik eye surgery doctors in Wisconsin. For more information about laser eye surgery for vision correction, just give us a call. We’re here to help.

Our Qualified Lasik Eye Surgery Doctors in Wisconsin Are Top in Their Field

The training supporting our knowledgeable lasik doctors is the best. It’s a daily commitment to their profession that makes them top notch in the field. Luckily, our lasik eye surgery team is Janesville. We also know that you want a qualified surgeon to deal with your issues relating to your deteriorating eyesight and correcting it. And so when you need some assurances about laser eye surgery, you should know something. We take our patient’s near-sightedness or far-sightedness concerns very seriously, so call us today.

Call Us Today!

Our Laser Eye Surgery Procedure Is Executed with Care In Janesville

Laser Eye Surgery Now are truly the best at managing problems that are a result of near and far-sightedness so you can finally get rid of those glasses! Our skilled & qualified lasik eye surgery professionals use practices which are proven in the field. Even if your eyesight is just a little blurry or a lot blurry, we’d be happy to offer a comprehensive assessment to determine the problem and offer a solution. And you can always depend on our lasik eye surgery price from our professionals in Janesville.

Learn How to Find the Right Vision Correction Clinic In Janesville, WI

It’s extremely important to what you want to achieve, that you find a qualified lasik eye surgery clinic, with doctors who are trained in the kind of laser surgery necessary for you. Whether you’ll need 0 You’ll want to use a laser vision correction clinic who ae, not just good at what they do, but have an excellent bedside manner. Perhaps you don’t understand the implications of engaging an experienced doctor until it’s too late and you’re unhappy with the results. Our lasik eye surgery team of doctors are the most experienced professionals to assess your vision and offer a treatment protocol. You’re in great hands, so give us a call.

The Perfect Circumstances Laser Eye Surgery Now in Janesville, WI

Most any lasik eye surgery companies that you may contact, most likely will offer you a comprehensive vision examination to determine if you’re a good candidate for corrective lasik surgery. The best patients for corrective lasik eye surgery are those who have good eye and specifically, cornea health. The ideal candidate for lasik eye surgery should be someone who has never had any eye diseases, had not experienced any significant prescription change within the past year. They should not have any residula or active eye conditions including optic neuritis. In a nutshell, for optimal results from corrective lasik eye surgery, the perfect candidate should be in good health with no recurring infections, eye or otherwise. Diabetes should be well managed with no retinopathy. It’s difficult to know exactly if corrective laser surgery is right for you until we can do an assessemnt of your eye health. You may be pleasantly surprised. In most cases, the results of the examination will show more people than not, would be good patients for corrective vision surgery. In any situation, the doctor will structure a treatment plan to suit your personal vision needs based on the reults of the assessment.

Laser Eye Surgery Now is dedicated to delivering the best in patient care and vision correction expertise in Janesville. In fact, we guarantee that we will match and exceed your expectations. We are aware that all individual is unique so because of that we make sure you’ll have quality services and the best experience with our top notch team of doctors and staff. And a very competitive lasik eye surgery price! Our expertise is extensive, and developed of years. Today we can offer ophthalmology services like fitting you with new prescriptive glasses if your examination determines that you’re not a good candidate for Lasik. And these are just some of our offerings. Interested? Read on to discover more info on our trusted eye care services, in Janesville.

Learn More About Vision Correction Services Closeby in Janesville, WI

One of the main eye sight correction approaches you’ll see, is for correcting myopia, or near-sightedness. Another kind of eye sight correction services you can discover, is for correcting far-sightedness or hyperopia – you’ll be able to get rid of glasses for reading. A third type of Lasik eye sight correction you can find, is for presbyopia – an age-related condition in which the lens of the eye becomes less flexible. One more area of eye sight correction service you my see, is for the treatment of glaucoma, which is a build up of occular pressure.

Things to Consider When Considering Getting Corrective Eyesight Surgery

An experienced corrective eyesight clinic will follow a standard set of procedures when making assessment appointments, booking surgeries and with patient follow-up. Don’t be shy and ask them what you can expect to experience if you were to become a patient. Ask them what sort of customer care policy they have and if appointments afterward are included in the pricing. Find out if you have to buy extra medicines for your eyes out of your own pocket. Inquire if they’ve had any procedures did did not turn out the best result hoped for. if yes, how did they deal with the matter? Inquire if they accept credit cards. Nevertheless, what counts is that you’re happy with the folks you’re dealing with.

Advice On Deciding on a Top Notch Lasik Doctor

One thing you have to do is to ensure that they’ve got the education and credentials to perform this type of surgery. There should be several references from satisfied customers and patients. The second thing you should to do is determine if they’re available evenings and weekends – when you are. Another thing you should do is determine if they’re prepared to offer subsequent appointments and are dilgent in keeping watch on your healing. And most of all, it’s critical that you trust that they’re capable of meeting your needs – but not only that, you feel comfortable and supported. Because it won’t be a great experience if you don’t feel your business is valued. If wearing contact lenses is just too much of a hassle, maybe it’s time to seek out some options. With Laser Eye Surgery Now you’ll never have to worry, we’ve got options that will surprise and please you. That’s guaranteed.

Call Us Today!

Experienced & Knowledgeable Vision Correction Surgeons Are Difficult to Find in Janesville – Call Our Expert Team Today

Our customer care are carefully reviewed to ensure we deliver the best care. We’re well trained in our field and highly regarded in our industry. Acquiring excellent knowledge can take years. Make the call to your local expert surgeon to book an appointment. There’s no time like the present. Aren’t you ready to finally get rid of those glasses? Many of us already know, it’s a joyous feeling to never have to reach for your eyes on the nightstand. Whatever you need, for additional info, call one of our opthamology doctors. We’re right in your neighborhood in Janesville. Call Laser Eye Surgery Now today!

State We serve 

Alabama

Hawaii

Massachusetts

New Mexico

Tennessee

Alaska

Idaho

Michigan

New York

South Dakota

Arizona

Illinois

Minnesota

North Dakota

Texas

Arkansas

Indiana

Mississippi

Ohio

Utah

California

Iowa

Missouri

​North Carolina

Vermont

Colorado

Kansas

Montana

Oklahoma

Virginia

Connecticut

Kentucky

Nebraska

Oregon

Washington

Delaware

​Louisiana

Nevada

Pennsylvania

West Virginia

Florida

Maine

​New Hampshire

Rhode Island

Wisconsin

Georgia

Maryland

New Jersey

South Carolina

Wyoming

The post Get Lasik Eye Surgery in Janesville, WI appeared first on Laser Eye Surgery Now.

from Laser Eye Surgery Now http://www.lasereyesurgerynow.com/wi/lasik-janesville/

[lasereyesurgerynow]

Get Lasik Eye Surgery in Janesville, WI

Get Lasik Eye Surgery in Janesville, WI

Laser Eye Surgery Now offers superior care in examining and determining the cause of your eye discomfort and correction. It’s of the upmost importance that you only deal with a highly skilled and reputable clinic here in Janesville, WI. No eyesight or vision challenge is too small to be considered by our expert lasik surgeons. We have capable lasik eye doctors with the opthamology experience you need, using the most leading edge technology to handle common vision problems. Just sit back and relax, because it really doesn’t matter what your vision problem could be, we’re always available to help make things right with your vision. As it suits your schedule. Plus, we’re right here in Janesville. We can proudly say we provide the best and most trusted vision assessment and lasik eye surgery doctors in Wisconsin. For more information about laser eye surgery for vision correction, just give us a call. We’re here to help.

Our Qualified Lasik Eye Surgery Doctors in Wisconsin Are Top in Their Field

The training supporting our knowledgeable lasik doctors is the best. It’s a daily commitment to their profession that makes them top notch in the field. Luckily, our lasik eye surgery team is Janesville. We also know that you want a qualified surgeon to deal with your issues relating to your deteriorating eyesight and correcting it. And so when you need some assurances about laser eye surgery, you should know something. We take our patient’s near-sightedness or far-sightedness concerns very seriously, so call us today.

Call Us Today!

Our Laser Eye Surgery Procedure Is Executed with Care In Janesville

Laser Eye Surgery Now are truly the best at managing problems that are a result of near and far-sightedness so you can finally get rid of those glasses! Our skilled & qualified lasik eye surgery professionals use practices which are proven in the field. Even if your eyesight is just a little blurry or a lot blurry, we’d be happy to offer a comprehensive assessment to determine the problem and offer a solution. And you can always depend on our lasik eye surgery price from our professionals in Janesville.

Learn How to Find the Right Vision Correction Clinic In Janesville, WI

It’s extremely important to what you want to achieve, that you find a qualified lasik eye surgery clinic, with doctors who are trained in the kind of laser surgery necessary for you. Whether you’ll need 0 You’ll want to use a laser vision correction clinic who ae, not just good at what they do, but have an excellent bedside manner. Perhaps you don’t understand the implications of engaging an experienced doctor until it’s too late and you’re unhappy with the results. Our lasik eye surgery team of doctors are the most experienced professionals to assess your vision and offer a treatment protocol. You’re in great hands, so give us a call.

The Perfect Circumstances Laser Eye Surgery Now in Janesville, WI

Most any lasik eye surgery companies that you may contact, most likely will offer you a comprehensive vision examination to determine if you’re a good candidate for corrective lasik surgery. The best patients for corrective lasik eye surgery are those who have good eye and specifically, cornea health. The ideal candidate for lasik eye surgery should be someone who has never had any eye diseases, had not experienced any significant prescription change within the past year. They should not have any residula or active eye conditions including optic neuritis. In a nutshell, for optimal results from corrective lasik eye surgery, the perfect candidate should be in good health with no recurring infections, eye or otherwise. Diabetes should be well managed with no retinopathy. It’s difficult to know exactly if corrective laser surgery is right for you until we can do an assessemnt of your eye health. You may be pleasantly surprised. In most cases, the results of the examination will show more people than not, would be good patients for corrective vision surgery. In any situation, the doctor will structure a treatment plan to suit your personal vision needs based on the reults of the assessment.

Laser Eye Surgery Now is dedicated to delivering the best in patient care and vision correction expertise in Janesville. In fact, we guarantee that we will match and exceed your expectations. We are aware that all individual is unique so because of that we make sure you’ll have quality services and the best experience with our top notch team of doctors and staff. And a very competitive lasik eye surgery price! Our expertise is extensive, and developed of years. Today we can offer ophthalmology services like fitting you with new prescriptive glasses if your examination determines that you’re not a good candidate for Lasik. And these are just some of our offerings. Interested? Read on to discover more info on our trusted eye care services, in Janesville.

Learn More About Vision Correction Services Closeby in Janesville, WI

One of the main eye sight correction approaches you’ll see, is for correcting myopia, or near-sightedness. Another kind of eye sight correction services you can discover, is for correcting far-sightedness or hyperopia – you’ll be able to get rid of glasses for reading. A third type of Lasik eye sight correction you can find, is for presbyopia – an age-related condition in which the lens of the eye becomes less flexible. One more area of eye sight correction service you my see, is for the treatment of glaucoma, which is a build up of occular pressure.

Things to Consider When Considering Getting Corrective Eyesight Surgery

An experienced corrective eyesight clinic will follow a standard set of procedures when making assessment appointments, booking surgeries and with patient follow-up. Don’t be shy and ask them what you can expect to experience if you were to become a patient. Ask them what sort of customer care policy they have and if appointments afterward are included in the pricing. Find out if you have to buy extra medicines for your eyes out of your own pocket. Inquire if they’ve had any procedures did did not turn out the best result hoped for. if yes, how did they deal with the matter? Inquire if they accept credit cards. Nevertheless, what counts is that you’re happy with the folks you’re dealing with.

Advice On Deciding on a Top Notch Lasik Doctor

One thing you have to do is to ensure that they’ve got the education and credentials to perform this type of surgery. There should be several references from satisfied customers and patients. The second thing you should to do is determine if they’re available evenings and weekends – when you are. Another thing you should do is determine if they’re prepared to offer subsequent appointments and are dilgent in keeping watch on your healing. And most of all, it’s critical that you trust that they’re capable of meeting your needs – but not only that, you feel comfortable and supported. Because it won’t be a great experience if you don’t feel your business is valued. If wearing contact lenses is just too much of a hassle, maybe it’s time to seek out some options. With Laser Eye Surgery Now you’ll never have to worry, we’ve got options that will surprise and please you. That’s guaranteed.

Call Us Today!

Experienced & Knowledgeable Vision Correction Surgeons Are Difficult to Find in Janesville – Call Our Expert Team Today

Our customer care are carefully reviewed to ensure we deliver the best care. We’re well trained in our field and highly regarded in our industry. Acquiring excellent knowledge can take years. Make the call to your local expert surgeon to book an appointment. There’s no time like the present. Aren’t you ready to finally get rid of those glasses? Many of us already know, it’s a joyous feeling to never have to reach for your eyes on the nightstand. Whatever you need, for additional info, call one of our opthamology doctors. We’re right in your neighborhood in Janesville. Call Laser Eye Surgery Now today!

State We serve 

Alabama

Hawaii

Massachusetts

New Mexico

Tennessee

Alaska

Idaho

Michigan

New York

South Dakota

Arizona

Illinois

Minnesota

North Dakota

Texas

Arkansas

Indiana

Mississippi

Ohio

Utah

California

Iowa

Missouri

​North Carolina

Vermont

Colorado

Kansas

Montana

Oklahoma

Virginia

Connecticut

Kentucky

Nebraska

Oregon

Washington

Delaware

​Louisiana

Nevada

Pennsylvania

West Virginia

Florida

Maine

​New Hampshire

Rhode Island

Wisconsin

Georgia

Maryland

New Jersey

South Carolina

Wyoming

The post Get Lasik Eye Surgery in Janesville, WI appeared first on Laser Eye Surgery Now.

from Laser Eye Surgery Now http://www.lasereyesurgerynow.com/wi/lasik-janesville/

[marie85marketing]

Don’t Split Test Your Pages Before Doing These 6 Things

When it comes to split testing, you’ve been doing great so far. You’ve got a great design, compelling copy and excellent flow. In your eyes, this new page is irresistible.

But before you press that launch button and unleash it to an unsuspecting world, there are a few more things you’ll want to check. Let’s take a closer look at them:

1. Does Everything on the Page Work The Way It Should?

This seems like exactly the kind of thing you’d want to make sure of before a test, and yet many professionals are left scrambling after they launch a campaign only to find that their mailing list isn’t subscribing new users, or their automated welcome message isn’t going out.

Maybe they learn, too late, that the call-to-action button leads to the wrong page or that new membership backend isn’t giving the user their login information. It should go without saying, but test everything. Every popular device. Every major browser. Everything. Try to make mistakes on purpose just to see if the system will throw you for a loop and then amend them before you start that first test.

In a nutshell, you want the process to be completely flawless, in order to get users to the next step in your funnel.

2. How Easy is it For the User to Visually Digest Everything At a Glance?

This is not the prime time to throw everything at a user and hope some of it sticks. Too often, I see landing pages that are filled to the brim with copy on every conceivable topic under the sun. The landing page, in essence, doubles as a FAQ, a live chat portal, a support desk, a reviews page and just about everything else.

And while I’m not discounting the importance of all of these features, remember that your landing page doesn’t have to do all the heavy lifting. In fact, your main goal should just be to get users to take that first step – followed by another step, and another.

There’s nothing wrong with, say, having a live chat option for those urgent questions that could make or break a conversion. But for everything you add, remember that you’re also throwing yet another layer of complexity to the conversion recipe. Your landing page should be the virtual equivalent of getting a foot in the door – you can always follow up with automated emails or redirect the user to a page that helps further guide their first steps.

Whatever page you’re testing, make it easy for the user to get the big picture at first-glance. No unnecessary scrolling, no need to stop and think “am I in the right place?” Make it push-button simple for them to take the action you want them to take, without a lot of second-guessing on their part.

3. How Crucial Is the Page to Testing in the First Place?

Let’s face it, split tests may be easy to set up, but if you’re only getting some traffic to the page, it will take quite some time before your pages achieve statistical significance and you can declare a winner with confidence. With that being said, ask yourself how mission critical this page is to testing in the first place?

Is it one of your most lucrative products or services? If it isn’t, switch your focus to the page that will make the most impact. Don’t be afraid to test that page. Big impactful changes can lead to big, measurable gains in conversion rate. The last thing you want to do is “play it safe” with your landing page tests – messing with low-impact, low-stress things like button color and text that barely move the needle.

Concentrate on your most crucial pages first, then gauge the results and refine your strategy accordingly. You have the data and no one knows your product or your audience like you do. Look for the most important pages on the conversion path and make them shine.

4. How Understandable Is the Page’s Offer?

There are some conversion-focused offers that are easy to do. It varies from industry to industry, but chances are your audience has a certain set of expectations with offers. Whatever they’re expecting, now is not the time to change a running system.

There’s a reason they’ve gotten comfortable with your brand and deviating from that expectation for the sake of innovation is conversion friction of the highest degree. Simply put, it not only breaks from the norm for what customers look for in your particular market, but it does it in a way that’s mentally jarring. It takes them out of their comfort zone and plops them right into uncertainty.

And if you think they’re just going to march on ahead toward a conversion in the midst of all that confusion, you’ve already lost them.

Mind you, I’m not saying you should conform and fall in line with what your competitors are offering. Otherwise there are no differentiating factors between you and them. Instead, don’t break the mold – just reshape it in a way that centers on value. What can you bring to the table that’s absolutely irresistible, attractive and easy to understand?

That should be the core of your offer.

5. How Much Interaction Does There Need to Be?

Just like with the page offer, making users go through a lot of unnecessary work can make them want to give up in frustration. Granted, there’s going to be some necessary interaction on the page – filling out forms, pushing buttons, adding items to a cart, requesting a callback or what have you.

But just like with making sure everything is understandable and visually digestible, so too will you need to remove any unnecessary roadblocks that could be affecting your user’s desire to take action. Most commonly, this can be seen in signing up for a mailing list or membership.

Obviously, you’ll need the double opt-in for your email to be compliant with marketing regulations. But imagine now that after the customer has verified, they’re asked to create an account. Now, they have to fill in more forms, wait for a confirmation, click it, realize their password doesn’t conform to the stated requirements, change it, confirm that change, and so on.

This is an extreme example, to be sure, but it shows you just how much we rely on these systems and platforms to help give our customers the best possible experience, only to aggravate and confuse them. Take note of how many steps it takes for your customer or prospect to do something on your pages. Then look at what steps you can realistically eliminate. The fewer hoops the customer has to jump through – the better.

6. How Likely is the User to Convert?

Finally, we get down to the moment of truth – how likely the user is to convert. The fact is, no matter how valuable your offer, no matter how fluid your design and how great your copy flows, if your offer isn’t compelling enough to get the user to act right that moment, they’ll put it off until later.

And then it’s likely that they’re gone for good.

Some marketers put up a false sense of scarcity with countdown clocks or X number left of a program (come on, they’re digital items, you’re not fooling anybody) but these only serve to tarnish trust between the prospect and the marketer. In order to motivate them to act, you have to harness some psychological techniques, like these:

Many small yes’s – What can you get the customer to commit to that won’t take a lot of time, effort or money? Many small yes’s are better than one big investment of any of those things.

Real scarcity – Even if you have a digital product, taking it down when the timer runs out or you reach whatever goal you’ve set for yourself proves to customers that you are true to your word. They may have missed out on this offer, but you can be sure they won’t miss out on the next one.

What happens if… – What happens if the customer goes to a competitor? What happens if they decide to do nothing at all? Can you help them visualize what the results with your product or service will be like if they act today?

So before you split test anything, look at these options and ensure that your page is as finely tuned as it can be. Look for ways to clear out any clutter or obstacles (even technical ones) that could be putting a wedge between you and your prospect. And above all, be sure to follow up with the same attention and focus you poured into this landing page, to ensure that not just the beginning of the funnel is brimming with conversions, but the rest of it as well.

About the Author: Sherice Jacob helps business owners improve website design and increase conversion rates through compelling copywriting, user-friendly design and smart analytics analysis. Learn more at iElectrify.com and download your free web copy tune-up and conversion checklist today!