#Motivation toolkit

[honestkindlereviews]

The Resilient Job Seeker's Handbook: Navigating Uncertainty and Building a Thriving Career

The modern job market can feel like an unpredictable journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns. For many, a career transition brings a unique blend of anticipation and apprehension, often marked by profound uncertainty and the inevitable sting of rejection. In such a landscape, maintaining motivation and a strong sense of self can be incredibly challenging. This comprehensive guide, inspired by "The Resilient Job Seeker's Handbook: How to Navigate Uncertainty, Manage Rejection, and Maintain Motivation During Your Career Transition" by Thiare Nicole Obma, offers a roadmap to cultivate the resilience needed to not only weather these storms but to emerge stronger, more insightful, and more aligned with your true potential.

The Resilient Job Seeker's Handbook: How to Navigate Uncertainty, Manage Rejection, and Maintain Motivation During Your Career: BUY EBOOK CLICK HARE

This article delves into the core principles and practical job search strategies that empower you to become an active, empowered navigator of your own career path, transforming moments of difficulty into opportunities for growth. It’s about more than just finding your next role; it’s about consciously building an inner fortitude that will serve you throughout your entire professional life.

Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Job Searching

Embarking on a job search, especially one that wasn't entirely on your own terms, often feels like an emotional rollercoaster. One moment, you’re soaring with hope after a promising lead; the next, you’re plummeting into anxiety following an unexpected silence or a terse rejection. This fluctuation is a universally shared experience, and understanding its psychological roots is the first crucial step toward navigating it with greater calm and control.

At its core, a career transition is a significant life change. Humans are wired to prefer predictability, and being thrust into the unknown can trigger stress responses. The loss of routine, a familiar professional identity, financial security, and daily social connections can all contribute to feelings of anxiety, sadness, and even grief. It’s vital to acknowledge that experiencing these emotions is not a sign of weakness; it’s a natural, human response to upheaval. The sheer uncertainty — not knowing when the phone will ring or where the next opportunity will come from — can be exceptionally taxing.

To gain control, it's paramount to identify your personal emotional triggers. What specific moments consistently provoke intense reactions? Is it the silence after an interview, impersonal rejection emails, or seeing peers announce new roles online? Becoming aware of these triggers and your typical responses (withdrawal, irritability, negative self-talk, physical symptoms) is the bedrock of effective emotional management. This self-awareness allows you to anticipate and prepare, shifting from broad overwhelm to targeted coping.

Furthermore, rejection sensitivity plays a significant role. For some, the emotional pain of perceived or actual rejection is felt more acutely. Understanding this inherent sensitivity helps you contextualize your reactions and fosters self-compassion. The goal isn't to be immune to pain, but to depersonalize rejection, seeing it as a data point rather than a verdict on your worth. Recognizing these common emotional pitfalls — the comparison trap, the spiral of negative self-talk, catastrophizing, and allowing your job search to define your self-worth — empowers you to sidestep them or recover more quickly. This honest preparation is precisely what sets the stage for building authentic resilience.

Building Your Inner Fortitude: The Pillars of Resilience

True career resilience extends far beyond simply "bouncing back" from adversity. It’s a dynamic, multifaceted, and proactive capacity that enables you to adapt to constantly shifting professional landscapes, develop new skills intentionally, and maintain your psychological well-being under pressure. This profound strength isn't an innate trait; it's a learnable capacity, a set of skills, perspectives, and strategies that can be consciously developed and honed over time.

The "unshakeable inner core" of resilience is supported by several key pillars crucial for any job seeker:

Self-Awareness & Managing Oneself: This foundational pillar involves a deep understanding of your strengths, core values, preferred working styles, and unique contributions. In times of uncertainty, this self-knowledge acts as an internal compass, guiding decisions aligned with who you truly are.

Optimism & Positive Reframing: Not naive positivity, but a hopeful outlook and the ability to look at negative situations, like rejection, and consciously search for lessons, growth opportunities, or alternative perspectives. It's about choosing your response to reality.

Adaptability & Flexibility: The job market is dynamic. This pillar is about your willingness and ability to adjust plans, job search strategies, and even your definition of an "ideal" role when circumstances demand it. It's the flexible strength of a willow tree, not the rigidity of an oak.

Problem-Solving Skills: Viewing obstacles not as insurmountable barriers but as puzzles to be solved. This empowers you to analyze situations, seek solutions, and take proactive steps, transforming you from a passive recipient of difficulty into a resourceful agent of your own progress.

Strong Support Networks: Building, nurturing, and actively engaging with a network of friends, family, former colleagues, and mentors is essential. These connections act as powerful buffers against stress, provide valuable information, and offer encouragement, fostering a vital resilience ecosystem.

Purpose & Meaning: Connecting your job search efforts to a larger sense of purpose beyond just a paycheck. Understanding your "why" — the core values driving you, the impact you aspire to make — provides a profound source of intrinsic motivation, transforming mundane tasks into steps aligned with something deeply important.

Consciously understanding and strengthening these pillars forms your robust yet flexible armor, ready to protect your inner core during the job search and throughout your entire career transition.

Turning Adversity into Advantage: Embracing Uncertainty and Reframing Rejection

The dual challenges of uncertainty and rejection are inherent to the job search, yet they can be powerful catalysts for growth when approached with a resilient mindset.

Embracing Uncertainty as a Catalyst for Growth

Our brains crave predictability, making the uncertainty of a job search feel threatening. However, it is often within these periods of intense ambiguity that the most profound growth occurs. Uncertainty can force you out of your comfort zone, compelling you to explore new possibilities, uncover latent talents, learn new skills, and gain deeper self-understanding. It’s an opportunity to become a more skilled navigator of your own career.

Practical strategies for managing ambiguity include:

Scenario Planning: Dedicate limited time to consider best-case, challenging, and most likely outcomes for your job search. Briefly outlining potential responses makes nebulous "what ifs" more concrete and less threatening.

Focusing on Controllables: Relentlessly differentiate between what you can and cannot control, and channel all your energy towards the controllables (your effort, attitude, strategy, skill development, networking, self-care). This reclaims a profound sense of agency.

Information Gathering as an Antidote to Anxiety: Actively seek out knowledge about industries, companies, roles, and in-demand skills. Each piece of information illuminates your path, reducing the feeling of being adrift.

Maintaining Routines and Structure: Create and adhere to daily or weekly routines for your job search, exercise, breaks, and personal well-being. This provides an invaluable anchor of predictability and control.

Cultivating Learning Agility: This meta-skill is about the willingness and ability to learn from experience and apply that learning effectively to new situations. It means being open to new ideas, seeking feedback, and adapting your job search strategies based on continuous learning.

The Rejection Reframe: From Stinging Setback to Strategic Stepping Stone

Rejection hurts because humans are wired for social connection and belonging. In a job search, it can feel like a personal blow, impacting self-esteem. However, it's crucial not to personalize rejection. Numerous factors outside your control (internal candidates, shifting priorities, sheer volume of applications, specific fit) often determine hiring decisions. Learning to separate your self-worth from the outcome of any single application is vital.

Adopting a "Rejection Proof" mindset, inspired by Jia Jiang, involves:

Viewing "No" as Information: See rejection as data to analyze for insights, not invalidation.

Understanding Persistence Pays (Strategically): Each rejection, if analyzed for lessons, can make subsequent efforts stronger.

Building Courage Through Deliberate Action: Every application sent, every networking contact made, every interview attended, builds your "courage muscle."

To "mine rejection for gold":

Directly Requesting Feedback: Politely request feedback after later-stage interviews to understand areas for improvement.

Analyzing Patterns: Even without direct feedback, look for patterns (e.g., no responses, failing after phone screens, getting to later stages but no offer) to diagnose issues with your resume, pitch, or interview skills.

The Brené Brown approach of Reckoning (acknowledging emotions), Rumbling (challenging internal narratives), and Revolution (learning and writing a new ending) provides a powerful framework for processing rejection in a way that fosters resilience and growth. Develop a "Rejection Recovery Ritual" — a pre-planned set of actions (talking it through, physical activity, journaling, short breaks, reviewing your "Why" statement) to help you process emotions constructively and regain equilibrium more quickly.

Sustaining Your Drive: Fueling Motivation

Motivation is the vital fuel for any job search, yet it naturally ebbs and flows. Recognizing this cyclical nature helps you manage it effectively, rather than succumbing to self-blame during dips. Common "motivation killers" include prolonged searches with few results, lack of feedback, financial stress, the comparison trap, loss of routine, and the repetitive nature of job search tasks.

To sustain your drive, implement these strategies:

Setting SMARTER Goals: Break down the monumental goal of "finding a new job" into Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Evaluated, and Re-adjusted components. This provides clarity, control, and tangible evidence of progress.

The Power of Small Wins: Consciously acknowledge and celebrate incremental steps and minor victories. Each "small win" (sending a tailored application, having a productive networking call) triggers a dopamine release, reinforcing positive behavior and maintaining momentum.

Creating a "Motivation Toolkit": Assemble a collection of personal resources for quick boosts:

Your "Why" Statement: A clear, concise statement of your core values and aspirations to reconnect with your deeper purpose.

Your Success Log: A record of past achievements, accomplishments, and positive feedback to counter self-doubt.

Inspiration Sources: Curated quotes, articles, podcasts, or music that reliably lift your spirits.

Accountability Partners or Groups: External support and shared goals to keep you committed.

Managing Energy, Not Just Time: Approach the job search like a marathon, not a sprint. Identify peak energy times for demanding tasks, incorporate regular breaks, prioritize rest and sleep, and engage in genuinely recharging activities (hobbies, nature, loved ones). This prevents exhaustion and burnout.

Reawakening Your Passion: Reconnect with the intrinsic interest and enthusiasm for your work by revisiting past triumphs, immersing yourself in inspiring industry content, talking to enthusiastic professionals, or exploring related interests through freelance work or personal projects.

Fueling your motivational fire is an ongoing act of self-awareness, strategic planning, and compassionate self-care, building sustainable resilience for the long haul.

Practical Tools for the Modern Search

Inner resilience translates into effective outward action through practical job search strategies.

Resilient Resume and Cover Letter Crafting: These first impressions must tell a compelling story. Focus on concrete achievements (quantify results), highlight transferable skills, and maintain a positive, confident tone. Weave in concise narratives of resilience — how you navigated challenges, adapted to change, and creatively solved problems.

Networking with Confidence and Authenticity: Reframe networking from a chore to an opportunity for genuine connection. Focus on mutual learning and support rather than just asking for a job. Leverage LinkedIn strategically by maintaining a polished profile, proactively researching, sending personalized connection requests, and engaging thoughtfully in discussions. Recognize your network as a vital resilience buffer for emotional support and insights.

Interviewing as a Resilient Performer: Interviews are prime opportunities to demonstrate your strength under pressure. Prepare for resilience-testing behavioral questions (e.g., "Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge") using the STAR method. Frame challenges as learning experiences, emphasizing your proactive response and growth. Manage interview anxiety by reframing nerves as excitement, practicing relaxation techniques, and focusing on genuine connection.

The Art of the Follow-Up: A thoughtful, strategic follow-up demonstrates continued interest and professionalism. Send personalized thank-you emails within 24 hours. If appropriate, politely inquire about timelines or even add value by referencing discussion points or sharing relevant insights. This consistency subtly showcases your determination and grit.

Managing Your Digital Footprint and Online Brand: Proactively audit your online presence (LinkedIn, social media) to ensure it aligns with your professional aspirations. Clean up inappropriate content and build a positive online brand by sharing relevant industry content, writing articles, and engaging in professional discussions. This projects your expertise, engagement, and resilience.

Negotiating Offers with a Resilient Mindset: A job offer is a triumph, but the negotiation phase requires confidence and strategic thinking. Research your market value to know your worth. Advocate for your needs (salary, benefits, work-life balance) respectfully and confidently, framing requests based on value. Handle setbacks with poise, evaluating the overall package. Successful negotiation demonstrates communication skills and a clear understanding of your value.

These practical activities are not just tasks; they are arenas in which to apply, hone, and demonstrate the very resilience you are cultivating, transforming your job search into an active, empowering, and growth-oriented exercise.

The Long Game: Cultivating Long-Term Career Well-being

Finding your next job is a critical milestone, but it's one leg of a much longer career marathon. True career resilience extends beyond the immediate job search to sustain you through all future twists and turns. It involves cultivating a "marathon mindset" of strategic pacing, sustained well-being, and continuous adaptation.

Designing a Career That Truly Fits: Use periods of career transition as a unique opportunity to pause and intentionally design a professional life that brings long-term satisfaction. Consider what kind of work genuinely engages you, how your career integrates with your broader life goals (work-life integration), and how well it aligns with your core values and innate strengths.

Continuous Learning and Adaptability as Lifelong Skills: In a rapidly evolving world of work, constant change is the only certainty. Embrace continuous learning — through formal education, self-study, and learning from others — to maintain professional relevance. Cultivate "learning to learn" as the ultimate meta-skill, enabling you to acquire new knowledge effectively and adapt quickly to shifting demands. This is your career insurance policy.

Building a "Career Resilience Portfolio": Diversify your professional assets like a financial portfolio. This includes:

Skills: Both technical/hard skills (kept current) and interpersonal/soft skills (communication, leadership, problem-solving).

Experiences: A diverse track record of projects, roles, industries, and challenges overcome.

Networks: Strong, supportive relationships with colleagues, mentors, and peers.

Mindset Strategies: All the internal tools for managing emotions, reframing, and problem-solving.

Financial Prudence: A cushion against instability, allowing you to make choices based on opportunity rather than desperation.

Stress Management and Burnout Prevention for the Long Haul: Chronic stress and burnout threaten long-term career resilience. Recognize early warning signs (fatigue, cynicism, irritability) and implement sustainable self-care practices (mindfulness, exercise, hobbies, adequate sleep, healthy boundaries, nutrition). These are non-negotiable for sustained well-being.

Mentorship and Giving Back: Strengthen your resilience ecosystem by seeking mentorship at every stage of your career. Experienced individuals offer guidance, support, and perspective. In turn, give back by mentoring others; this reinforces your own learning, provides purpose, and expands your network, creating a positive ripple effect in the professional community.

The Resilient Path Forward: Daily Practices and Concluding Encouragement

The true power of resilience lies in its consistent, daily application. It’s about weaving these principles into the fabric of your everyday life.

Practical, Actionable Tips for Daily Resilience:

The Morning Mindset Minute: Start your day by setting a positive intention or affirmation to prime your brain for a resourceful state.

Scheduled "Worry Time": Contain anxieties by dedicating a specific, limited period to address concerns, shifting from rumination to problem-solving or acceptance.

The Daily Gratitude Practice: Identify three specific things you are grateful for to shift your focus to what’s positive and present, improving mood and fostering optimism.

The Micro-Learning Goal: Dedicate 15-30 minutes daily to learning something new relevant to your career, keeping your mind engaged and skills current.

The Networking Nibble: Commit to one small networking action each day to build connections consistently and with low pressure.

The Rejection Reflection (Brief & Action-Oriented): After a setback, quickly ask, "What, if anything, can I learn from this?" to turn it into a learning opportunity.

The End-of-Day Progress Review: Take 5 minutes to acknowledge your efforts and small wins, reinforcing a sense of accomplishment.

The Physical Movement Break: Incorporate short bursts of movement throughout your day to reduce tension, boost energy, and reset your mind.

One Act of Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a friend.

These small, consistent actions compound over time, building significant and sustainable resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Resilient Job Seeker:

Overwhelmed? Focus on the immediate, smallest possible, controllable action.

Employment Gaps? Be honest but brief, focus on proactive activities and learning during that time, and pivot to your readiness for the future role.

Feeling Unemployable? Aggressively practice depersonalizing rejection, gather contrary evidence from your Success Log, shift focus to controllable process goals, and seek professional support if needed.

Long Search, Low Motivation? Revisit and refine your "Why," double down on SMARTER goals and small wins, critically evaluate and adjust your strategy, manage your energy, and actively seek inspiration.

Strategies Not Working? Personalize strategies (find what works for YOU), give them time and consistent practice, and focus on the underlying principle, making small adjustments. Professional support can also be invaluable.

Defining/Communicating Resilience? Define it for yourself through your past experiences, then communicate it through specific, concise stories (using STAR method) that illustrate your actions, outcomes, and learnings from challenges.

Burned Out? Take a Break? Absolutely, YES. Make it intentional, define the length, plan genuinely recharging activities, set clear boundaries, manage guilt by reframing the break as an investment, and set an intention for your return.

Concluding Encouragement: Your Journey Continues, Your Resilience Shines

As you conclude this guide and continue your career transition, remember that the path may not always be smooth, but you are not navigating it empty-handed. You possess a profound capacity for strength, adaptation, learning, and growth. The challenges are real, but your innate ability to meet them, learn from them, and emerge stronger is far more powerful.

Carry these principles, practices, and perspectives with you. Trust in your ability to navigate uncertainty, to reframe the sting of rejection into a lesson, and to sustain your motivation even when the path feels long. The resilience you are building today, the courage you are showing, the effort you are investing — these are not just for now. They are for a lifetime. Go forth, and let your resilience shine.

The Resilient Job Seeker's Handbook: How to Navigate Uncertainty, Manage Rejection, and Maintain Motivation During Your Career: BUY EBOOK CLICK HARE

[theworldsarchitect]

Let yourself feel loved.

Perfection is an illusion.

Imperfection is beauty.

There will always be someone there to love you.

-🖋️

[He tries to swipe away the voice and began scratching on the walls again. This time, his writing is much more shaky, and hard to make out than before.]

"IGNORANT"

[guildfox2]

I saw the announcement of the March sales a week ago and I now have 600 gems on both of my accounts that I bought completely from gold I earned within the last week. These are going to be my absolute most cherished character slots I think. (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

[nicopengin]

Itemization Strategies: Equipping Yourself for Success in and out of the Game

Greetings, fellow seekers of greatness! Step into the world of itemization, where every choice carries weight, both in the battlefield of League of Legends and the grand stage of life. Today, we embark on an enlightening journey, exploring how these strategic principles not only empower champions but also hold the key to unlocking your true potential.

🛡️ Significance of Itemization in League of Legends 🏹 Picture this: A formidable jungler enters the Summoner's Rift, ready to face the challenges ahead. Their selection of items tailored to their champion's strengths and countering their opponents' weaknesses puts them on the path to victory. Similarly, in life, our choices of knowledge, skills, and experiences can amplify our strengths and minimize vulnerabilities, propelling us toward our ambitions. In-Game Example: The aggressive marksman who equips life-stealing items to stay resilient in teamfights. Real-Life Application: Equipping yourself with resilience and adaptability to face challenges head-on, emerging stronger after life's battles. 🚀 Applying Itemization Strategies to Personal Growth 🌱 In the vast expanse of Summoner's Rift, adaptability reigns supreme. Champions swiftly adjust their build to suit ever-changing circumstances. Embrace this philosophy in life, where self-awareness and continuous improvement empower you to optimize your choices. In-Game Example: A mid-laner adjusting their build to prioritize magic resist against an opponent's potent spellcasting. Real-Life Application: Tailoring your approach when communicating with different individuals, adapting your style to resonate and build meaningful connections.

💼 Acquiring and Utilizing Resources for Success 🧰 As a support champions rally behind their team, unlocking vision and buffing their allies, resourcefulness is equally paramount in life. Identify opportunities, harness available resources, and utilize them strategically to surge ahead on your path to success. In-Game Example: A support champion providing vision control with wards and assisting teammates with crucial utility items. Real-Life Application: Utilizing networking opportunities, tapping into mentorship, and embracing lifelong learning to acquire the resources needed for your growth.

🔧 Selecting the Right Tools and Resources 🛠️ A seasoned top-laner understands the importance of tailor-made items to suit their playstyle and foil their opponent's plans. In life, too, curating the right toolkit of skills and knowledge empowers you to tackle diverse challenges with finesse. In-Game Example: A top-lane tank building armor items against a physical-damage-heavy enemy team. Real-Life Application: Equipping yourself with specific expertise and skills to conquer professional challenges in your career domain. 🔄 Adapting Strategies for Changing Circumstances 🌀 In the ever-shifting landscape of Summoner's Rift, flexibility decides victory. Likewise, life presents unforeseen twists, demanding agility and open-mindedness to navigate through uncharted territories. In-Game Example: A jungler modifying their ganking routes based on enemy vision and lane movements. Real-Life Application: Adapting your career trajectory, embracing new opportunities, and evolving to thrive in a dynamic world.

Embark on a transformative journey, where itemization in the game aligns with self-empowerment in reality. Unleash the potential within, guided by the wisdom of champions, and forge a path of success, both in and out of the game. Fortune favors the bold, and as you venture forth, the road to greatness awaits! With unwavering determination, Nico Pengin🚀🌟 P.S. Embrace the path to excellence. Follow our newsletter for invaluable insights and empowering strategies! 🗞️📈 Read the full article

[leadtheteam]

Unlocking Leadership Excellence: 10 Key Lessons (+2) from Top Industry Leaders

Join me as I share the top lessons from 100+ leaders that will inspire you to get results and grow daily. Tune in, this can be the change you're looking to make. #LeadershipToolkit #PersonalDevelopment #EffectiveLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment

Right now, embodying effective leadership qualities is more paramount than ever. Having delved deep into the insights of over 100 leaders across various industries, I’ve unearthed 10 fundamental principles (+2 bonuses) that are quintessential in shaping not just a good leader, but a great one. Let’s embark on this enlightening journey together and discover what constitutes the toolkit of…

[glowettee]

✧ the elle woods study method: mindset makeover & foundation building ✧

hey lovelies! 💗

omg, i'm literally bursting with excitement to start this transformative series with you all! we're going to dive deep into actually studying like elle woods, and all her study methods. it's going to change your academic life. (while keeping you fabulous, obviously!)

let's start with the most crucial element - the elle woods mindset. you know how elle went from being underestimated at harvard to graduating with honors? that transformation began in her mind, and that's exactly where we're starting too!

the core principles of the elle woods mindset (get ready to take notes!):

unwavering self-belief: elle's iconic "what, like it's hard?" attitude wasn't just cute - it was crucial

authenticity as your superpower: your unique perspective is your strength

resilience through positivity: turning every "you can't" into "watch me"

strategic determination: working smarter, not just harder

maintaining your essence: success shouldn't mean losing yourself

let me break down how to actually build this mindset (because theory without practice is like a perfect outfit without accessories - incomplete!):

mindset foundation building: • start a daily confidence journal (pink, obviously!) • write three daily affirmations • document your wins, no matter how small • reflect on challenges and how you overcame them

goal setting the elle way: • dream big (harvard law big!) • break down major goals into mini-milestones • create realistic timelines • identify potential obstacles and plan solutions • celebrate every achievement (even the tiny ones!)

your personal success toolkit: • a dedicated study planner (color-coded, elle would approve) • positive affirmation cards • vision board (mix academic and personal goals) • progress tracking system • reward system for reaching milestones

practical assignments for this week:

yes, i'm giving you all homework, because what's a lesson without doing homework? <3

mindset makeover tasks: • create your confidence corner (a designated study space that makes you feel powerful) • write your personal academic manifesto • identify and challenge three limiting beliefs • create a morning power routine

organization prep: • get your study essentials (cute but functional!) • set up your planning system • create a semester overview • design your ideal weekly schedule

community building: • find your study buddies (your personal warner hunting club, but for academics!) • join study groups • set up accountability partnerships • create a support system

elle's journey wasn't about memorizing legal terms - it was about believing she belonged in those hallowed halls while wearing her signature pink. you deserve to feel that same confidence in your academic journey. <3

advanced tips for the overachievers (because why not be extra?):

record yourself giving pep talks for tough days

create a study aesthetic that energizes you

develop personal success rituals

build a playlist that makes you feel powerful

photograph your progress for motivation

coming up in this series:

time management secrets

memory techniques that actually work

note-taking methods that slay

exam preparation strategies

self-care routines for academic success

group study dynamics

presentation skills

stress management

celebration strategies

and more of course <3

remember: elle woods didn't just survive harvard - she thrived while being unapologetically herself. that's our goal too! you're not just going to study better; you're going to build an academic approach that celebrates who you are.

homework time (but make it fun):

create your academic vision board

write your semester goals

design your ideal study schedule

set up your success tracking system

prepare your study space

xoxo, mindy

p.s. don't forget to reblog and follow for the complete series! we're building our own little academic sorority here! <3

[kidsinnowadays]

How to Navigate Remote Learning Successfully: A Parent's Comprehensive Toolkit

Discover a range of essential resources and strategies to effectively support your child's remote learning journey, ensuring a productive and enriching educational experience. #RemoteLearning #ParentingToolkit #OnlineEducation #SupportingStudentSuccess

The landscape of education has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of remote learning. As parents, navigating this new educational paradigm can present unique challenges. However, armed with the right tools and strategies, you can ensure that your child’s remote learning experience is not only successful but also enriching and enjoyable. This comprehensive toolkit provides a…

[cassiebnuy]

the furry fandom is mostly concerned with literal representation

theres tons of symbolism and intention applied but its usually just in character design and to a lesser extent stylization (u can only go so far w it before it steps on character design)

bc the purpose of the art is v specific - its exploring sensory experiences and desires, its often not just a standalone piece but an imagination aid to make something with only an abstract internal existence more concrete and real.

past a point its hard to project urself into abstract art

theres nothing wrong with this, a lot of rly lovely art comes out of these ways of thinking. i do a lot of this kind of art myself

and of course there *are* other artists doing furry abstraction! im far from alone. paul peng does some next level shit that continues to inspire me, scribblechicken makes glorious surreal works w fields of repeated images, teddywitchs recent abstract sketchbook work has been rly inspiring to me, mariken has been playing with abstraction in ways tht make it feel rly accessible

and of course there are alternate models of furry besides patricia taxxons autistic model (from the "ethics of boinking animal people" video) which while rly useful for understanding the bulk of furry culture leaves out other types of brainweirdness that draw ppl to anthro animal imagery in different ways. pawberri posited an additional schizotypal model that seems v useful and made some of my favorite artists work click in a way it never did before

anyway i think on the scale of the fandom this results in the de-emphasis of non illustrative artforms. there are furry sculptors and painters and ceramicists doing incredible work but it doesnt seem to get the same love (with the exception of fursuit makers bc theyre making a v literally representational form of wearable sculpture)

i could go on abt material conditions, economic motivations, art literacy, etc but instead i just wanna make my case

we can all agree that postfurry is where the most interesting stuff in furry is being made right. i saw yall gushing abt sinkdog i saw the fanart i see my sog painting still getting notes years later. but postfurry is still limiting the furry toolkit to character design i think we can go deeper

u can apply that toolkit to pure abstraction and leave characters and backgrounds behind. u can plant it into the intentionality behind not obviously furry work. patricia taxxon used a term in the video i mentioned earlier, "transcendental furriness" tht i think gets at this a little. u can make pure abstraction furry. u can make furry food if u rly lean into animalistic eating experiences and evocative flavor combinations. furry doesnt have to just be a character design trope it can be so much more. it can be layered fractally into the process and intentionality of a work, if that makes sense. twisted into every fiber and woven in

*thats* the kind of art i wanna make

anyway thank u for reading my manifesto

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

📉 The 5 Worst Writing Advice Bits You Might Still Believe

(Let’s Burn Them Together)

You’ve been lied to. Or at least, misled by well-meaning chaos goblins with strong opinions and a Twitter account.

Here’s a lovingly aggressive breakdown of writing “advice” you need to kick into a volcano immediately:

─────── ✦ ───────

“Write Every Day or You’re Not a Real Writer”

🗑️ Into the fire it goes.

This is advice built for guilt, not creativity. You’re a writer if you write. That includes:

Writing on weekends.

Writing in your Notes app once a week.

Writing one scene per month.

Thinking intensely about a story while doing literally anything else.

Consistency helps, sure. But daily output? Not the only path. And definitely not a moral obligation.

✨ Alternative: Write when you can, track what works, and let your process breathe.

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“If You’re Stuck, You Just Don’t Want It Bad Enough”

This is the kind of advice that sounds motivational until it destroys your relationship with writing.

Being stuck doesn’t mean you’re lazy or not passionate. It could mean: → You’re burnt out. → Your plot needs restructuring. → Your brain is full of static. → You’re scared to get it wrong.

✨ Alternative: Ask what your block is protecting you from. Then fix the problem, not your willpower.

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“Kill Your Darlings”

Yes, let’s just delete everything with emotional weight and pretend that makes it deep.

Look, editing matters. But this advice gets misused constantly. Killing your darlings doesn’t mean gutting every beautiful or weird or vulnerable thing in your prose. It means cutting what doesn’t serve the story.

✨ Alternative: Kill what doesn’t carry weight. Keep what resonates. Be ruthless with purpose, not performance.

─────── ✦ ───────

“Avoid Adverbs at All Costs”

This one was born in grammar hell.

Adverbs aren’t the enemy. Lazy adverbs are. But you know what else is lazy? Blanket bans. Adverbs can tighten a sentence, clarify emotion, or give rhythm when used intentionally.

✨ Alternative: Use adverbs when they do something specific. Don’t fear them, control them.

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“Your First Draft Has to Be Good or Don’t Bother”

This one? Evil.

It’s the fast track to perfectionism paralysis. First drafts aren’t supposed to be good. They’re supposed to exist. You can’t fix a blank page. You can fix a bad one.

✨ Alternative: Let your draft be messy. Be cringe. Be excessive. You’ll sculpt later. Right now? Just build the block of marble.

─────── ✦ ───────

Final thoughts from your local chaos scribe:

→ You don’t need to suffer to earn the title “writer.” → Your process is allowed to look different. → You are not broken because someone’s advice didn’t work for you. → Not everything that sounds “productive” is healthy. → Burn the rulebook. Build a toolkit instead.

—rin t. // writing advice that doesn’t suck™ // thewriteadviceforwriters

[heywriters]

This site looks wonderful? Copied their link list below for anyone who'd rather stay on Tumblr to preview what they offer.

Starting writing

Blank Page Blueprint

5-Minute Freewrite

More than a Muse

A Field Guide to Your Imagination

Write-alongs

Idea Help

100 Story Ideas

100 Flash Fiction Prompts

52 Romance Story Ideas

30 Scene Ideas for Plot Development

30 Scene Ideas for Character Development

30 Scene Ideas for World Development

Idea generator

Story Building Tarot Spread

Genre Help

Choosing a genre

Genre mindmaps

Plotting Help

How to use a Plot Formula

How to write a novella

One Page Novel Plot Formula

The Fool’s Journey

Escaping a tight spot

Plot hole worksheet

Plot twist worksheet

Ticking clock

Mini-quests

Try/fail cycles

Increasing conflict

Adding action

Creating suspense

Writing Help

How to finish your novel

Opening scenes

Creating mood

Creating metaphors and similes

Generating title ideas

Deciding point of view

Scene writing

Dialogue help

Writing a synopsis

Creative writing reading list

Blogging while writing

Novel in a month notebook

Google Docs for writers

Creative writing toolkit

How to export your Scrivener timeline

Character Help

Quick character creator

30 scene ideas for characters

Character quirks

Killing characters

Love your antagonist

Character motivation

Making trouble for characters

Couples worksheet

Naming characters

Choosing a narrator

Writing emotions

Expressing thoughts

Creating villains

Making decisions

Character occupations

Worldbuilding Help

City building

Technology worksheet

Creating magic systems

Politics

Rites and rituals

World history

World geography

Setting

Writer Help

Becoming a writer

Differentiating yourself

Creative writer worksheets

Creative writing syllabus

Writer’s self assessment

Getting unstuck

[witchyintention]

How to Be a Witch or Pagan Without Falling for Conspiracy Theories and New Age Cult Stuff

Witchcraft and paganism offer beautiful, empowering ways to connect with the world, the divine, and yourself. But let’s be real: the spiritual community can sometimes feel like navigating a metaphysical minefield. From “lizard people control the world” conspiracies to the pervasive influence of New Age cults, finding your way as a witch or pagan can feel daunting. So, how can you embrace this path while keeping your wits about you? Let’s dive into it—no tinfoil hats required.

1. Know Thyself and Do Thy Research

One of the most powerful tools for any witch or pagan is knowledge. Before diving headfirst into spiritual practices or belief systems, ask yourself:

What am I looking for in my path?

What resonates with me spiritually and ethically?

How can I learn more from credible sources?

Avoid treating every book, blog, or TikTok video as gospel truth. Instead, prioritize research from reputable authors and scholars. Look for historical, cultural, and anthropological contexts behind practices and beliefs. For example, if you’re exploring Norse paganism, read the Poetic Edda, but also check out scholarly works like Hilda Ellis Davidson’s writings.

💡 Pro Tip: If something sounds too fantastical or claims to have “secret knowledge,” approach it critically. “Ancient Lemurians built the pyramids” is not archaeology—it’s a conspiracy theory.

2. Critical Thinking: Your New Familiar

While spirituality embraces the unseen and mysterious, it doesn’t mean suspending all logic. Here’s how to keep critical thinking in your witchy toolkit:

Fact-Check Everything: Whether it’s a viral claim about moon water curing all ailments or a new trend like “quantum jumping,” take a moment to verify its origins.

Ask Questions: Who benefits from spreading this belief? Are there ulterior motives, such as selling courses, books, or products?

Beware the “Cult of Personality”: Be wary of influencers or leaders who discourage dissent or demand unquestioning loyalty. Spirituality thrives on diversity of thought.

3. Beware of Spiritual Bypassing

Some New Age ideas encourage bypassing real-world issues in favor of “high vibes only.” While positivity is great, ignoring trauma, systemic problems, or mental health struggles in the name of spirituality is toxic. True witchcraft and paganism embrace balance, acknowledging both the light and the shadow.

✋ Red Flag: Anyone who tells you to “just manifest” your way out of hardship or suggests that you’re attracting negativity because of bad energy. Life is more complex than that.

4. Stay Grounded in History, Not Appropriation

A common pitfall in modern paganism and witchcraft is cultural appropriation masquerading as spirituality. Using sacred practices or symbols from cultures you’re not part of without understanding their context can be harmful.

If you’re drawn to a practice, research its origins and ensure you’re honoring it respectfully.

Consider focusing on traditions tied to your own ancestry or exploring paths open to everyone, like modern witchcraft.

🌿 Example: Smudging is a specific Indigenous practice. Instead of co-opting it, explore alternative smoke-cleansing methods with herbs like rosemary or lavender.

5. Cult Warning Signs: Spot Them Early

Not all cults look like Hollywood’s hooded figures chanting in candlelit basements. In spirituality, cult-like behavior often hides under the guise of community.

Red Flags Include:

An authoritarian leader or group demanding absolute loyalty.

Isolation from family, friends, or outside perspectives.

Fear-based control tactics, like threatening spiritual punishment for leaving.

Heavy financial exploitation (e.g., expensive courses or “required” donations).

💡 Remember: True spiritual communities empower you to think for yourself, not rely on a single leader or system.

6. Separate Science from Spirituality

You can be a witch or pagan and still respect science. Magic doesn’t have to contradict reality—it works alongside it. For example:

Herbs like chamomile and valerian have scientifically proven calming properties, but that doesn’t mean they’re a cure-all.

Astrology can provide insight into your personality, but it’s not a substitute for therapy or medical advice.

🌙 Balance: Use spirituality as a tool for meaning and connection, not as a replacement for critical thinking or evidence-based practices.

7. Build Your Own Practice

You don’t need to follow every trend or adopt someone else’s path. Witchcraft and paganism are deeply personal journeys. Create a practice that aligns with your values and beliefs, free from the noise of conspiracy theories or cult-like pressures.

Ideas for Starting Out:

Learn about local folklore or the natural cycles in your area.

Experiment with simple rituals, like lighting a candle with intention or journaling under the moon.

Create an altar with objects that resonate with you—crystals, photos, or even trinkets that make you smile.

🌟 Most Importantly: Trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to say “no, thanks.”

8. Community: Seek Connection, Not Control

Connecting with other witches and pagans can be enriching—but choose your circles wisely. Look for communities that:

Encourage discussion and critical thought.

Respect individual paths and practices.

Avoid fear-mongering or elitism.

👀 Where to Look: Online forums, book clubs, or open public rituals are great starting points. Just remember to maintain healthy boundaries.

9. Grounding Techniques to Avoid Falling for the “Woo Woo”

When exploring spirituality, it’s easy to get carried away. Grounding yourself regularly can help you stay centered:

Meditate or practice mindful breathing.

Spend time in nature, whether it’s a park or your backyard.

Write down your beliefs and revisit them regularly. Are they still serving you?

10. Be Open-Minded, Not Gullible

It’s okay to explore the mystical and unknown, but there’s a difference between curiosity and naivety. Stay open to new ideas, but don’t abandon discernment. Your path should feel empowering, not overwhelming or manipulative.

Final Thoughts

Witchcraft and paganism are all about connecting with nature, yourself, and the divine in ways that feel meaningful and authentic. By staying grounded, informed, and true to yourself, you can embrace this path without falling prey to conspiracy theories or cult-like traps.

Remember: You’re the captain of your own broomstick. Fly wisely.

╔══ ∙∘𓆩⟡𓆪∘∙ ════════╗

How to Support the Blog

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[urhoneycombwitch]

Hello baby happy high night!!! I would like to make a request for your horniest roommate!eddie thots plzz I can't stop thinking about him. Just the dynamic and all the sexual tension and the not-fucking and the wanting to fuck... I'm drooling...

I keep imagining like a really intense earnest conversation with him and reader about like their sexual preferences in a totally casual way with no ulterior motives because friends talk about that stuff right?? 👀 Is this anything? 👀👀

foreword: oh this is absolutely something. thanks for sparking this blurb anon!! 

cw: no actual smut but discussions of sex + kinks + masturbation, implied plus sized Reader with breasts, Eddie + R are in an established (but secret) situationship, (also a secret are the) feelings. 

wc: 1.2k

There’s this sketchy metal ladder in your apartment building on the top floor, leads right to the roof- no one ever uses it ‘cuz it’s really out of the way and looks super unsafe. But ever since Eddie broke out his toolkit and reinforced the bars and screws, it’s been the gateway to a perfect little summer escape.

Sitting on your loungers with paperbacks, flipping over every few minutes to distribute the golden sun evenly between your front and back- you and Eddie are having a rare, peaceful afternoon. Just the two of you, overlooking the city from your probably-illegal hangout spot, basking in just your underthings (it’s hot, and you’ll both tan better, and besides, no one around to stare except each other).

After finishing another chapter, you push yourself to sit up, lying on your stomach and leaning into your forearms to peer at Eddie through the dark tint of your sunglasses. “Hey. Have you ever tried anal?”

Eddie’s unphased, well used to the way you tend to pick up threads of conversation with startling randomness. He raises a dark brow over the rim of his own tortoiseshell sunglasses, sprawled content on his back, hands folded atop his bare stomach. 

Hums, thoughtfully, before rolling his head lazily towards your lounger- “Yeah. On someone else, no- but on me, yeah.”

Interest piqued, you lean forward further, the soft slopes of your breasts spilling slightly out of the cups of your bra but uncaring as you press, “Wait, really? Was it… like, you got pegged? Or was it a-”

“Buttplug,” Eddie confirms, head lolling back into place. Chocolate curls with a golden-light lustre shift over his shoulders- freckle-smattered from all the sunbathing- as he returns, casually, “And you?”

“Nah.” You poke a finger between the threaded plastic of the lounger beneath the length of your prone body. “I mean, I’ve never been into anal- not really my thing- but, uh, pegging. Yeah. I can get into that.”

“Me too.” Eddie blows out a mournful sigh. “Not really a first-date type of conversation, though, and that’s all I seem to be having these days.”

“How about choking?” You want to keep focused on the subject before it gets hijacked with another existential spiral about your on-the-rocks love lives. 

“Yep. And before you ask- both done to me, and done to a partner. Check and check.” His head rolls back towards you, an invitation to share.

“Choking is cool.” Your finger breaks through the thin plastic, a perfect hole punched in the shape of your index left behind. “I prefer to be the one doing it, though. More control that way.”

Eddie nods to show he’s listening. His hand slips to his thigh, pulling at the hem of his swimsuit shorts. “Yeah, sure. Makes sense.”

A beat. And then, in the uncanny way of people who spend too much time together, you and Eddie both say the same thing at the same time.

“What else are you into?”

Another beat, and then you both crack up, loud guffaws and cackles as Eddie’s teeth flash white and you reach for your water glass with fingers shaky from laughter, feeling suddenly overheated. 

“You first,” Eddie says, playing the part of gentlemen, a twinkle of leftover amusement still evident in his voice.

“Um.” The water glass clinks as you set it back down, touching your lips to the back of your hand before answering. “I like my nipples being sucked on. Played with. They’re sensitive, so… I get a lot out of it.”

Eddie’s gone very still, and you’d almost wonder if he's fallen asleep if not for his chest rising in fast rhythm. He clears his throat, nostrils flaring with a quick breath. “Oh. Right. That’s… great. Good for you.”

You can’t help the giggle that escapes, taking sick pleasure in seeing some of his bravado be melted away with just a few words. “Your turn to answer.”

“Nipples-” it’s almost comical how quickly he speaks, and then stops himself, like that’s been the only thing on his mind and he accidentally let it out. “Uh. I mean. I like nipples, too.”

Eddie’s your favorite bear to poke at. After crossing your legs at the ankle, you kick them up behind you, coquettish and simpering. “Yeah? Like, you like your nipples being played with, or someone else’s-”

“Fucking christ.” Eddie shoves the flat of his hands underneath his glasses, scrubbing down his face before sitting up- pointedly turned away from you, feet planted on the roof over the side of his lounger as he hunches forward. “Any of it. All of it. Yours, mine, whoever the hell else wants to join. I feel like I’m burning up.”

“Poor thing.” You stretch to run a sympathetic hand down Eddie’s curved spine, fingers dancing on the constellations of freckles and black ink. “I think you should cool off inside, for a bit. Maybe release some steam in your bedroom before I get back?”

“You know what I think?” Eddie’s words sound half-squeezed, wrung out more the further south your hand travels. “I think you might be the devil. Or some sort of witch. Haven’t decided yet.”

“Keep brainstorming, pal.” With one last stroke to the planes of his muscles, you ease yourself back into lying face-down, settling your forehead into the flat of your crossed arms. “I’ll be down in ten. Don’t come without me.”

Eddie freezes, hand floating in mid-air over the book between his feet. He recovers in an impressive three seconds, resuming the collection of his things- book, towel that gets slung low around his waist, your now-empty water glass. 

“Make it a quick ten, would ya.” He knows you’ll probably make it twenty, now, just to torture him, but Eddie can’t hold back the words as the last of his head disappears in his ladder descent.

There’s no one to hear but you huff, anyway. In an impressive three whole minutes, you’ll be skittering down the ladder after Eddie, diving into your vibrator drawer first thing. 

It’s like the apartment contractors purposefully designed the thin insulation to give future roommates an audience; every gasp, every whimper, every wet noise of his fist on his cock or your fingers plunging into yourself- heard clear as day through the shared wall. Something that started out as accidental voyeurism has now morphed into ritual, sacred and shared nearly every night. 

Unconsciously, your thighs squeeze together at the memories rushing hot through your bloodstream. 

You might need to leave the roof, soon- you think you might be burning up.

[theworldsarchitect]

[He looks down at his free hand, upturning his palm and tracing the ridges with his eyes.] "... It's been happen1n' fer a few days, n0w. These... Cough1n' issues, this v0mit1n'. It k1nda... Just happened, outta n0where. I dunno h0w to fix it s1nce I dunno where it came fr0m. I haven' been s1ck, I haven' been feel1n' any... Any different fr0m usual.."

[Well, now that he thought about it a bit more, he has been feeling different. Ever since what happened with... 1x... He's been a lot less motivated. He's been tired, his mood has been down in the gutter and overall he just hasn't been doing good. But none of that leads to sickness! At least, he didn't think so.

He shifted his gaze over to Elliot, not at his face, but just.. him. He felt too ashamed to look him in the eye, but he wanted to look at him. This sweet boy, who wanted nothing but to make sure everyone was doing alright...]

"...I'm s0, so sorry, Star. Ya sh0uldn' hafta worry 'b0ut me." [He apologizes profusely, feeling nothing but guilt. He gently leaned his head on top of the others, and pulled him closer.]

It has been quiet today, the cabin feeling rather empty 'sides a few survivors here or there. You hadn't seen Elliot at all, you didn't really think about it until now.

The creaking of the cabin stairs could've startled anyone out of their thoughts. It was none other than the pizza boy himself descending them.

He looked tired, like he just woke up from a nap. They looked upset, as if they didn't want to even take the nap in the first place.

"Hey Builderman." He waved with a small smile. Builderman, Elliot's best friend, his boss, and there were a few other things but those weren't too important for the world to hear yet. Their demeanor changed as soon as they saw the man, seeming a bit happier to see them.

- @yourlocalpizzaguyelliot

[He was sitting at one of the booth tables, his usual casual smile stripped away to reveal a sad, worried expression. His hands were on his head and he was neck deep in his thoughts, so to speak.

He was overthinking. He's been doing a lot of that recently, and his demeanor has been changing, as well. He's only been eating moreso on occasion, which is almost nothing like the jolly, large builder. He's been coughing a lot, and been taking breaks to step outside for who knows how long. One time he was out for 2 hours.

He hasn't told anyone about what was going on, mostly because he doesn't understand it himself. How could he make any assumptions when he doesn't quite know what was going on with himself to begin with?

His head snapped up to Elliots voice, and he covered his sorrow once again with his smile, though this time they were decorated with eyebags.]

"Oh! Hey, Elliot! How've ya been, Star?" [He chirps happily. He doesn't need Elliot worrying.]

[leadtheteam]

Unlocking the Science of Human Thriving: A Conversation with Dr. Renee Moorfield

It’s time for positive transformation! Leadership isn’t just about guiding teams and driving revenue—it’s increasingly about fostering well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Mike, the engaging host of the Leadership Toolkit podcast, recently welcomed Dr. Renee Moorfield, a pioneer at the intersection of well-being and leadership, to delve into how the science of human thriving can…

[thydungeongal]

You've stated repeatedly that D&D 5e doesn't possess the mechanics to enable the heroic-fantasy adventure that a lot of DMs/Players seem to think it's meant for. What mechanics would a game designed to cater to that manner of play and storytelling have? Care to offer any recommendations?

In my opinion for a game to really support the genre of heroic fantasy it should have at least some of the following:

Some way of character motivations affecting gameplay in a robust manner. D&D 5e has inspiration which can be rewarded for acting according to a character's bonds, ideals, or flaws, but it is so poorly integrated into the system it might as well be "your DM grants inspiration when they feel like it."

Meaningful nonlethal consequences. D&D 5e gives characters limited means of handling situations nonlethally, including combat, but for the most part combat defaults to lethal and the game provides very little actual concrete guidance as to how characters losing an encounter should be handled. Death remains the most meaningful, clear consequence in D&D, which means there's a risk of losing narrative continuity in pretty much every encounter.

Doing heroics should be tied into the game's incentive structures and in-game reward mechanics. D&D 5e by the book mostly rewards overcoming obstacles (with defeating monsters as the most clearly mechanically defined example!) and before anyone says "milestones" shut up, that's just putting more work on the DM instead of the game defining its own reward mechanics.

There should, in general, be a framework for handling more types of activity than just combat, and combat shouldn't necessarily need to be handled as a blow-by-blow affair, but this is something I think there can be a lot of variation on.

Games that I think fit the bill to varying degrees:

RuneQuest/Mythras: Character ideals like Passions are very well integrated into gameplay. While combat is lethal the game does a lot of the work of telegraphing that to players and GMs and since the game assumes that most opponents will be intelligent creatures with thoughts and feelings there's no expectation of "the orcs will fight to the death" which is a sentence I hate in modern D&D adventure design. While I personally think Passions could be better integrated into the game's advancement system, the way the game handles advancement through actually doing things and membership in organizations (integrating characters into the setting) works very well!

Against the Darkmaster (VsD for short): While mostly a very trad game in the same general wheelhouse as D&D mechanically, its lethal combat system can actually disincentivize engaging in combat for fun (not exactly heroic imo) and it actually provides lots of mechanics for integrating character motivations and doing heroics into the system, including its advancement structures! Hell, it even provides methods for corrupting character ideals and it has a clear campaign structure of fighting against a BBEG!

Fellowship: A game that very much approaches the same genre of fighting against a BBEG as VsD but from an indie direction, once again rewards actual heroics and building connections with the world over just killing monsters, and I mean that this stuff is already implemented into the rules. Also provides a framework for handling social situations, including making friends!

QuestWorlds (formerly HeroQuest): Probably one of the first "narrativist" RPGs (I'm only using that as a shorthand: GNS sucks), QuestWorlds is a very much a trad type of RPG but that approaches the act of gameplay from a very different perspective. Basically, the game has narrative convention built right into its mechanics. It is a very neat game and I heartily recommend checking it out!

Fate: I don't particularly like Fate but even I must admit that it fits almost all of my criteria there! It is more of a toolkit game system so some assembly is required, but I do believe one could easily run a heroic fantasy game using it!

The Shadows of Yesterday: Is a good game. I'm losing steam right now but like TSoY is a pretty good game and I like it. I think y'all should Google it, it's out there on the internet and you can just. Read it.

[marlynnofmany]

Handy Tools

For some people, an afternoon spent blasting across a desert on a hoverbike with the passenger behind them wrapping tentacles around their waist would be a charming date. For me, it was a work day, and our delivery was about to be late.

I yelled over the wind, “Am I going too fast for you?”

Mur’s voice was muffled against my shirt. “I’m just glad I don’t have to steer at these speeds. Keep going.”

I went faster. Now that I’d been officially trained on the hoverbike, I was going to enjoy every opportunity to use it. Especially since it turned out that most of my coworkers didn’t actually like seeing the scenery flash past at breakneck speeds, with the wind in their hair (or lack thereof).

Their loss. I caught some air going over a low sand dune, and allowed myself a whoop of joy. Mur didn’t hold on any tighter, but that was because he had all his other tentacles suctioned onto the bike. Nobody stays in their seat like a Strongarm who’s properly motivated. He reminded me of cats I’d known who spent trips to the vet with their claws sunk into whichever soft surface was in reach. All that was missing was the yowling.

A gust of wind buffeted us sideways, but the bike’s auto-balance function kept it upright. With a thought for how much I would have liked that kind of technology in my childhood bicycle, I steered us back on track toward the distant buildings on the edge of the desert. The plan had been for our client to come meet us at the spaceport, but something had come up on their end, and they still needed the package in a hurry. Luckily for all involved, it fit in the storage compartment of our courier ship’s speedy little hovercycle. And I was happy to deliver it at high speed to a building that the ship couldn’t land near.

Eventually we’d be weaving through city streets and I’ve have to slow down. All the more reason to make up time with the high speeds now.

But of course it couldn’t be that easy. As I crested another rise, a herd of small things on the ground swarmed toward us out of nowhere.

I swerved hard, but no luck; there were far too many to avoid. With the wind behind them, they flowed under the hoverbike and onto its lower parts, where a bunch of the round little whatevers stuck fast.

The bike coasted to a stop, despite my efforts to urge it faster. The rest of the things ghosted merrily away, looking more like inanimate objects blown by the wind than like living creatures. Dozens of them were stuck to the bike.

Mur swore loudly in his own language, a series of rippling pops that sounded like someone going to town on a bunch of birthday balloons. Which seemed pretty appropriate, actually.

“What are these?” I asked, turning off the engine. They looked like little sand-beige balloons with leaves at the bottom. Were they plants?

They were.

“A muddy problem is what they are,” Mur said, loosening his tentacles and opening the storage compartment. “Seed pods famous around here for gumming up electronics by getting stuck where they shouldn’t. You can’t just pull ‘em off; you have to pop them.”

I got to my feet, careful to keep my legs away from the things. “Are they dangerous to touch?”

Mur climbed halfway into the storage compartment, digging with his tentacles around the package. “No. Just hard to puncture. Where is the toolkit?”

I had a sudden memory of our ship’s mechanic saying something about borrowing it while I was talking to the captain about the delivery. Uh oh. “I think we left before Mimi put it back.”

With an angry tentacle slap against the bike, Mur dug faster. “There’s got to be something pointy in here. Maybe in the medkit?”

While he pulled that out and sifted through the bandages, I got a closer look at the seed pods. They reminded me of pufferfish: a little spiky, and rubbery when I poked one. Oddly enough, it didn’t stick to my finger, just the bike. Seeds rattled inside.

Further pop-swearing told me there wasn’t anything particularly sharp in the tiny medkit. Mur shut it with a snap and looked around at the desert. “See any sticks?”

I did not. “There’s probably something at the town, but that’s a bit of a walk. Are you sure we can’t just rip them open? Are they toxic to bite?”

“Definitely don’t bite them,” Mur said. “I’ve heard stories of what those seeds can do to a digestive system.”

“By hand, though?” I tried to pinch one, but it was like trying to tear open an over-inflated kickball. Thin material, just without enough give to dig my fingers in. A pushpin would have done it. I kept trying anyway. “I see what you mean.”

Mur started tugging at various parts of the hoverbike. “And of course we can’t take off a sharp metal bit without tools either. And neither of us have claws. What around here is pointy?”

“Well, I almost have claws,” I said, looking at my fingernails. “Maybe I could bite one into a point. Or actually—” The nail on my middle finger was the longest. I dug a thumbnail into the corner and ripped the end off, then handed the tiny crescent to Mur. “Is this sharp enough?”

“What’s this?” He took it in his tentacle, surprised.

“Fingernail,” I said, waggling my fingers. “Mine are soft enough to tear off pretty easily. It’ll grow back.”

Mur blinked in surprise but didn’t comment. He just grasped it firmly with his most dexterous tentacle, and popped a seedpod with it.

“Hooray!” I said as seeds rained down and the pod deflated. To my surprise, it promptly detached from the bike as well.

“We might just be on time after all.” Mur started popping with a vengeance, swarming over the bike to get everything within reach.

I sacrificed another fingernail — ring finger this time — and joined in. Between my long arms and his maneuverability, we soon had all of the troublesome things collapsing onto the sandy ground.

I wondered briefly about the biology at work; maybe the outer surface of the pods would decompose into nutrients for the seeds. But then Mur was climbing back onto the seat, and we had other things to worry about.

“I’m going to make sure that toolkit goes back where it belongs the moment we get back,” Mur said. He opened the storage compartment and dropped the fingernail inside. “Keeping these, though. Gimme the other one.”

I handed it over with a smile and got back into place while he shut the compartment. The bike started as if there had never been anything wrong. I was a bit curious about that too, but figured it was something for Mimi to figure out when he gave the bike a checkup later.

After we delivered our package, that is. I kicked it into high gear, and with Mur holding on for dear life, I blasted off across the desert once again. The wind in my hair felt great.

~~~

These are the ongoing backstory adventures of the main character from this book.

Shared early on Patreon! There’s even a free tier to get them on the same day as the rest of the world.

The sequel novel is in progress (and will include characters from these stories. I hadn’t thought all of them up when I wrote the first book, but they’re too much fun to leave out of the second).