#harm reduction is amazing and works

[thelonelyafab]

hi it’s eupherz my ideology is that as long as fourteen year olds in america can get hrt legally we can have a million trained snipers obliterating toddlers skulls also i don’t know who netanyahu is because im retarded but no i actually care about palestine just don’t ask me to do anything difficult ever to change something also btw here is a link to some families gofundme

[luciaintheskyainthi]

I’ve finally been able to sit down and read chapter 23

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO US😭😭??? I DON’T KNOW WHO TO SIDE WITH ANYMORE AND IM NOT EVEN FINISHED WITH THE CHARACTER OMGG

amazing writing I love it🥲👍 five stars

🔥🔥YES MY PRETTIES WALLOW IN THE MORAL AMBIGUITY 🔥🔥

In all seriousness, you can't ship characters like Peter Parker with Jason Todd without moral conflict. Not without a compromise of at least one of their characters.

Grounded as I am in the real world, I align with Peter's perspective. But you can do that and still acknowledge that in the world that Gotham exists in, Jason's perspective could lead to less harm.

I RB a while ago someone's comment about how the conflict between Bruce and Jason comes down to, whose life do you choose to privilege? Batman chooses, inadvertently, to privilege the lives of characters like the Joker, despite knowing there's the (high) likelihood he'll escape and harm others. This is because Batman is THE Optimist™️ and so he spares the Joker (and Co.) in the hope they can change and be rehabilitated. But of course, because these are villains which are popular (we're getting a bit meta here), they'll never change. They'll just continue escaping and continue killing. And this is where Batman as a comic character fails.

In Jason's eyes, this makes Bruce complicit in the deaths of all future victims. I think Jason sees the times when he kills people as a form of harm reduction. By making himself a murderer, he in turn reduces the chance of future murders.

(Since we're talking about comic characters and since Batman is an incredibly important character to DC, this inevitably means that Jason's morality can never succeed, because Batman [ rightly so] cannot become a killer.)

Now, I think Peter is more closely aligned to Batman's moral code than Jason's. He's also at his core an optimist. Although I do think their motivators are different: Batman is for justice, something that often involves invoking fear; Spider-Man is about helping others and (to me, in my heart of hearts) community empowerment. This arguably places him in a position where he does side closer with the Red Hood in SOME things.

At present though, because I'm working with MCU Peter who was more or less reduced to a super powered cop, he has a very black and white view of the world. He'd already started changing in the months after the Erasure, but definitely has more growth to make.

Of course, because this is fanfiction, I can allow these characters to challenge each other. Instead of dooming one of them to the narrative, I can explore the messy world of morality in a city like Gotham, rather than draw a hard line in the sand saying, Batman and Spider-Man good, Red Hood bad.

So expect more mess! At the end of the day, fiction is still fiction, and you can look at the world of ECM and think, yeah, this perspective works better there, but not in our world. I'm not expecting my lovely readers to pick sides because I can't pick sides! We can all just look at the quagmire of messy politics and enjoy our two goobers having a mud fight 💖

[drdemonprince]

I've experienced suicidal ideation since I was about 8 years old and got very close to attempting I think 3 times? I'm overall doing pretty well right now and it's been a few years since I seriously considered attempting, but I don't expect the thoughts to ever completely go away. I've got a lot of opinions as to what people can do to help, here are a few thoughts:

1. Just fucking *be there.* The biggest harm reduction tool I use is to just avoid being alone when I feel shit getting bad. Just offering to be around can go such a long way. If you're worried about a friend, ask to do homework together, start watching a show together, ask to come over after work and make dinner together. They may or may not be up to saying yes, but at least they know they have that option if they want it.

2. Relatedly, you can do small things to help them take care of themself. Showering and cleaning and eating vegetables all make me feel better but can also be incredibly daunting. Having a buddy helps. You can bring your friend some good leftovers (that they don't *have* to eat, maybe you just made too much), offer to help them fold laundry or pick up their room together while you chat, or call them before you plan to shower yourself to remind them to shower, too.

3. Send low-pressure reminders that you're thinking of them. Getting a "Hey, how are you doing?" text when I'm really in the thick of it? Awful. Way too much pressure to respond. Getting a "I made a new playlist if u wanna listen"? Huge! Just sending a meme or texting something about a show you both like is a great way to remind a friend you're thinking of them without making it all intense.

4. Don't make a big deal out of someone self harming, and never fucking shame them for it. When I self harm it's a way to divert my overwhelming negative feelings into something that isn't killing myself. It's a coping mechanism, and has genuinely saved my life. You will not get someone to stop self harming by expressing your worry or disapproval. If they want to talk about it, hear them out. Otherwise, it's not your fucking business.

Thank you Devon for opening up this discussion. I hope my experiences can be of some help, and I can't wait to read your piece on this.

This is amazing, thank you so much ♥️

[chronicallycouchbound]

do you have any tips for being unhoused like survival tips or even just stuff that makes life easier

Absolutely!

Before I give my advice I want to start with my most important piece of advice first: I have lots of personal experience with a few different aspects of being unhoused, I have been unhoused in frigid climates, in warmer climates, for many years, with some warning and also very suddenly, as a child with parents, as a child without parents, as an adult, couch surfing, sleeping outside, sleeping in cars, sleeping in bandos, living in a homeless shelter, living in transitional living programs, and then all of those things intersect with my various other marginalized experiences. I say all this because I want to also say that while I have extensive experiences, I don't know everything, and might miss things, or give advice that might not work in your case. So take everything with a grain of salt, including from me, for your own safety. You know your situation best, so do whatever you need to in order to survive.

Some general tips:

Aways bring extra clothes wherever you go: especially socks and underwear, they are small and light and life-savers, and homelessness often puts you in situations where you can suddenly lose everything, especially if something is left somewhere

Public libraries, churches, fast food stores and cafes are great to hang out in when it’s cold out. Unitarian Universalist Churches are (almost always) LGBTQ+ safe and affirming as well.

Shower as often as possible, the YMCA usually has cheap day passes and it’s a place to stay all day.

If you can’t shower: find a public restroom and use the sink to do a "bird bath": rinse/wash your hair, grab some paper towels or use the hand dryer to dry your hair, and use toilet paper or paper towels to rinse and dry your underarms and genitalia areas, especially when it’s hot or you’ve been sweating. Make sure you can dry off, wetness in cold is quickly life threatening, and wetness and heat breeds bacteria (which makes you stinky at best, but can also lead to skin issues)

Take extra plastic utensils, get salt/pepper packets, sauce packets, etc. as often as you can, ONLY if you have someplace to keep them (like a tent/car), small things like that can really make a difference when you're eating ramen over a fire every day, and helped keep me slightly closer to sane.

Only carry with you what you absolutely need, and always carry with you what you absolutely need.

Make friends everywhere you go, but be cautious and careful. You want to be amicable, not naive. You don't have to be trusting to be friendly.

Be friendly and overly kind to people working, they could help you later on. I have had my ass saved by so many random employees. Even if you're having a bad day, they're the people you should be kindest to. (Also be kind to service workers when not homeless, ofc)

Collect change on the streets or panhandle if it is safe and legal for you to. You can also collect bottles/cans to return, or recycle aluminum.

Look up free campsites, pantries and shelters for your area. Shelter App - Homeless Resources is a free app and website that is still kind of new, but I've seen more and more resources being added to them. Most states have a generalized hotline that's usually like a "411" or "211" or similar type phone line.

Try to always have an active phone with service, or at least a charged phone you can call emergency services on in case you need to.

Try to avoid getting into crime, drugs, alcohol/cigarettes, etc. It’s all expensive, gets you in trouble and does you no good.

However, if you are an active user: look up local needle exchanges, suboxone clinics, free narcan/naloxone, PREP and PEP (HIV prevention meds), emergency rooms, and practice harm reduction as much as possible. Try to never use alone, if using in a bathroom, keep the door unlocked. In my experience, even if you're sober or in recovery, harm reduction organizations are often amazing resources to connect you to other resources

Items I didn't realize were so life saving for me until later: blanket scarves, wool socks (natural fiber is the only thing that stays warm even when wet), baby wipes (washing body, tp replacement, etc), hand warmers, clothes that look more bougie like wearing a pea coat (stopped less by cops), carbineer clips, earbuds (for sanity), and my most prized possession to this day; my solar powered/hand crank/rechargable combination flash light, usb charger radio. Any item you need that is made for sports/hiking/etc. is often better, and any items that are multipurpose are wonderful.

And since we're headed into the colder months, here’s my advice for if you don’t have adequate heating, homeless or not:

Make soups or even just keep a pot of water boiling, and bake things if you can. I like to make teas in the morning for this purpose. Eating enough food (if you can) helps dramatically increase your core body temp.

Take a shower BEFORE the coldest parts of the day, or skip the shower til it’s warm enough to. If you absolutely need to, use warm wet washcloth and work in sections of your body so you don’t have to be fully naked and wet all at once. If you can’t be in a warm enough location afterwards— avoid getting your hair wet at all costs especially if you have thick hair. If you’re at higher risk of cold related illnesses like hypothermia and frostbite, such as disabled and chronically ill folks, I would highly recommend avoiding anything that causes you to get wet if you can’t get warm afterwards.

Make a blanket fort or use a tent indoors to spend your time in and sleep in

Drink tea/cocoa/hot beverages, avoid ice or cold drinks. Avoid alcohol specifically if you can because it lowers your body temp while making you feel warm, which can be dangerous.

Cuddle with your pets (even pets that don’t normally cuddle often are cuddly during cold spells as a survival response)

Wear thermals and layers if youre up and moving, but make sure to pre-warm any clothes you change into by tucking them into the blankets with you for a while.

If you have someone to cuddle with as close as possible, do it, also wear less clothes, thinner clothes or shorts when under blankets and cuddling, you share way more body heat that way, whereas thermals and layers will only keep your heat to yourself

If you have cold feet: take off your socks under blankets (and keep socks under blankets before putting back on) and keep a hot pad under blankets near your feet. Thick socks are great for insulation— but if your feet are cold, insulation means it’ll keep that cold in and keep the heat out. You have to add your own heat, and once they’re warm, you can put the socks back on.

Tin foil, trash bags, and blankets on windows if you don’t have plastic.

Keep doors closed and use rolled blankets or towels to stop drafts. Try to stay in one room if your whole home is cold, smaller spaces are easier to keep warm. Keep doors closed. Keep window shades closed (if you have south-facing windows, you can open t hem during the day and close them at night)

If you don’t have a mummy sleeping bag, a hoodie with the strings pulled comfortably tight can be a good substitute especially if paired with another sleeping bag.

Layer blankets for insulation. Closest to your body, have hot pads and heated blankets, then a reflective blanket to direct heat back towards you, use fluffy blankets and comforters next for insulation, and on top, have something heavy to help seal the heat in and push that heat towards you.

Blanket layers: first, heated blanket/hot pad/hot water bottle/etc, then reflective blankets/emergency blankets (there are reusable ones!)/sleeping bag, then fluffy blankets, then your heaviest/thickest blanket on top (quilt, weighted blanket, tarp, etc). If you don’t have one/multiple of these, just layer what you have following this guide as much as possible.

I like to have at least one fluffy blanket wrapped near my head/neck to keep as much warm air in the blankets as possible when I move my arms. Snuggies and blanket scarves work great for this.

If you’re on a thin bed, an air mattress, or don’t have a bed, put something below you for insulation from the cold ground. Any high quality sleeping bags temperature recommendation is always based on having good insulation below you. Cardboard, yoga mats, foam, blankets, coats, etc. all work.

Be vigilant for signs of frostbite and hypothermia, especially in children, disabled, elderly and pregnant folks. Remember to follow frostbite and hypothermia guidelines for re-warming and get medical attention for these whenever possible.

Have an emergency go-bag ready with your medications, chargers, clothes and other essentials in case you need to leave your residence.

Be sure to not accidentally give yourself CO2 poisoning or cause fires or explosions with whatever heating method you use. Anything with gasoline, propane or other fuel sources are generally not safe for indoor/closed space usage.

Don’t let yourself get so warm you sweat, you can lose a lot of heat that way and the wetness will make you cold which is hard to recover from.

When you get out of bed or from blankets, fold the blankets back over where you just laid to retain the heat for when you climb back in. Even if you have to be gone an extended period of time, this keeps the cold out. You can also preheat heated blankets for when you get back into bed (like turning on the heated blanket before you go shower)

Lights have a lot of ambient heat, as do appliances, especially larger appliances. Even having your laptop on your lap and using it can help you warm up.

If you’re able to be up and moving or do light exercise while you have to be out of blankets, thats the best time to do it. Again, be mindful of sweating.

If you’re homeless and unsheltered and don’t have a camp, sleep in the daytime in the warmest parts of the day, and walk around at night to avoid freezing to death. Savor a hot tea or hot coffee at fast food places if you can afford it.

Single use hand warmers can be saved if they still have heat by putting them in an airtight ziplock bag. When you want to use them again, you just open the bag to expose them to air. If you can and have a way to use them, invest in reusable ones (there’s electric ones and also ones you can boil to reset). Hot water bottles are another good option but often come with a higher risk of being burned.

Also, if you have any more specific situations you'd like advice for, I'd be happy to make posts for those as well, it's hard to add/think of everything that helps every situation, and a lot of my advice would change if you stay in a shelter, for example. I really hope this helps, and I hope you find safe, stable, and reliable housing soon.

[frankiensteinsmonster]

ID in Alt Text!

Hey, sorry I haven't been doing my daily outfit posts lately-- I guess I never mentioned why I started them, but it's this personal project that I'm working on where I take a picture (though, in all honesty, it's a lot of pictures lol) in whatever I'm wearing and I feature my cane to promote awareness and give representation to other cane users and members of the cpunk and Physically Disabled community. I'm working on building up the courage to take these pictures outside as well, because I do them on campus, but we deserve to see ourselves outside as well!

The reason I haven't been keeping up with it is because my partner and I have really been really struggling financially as well as with our mental health (and me with my physical health as well, obviously lol) we moved across the country to go to school and it is So Hard-- I had to drop three out of five of my classes because the course work was just too much in volume and I need a job really bad (which is going to be Hard to do since we don't even know why I'm in such chronic pain yet 🙃 it's hard not to feel defeated!)

Either way, I think going to start posting them with the tag #TheVainCanes and #MobilityAidVainity but I'm also going to host a poll for some options bc I want this to be a widespread community thing!

I'm choosing these names because I've seen from both ableds and disabled elitists this idea that we and our mobility aides need to look like they're fresh out the hospital for us to be Believed and deserving of respect, and anything beyond that voids our suffering and invalidates our experiences-- and I think that's reductive, harmful, and just plain wrong! Our mobility aides are an extension of ourselves and we deserve to dress them up however we want. We deserve representation, and the normalization of Joy and Having Personality While Disabled.

This will be intersectional as well (bc. I mean look at me. Also I don't need a reason!) , people from all identities are welcomed and encouraged to join! This is meant to be a celebration of Us, Disabled, BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and All That Jazz! (If you use a mobility aid, you're in!) We're beautiful gorgeous handsome devils and I think we'd do good seeing how good we all look in a designated tag

Also my cash app and Venmo are @/cherubpunque 👀 if anyone has some spare change I could have that would be an amazing help towards feeding me, my partner, and our two cats!!

To kick things off, I am a 2S, Afroindigenous person (Gullah and Kanien'kehá:ka!) who experiences chronic pain and fatigue. I have PTSD and a few other brain things going on, less than perfect eyesight, and a great passion for Art, Music, Subculture, and Helping Others whenever and however I can! I'm majoring in art and am working towards becoming a published graphic novelist. Idk I just have a lot of love and support to give, and a big need for love and support for myself as well, and I'm hoping to offer us a good opportunity for us to connect in a space that's just for us! We're already living outside of society's expectations for health, so why should we let these folks decide the way we look while doing it? Express yourself! (I'll also be tagging myself in future as #mothie so you can find me in the tags! Anyways, I gotta go lay down. My back hurts.)

[rgr-pop]

TIME SENSITIVE ACTION REQUEST!!: can you my beautiful artists/clever people on tumblr make us some abortion button designs this weekend? To sell to raise money for Mountain Access Brigade, a collective of abortion doulas funding access to abortion in east tennessee?

I’m tabling a week from today at Stoopfest in Lansing, which will be headlined this year by Jhariah, R.A.P Ferreira, Weakened Friends, and Direct Hit!. I’m tabling with the Lansing DSA Women’s Section (working title) as well as a coalition of other women organizing with leftist orgs in Lansing (we don’t have a name yet but we call them “the girlies”). We’re looking to hit $5k on our fundraiser by the end of the month, but equally importantly, I’m tabling to meet people who want to plug into projects we’re getting off the ground to organize to defeat transphobic homophobic and anti-abortion power in Lansing, especially (my baby pet project if you know me irl!) launching our campaign to chase out and shut down the anti-abortion fake clinics in the city.

Here’s our fundraising page, you can donate and share (please!) but you should also read it to get a sense of how we talk about our vision:

https://fund.nnaf.org/team/565397

So I need YOU to design abortion loving buttons for me to make to sell for the fundraiser and start conversations that connect people :). Please help lol. The vibe is queer, mutual aidy, creative! Many of the girls I’m going with are harm reduction activists and passionate about self management and self controlled healthcare.

We have a lot of fun/funny ones made already but we need more sweet/straightforward ones that inspire people and ground the sloganing in our principles. Some wording you can use in your designs (but please feel free to think of others)/some jumping off points/guidance:

- abortion is magic

- abortion access (or just access) saves lives

- we use the term “reproductive freedom” as a matter of practice (pro-choice and reproductive justice are okay, but we love this one)

- “bodily autonomy” is another one we orient around

- pro “repro worker” slogans (“i <3 repro workers” always good)

- “i fund abortion”

- tying in safer sex slogans (would love something like this in an 80s/90s safe sex campaign style)

- harm reduction/mutual aid framing (would looove some good ideas here)

- i REALLY want to come with something about bisexual women being statistically most likely to have an abortion (one of my favorite communist conversation starters irl) - in general messages about queer people getting abortions is a vibe!

- we don’t use “women” when referring to who gets abortions but feminist messaging is great. I’d stay away from body parts as imagery

- the classic, “i love abortion”

- slogan-free imagery that supports the vibe

- Y’allidarity :):):)

- This line from a lead organizer with DSA’s Trans Rights and Bodily Autonomy Campaign has stuck with me as a guide, it really gets at the core of this work for me: “In a political climate characterized by fear and isolation, our voice is steady, loving, direct, and shows courage in our democratic socialist convictions.”

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

- Make me some designs on a 2.25 inch circle button template (im a design idiot and need help) in whatever file format and give me permission to print them and turn them into buttons to sell for the fundraiser. THEY DONT HAVE TO BE AMAZING LOOOKING! email me at rikki.g.reynolds@gmail.com

- reply to this post with specific wording ideas if the above inspires you!

- share this post :) and hit up your designer friends who have time this weekend! abortion fund-a-thon is about making hard asks of your friends who can help, and you’ll be glad you did.

- if you want to help promote this fundraiser on your own socials or somewhere else, feel free but you can also dm me for ideas!

Sorry for the last minute (this is why I’m really calling on tumblr GOATs), but I would loooooove to make buttons next MONDAY or possibly as late as Wednesday— I’ll edit this post when I know for sure. It’s an emergency! But you’ll be saving lives!

What can I do for you?

If you ask, I can post pictures on twitter and tag you if you want some traffic (some of our posts get a little traffic). I can PROBABLY also send you a finished button of your design after fund a thon season (May) is over but I don’t want to make that promise for certain yet.

ty!!!

[ableism]

Night time posting hours 🕺 I’ve decided to transition out of 12 step recovery at this point which is an odd thing but I’ve accepted that I’m never going to believe that G-d is responsible for the way my life has changed this year. I’m 10 months out of active addiction and I have everything I have ever desired. I seriously want for nothing, and I can’t attribute that to a Higher Power when that work was done by compassionate peers, my personal support network, and Me. I have problems in my life that can’t be prayed on; faith can’t repair my trauma and mental illness. I can only see myself living in the problem if I keep pursuing 12 step at this juncture. If anything I’ve come to believe in the sublime and fantastic good of humanity. I believe in social work, harm reduction, and peer counseling. But I don’t believe in G-d in a way that fits the description in 12 step. There’s amazing people in those individual communities, I know this first hand, but abuse and harmful conduct is rampant and intentionally ignored. I’ve started getting into SMART recovery which is science and therapeutically based, and soon I’ll be able to start counseling for survivors of sexual assault 🦢 These are tangible things. I need to hold my free will precious to me and keep believing in the infinite holy light that shines through and touches the world through humanity. G-d is other people, nature, love, and another good day sober. I’ll be grateful for what NA did for me, but it can’t take me where I want to go

[joeysmuttonchops]

[The New Teen Titans (1984) #17]

Such amazing Kory work in this arc. In TotTT and TNTT Kory has become increasingly prone to escalation (albeit for mostly unexplained reasons). Its been causing issues between her and the Titans-especially Dick-but the second she gets back to Tamaran she's taking her father's side for harm-reduction, despite her hesitene. She's setting her own beliefs, her warrior skills and instincts, her sense of home on Earth, to the side. Its a huge contrast to her fights with Dick, where she WILL argue her point. I don't want to describe her as meek here, but maybe passive? On Tamaran she'll let other people make decisions for her in a way she just doesn't allow on Earth

Also every time someone points out Kory is the only one on Tamaran to bear the consequences I'm filled with the rage of a thousand suns

[tarzantips]

Pregnancy and Self-Care: Prioritizing Your Well-Being

Since being pregnant is an amazing experience that is full of joy and excitement, there are changes and challenges along the way. Expectant mothers need to put their health first by practicing self-care during this exciting time.

Let's cover and discuss easy yet powerful strategies to guarantee a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Self-Care during Pregnancy

1. Nutrition (Fueling Your Body and Baby)

Good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy pregnancy. Make sure your diet is well-balanced and full of important nutrients, such as protein, calcium, iron, and folic acid.

Within your meals, include a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, as well as lean proteins. Regular small meals can help stabilize your energy levels and help you manage your nausea.

2. Hydration (Water for Two)

It is critical to stay hydrated when pregnant. Water supports the increased blood volume, helps digestion, and maintains amniotic fluid levels stable.

Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, and carry a reusable bottle as a reminder to stay hydrated. This is importance of self-care during pregnancy.

3. Regular Exercise (Nurturing Your Body)

Pregnancy and self-care exercise can reduce discomfort, elevate mood, and enhance general well-being. Take part in low-impact exercises like yoga for pregnant women, swimming, or walking.

Before beginning any new fitness routine, speak with your doctor. Pay attention to your body and change the level of difficulty as necessary.

4. Adequate Rest (The Power of Sleep)

It is hard work growing a tiny human, so getting enough sleep is essential. Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.

Create a relaxing sleep environment, stick to a nightly schedule, pregnancy self-care products and think about using pillows to support your evolving body. Good sleep is important for both mental and physical health.

Read: Prenatal Yoga - Benefits for Mom and Baby

5. Stress Management (Finding Calm Amidst Chaos)

Stress is a normal part of pregnancy, and it can cause a wide range of emotions. On the other hand, ongoing anxiety can be harmful to both you and your child.

Use stress-reduction strategies like meditation, deep breathing, or mild exercise. Be in the company of a network of friends and family who are there to support you during pregnancy and self-care at home.

6. Regular Prenatal Check-ups (Partnering with Doctor)

Regular prenatal visits are essential for keeping an eye on the mother's and the unborn child's health. Please keep your appointments, talk to the doctor about any worries, and do as they advise.

Frequent tests help in the early detection and treatment of possible problems.

7. Educate Yourself (Empowerment through Knowledge)

Since knowledge is power, being aware of the changes your body is going through can help you feel less anxious.

Read trustworthy pregnancy books, take prenatal classes, and keep up with birthing procedures. Being informed allows you to make decisions that are best for both your health and your child's health.

How does a man feels when his wife is pregnant?

A man frequently experiences a range of emotions when his wife becomes pregnant. Becoming a parent and looking forward to meeting the baby is exciting. Also, some men may experience a little stress or worry, particularly if it is their first child.

They might want to know how being a father will affect them and how their lives will change in general. A man could also feel required to provide for and take care of his pregnant spouse.

All in all, as the couple starts this new and exciting chapter in their lives together, the emotions can vary from excitement and eagerness to a hint of fear.

Do husbands love their pregnant wives?

Yes, most husbands have a strong love for their pregnant wives. Pregnancy can deepen a couple's emotional connection as they travel through this journey together.

 A feeling of love and connection can be developed by the excitement of bringing a new member of the family into the home and the excitement of becoming parents.

In besides attending prenatal visits and actively helping with the baby's arrival preparations, husbands can show their love for their wives through providing support during pregnancy.

While every person and relationship is different, many husbands discover during pregnancy that they have greater respect for their wives because they understand the courage and stamina needed to carry and raise a child.

more >>>

[jiraisupportgroup]

heyy! I love your OCD userbox as a jirai girlie who also suffers from severe OCD, it's amazing to know we aren't alone :') if your comfortable with it could you do a tips and harm reduction post for OCD jirai? I know OCD manifests in different ways for different people but maybe you could cover topics like how to reduce compulsive behaviors, especially ones that harm you (I don't mean literal self-injury necessarily but like more along the lines of like letting yourself get sleep deprived and/or ignoring other needs because your brain is telling you that you need to engage in compulsions instead). how to cope with intrusive thoughts and find healthy outlets for them? plus I feel like some OCD advice can conflict with our personalities?? like I've watched videos that say you shouldn't seek reassurance from loved ones for OCD because reassurance seeking turns into a compulsion. but I think a lot of jirai are naturally drawn to seeking reassurance and attention from people who matter to us, and if we don't get it, it gives us intensely bad emotions and makes us feel unwanted... so it's hard to balance all this and find a way to get better at figuring this all out. tysm if you do this post!

I tried to start with some general tips that can work for multiple different compulsions. It’s a hard one because ocd is SO different from person to person, but these are some of the ones that helped / help me - I did have the benefit of being able to see a therapist for about 3 years so that helped a lot too T_T I’m so lucky that I was able to do that. I feel kind of bad because I’m not sure how helpful it really is but hopefully it can help at least a little bit! ♡

I also still struggle with seeking reassurance. I remember especially when I was first working with my therapist I would complain SO MUCH about how it isn’t fair that “normal” people get to ask others for reassurance and I don’t get to. The main thing she said was “keep an eye on it” because she knew damn well I was still going to seek reassurance even though I’m not really supposed to T_T.

At the moment I have a system with my boyfriend where if I ask him too many times or more times than usual for reassurance (like asking him if he’s mad at me or asking him if he loves me etc) he’ll start saying stuff like “you know the answer to that” or “I have been advised not to answer that question” (both phrases I said it was okay for him to use). Pretty much I’m not on a “never ask ever for reassurance” basis but more on a “if this starts becoming a problem we’re going to shut it down” type deal. How advisable that is I’m not sure so don’t take that as advice that’s just my experience T_T It is one of my compromises with my OCD.

Also thank you for your kind words! ₊‧°𐐪♡𐑂°‧₊ it means a lot

[philhoffman]

Happy 56th birthday, Phil! Every year I write something on this day and it usually turns into a letter to him about all the ways he’s impacted my life. Every time it seems like he's had an even bigger influence than the one before, and this year is no exception.

I scribbled something earlier, elsewhere, about how hard it has become to write about Phil Hoffman in some ways—he's become so much a part of my life that it would be like trying to describe why I love breathing so much. I just do—I have to—it keeps me alive, and I love being alive. I love being alive in large part thanks to Phil.

Today was kind of hard. I used to set a lot of expectations for myself about how things should feel, but I've learned to just accept what comes. On Phil's birthdays, I try to be happy and celebrate his life. We hear enough about his death, even from the most well-meaning people and comments. But today I really just missed him. This is the 10th birthday he has missed, which is a painful milestone, but even the number didn't mean much to me.

Maybe it's because this last year has been so good. One of the best of my life. The lessons I've learned from Phil's work and his life have helped me grow into a more confident, appreciative, and I hope kinder version of myself. He's pushed me out of my comfort zone with incredible results. Far too many things to list here—don't want to steal the spotlight from the birthday boy, after all, though I did run the NYC half marathon in his memory...—but suffice to say it's been an amazing fucking year. Most of all finally visiting Rochester and meeting Phil's mother and sister, getting to tell them he changed my life.

So now it's his birthday—the day to celebrate and honor and remember his life, the man he was, the artist he strove to be, all the amazing ways he's made a difference in the world. And there were a lot of tears because I just wish he was here for it. I knew higher highs would beget lower lows. Having walked his streets in the city and met his family and had all these real, solid experiences, maybe the fact that he's gone feels more real and solid, too.

I come back to the fact that it only hurts so badly because I love him so much. This grief is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Is it worth it? Yes, it is. It always is. Even when it’s so hard, it’s worth that pain—sometimes for what’s on the other side, sometimes for the pain itself. The lessons within it. That's what life is, Phil said, all the joy and all the heartbreak, wrapped up together and beautiful.

Tonight there was a real pretty sunset and I sat outside in the grass and finished A Prayer for Owen Meany, one of PSH's favorite books. "If you care about something, you have to protect it—if you're lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it."

Knowing Phil—through his films, his words, his actions, his community, his spirit—has given me a life I love, full of art and harm reduction and sobriety and Proust and relationships and an overflowing DVD shelf and starting lines and the reassuring sense of his hand on my shoulder and love, and the courage to live that full life.

He was brave and could be restlessly impatient with anyone who wasn't. He infused every role with a piece of his soul—not as a Faustian bargain, but with love and understanding. He made people feel seen, whether they were standing in front of him or sitting in a darkened theater. His love was ferocious. He fought every day and stayed sober for over 20 years. He pushed himself out of his comfort zone to reach new heights as an actor. He didn't really like to be stopped on the street, but when someone once whispered, "I love you," as he passed, he turned with a big smile and said "Love you too!" One thing I wish I'd had the presence of mind to tell his mom and sister is that, in addition to his obvious talent, I've heard so many stories about what an amazing person he was.

Happy birthday, Phil—also known as BK, Heat Miser, Philly Cream Cheese, Bill Board, bubs, Slip, Clyde Anderson, my PB, The Chairman, bastard, birthday boy (among several other aliases). We've already talked quite a bit today, so I'll stick to the basics. I love you. We keep you with us all the time—so many people who love you and who you love in return, family and friends and fellow artists and fans who saw truth in the way you worked and created and lived. We are so proud of you for every day, for all the time you spent with us, for everything you did and all that you are. I dream of your smile, your big laugh.

Thank you, Philip. For everything. For being around. You said you wanted to make a difference and you did—I needed you and you showed up and you haven't stopped showing up since. I want to make you proud and I hope I do. Happy birthday, Phil, I love you—you know the rest ❤️

[wandringaesthetic]

Regarding Hozier - Oak Mountain Amphitheatre 5/5/24

(setlist, journal, commentary)

Allison Russell opened and I need to give her a listen she has a very beautiful, soulful voice. Funky band and very lovely backing harmonies. A powerful, sunny presence, if a little corny, talking about harm reduction and voting and power.

Had a great time, didn't have a religious experience, though I've found this has as much or more to do with my state of mind as it does with the performance. Made me appreciate a lot of Unreal, Unearth more, which has been my least favorite of his albums (I think the theming makes it a little structurally awkward, and there are some songs on it (butchered tongue, eat your young) that I don't like listening to most of the time because of subject matter.) I realize there are many songs on that album I would still like to hear live (All Things End would be amazing, I think) though I was very happy to hear Francesca [I'D TELL THEM PUT ME BACK IN IT] It threatened to rain the whole time but never did more than sprinkle until we were in the car leaving. Distant lightning started on Nina Cried Power. Doors were supposed to be at 6:00 and we were let in about 6:40. There was a guy who works at the amphitheater in line ahead of us, who, from talking to some other employees, said the fire marshall was there and they were patching some things up for inspection (?? !? ???). The facilities are nice, the food sucks. We were seated right behind the VIP boxes.

I typed the setlist on my phone as the concert went on, and while I can sing along to most of Hozier's songs I don't know the titles of all of them, especially on Unreal, Unearth. So here's my raw notes with commentary from my more lucid Monday morning self in brackets

-De Selby [backdrop landscape with timelapse photography style spinning starry sky, very beautiful, very beautiful song]

-? Unreal unearth track with first order guy [Hux, Domhnall Gleeson] in the video [this is De Selby pt. 2]

-Jackie and Wilson 

-Too sweet [With this hitting #1 I thought perhaps I would be at this concert while it was still #1, a bit of serendipity since I bought these tickets months ago - alas, it's sunk down below most of the tracks on The Tortured Poets Department. Thanks, I hate it]

-Oh to be alone with h you (th God that heroin prays to) [Alone With You - I thought I didn't know the title of this one but I did]

-Dinner and Diatribes

-Francesca [I'D TELL THEM PUT ME BACK IN IT]

-It will come back [wasn't confident of the title of this one but I was correct]

-Cherry wine [Hozier solo - he looked up mid song to find that much of the amphitheatre had their phone lights out. He paused and put a hand to his heart and seemed to genuinely have a little moment]

-From Eden

-Wildflower and Barley (with Allison Russell)

-Like Real People Do

-Unknown nth (?) (see how it shines) [actually this was Abstract (Psychopomp)  I told you I did not know the titles of these. Also, now knowing that this is (in part) about an animal hit by a car is well 1) this is obvious and I feel very stupid 2) holy fuck]

- I don't know the title of this one still living roots consumed by the flame oooooooo [this is Would That I - always thought of this one as a sequel to Arsonist's Lullaby]

-Almost (sweet music) (with highlights on the band) [notably, part of the backdrop for this is pictures of records of all the song references/title drops that are in this. In case you did not Get It. Hozier will not be at peace if you do not Get It. To be fair there are a couple of them I would miss]

-Eat your young

-Movement

-Take me to church 

Encore:

nina cried power [with preceding commentary about the history of protest, about the American civil rights movement directly influencing civil rights movement in North Ireland, about boycotting apartheid south Africa, Free Palestine! about movements being seeing the truth as it is and saying that it should be better, etc. (extremely paraphrasing) This went over positively, which is always a nice thing to experience given location (ALABAMA) but the people queueing to buy Hozier tix (the show was sold out and IIRC was sold out in less than 24 hrs after it went on sale) are at least somewhat aware and approving of his politics. May not be gen. pop. but you'll never be alone.]

The being unknown angel to me [THIS is Unknown/nth]

Work song [with Allison Russell, who is notably Not A Coward and did not change the pronouns. I don't know what Allison Russell's sexuality is but she's at least an ally what with the rainbow coalition stuff. Phone flashlights out again.]

[spainsola]

"Unwind and Destress with Thai Massage at the Best Spa in Sola"

INTRODUCTION:

Stress and strain have become our regular companions in the fast-paced world of today, silently doing harm on our bodies and minds. Let me introduce massage therapy, an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years as a cure-all for wellbeing and relaxation. We shall explore the amazing advantages, rich history, and fascinating science of massage treatment as we uncover its mysteries in this essay. Prepare yourself, then, for an exciting voyage into the realm of massage therapy!

After collecting all this, we at Blue Sea Thai Spa came to the conclusion and establish, best spa in Sola to provide best massages where we have a staff of expert and certified therapist to perform every massage perfectly to satisfy you.

Understanding Thai Massage:

Though it may appear to be a recent fad, massage therapy has a long history. Travel back in time to discover the beginnings of this therapeutic approach. We will shed light on the distinctive massage customs and methods that have been handed down through the ages, from traditional Chinese medicine to the graves of the ancient Egyptians. Discover how different cultures recognized the great therapeutic potential of massage treatment long before modern science arrived and adapted it into their respective medical systems.

Process of Thai Massage: A careful consultation and assessment are the first steps in any effective massage therapy session. In our Spa in Sola we carefully evaluate the client's preferences, medical history, and unique concerns. This enables our expert massage therapist to tailor the method and design a unique treatment plan that meets the demands of the client. Then a necessary warm-up is done before beginning massage therapy, just like before any physical exercise. In order to warm up the muscles and encourage relaxation, our therapist will lead you through a series of mild stretches or movements. This guarantees that the muscles are receptive to the therapist's touch and helps the body get ready for the next massage. Then our therapist applies some essential oil on your body parts for smooth massage and uses varieties of massage techniques with help of their hand, forearms, palm, fingers, thumb etc. During this session you can feel much kind of massage methods which makes you feel deeply relaxed. You can discuss with our therapist to focus more on specific part if you feel discomfort.

In the end the massage therapist will gently transition the client back into a peaceful state. Instructions and suggestions for post-massage care are given with the intention of maximizing the advantages from the therapy. It's frequently advised to stretch, drink plenty of water, and engage in self-care routines to extend the benefits of the massage.

How the Magic of Thai Massage is Beneficial?

Increased Range of Motion and Flexibility: Thai massage targets muscles and joints with a sequence of stretches and yoga-like movements. This is advantageous for people who are stiff or have limited mobility since it helps to improve flexibility and range of motion.

Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Deep relaxation is facilitated by the rhythmic pressure and mild stretches used in Thai massage. Endorphins are released when the body is massaged, which elevates mood and lowers tension.

Pain Management: Back pain and tension headaches are two chronic pain disorders that Thai massage can help with. Stretching and acupressure work together to help lessen pain and release muscle tension.

Better Blood Flow: Thai massage improves blood circulation through the body's manipulation. Better circulation improves the flow of nutrients and oxygen to tissues, which benefits general health.

Improved Focus and Mental Clarity: Thai massage at our Spa near Sola incorporates both physical movement and relaxation, which can improve focus and mental clarity. After a session, many people say they feel more present and focused.

Enhanced Immune Response: Some studies indicate that regular massage, including Thai massage, may benefit the immune system; nevertheless, additional research is required. The general function of the immune system may be enhanced by the relaxation that the massage induces.

Conclusion:

Massage therapy is now a necessary tool for leading a balanced, stress-free life rather than just a luxury for the wealthy. We Blue Sea Thai Spahave examined the great science, extensive history, and amazing advantages that this age-old practice provides in this blog post. Therefore, the healing wonderland of massage treatment is the only place to go if you're looking for a magical touch that harmonizes your body, mind, and soul! So don’t wait to visit our Spa and take massage.

For more information: https://blueseathaispa.com/

[emeraldraccoon478]

going to pride is so fun

I think my favorite folks to see there are the ones who are just there because they were bored and there was an event, or because they really like collecting free pens

but I also love watching queer kids getting to experience a lot of firsts, there’s just this excitement to them and it’s infectious

and I love the kids too young to even really understand where they are, just that there’s music and food and bubbles and they want to run around

and I love watching elders enjoying themselves, we’ve come so far in their lifetimes and it’s amazing to see the amount of joy they have

and I love the people who seem like they only recently chose to stop being hateful, they’re sheepish and small and alsways seem kinda surprised at all the kindness they are being shown

and I love the artists who are doing fun things with their makeup or clothing or making cool bracelets

and I love the people working to keep our communities safe, through mutual aid, or harm reduction, or even just offering sunscreen and reminding people to eat something

I love the my comunity, I love pride, I can’t wait for next year. i may be exhausted and sore, but im so glad i chose to spend the whole day there

[globalcoolingllc]

7 Amazing Facts to Know About Air Purifiers and Filters 

Indoor air quality continues to be a growing concern, with pollutants, allergens, and harmful particles seeping unnoticed into living spaces. Many households struggle with the adverse effects of these contaminants, such as allergies, respiratory issues, and general discomfort. A key solution to this prevalent issue lies in effective air purification systems. By understanding the functions of air purifiers and filters in Fredericksburg, TX, residents can significantly mitigate these concerns while promoting a healthier and cleaner indoor environment.

1. Air Purifiers Remove Microscopic Pollutants 

While often invisible to the naked eye, pollutants such as pollen, dust mites, and smoke particles linger in the air we breathe. Advanced purifiers are equipped with HEPA filters that effectively trap these particles, providing cleaner air and reducing the risk of allergies or asthma attacks.

2. Filters Target Unpleasant Odors 

Odors from pets, cooking, or smoke can make indoor spaces uncomfortable. High-quality filters work to eliminate stubborn smells by capturing odors at a molecular level. This function is particularly beneficial for maintaining a fresh-smelling and welcoming home atmosphere.

3. Whole Home Systems Can Purify Every Room 

Portable air purifiers are common, but whole-home solutions elevate purification to another level. Systems like whole home air purifiers in Fredericksburg, TX, connect directly to your HVAC unit, filtering air throughout your home for comprehensive coverage rather than targeting a single area.

4. Some Purifiers Neutralize Bacteria and Viruses 

Modern air purification technologies include models capable of neutralizing airborne bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. For households concerned about health and cleanliness, these devices add a layer of protection by improving indoor air quality and limiting germ circulation.

5. Activated Carbon Filters Handle Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) 

VOCs are chemical pollutants emitted from household products like paints, cleaning agents, or furniture. Activated carbon filters are specifically designed to absorb these harmful compounds, further safeguarding your home from long-term exposure to toxins.

6. Energy Efficiency Has Greatly Improved 

Today’s air purifiers are significantly more energy-efficient than earlier models. Engineered to consume less power while delivering superior filtration, these devices cater to environmentally conscious homeowners seeking effective solutions without inflating energy costs.

7. Regular Maintenance Optimizes Performance 

To keep your system running optimally, it’s essential to clean or replace filters periodically. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced efficacy over time, negatively impacting the air quality in your home. Adhering to a maintenance schedule will help extend the system’s lifespan and ensure continued performance.

Investing in a reliable air purification system is an excellent step toward enhancing your home's air quality. Pairing advanced technology with routine upkeep, these systems deliver countless benefits, from allergen reduction to odor elimination. Take action today and breathe easier by implementing solutions custom-designed to maximize indoor comfort.

Are you struggling with indoor air pollution or persistent odors? Contact the trusted team at Global Cooling & Plumbing+ at (830) 992-7887 for expert guidance and top-tier solutions, ensuring a healthier living environment for you and your loved ones.

For more information visit our location :

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[ispeaksforthetrees]

My mom has worked in HIV advocacy for decades - which means that as a child, I knew a weird amount about the HIV epidemic, and I'm a fairly well-informed adult about HIV. Here is some health-oriented information about HIV from HIV.gov and my mom:

HIV is transmissible through bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluid). Physical barriers like condoms and dental dams are effective in preventing the spread of HIV. This is the reason that free condoms became so standard.

Because HIV can spread through blood ALWAYS wear gloves when administering first aid if there is bleeding of any kind (This is good practice anyway).

HIV can also spread through dirty needles for drug use. If possible always use clean needles - needle exchange programs are becoming more available across the USA. I can't speak for other countries. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/harm-reduction/needle-exchange

If you are HIV negative, there are medications, PrEP - pre-exposure prophylaxis or PEP post-exposure prophylaxis, that will further prevent the spread. When taken properly these drugs are extremely effective at preventing transmission. Particularly when used in combination with physical barriers.

If you are HIV positive there are miracle drugs (known as antiretroviral therapy or ART) that - when taken properly - can make your viral load so low you can't spread it to your partners and make it so you can live a long and healthy life. There are advancements and improvements to ART every year.

Please get regular STI screenings.

There are some things that put you at a higher risk for HIV transmission. These include intravenous drug use, sex with multiple partners, unprotected sex, and anal sex. If you engage in these activities, talk to a healthcare provider about accessing PrEP. NOTE: there is NOTHING wrong with engaging in these behaviors - it is not about morality it is about health.

There is no such thing as a 'moral disease' - sometimes people get sick. Sex is a normal (and enjoyable) human activity with some risk factors, but we have tools to mitigate those risk factors. I wear good shoes when I go running to mitigate potential injuries, I wear a mask to mitigate my COVID risk, and I use protection when I have sex to mitigate the risk of STIs. It's all the same.

HIV is not some fantasy curse - it is a chronic health condition. It can be treated and managed. It isn't something to take lightly, but it isn't a signifier of your morality, your humanity, or your worth.

The fact that there are now treatments that can allow people to live their lives as they wish and still protect themselves against a terrible disease is nothing short of a miracle. It's GOOD that people use ART, PrEP, and PEP to have active and fulfilling sex lives. It's GOOD that people can have big gay orgies and still be protected against STIs. It's AMAZING that people with HIV can live long, healthy lives. It's even better that they can have safe and active sex lives should they want to.

My mom would want me to finish this by saying - if you don't have anyone in your corner or are experiencing any kind of backlash due to your HIV status - you have her support (and mine). She will embrace you with open arms and you'll leave with enough baked ziti to feed you for a week. You are loved, you are important, and we're so happy you're here with us.

abstension-only education has got my generation cooked i swear to god