#mental health support for entrepreneurs

[ellarosedesignmaui]

In The Blink of an eye my Dreams Shattered

From what I can remember, it was a pretty routine day back on Friday, June 4th, 2010. Little did I know my whole life was about to change forever in more ways than I ever imagined possible!

Life to me was just perfect, at a time when spring was in the air and summer was almost here, I felt terrific. It is the best time of year in Lower Michigan.

I was finally about to graduate from college, and I felt on top of the world. Exams were due Monday, and there was only one more term to go.

Determined nothing was going to stand in my way!

I had just won an award for my designs.

Little did I know my life was soon going to be ripped away by a thief in the night.

Little did I know my life was soon going to be ripped away by a thief in the night.

A Typical Day Building The Dream

It was a usual day, to be in the workshop anywhere from 12 to 24 hours a day, yet the first time in four years, school wasn’t open 24/7 especially during exams.  

I can’t count how often I was there a few days at a time, usually in midterms and final exams. 

Soon security was announcing we needed to leave, as they were closing campus.  As I was packing up, dreading my hour drive home only to turn around to come back in the morning.  

As I was leaving a classmate I ran into walking out; Knowing the long drive I had kindly offered me to stay with her.  She lived very close to campus, & saving me hours of driving.

Before My Shattered Dreams

I knew everyone and everyone knew me! Whether they liked me not sure, like to think so! I had a rare opportunity to work for the Detroit Pistons, for ten years meeting tons of people. 

“I was an outspoken individual. I often had strong opinions and beliefs.”

I had recently spent the past 10 years figuring out who I was after previous life struggles. I was working on moving past some childhood experiences! Before starting School I was almost always with someone in the above photo.  

I’m blessed with some of the most amazing friends and family I could ever ask for! Their love & believing in me so much to succeed at all my crazy passions got me to this point. Supportive of my crasy callings.

I was on my way with great opportunities after graduation I set up a plan for the future! 

There was always a very close group of us from college who always pushed each other to reach new heights. We knew each other well, knowing the chances are only a few of us would make it. Based on statistics fashion is extremely high cut throat industry. 

We were the few who always put in the work.  

We were so determined to take it to the top!  Rather than be self serving, it wasn’t uncommon for us to lend a hand in need.  Especially, if one of our inner circle was to overwhelmed. 

A group of us very dedicated to succeeding became more like family!  Often spending more time together, then our actual family’s.  I’ll always be eternally grateful for them, & love each of my fashion family! 

Dark Starless Sky

Unsure, how the other girl is feeling now or her scaring I’m respecting her privacy not saying her name. she invited me to stay saving me 2 hours of driving time on no sleep! See we looked out bit. Although, if I knew then what I do now I would have drove that 100x over! 

I followed her home that night. It was so dark, looking up and not a star in the sky. I also remember it raining at some point that horrible night. It’s weird how you become acutely aware, of your surroundings at times with smells, sounds, a chill in the air, after the fact.

We both run inside and lock the door behind us. Being that is was nearing summer, it was extremely hot that night. We ended up cracking the 2nd-floor balcony door for air. We were studying for a bit, getting a lot of done and feeling good. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think the end of my world as I knew it was mere seconds away.

How you deal with change in the blink of an eye

“Never Saw It Coming, just took the blink of an eye!”

My friend stepped away to return, holding up a bag with two bagels in it, asked if I wanted one. I stood up quickly, took one step forward as I pointed to one, yes, please.

Within just seconds, my life was going to change, unaware of what was about to happen.

We had turned our backs from the cracked balcony door for only a brief second!

Suddenly a masked man was standing behind me with a gun to my head. My head was going crazy.  These questions still haunt me.

How did he get in here that fast?  Had he been watching us for a while?  Did he follow us there?  Did he know my friend?

All these thoughts and questions are going through my head as I stand there, fearing for my life. Things like this don’t happen here; this is not normal.

Stuck In A Nightmare

I couldn’t help myself. I screamed, bloody murder when I saw a gun to my head. I swore someone had to hear and would call the police!

“But it had to be a joke better yet!”

Reality became clear…

as we then instructed to drop to our knees and put hands behind our back! As crazy as it sounds there was something I trusted when he said don’t make another noise & I won’t hurt you!

He said this while tying our arms up so might have been crazy! But it was all I could do to stay calm!

He then walked us into her room. Then laid us across her bed face down. As he began going back to the door he let in other men. We never saw with our eyes covered .

Catch me on Facebook Elizabeth Marie Rose Facebook.com/Elizabeth.m.rose.3

Then they began searching every room. Soon realized it was for something to tie our feet up with. He grabbed a phone cord charger for that and covered our heads. before they proceeded to let in another 3-4 other men we never saw! As he began going back to the door he let in other men.

I remember that for someone that’s hard of hearing. I could hear everything now. It was like God knew I needed my hearing it was the only sense I had to work with! Although the way we set, her and I were able to clench fingers.  

I was so thankful because that was what kept me from crumbling.  We would squeeze our fingers, like we were not in this alone!

Im strong mm

Surviving During Trauma

Your body goes into a state of survival that’s unlike anything else when your life’s in danger.

I’ve never been able to explain the full-body calm that comes over you in a time like this.

I wanted to react, but I was also calm somehow and wanted to believe him, hoping his statement was true.

My rational mind says; who trust someone holding you hostage, but my mind in fear wants to believe him.

I just remember how tight I clung to her fingers to remember we were in this together.

I just couldn’t understand why the police hadn’t arrived yet. I had screamed for my life, as loud and terrified as you can imagine, praying that someone had heard.

“I had a gun put to my head, where was our help?”

These men, although I couldn’t see, I could hear clearly for one of the only times in my life. I could hear the steps on the floor. I was trying to count how many I heard.

I listened to everything hoping to remember something to help.  So when we got to the police; I’d be able to answer questions.  I wanted to find out about who these men were.

Your Focus Determines Your Future

The Demands & Questions Begin

As I heard them opening everything and going through boxes, one of the men who was very mean, kept asking me what was in a box near my head. 

I didn’t know; I didn’t live there.   Suddenly, he kicked me demanding answers,  when I was spoken to.  I said I don’t live here and have no idea! 

Next He wanted our info and said if you lie, I will kill you! 

Now honestly, there wasn’t anything I was not telling because I knew he meant it.

I just kept praying she did the same because he had a tone in his voice like it didn’t matter.

He started asking for our debit card pins. I gave mine hoping they would use it, which could help the police find them.

He also wanted all of our passwords and pins for everything.

We were asked over and over again by the mean guy for our password and pins, and it became clear he wanted to make sure we were not lying.

I remember the relief felt  realizing she had answered correctly also.

This when on multiple times over the few hours we were held.  

This is more true then you know!!

I Didn't Know How Much More I Could Take

They soon wanted more answers to where things were in the house. Again, the mean man kicked me so hard demanding, “what’s in the box?”

“I cried, no idea! I don’t live here, but if I knew I’d tell you.”

Time was moving so slowly, it was not that big of a place! 

I don’t understand what they were doing or what was taking so long.

As the hours passed by, I knew no one was coming to help, so I gave up on hope.

“We were utterly alone, no one knew we even needed help at this point, so that’s when some despair started setting in. “

But, wait could it be? 

I finally heard them talking about leaving.

Wait No, I just heard my car door unlock.  Then hearing it drive away.

“All I could think of was I have no way out of here!”

The worst was it still wasn’t over because we heard the mean man say he was staying here, to make sure they got away.

It put chills down my spine. It had seemed like forever as he walked so loud as he waited.

I prayed alll this time and dispite how were were treated I still praying for kindness! Who was I to wish Ill on anyone I just tried to be true to my heart and honestly hope it would help them show us some kindness!

As Trauma Survivor I Wasn't Free At All

Suddenly it was so quiet in the house, I couldn’t tell what was going on, but then I felt like a finally alone. 

Like the silence after a snow storm. We were alone; they had all left.

Intense fear washed over me, as I had no idea where the mean guy had gone, or if he had left, so I waited but was starting to tremble, shaking.

I waited for what felt like forever but was probably 10 minutes before I cried out, “are you still here, we won’t get up if you are.” 

We continued to wait, but that’s when I started to hyperventilate; I was terrified and needed help.

With what little bit of sense I could muster, I thought for a moment, and then I clenched my fists to begin to break free. I didn’t want to mess with any evidence.

I did what they had taught me in Taekwondo, to keep pulling my fists through the ties. It took a while, but eventually, I got my hand free. 

The closer I got, the more I was breaking apart emotionally.

Where did they leave out? What direction had he gone? It haunted me!

Not knowing where they had gone was paralyzing me with fear.

Once I got my hands free, I then helped my friend. She was so much calmer. I didn’t understand how, but after getting her hands free.  We both freed our legs.

I tried to stand, but my knees buckled, full of fear. We both laid on our stomachs to army crawl with our elbows to the door as we didn’t know if we were being watched, and it was making us both crumble in fear.

Our phones and computers were gone, so we had no way to call for help.

There are no words to describe my sheer terror at that point. One would think we were safe, but not knowing where he’d gone was paralyzing us.

As we both let ourselves fall apart, for a few minutes trying to process things. 

I looked her straight in the eyes and said we need to get out.  Yet, so scared I can’t move we need to call for help.

She was brave and opened the door; thank God there was no one out there!

when times get hard I remember this and it helps me remember Im here to help others!!

Help wasn't Easy To Find

I went to knock on the neighbor’s door, but she stopped me saying that was a family!  Without hesitation, I thought perfect because they are likely to help.  Then as the dad cracked the door, I just cried “please we need help call the police please.”

He hadn’t even unlocked the latch, so it was still locked as he proceeded to close the door.

We were banging on doors begging for help after the 1st man dismissed us in such dier time of need. Who does that when we just said we needed help?

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No one answered until we got to the bottom floor, then finally, a couple let us come in until the police arrived.

The neighbor said, “oh, that was the scream we had heard.”   My heart sank, I thought, he could have helped us if he heard it and called the police to check it out.

Neither of us could go in the apartment once we got out, regardless of police we couldn’t return.

I looked at her as I realized my tailoring jacket was in my car that had been stolen and immediately just focused on my exams that were due Monday.

The Missing Jacket matched this purse. Dispite getting it back I never was capable of finishing it. there was way to much emotion in that to deal with.

No Not My Family

“Then it hit me like a ton of bricks!”

That they had taken my keys along with my phone and my car pretty much my whole life! My brand new Malibu watch had home programmed in, and so did my phone.

“It gets worse, they had my keys to get into my parent’s house.”

Immediately began calling to warn them and let them know what happened, but no one answered, I called every phone number! This  was not like them, this started to make me worry more. 

“Did this mean the thieves were already there?”

My mind jumped to the worse. It was so unlike my parents as my mom sleeps with one eye open, I swear.

Why weren’t they answering and were they ok? It felt like the longest 45 minutes before I got a hold of them to warm them to put on the deadbolts.

Soon on their way to the Amber apartments to get me.

The days to come are a blur. To this day, I still haven’t fully processed what had happened.

The Troy police officer, was very surprised and admitted he was new to the unit but had never seen anything like this.

Despite trying to stay calm, I was shaking uncontrollably as we told the detective what happened.

Beautifully Broken Is My New Reality

I started to realize how broken I was and the damage that was done.

The next few weeks would be some of the toughest of my life.

My way of coping; I stressed over my exams, my jacket that had been done to perfection and completed all but the hem.  This was our main senior project.  It was designed and made over 2 terms.   

I had made a purse to match, busted my tail, getting it done. I loved my army green denim fabric with a bright, colorful polka dot lining that fit me perfectly.

I have a photo of the purse I made to match, even adding a red button. 

I added a large button in the bag to clip my keys to since I always lose them so hoping this would help them not get lost so easily.

I don’t know if this was the best way of coping, yet who knows what’s normal as nothing I was going through was normal. 

I hoped keeping busy would help keep my mind off reality.  

In the Blink of an Eye, Life's Never Be The Same

My life was forever changed in ways I never expected. 

I used to be so full of life, loving, carefree heart has now turned to stone only full of fear.

I can’t go anywhere without wondering if they’re here or near.

It’s made me so sad I often just cry, as I remember how much I tried to live my life to the fullest.

When you’re afraid to leave your house or be alone, it makes living difficult.

Adjusting to a life of flashbacks & nightmares, I try to keep smiling, pretending I’m not broken.

The reality is, all I want is to be happy again, that genuine feeling that makes you feel full inside is empty and dark.  As dark as the night it happened in a starless sky, my dreams now are evolving, and I understand why.

I need to help others find a reason to push through and try.

Trying to remember my loved ones don’t understand; however, it doesn’t mean they don’t try. The only way to truly understand what it’s like, one must experience it, yet I wish that on no one.

These were my closest support system all grown up and Im always grateful for them for all they are and have become!

Dreams Delayed but not gone Forever!

Now 10 years delayed. I’m about to do my life dreams. I got some amazing experiences from those years. Through, working with brilliant people who helped me get here! Ready to become vulnerable again.

I’ve realized how important it is to start the discussion about Mental Health Awareness and support for Trauma Survivors.  I’ve decided that I’m going to use my passion to share my love of fashion, in addition to including education for the many women suffering Mental Health Illness and Trauma Survivors.  

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By Choosing this path I’m deciding to take back control of my life.  Choosing to use what I went through to help others, as, my life changed in the blink of an eye.  Unfortunately, stigmas need to be changed and I strongly believe most are due to lack of education.  By helping educate our society is essential to winning the battle.  It’s been too long now there is a negative association with anyone suffering mental health. 

We all make a choice in life, to be part of the problem or part of the solution.  In my experience I know all to well the lack of support for this cause.  I’m choosing to be a change I know is needed. 

My Dream is to help women build their self-love and confidence to accept themselves in every way.  No one is perfect, so by continuing to make a conscious effort to improve our mindset and allow ourselves to be authentic.  I hope this will help improve how many see yourself and see our strengths as ways to make this world better more loving and accepting place. 

Especially, for the friends and family of individuals suffering.  I needing them more then ever trying to sort through the new way of life.  Yet, it’s a double edged sword, your feeling more lost and alone than ever before.  We push people away not understanding how bad it is!  Don’t let your loved ones do that regardless how hard they try.  Your exactly what they need most.   

My friend Sarah since middle school reunited after moving home from Texas.

Those Suffering Invisible Scars You're Not Alone

My life is forever changed in ways I never expected, quicker then you can blink an eye.  My dream now is to help create much needed change.

Sadly, it can be anyone’s future.  We never know, especially with the number growing of both school & public shootings.   Each one is creating a far larger number of people suffering effects of trauma and mental illness.

https://ellarosemaui.com

Award I won for sharing this story of survival!

I’m sharing this deeply personal detailed experience of how my life changed in the blink of an eye. 

Yes, it’s scary, traumatizing, and ultimately life-changing part of my past.  I’m sharing for anyone suffering invisible scars to know you’re not alone.

Keep fighting because you’re stronger than it!

When you’re feeling the fear of it just push a bit more, that’s how I’m trying to accomplish more. Most importantly, if there’s one thing you take from this.  Those of us broken by invisible scars on our soul and are still damaged and broken, please don’t judge us negatively.

It’s easy to think we are not hurting because we probably look the same. The hardest comment I heard over and over was, at least you are ok. I was so not ok, not even close, just remember the invisible scars can hurt the most. 

Never judge your loved one because that’s the worst for the person in pain on the inside.

We need our families more than you know, and even when we say “no,” just keep on loving us anyway!

“You can never tell a book by its cover.”

Lester Fuller and Edwin Rolfe

[mentorshelly]

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[alotofpockets]

Replaced | Part 1 | Natasha Romanoff

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Stark!Reader, and Tony Stark x Daughter!Reader

Story warnings: heart disease/failure, loss of a parent, absent father.

Story summary: Your father, Tony Stark, has been rather absent in the recent years of your life. What will happen when you show up at the Avengers Compound after you lose your mom?

Masterlist | Marvel masterlist | Words: 2.5K Part 1 | Part 2

Your parents split up when you were just two years old, therefore you didn't even remember them together. You've lived with just your mom ever since. At first you spend every summer at your dad's, but ever since he became Iron Man, that stopped. Your dad had claimed to not have enough time on his hands to keep you safe. 

It's been about ten years since you've had sleepovers at your dad's in the summer. You had seen him every few months to catch up over dinner, but much more than that you hadn't seen of your dad. It sucks, because he was your dad and you want him in your life, but over the years it started to get more and more clear to you that being an entrepreneur and superhero was more important to him than being a father. 

Over those years your mom had been your biggest form of support, she was always there for you and your needs. She was your mom and best friend in one, you could share everything with her. Sure, your dad made sure you and your mom had the money to live a good life, and so that your mom was able to keep her local book store running instead of having to get a better paying job. You were very grateful for that, because your mom absolutely loved that store. On your eighteenth birthday your mom asked you if you wanted to be the co-owner of the store. You had been working there as a side job ever since you started college. You were grateful for her offer, and gladly accepted it. 

At college you studied business, something that clearly runs in the family. Everything you’ve learned in class, you got to put to use at the store. Once you were done with college, your mom had taught you about every aspect of the store, unbeknownst to you, making you ready to take over one day. It happened suddenly, one day everything was good, and the next day you were in an ambulance because your mother had collapsed. After hours of testing the doctor let you know that something was wrong with her heart. At first medication was enough to help your mom get through the day, but when those stopped working, she had to have surgery. She stayed at the hospital for a while to monitor everything. You spend as much time as you could by her side, while also keeping the store running. It was mentally and physically draining, but the store was your mom’s pride and joy, and you had every intention to keep it running for her. She got a bit better after the surgery, but gradually over the months she was declining in her health once again. 

She ended up in the hospital once again, this time she was on 24-hour watches. When the doctors informed you that there wasn’t anything they could do for her anymore, you started talking about a DNR. Your mom had a long talk with you, stating that she left everything to you in the will. “Sweetheart, I know you have big dreams and I want you to follow them all. Please don’t let keeping the store get in the way of that. I love you, and I want you to live your life for you, okay sweetheart?” That evening you had cried in her arms as she signed the DNR form. 

Your mom was in the hospital for another week when the day you had been dreading came. The day you got the call from the doctors saying that your mom wasn’t going to make it to the end of the day. You closed down the store and rushed to the hospital, wanting to spend her last moments together. The rest of the day you spent by her side, holding her hand, and telling her your favorite memories together. You had balled your eyes out as the heart monitor's beeping started slowing down, eventually dying down to a continuous beep. The doctor came in to turn off the machine, and sent his condolences your way, before leaving you to say your last goodbyes. 

You didn't know where to go when you left the hospital, walking around aimlessly, until you found yourself at the Avengers Compound. You decided to ring the doorbell, since your subconscious led you here and you really needed to rehydrate. A woman's voice sounded over the intercom, "Avengers Compound, who is it?" You quickly wiped your tears as you saw a camera was pointing at your face, "Ehm, I'm Y/n Stark, I'm here to see my dad." 

The voice stayed quiet for a moment, "Very funny, do you have ID to prove that?" You reached into your pocket and held your ID up to the camera. “One moment, I’ll be right with you.” A minute later the door was opened by the woman you knew from the news as Black Widow. “Hi, I’m Natasha. Sorry about that, you don’t want to know how many kids come up here claiming to be one of our kids, in hopes they can enter the building.” With a small voice you replied, “It’s okay. Is he here?” Natasha shook her head, “No, but I’ll let him know you’re here. Come on, I’ll walk you to the common room.” She led you to the couch and offered you a drink. 

While Natasha walked to the kitchen to get you a glass of water, all the emotions that came with losing your mom came to the service. You put your feet up on the couch, bringing your legs to your chest. Your head leaning on your knees as tears start streaming down your face once again. Natasha walks back into the common room with the glass of water and notices your state, she takes a seat next to you on the couch. “Hey, what’s wrong? I know we just met, but no one should go through these kinds of emotions alone. May I hug you?” Without saying anything, you lean into Natasha. She was right, you had just met her, but you really needed the comfort. You felt Natasha’s arms wrap around your shoulders and hold you tight. “My mom.” You say with a shaky voice, “I just lost my mom.” You cry out. Natasha moves one of her hands to rub small circles on your back. Natasha knew what loss was and felt for the stranger in her arms. She wanted to bring you comfort, the way she wished she had gotten.

It wasn’t until later in the day, when you had calmed down, met some of the other Avengers, and settled down on the couch watching a movie with them that your dad got home. He didn’t even notice you there, so Natasha spoke up. “Tony, did you get my messages?” She said while moving her eyes between him and you. That’s when his eyes fell on you, “Oh, y/n, hi. What are you doing here?” It felt kind of awkward to be in the same room as your dad and it not being a restaurant. “Mom, she. She passed away earlier today.” You wipe away the tear that fell down your face quickly. “Oh, I’m sorry, y/n.” His phone rang before the conversation could continue, “I have to take this.” He stood up and walked away. Natasha gave you a sympathetic look, “Come on, I’ll get a room ready for you, and you can stay the night.”

You didn't sleep much that night, but who could blame you. Your mom just died, and your dad seemed to not give a shit about it or you. Reluctantly you got out of bed and put on the clothes Natasha laid out for you. Making your way to the kitchen, you were hoping that your dad would be there for you. Once you got to the kitchen though, your dad was getting ready to leave. "Ah good morning, y/n. I've got to pick up the kid, I'll be back later." And once again he was out the door. 

Sitting down at the counter you stare blankly ahead of yourself. Wanda and Natasha find you in the kitchen after their morning work out. Wanda is the first to sense that something is wrong and approaches you. "Hey, y/n, how are you holding up?" Wanda had experienced her own loss with her parents and brother, all those feelings came back to the moment she heard that you had lost your mom. "Who's 'the kid' my dad is referring to?" Wanda takes no time in answering your question, only making you believe that your dad calls this person ‘kid’ all the time. "Peter Parker, or as you probably know him, Spider-Man." You divert your eyes once more. Moments later Natasha places a plate of food in front of you, "I'm no chef, but I hope it's good." 

You all ate in silence, you were grateful for their comfort. "Hey, is there any way either one of you can bring me to the hospital? I need to figure out some things and sign some papers. I was going to ask my dad, but he's too busy." They both agreed to come with you, and even went into the hospital with you. You reached for Natasha's hand as the doctor spoke to you about the next steps. 

After filling out all the necessary forms the doctor sent you on your way, since it had been a couple hours and it was around lunchtime now you asked the women, "Do you want to grab a quick bite? As a thank you for both of your support today." Wanda checks the time before saying, “I’m sorry, I’d love to, but I have to head back. I’ve got a few meetings this afternoon.” You look over to Natasha. "Yeah, let's do it. Only because I'm hungry though, not because you need to do this to thank us, I was happy to go with you." You both hugged Wanda goodby and headed to a nearby restaurant.

During lunch you spend the time getting to know each other better. She told you about her hobbies and what it was like to be an Avenger and you told her about your hobbies and the bookstore. "I have the rest of the day off, if you want to go by the store and make sure everything is settled there, since you left in a hurry yesterday." Natasha offered. "Are you sure? I'd really like that, but only if it's not too much trouble." Of course, it was no trouble at all, Natasha was enjoying getting to know you better. 

At the store you spend some time on putting the money in the safe, which in your haste you didn’t even do, and some paperwork. Natasha was walking around the shop while you were finishing up. “It’s a wonderful place, y/n. You and your mom did an incredible job, I’m sure she is so proud of you for wanting to keep the store running.” You thanked her for her kindness before printing out a sign saying you would be closed for the next week.

Walking out of the store you got the sinking feeling that you were going to go home to an empty house. “Do you think I can stay at the Compound for another night?” You ask Natasha shyly. “Yeah, of course, do you want to grab some clothes before heading back?” At your front door you freeze with the keys in your hand, unable to unlock the door. “May I?” Natasha asks softly. You hand her the key and she opens the door for you. She takes your hand and gives it a gentle squeeze, letting you know she’s there with you. After grabbing some clothes you make your way back to the Compound.

When you arrived back at the compound, you heard laughter coming from the common room. You recognized one of the voices to be the one of your dad, so you walked in. “Oh hey, kid, meet my daughter y/n.” Tony introduces you. “Y/n, this is Peter.” It was painful this morning hearing that your dad called another person ‘kid’, a nickname he used to call you, but the sight of this broke you even more. You turned on your heels and walked in the opposite direction. To your surprise your dad called after you, “Y/n, don’t leave.” That snaps something in you. “Don’t leave?” You ask, raising your voice slightly. “Isn’t that exactly like you did? You left me because you didn’t have time to keep me safe, and now I see you’ve just replaced me with another kid that you took under your wing. Why can you take care of him, but not of me?” Tony stood up. “Peter is different, he has powers, he can protect himself.” 

“That’s bullshit, Natasha doesn’t have powers and she’s an Avenger, she can protect herself. And what about Clint, Yelena and Kate? Not to mention you yourself. They can all protect themselves. All you had to do was teach me how to protect myself, but instead you left.” You didn’t wait for a response and continued walking toward the room Natasha had let you stay in. “What was that all about?” Tony asks Natasha. “Man, I knew you could be oblivious, but seriously? She just lost her mom, the only person she has had to depend on. Wanda and I went to the hospital with her today to make arrangements, because you were too busy talking with Peter.” She turned to Peter, “No offense, Spider-Boy.” And with that Natasha followed you to the room. 

“I’m so sorry about him.” She said as she walked into your room. You shrugged, “It’s fine, I don’t know why I expected more.” Natasha said down on the bed next to you. “Want to watch a movie, to get your mind off of everything?” You lifted the blanket for her to join you. About fifteen minutes into the movie, you lean into Natasha, Without a word, she wraps her arm around your shoulder. Not long after your eyes closed and you slept for the first time in weeks. 

Your dad might not be there for you the way you wanted him to be, but you were glad you came here and got to meet Natasha. From the first time on that couch in the common room, you had felt a connection with her, a connection that had only grown stronger over the hours that you had known her. A connection that you knew was only going to continue growing.

Part 2

[mariacallous]

It no longer makes sense to speak of free speech in traditional terms. The internet has so transformed the nature of the speaker that the definition of speech itself has changed.

The new speech is governed by the allocation of virality. People cannot simply speak for themselves, for there is always a mysterious algorithm in the room that has independently set the volume of the speaker’s voice. If one is to be heard, one must speak in part to one’s human audience, in part to the algorithm. It is as if the US Constitution had required citizens to speak through actors or lawyers who answered to the Dutch East India Company, or some other large remote entity. What power should these intermediaries have? When the very logic of speech must shift in order for people to be heard, is that still free speech? This was not a problem foreseen in the law.

The time may be right for a legal and policy reset. US lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are questioning Section 230, the liability shield that enshrined the ad-driven internet. The self-reinforcing ramifications of a mere 26 words—��no provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider”—has produced a social media ecosystem that is widely held to have had deleterious effects on both democracy and mental health.

Abraham Lincoln is credited with the famous quip about how you cannot fool all the people all the time. Perhaps you cannot, but perhaps the internet can. Imperfect speech has always existed, but the means and scale of amplification have not. The old situation cannot be the guide for the new.

Section 230 was created during a period when policy was being designed to unleash internet innovation, thereby maintaining America’s competitive edge in cyberspace. The early internet was supported by a variety of friendly policies, not just Section 230. For instance, sales arranged over the internet were often not taxed in early years. Furthermore, the internet was knowingly inaugurated in an incomplete state, lacking personal accounts, authentication mechanisms, commercial transaction standards, and many other needed elements. The thinking was not only that it was easier to get a minimal design started when computing power was still nascent, but also that the missing elements would be addressed by entrepreneurs. In effect, we were giving trillion-dollar gifts to parties unknown who would be the inevitable network-effect winners.

Section 230 was enacted as part of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, a larger legislative effort within the umbrella 1996 Telecommunications Act. Section 230(c)(1) provides immunity for online services regarding user-generated content, ensuring the companies hosting content are not treated as publishers of this information. Section 230(c)(2) offers Good Samaritan protection from civil liability when the companies—or platforms, as we call them today—in good faith remove or moderate objectionable content.

After President Bill Clinton signed the 1996 Telecommunications Act into law, it was unclear how the courts might interpret it. When the dust cleared, Section 230 emerged as something of a double-edged sword. It could be used to justify censorship, and at the same time be deployed as a corporate liability shield. Most importantly, it provided the runway for the takeoff of Google, Twitter, and Facebook. (And now TikTok—which, being a Chinese company, proves that Section 230 no longer serves American interests.)

The impact on the public sphere has been, to say the least, substantial. In removing so much liability, Section 230 forced a certain sort of business plan into prominence, one based not on uniquely available information from a given service, but on the paid arbitration of access and influence. Thus, we ended up with the deceptively named “advertising” business model—and a whole society thrust into a 24/7 competition for attention. A polarized social media ecosystem. Recommender algorithms that mediate content and optimize for engagement. We have learned that humans are most engaged, at least from an algorithm’s point of view, by rapid-fire emotions related to fight-or-flight responses and other high-stakes interactions. In enabling the privatization of the public square, Section 230 has inadvertently rendered impossible deliberation between citizens who are supposed to be equal before the law. Perverse incentives promote cranky speech, which effectively suppresses thoughtful speech.

And then there is the economic imbalance. Internet platforms that rely on Section 230 tend to harvest personal data for their business goals without appropriate compensation. Even when data ought to be protected or prohibited by copyright or some other method, Section 230 often effectively places the onus on the violated party through the requirement of takedown notices. That switch in the order of events related to liability is comparable to the difference between opt-in and opt-out in privacy. It might seem like a technicality, but it is actually a massive difference that produces substantial harms. For example, workers in information-related industries such as local news have seen stark declines in economic success and prestige. Section 230 makes a world of data dignity functionally impossible.

To date, content moderation has too often been beholden to the quest for attention and engagement, regularly disregarding the stated corporate terms of service. Rules are often bent to maximize engagement through inflammation, which can mean doing harm to personal and societal well-being. The excuse is that this is not censorship, but is it really not? Arbitrary rules, doxing practices, and cancel culture have led to something hard to distinguish from censorship for the sober and well-meaning. At the same time, the amplification of incendiary free speech for bad actors encourages mob rule. All of this takes place under Section 230’s liability shield, which effectively gives tech companies carte blanche for a short-sighted version of self-serving behavior. Disdain for these companies—which found a way to be more than carriers, and yet not publishers—is the only thing everyone in America seems to agree on now.

Trading a known for an unknown is always terrifying, especially for those with the most to lose. Since at least some of Section 230’s network effects were anticipated at its inception, it should have had a sunset clause. It did not. Rather than focusing exclusively on the disruption that axing 26 words would spawn, it is useful to consider potential positive effects. When we imagine a post-230 world, we discover something surprising: a world of hope and renewal worth inhabiting.

In one sense, it’s already happening. Certain companies are taking steps on their own, right now, toward a post-230 future. YouTube, for instance, is diligently building alternative income streams to advertising, and top creators are getting more options for earning. Together, these voluntary moves suggest a different, more publisher-like self-concept. YouTube is ready for the post-230 era, it would seem. (On the other hand, a company like X, which leans hard into 230, has been destroying its value with astonishing velocity.) Plus, there have always been exceptions to Section 230. For instance, if someone enters private information, there are laws to protect it in some cases. That means dating websites, say, have the option of charging fees instead of relying on a 230-style business model. The existence of these exceptions suggests that more examples would appear in a post-230 world.

Let’s return to speech. One difference between speech before and after the internet was that the scale of the internet “weaponized” some instances of speech that would not have been as significant before. An individual yelling threats at someone in passing, for instance, is quite different from a million people yelling threats. This type of amplified, stochastic harassment has become a constant feature of our times—chilling speech—and it is possible that in a post-230 world, platforms would be compelled to prevent it. It is sometimes imagined that there are only two choices: a world of viral harassment or a world of top-down smothering of speech. But there is a third option: a world of speech in which viral harassment is tamped down but ideas are not. Defining this middle option will require some time to sort out, but it is doable without 230, just as it is possible to define the limits of viral financial transactions to make Ponzi schemes illegal.

With this accomplished, content moderation for companies would be a vastly simpler proposition. Companies need only uphold the First Amendment, and the courts would finally develop the precedents and tests to help them do that, rather than the onus of moderation being entirely on companies alone. The United States has more than 200 years of First Amendment jurisprudence that establishes categories of less protected speech—obscenity, defamation, incitement, fighting words—to build upon, and Section 230 has effectively impeded its development for online expression. The perverse result has been the elevation of algorithms over constitutional law, effectively ceding judicial power.

When the jurisprudential dust has cleared, the United States would be exporting the democracy-promoting First Amendment to other countries rather than Section 230’s authoritarian-friendly liability shield and the sewer of least-common-denominator content that holds human attention but does not bring out the best in us. In a functional democracy, after all, the virtual public square should belong to everyone, so it is important that its conversations are those in which all voices can be heard. This can only happen with dignity for all, not in a brawl.

Section 230 perpetuates an illusion that today’s social media companies are common carriers like the phone companies that preceded them, but they are not. Unlike Ma Bell, they curate the content they transmit to users. We need a robust public conversation about what we, the people, want this space to look like, and what practices and guardrails are likely to strengthen the ties that bind us in common purpose as a democracy. Virality might come to be understood as an enemy of reason and human values. We can have culture and conversations without a mad race for total attention.

While Section 230 might have been considered more a target for reform rather than repeal prior to the advent of generative AI, it can no longer be so. Social media could be a business success even if its content was nonsense. AI cannot.

There have been suggestions that AI needs Section 230 because large language models train on data and will be better if that data is freely usable with no liabilities or encumbrances. This notion is incorrect. People want more from AI than entertainment. It is widely considered an important tool for productivity and scientific progress. An AI model is only as good as the data it is trained on; indeed, general data improves specialist results. The best AI will come out of a society that prioritizes quality communication. By quality communication, we do not mean deepfakes. We mean open and honest dialog that fosters understanding rather than vitriol, collaboration rather than polarization, and the pursuit of knowledge and human excellence rather than a race to the bottom of the brain stem.

The attention-grooming model fostered by Section 230 leads to stupendous quantities of poor-quality data. While an AI model can tolerate a significant amount of poor-quality data, there is a limit. It is unrealistic to imagine a society mediated by mostly terrible communication where that same society enjoys unmolested, high-quality AI. A society must seek quality as a whole, as a shared cultural value, in order to maximize the benefits of AI. Now is the best time for the tech business to mature and develop business models based on quality.

All of this might sound daunting, but we’ve been here before. When the US government said the American public owned the airwaves so that television broadcasting could be regulated, it put in place regulations that supported the common good. The internet affects everyone, so we must devise measures to ensure that our digital-age public discourse is of high quality and includes everyone. In the television era, the fairness doctrine laid that groundwork. A similar lens needs to be developed for the internet age.

Without Section 230, recommender algorithms and the virality they spark would be less likely to distort speech. It is sadly ironic that the very statute that delivered unfathomable success is today serving the interests of our enemies by compromising America’s superpower: our multinational, immigrant-powered constitutional democracy. The time has come to unleash the power of the First Amendment to promote human free speech by giving Section 230 the respectful burial it deserves.

[nevzatboyraz44]

The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."

- Steve Jobs 🍎

Being an entrepreneur is one of the most exciting journeys we will ever embark upon.

But also... the riskiest!

Risk is a taboo word for many people.🔥

But, without it, we will likely not succeed.

Risk is vital for moving a business forward.

NOT blindly throwing yourself off of a cliff,

But, taking more calculated risks. 💪

Here are some tips to managing healthy entrepreneurial risks in the current market:👇

▪️ Identify your value proposition - What is your unique benefit that you offer your target audience? It's so important to be very clear about this. Use tools like polls, customer surveys and interviews to dial this in.

▪️ Continued learning - We can never stop learning and growing. And, we need to have an open mind and a willingness to adapt to current changes and trends in the market.

▪️ Make health a priority - As entrepreneurs, we will be pushed to the limit... body, mind and spirit. We need to take care of our physical and mental health so we can weather the storms... or we are likely to burnout.

▪️ Surround yourself with success - We need to keep a strong support network. Continue to grow our network so we can stay abreast of new trends and ideas to keep us relevant.

▪️ Spend wisely - We need to watch our finances like hawks. The tough times never last... but neither do the good times. We want to save during the good times so when the lean times come, we can stay safe.

It's never easy, but well worth the effort!🧡

Agree❓

Are you a risk taker❓

[coochiequeens]

Ladies please share this with any women you know starting their own business or non-profit

Business grants for women can help you grow your business for free, as opposed to small-business loans or other types of debt-based funding that you must pay back. But competition for small-business grants is fierce, and it takes considerable time and effort to win them. 

If you’re up for the challenge, though, grants can be a great way to fund your new or existing business. Here are 18 places women entrepreneurs can look for small-business grants and other free financial resources.

Private small-business grants for women

Some private corporations and organizations offer business grants for women. Here are six to consider:

1. Amber Grant

Every month, WomensNet awards a $10,000 Amber Grant to a woman-owned business in a specific, rotating category. The categories for 2023 are as follows:

January: Skilled trades

February: Health & fitness

March: Food & beverage

April: Sustainability

May: Mental & emotional support

June: Business support service

July: Animal services

August: Hair care & skincare

September: Education & child care

October: Creative arts

November: Technology

December: Fashion & interior designers

On top of that, the organization awards a second $10,000 monthly grant to a woman-owned business and a quarterly $10,000 grant to one startup and one nonprofit.

At the end of each year, two of the 12 general grant winners and one of the industry-specific grant winners are awarded an additional $25,000. 

The application is relatively simple: Explain your business, describe what you’d do with the grant money and pay a $15 application fee. The foundation’s advisory board chooses the winners, looking for women with passion and a good story. Businesses operating in the U.S. and Canada are eligible.

Because there’s no time in business requirement, companies seeking startup business grants for women may want to prioritize the Amber Grant.

2. IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database

IFundWomen is a grant marketplace that specializes in funding and coaching for women-owned businesses. You can submit one application and when IFundWomen adds a grant from an enterprise partner, it will match the partner’s grant criteria to applications within the database.

If your business is a match, you’ll receive a notification and invitation to apply. Previous grant partners have included companies like Visa, Neutrogena and American Express.

3. SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant

The SoGal Foundation — along with company sponsors like Bluemercury, Twilio and others — offer startup grants to businesses owned by Black women or Black nonbinary entrepreneurs. Grants are available in amounts of either $5,000 or $10,000.

Awardees also receive fundraising advice, with a focus on investor financing, and lifetime access to the SoGal Foundation team. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so you can apply on the SoGal website at any time.

4. Fearless Strivers Grant Contest

The Fearless Fund, in collaboration with Mastercard, offers $20,000 grants to businesses owned by Black women through the Fearless Strivers Grant Contest. The winners also receive digital tools to help them get and sustain their businesses online and one-on-one mentorship with a Mastercard small-business mentor.

The Fearless Fund runs a national grant program, as well as city-specific grant contests in Atlanta; Birmingham, Alabama; Dayton, Ohio; Los Angeles; New Orleans; New York City; and St. Louis. To qualify for this small-business grant, you must have a U.S.-based business, 50 or fewer employees and have made $3 million or less in annual revenue in the past year.

» MORE: Best business grants for Black women entrepreneurs

5. Cartier Women's Initiative Awards

Every year, Cartier awards three grants to women-owned businesses in nine different regions around the world. The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards program is designed to support early-stage businesses that are focused on a range of social, economic and environmental development issues.

The first-place business is awarded a $100,000 grant, second place receives $60,000 and third place gets $30,000. Winners also receive executive coaching and the opportunity to participate in a variety of training workshops.

6. Comcast RISE

Comcast awards $10,000 grants to businesses owned by women and people of color several times per year. Each Comcast RISE Investment Fund application cycle is open to entrepreneurs in specific target cities. You can also apply for “marketing services and tech makeovers,” which don’t include cash prizes but can still help your business grow.

7. High Five Grant for Moms

The Mama Ladder organization — along with co-hosts Proof, Belly Bandit and Caden Concepts — offer an annual small-business grant specifically for moms. This grant, called the High Five Grant, is designed to support women caregivers with child(ren) of all ages, including first-time expecting moms, stepmoms and foster moms.

Entrepreneurs can submit an application online and share the story behind their business on social media. Finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges and then a public vote will determine the top three winners. The top business will receive a $25,000 grant, the runner up will receive a $10,000 grant and the third place finalist will receive $5,000.

Additional private business grant options

Although these options aren’t specifically for women, they’re good small-business grants to consider for any entrepreneur.

8. FedEx Small Business Grant

FedEx awards up to $30,000 apiece to 10 small businesses annually. One veteran-owned business from among those 10 winners can receive an additional $20,000 from USAA Small Business Insurance. Winners also receive money to use toward FedEx Office print and business services.

The application requires an explanation of your business, how you’d use the money, photos of your business and — this part is optional — a short video explaining your business. To be eligible, you must operate a for-profit business with fewer than 99 employees and at least six months of operating history.

9. National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grant

Every quarter, the NASE awards up to $4,000 to up to four small businesses via its growth grants. These funds can be used for a variety of business needs, including marketing, advertising and hiring employees.

To apply for this grant, you must be a NASE member in good standing for at least three months. Annual members can apply at any time.

10. Halstead Grant

The Halstead Grant is an annual award for entrepreneurs looking to break into the silver jewelry industry. The winner receives a $7,500 startup grant, as well as $1,000 in jewelry merchandise. Five finalists and semi-finalists also receive $250 or $500 and help with promoting their businesses.

Both men and women-owned businesses are eligible for this small-business grant. To apply, you must answer 15 business-related questions and submit a design portfolio. Applications are due August 1 each year.

11. Fast Break for Small Businesses

These $10,000 grants — funded by LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League and managed by the Accion Opportunity Fund — are available twice a year. Winners also receive LegalZoom services worth up to $500. You can sign up on LegalZoom’s website to be notified when applications open.

Federal small-business grants for women

Some federal government grants for small-business owners are designated for specific purposes, such as research and development projects, or for businesses in rural areas. Government grants typically can’t be used for startup costs or day-to-day expenses.

12. Grants.gov

Grants.gov is a database of federally sponsored grants, including grants for small businesses. Although these grants are not exclusive to women-owned businesses, this database is a great place to start if you’re looking for free financing.

To apply, you must obtain a Unique Entity ID for your business (a 12-character alphanumeric identification number), register to do business with the U.S. government through its System for Award Management website and create an account at Grants.gov.

To view grants specifically for small businesses, filter the results on the left side of the page under “eligibility.”

13. Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs

The SBA facilitates these two competitive programs, which provide grants to small businesses that contribute to federal research and development. Eleven federal agencies — including the departments of Agriculture, Defense, and Health and Human Services — post business grant opportunities on their websites. You can search current grant opportunities on the SBIR website.

To qualify, you must operate a for-profit business with no more than 500 employees and meet other eligibility requirements.

14. Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME)

Although the SBA coordinates some grant programs, the agency doesn’t typically offer grant funding directly to small businesses. With the PRIME program, however, the SBA provides federal grants to microenterprise development organizations so that they can offer training, technical assistance and coaching to disadvantaged small-business owners.

These grants are available to nonprofit, private, state, local or tribal-run organizations, including those that focus on working with women-owned small businesses. The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, for example, was awarded a $200,000 grant in 2022.

» MORE: Business grants are ‘just not that easy.’ Here are some tips to help

State and local small-business grants for women

Because federal small-business grants are limited in number and often very competitive, you may have better luck seeking out grants for women at the state and municipal levels. You’ll have to do your own research to pinpoint specific grant programs in your area, but here are some places to help you get started:

15. Women’s Business Centers

The SBA sponsors more than 100 Women’s Business Centers nationwide, designed to help women entrepreneurs with business development and access to capital. Some, such as the California Capital Financial Development Corp., lend money directly while others help you find small-business grants and loans that you may qualify for.

16. Economic Development Administration

Every state and many cities have economic development resources focused on promoting strong local economies. For example, New York has several economic development districts, such as the Lake Champlain - Lake George Regional Planning Board, which helps local businesses access state and federal funding.

17. Small Business Development Centers

There are hundreds of SBA-sponsored Small Business Development Centers around the country, typically housed at colleges and universities. SBDCs offer free, one-on-one business consulting, such as help with developing a business plan, researching markets and finding financing — including grants, business loans and crowdfunding.

Some SBDCs offer training on certification programs like the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program and Minority and Women Business Enterprise Certifications. These programs can help businesses level the playing field when competing in the public and private sector.

18. Minority Business Development Agency Centers

The MBDA operates a network of business centers across the country that are designed to help minority business owners access capital, secure contracts and develop financial strategies. Your local MBDA business center can work with you to identify the right financing options for your business, including federal, state and private small-business grants.

The MBDA also runs the Enterprising Women of Color Initiative, or EWOC, to support minority women in their business endeavors. The EWOC provides access to resources, events and other opportunities for women minority-owned businesses.

» MORE: Find small-business grants for minorities

Alternatives to small-business grants

Finding and applying for business grants can be difficult, as well as time-consuming. If you don’t qualify for certain grants — or simply want to explore other ways to fund your women-owned business — here are some avenues to explore:

Best small-business loans for women: Compare SBA loans, online term loans, lines of credit, microloans and learn about other available resources for your business.

Crowdfunding for business: Tap into the power of the internet to raise money for your business and promote your company’s product or service.

Small-business credit cards: Compare dozens of cards and find the best choice for financing your everyday business purchases — and earn rewards in the process.

SBA microloans: Work with a nonprofit financial institution to apply for these government-backed loans, which can be a good choice for new or very small businesses.

[perestroika-hilton]

Following quote is from gleaning the welfare fields this is just a really nice succinct history of peasant revolt under communism

"Resistance to State Extraction during the Socialist Period (1959-1978)

The current character of rural resistance has its roots in the socialist era. This cycle of struggle begins in 1959, the first year of the Great Leap Famine, when a rupture occurred between peasants and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which had developed widespread support in the countryside to various degrees over the previous three decades. Many members and even leaders of the party came from the peasantry, and the CCP’s guidance had proven successful at winning struggles against local elites that poor peasants had already attempted unsuccessfully on their own. Peasant support grew throughout the 1950s as CCP policies (such as land reform and cooperativization), coupled with the end of civil war, led to improvements in living standards.

All this fell apart with the return of famine in 1959, following the first year of the CCP’s Great Leap Forward campaign.[12] Many peasants soon began to regard the party-state as an alien, extractive and oppressive force, and to act individually or collectively against it by hiding grain from state collectors, stealing from collective fields, looting granaries, going to cities to demand food,[13] and in some cases taking up arms and engaging in local “power seizures.”[14]

The post-Leap retreat to more conservative agrarian policies (partial decollectivization, restoration of markets) mitigated peasant unrest, but the damage was done. Henceforth it would be more difficult to mobilize peasants for mass campaigns or even everyday work. The inefficiency that Dengists[15] and liberals alike attribute to the nature of collective production in general actually stemmed, in this case, from peasants’ resistance to state extraction and what they interpreted as alien, often irrational attempts to control the production process. In the 1970s (following more moderate recollectivization in the mid-1960s), many peasants again pushed for partial decollectivization, and others welcomed the Dengist state’s forced decollectivization in the early 1980s—less because of peasants’ inherent individualism or “petty bourgeois mentality,” and more because they wanted less extraction and more control over production.[16]

 

Resistance to Price Fluctuations during the Period of Transition (mid-1980s to early 1990s)

The early 1980s was a golden age for most Chinese peasants, comparable to the 1950s in optimism and surpassing it in terms of livelihood. Several decades of peace and gradual improvement of food intake combined with post-1968 improvements in rural health care managed to double life expectancy between 1949 and 1980. Meanwhile, two decades of collective projects to improve rural infrastructure (bringing new land under cultivation, expanding irrigation systems, building roads, etc.) and state modernization of agriculture (mechanization, production of agrochemicals and high-yield varieties of seed and livestock) finally came to fruition in the late 1970s.[17] This was coupled with the first significant state increase in prices for agricultural products, supplemented by subsidies for peasant entrepreneurs who reorganized their household farms and privatized collective equipment to specialize in certain commodities, leading to the most rapid increase in agricultural productivity and income that China had seen since the Ming Dynasty—especially for those able to benefit from the entrepreneurial subsidies available from 1978 to 1984.

By the mid-1980s, however, a combination of new factors caused these increases in productivity and income to decline. The increase attributable to modernization on tiny plots of land soon reached its limits. The state then decreased its subsidies and price controls for agriculture as part of its general strategy of marketization, and in order to balance the budget and lower the price of food for urbanites. These changes spelled disaster for peasants who specialized in certain cash crops when prices fell below the cost of production, leading to the first significant round of peasant unrest in China since the Great Leap Famine,[18] beginning in the late 1980s.

There is little data available on this sequence of struggles due to media censorship and the preference of researchers to focus on either decollectivization or anti-corruption struggles, but it is memorialized in Mo Yan’s novel The Garlic Ballads.[19] Based on news reports and interviews, the novel recounts a 1987 uprising against the falling price of garlic and the government’s refusal to buy the surplus, after local officials had encouraged peasants to specialize in garlic and then pocketed the state subsidies, alongside fees they had charged for farming a cash crop instead of grain. If this case is any indication, the marketization of agriculture at this time was already intertwined with local state corruption, which became the focus of peasant resistance in the 1990s.

 

Resistance to Local State Expropriation in the 1990s and early 2000s

It was during this period that many young peasants began migrating to coastal cities for temporary jobs, incentivized by expropriation in the countryside and increasing employment opportunities in the Special Economic Zones, both occurring just as returns from modernized small-plot agriculture had reached their limits. The struggles of peasants thus bifurcated into the rural struggles dealt with here, and the struggles of ruralites as proletarians, including conflicts in the wage relation and riots against social exclusion discussed in “No Way Forward, No Way Back” (also in this issue).

Despite frequent news reporting and a sizable academic literature, the only attempt at a comprehensive history of rural struggles in China since the 1980s is a pair of articles by Kathy Le Mons Walker published in the late 2000s.[20] The following sections center on summarizing information from those articles, supplementing it with other sources and engaging critically with Walker’s analysis.

Among the many targets of peasant resistance from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, most could be characterized as direct expropriation. These included:

the issuing of IOUs in lieu of payment of cash for crops by local officials, who used the funds for speculative real estate and business deals[…]; cadre diversion of state-allocated inputs for agriculture; the pocketing of TVE [“collective” township and village enterprise] profits by local and mid-level cadres; the imposition by local cadres of a host of ‘illegal’ or ‘unaccounted for’ fines, fees, and taxes to pay for ‘development’ projects and/or for personal use; the forcible confiscation of the land, belongings, and food of peasants who could not or would not pay the extra taxes and fees; the expropriation of arable land without adequate compensation (for highways, real estate development, and personal use, or to attract industrial investors through the creation of ‘development zones’); the issuing of inferior and fake chemical fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and other supplies by corrupt cadres; and finally the pollution of local water supplies by development projects, which has not only angered peasants but affected agricultural production as well.

This expropriation was not mere “corruption,” as both the Chinese state and liberal critics usually describe it.[21] In some cases it resembles proto-capitalist “primitive accumulation” in Marx’s classical sense, because it played a key role in the transition to capitalism.[22] In others, especially more recently, such expropriation might be better understood as specifically capitalist “accumulation by dispossession” in David Harvey’s sense—Walker’s preferred category of analysis.[23] It transferred products of peasant labor into capitalist enterprises and the infrastructure necessary for its operation. It also took the form of capitalist rents, as opposed to the tributary and socialist rents in rural China prior to marketization. Investment in this period often took the form of “collectively-owned” TVEs, but many of these functioned as profit-oriented joint-stock enterprises, while others were eventually appropriated by their managers or cheaply purchased by capitalists. During China’s reintegration into the world market in the 1990s, these privatized TVEs became the initial vehicle through which Chinese and transnational capital exploited local and migrant peasant-workers—the vehicle of their expropriation often becoming the source of their exploitation."

[thesaleswhisperer]

Morra Aarons-Mele, The Anxious Achiever, Is On The Sales Podcast

Professional Sales Tips you’ll learn today on The Sales Podcast…

Manage anxiety to still excel in business and in life.

Anxious, depressed, and burnt out.

Fight, flight, or freeze.

Social media is a tool designed to manipulate us.

She was a sensitive kid…hyper-vigilant.

She has had anxiety and depression since she was 19.

Bipolar as well.

There was no hybrid job force back then.

She had to become an entrepreneur to cope with her anxiety and depression.

Related episodes and posts

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Anxiety can drive us to perform.

Stress is put on you, and anxiety shows up when you fear the future.

Sometimes, anxiety kicks in on its own.

She’s had a lot of professional help, including at least 20 different medications.

Sales is a system that thrives off a little bit of anxiety.

Money can make us anxious.

She loves sports and sports psychologists.

They can focus.

Mindfulness is key. Turn off your brain.

You have to build the muscle of your mind to stay in the moment.

Many can get in a negative mindset rut.

You have to retrain your brain.

Therapy…be present…stay in the moment.

Think of the worst-case scenario and ask, “Is this likely? Is it probable?”

She is anxious about flying. It’s not a phobia but anxiety.

Sold her 11-year consulting business.

Now focused on workplace mental health.

Not a therapist.

Coaches teams on mental health.

Use your introversion to excel in sales.

She listens more than she talks.

Use your introversion to excel in sales.”

Anxiety is a natural human emotion.

When we understand ourselves, we’re better.

Stop. Look at the evidence and make a plan to do it again.

Use your anxiety to help you plan.

We bring our past to our negotiations.

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[keldamuzik-weartamz]

Female Rappers Leading the New Era of Hip-Hop

The queens are reigning supreme in the kingdom of Hip-Hop. Nicki's rhymes rule the charts, Cardi builds her own business kingdom, and Megan rocks the stage with fearless style. They're not just rappers, they're changing the game. They're rapping real life, empowering girls, and showing everyone what it means to be strong women in music. This isn't just a fad, it's a movement, and these queens are leading the way!

Forget the tired tropes of female rappers as sidekicks or featuring as chorus. These queens are the stars, owning their sexuality, their voices, and their stories. They're rapping about everything from self-love and financial independence to social justice and mental health, all with a raw honesty and vulnerability that resonates deeply with their generation. They're unapologetically themselves, flaws and all, challenging the hyper-masculine image that once dominated the genre and proving that strength and vulnerability can coexist.

But it's not just about the mic. These queens are building businesses, launching fashion lines, and advocating for social causes. Cardi B's savvy business moves, from clothing lines to record labels, are paving the way for other female entrepreneurs. Megan Thee Stallion's vocal support for Black women's rights is amplifying important conversations. These women are not just entertainers; they're role models, showing young girls that they can be anything they set their minds to, on and off the stage.

This leadership isn't just about individual success; it's about creating space for others. Female rappers are forming powerful collaborations, lifting each other up, and fostering a sense of community that transcends traditional rivalries. From Cardi B and Nicki Minaj's chart-topping duet to the sisterhood of Cypher Queens, these collaborations are proving that women are stronger together, pushing the boundaries of creativity and inspiring a new generation of female artists.

The rise of female leadership in Hip-Hop is not just about music; it's a cultural revolution. It's about challenging stereotypes, dismantling power structures, and rewriting the rules of the game. It's about unapologetic self-expression, fierce independence, and the power of sisterhood. And it's just getting started. So, step aside, kings. The queens have the mic, and they're not giving it back anytime soon.

Article Source: https://keldamuzik.com/

[world-of-wales]

THE WALES DIARIES ♚

On 5 October 2022, The Prince and Princess of Wales spent their day carrying out a series of engagements in Northern Ireland.

They started their day out by the mental health charity PIPS (Public Initiative for Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm) charity.

They spoke to staff and counsellors about the life-saving work that they provide to service users and how the organisation has worked to remove all possible barriers to support those experiencing suicidal thoughts. They also met Erin Quinn, aged 24, who has been supported by the charity and learnt her story.

William and Catherine also joined a group of volunteer counsellors packing the charity’s "Little Boxes of Hope" which are given to children following their time with the charity to assist their ongoing recovery.

They then visited the Trademarket Outdoor Market in the city where William and Catherine tried their hands out in making cocktails in a little Cocktail-Off.

During their visit learnt about the measures put in place to ensure that the site remains ethically and environmentally sustainable, including the removal of single use plastics and a commitment to paying staff a real living wage.

They also met spoke to local entrepreneur, Will Neill, and heard about his aim to showcase new businesses while also increasing footfall in a less visited area of the city centre.

For their final stop of the day Will and Cat visited Carrick Connect, a youth charity based in Carrickfergus which offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties. During their visit they also helped prepare some 'no bake energy bites' for the charity.

In between engagements William and Catherine spent a considerable time meeting and greeting well-wishers who had gathered and also carried out a walkabout at Carrickfergus Castle.

[culturehause]

PLANET FITNESS DEBUTS EMPOWERING PARTNERSHIP WITH MEGAN THEE STALLION, DUBBING HER AS 'MOTHER FITNESS' IN A DYNAMIC COLLABORATION FOR THE NEW YEAR

HAMPTON, N.H., Dec. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, announces today its partnership with three-time, Grammy award-winning artist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and health advocate Megan Thee Stallion. The bold new campaign features Megan as 'Mother Fitness,' encouraging gym goers to leave behind the barriers, including intimidation and high prices, commonly found at other gyms and join Planet Fitness, home of the Judgement Free Zone®, to find their Big Fitness Energy™.

As a musician who is constantly on the road, Megan prioritizes a fitness routine that's both mood enhancing and fun, especially as mind and body wellness takes center stage in the new year. The new partnership seamlessly connects the two worlds of music and exercise, which combine to create the ultimate energy boost and manifests in a multi-faceted fully integrated marketing campaign that includes: advertising and commercial spots, a unique AR filter, charitable co-branded merchandise and free in-app Planet Fitness workouts, inspired by Megan and her passion for fitness. To access the partnership in its entirety, visit MotherIsHere.com. 

Inspired by a fierce fitness goddess-like persona, Megan is the star of the brand's ad spots premiering nationwide today. Directed by filmmaker Calmatic, the spot captures her as she senses negative gym behavior and vanquishes it by harnessing the power of the Judgement Free Zone®, a feel-good environment that's both rewarding and supporting.

In addition, Planet Fitness and Megan have joined forces to create a co-branded exclusive merchandise line available online at the Planet Fitness store website, with all proceeds benefiting the Pete & Thomas Foundation, the non-profit organization Megan founded that focuses on uplifting and assisting women, children, senior citizens, and underserved communities in Houston, Texas and across the world through education, housing, health and wellness.

The limited-edition line includes:

Crew neck sweatshirts that proudly declare Big Fitness Energy™ for Everybody (-ody-ody)

Bucket hats and water bottles emblazoned with 'Real Hot Girl Fit'

Sticker sheets

Megan shared, "Working out is such an important part of my routine, so this partnership with Planet Fitness genuinely embodies my personal values. We want to encourage everyone to prioritize their physical and mental health heading into the New Year, so they can reach new heights in 2024 and continue to grow into the best version of themselves."

Planet Fitness is once again a presenting sponsor of the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration, and to kick off the partnership, Megan will be the first performance of the new year on the Planet Fitness stage in Times Square at this year's "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024" airing on ABC.

"Music plays a huge role in any fitness routine, so Planet Fitness is thrilled to be teaming up with Megan Thee Stallion to break down the barriers of fitness, help everyone focus on their fitness journeys, the 'Judgement Free' way, and channel their Big Fitness Energy™," said Jamie Medeiros, Chief Brand Officer at Planet Fitness. "Megan Thee Stallion celebrates all the values of Planet Fitness through her dedication to physical and mental wellness, plus her powerful message of body positivity, which makes her an incredible partner for our brand."

Planet Fitness offers extremely low prices and a variety of benefits, including a hassle-free environment, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions and much more. To help jumpstart fitness goals, join Planet Fitness with a limited-time offer* from Dec. 30 – Jan. 12 for $0.24 down and no commitment.

The free Planet Fitness App is also available to members and non-members alike and puts hundreds of on-demand digital exercises in your pocket – including workouts ranging from cardio, to yoga, to strength and more. Beginning today, anyone can access exclusive workout content inspired by Megan herself, via the PF App – follow along at home, or at a local Planet Fitness.

[astroismypassion]

hi can you also help me? I feel so lost lately :( can this chart interpret my future? please interpret anything related to career, soulmate (future spouse) or education. Thank you very much! I hope you can help me 💗🌙🙏

Hi,

I hope this will help you in feeling slightly less lost.

Career wise you are good at cooking, being the mediator, therapist, but also a diplomat. You might be a health worker or a great photographer. You might also be an excellent chef or teacher. But you know, like practical courses teacher or an arts teacher. You might also be interested in history. You might be excellent at work with hands.

Your person is your best friends, someone very conventionally attractive, even a model, someone artistic and someone with whom you have a great emotional connection. Your person will feel like coming home. You will like an independent partner someone who is highly capable and a leader, entrepreneur.

Oh yes I see, you are lost due to 4th Pisces. Establish better daily routine immediately is my first practical go-to advice. Create a schedule and stick to it. Live in the now, the present moment. Take care of your mental and physical health since impacts your career, work, studies BIG TIME. Try to hang with friends, watch TV series and films in a moderate manner, read books, but also make a list of priorities. Try to talk to your parents more on a daily basis. Put effort into seeing your friends, since they are your support system. Dance. Do small workouts at home with lots of music. Water. Lot of hydration, I can see from here that you are not drinking enough water.

I hope you are having a lovely day,

@astroismypassion

[serenerivers]

Welcome to the Serene Rivers Coaching

Welcome to the Serene Rivers Coaching blog, your trusted source for holistic development and growth, spanning personal, professional, and skill development, tailored to both entrepreneurs and startups. In addition, we also provide valuable insights on mental health and counselling, recognising the vital role it plays in achieving personal and professional success.

Personal Development: Our blog is your haven for exploring personal growth and self-improvement. We offer a wide array of resources, articles, and guidance to help you build self-awareness, confidence, and resilience. Whether you're striving for a positive mindset, healthier relationships, or personal fulfillment, our content is your companion on this transformative journey.

Professional Development: Success in your career requires continuous learning and development. Our blog equips you with the tools, tips, and strategies to thrive in your professional life. From effective communication and time management to leadership and decision-making, we provide valuable insights to help you excel in your current job, transition to a new career, or climb the corporate ladder.

Skill Development: In a dynamic world, skill development is your passport to growth and opportunity. Serene Rivers Coaching offers practical advice and guidance to help you enhance your skill set. Whether you're looking to master a new language, improve your digital marketing expertise, or become a coding wizard, our resources are tailored to support your skill development journey.

Entrepreneurs and Startups: For those with entrepreneurial dreams, our blog features specialized content designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities of launching and growing a business. From crafting a solid business plan to securing funding, building a strong team, and navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, we provide tailored coaching material to meet your specific needs.

Mental Health and Counseling: We understand that true growth encompasses both personal and emotional well-being. Our blog also delves into the crucial domain of mental health and counseling. We offer articles, resources, and expert insights to help you manage stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges, fostering a balanced and resilient mindset to support your personal and professional development.

At Serene Rivers Coaching, we recognize that everyone's journey to success and fulfillment is unique. We are committed to offering a diverse range of content and coaching material, all customizable to your individual circumstances and aspirations.

Join us on this transformative adventure toward personal and professional development. Our goal is to empower you with regular updates, insightful articles, and practical tips, supporting your journey to reach your full potential. Thank you for choosing us as your partner in growth, both in your personal and professional life.

[vistased22]

#WeCanDoIt

For an issue that affects 75 million people in our country, our conversations and perception around mental health are almost non-existent. From being shrugged off as a ‘phase’ that someone is going through to being blamed for ‘not having the will and courage to face life’ – the stigma and lack of understanding around mental health prevents many from getting the right help and a support system. The Mental Health Bill, passed in the Rajya Sabha is also not as ‘historic’ and ‘progressive’ as one might think.

More than 60 million Indians suffer from mental disorders; 10-20 million have severe mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder while nearly 50 million have been facing depression and anxiety. 

In 1990, suicide was not among the top 10 killers in India. Today, sadly, it is. In 5 years (2015-2020), over 7 lakh people committed suicide. India has three psychiatrists per 1,000,000 people. 0.06% of India’s health budget is for mental healthcare.

Task in Hand

You, as an entrepreneur, must grasp the opportunity to solve the issue. Come up with a business (product or service) that caters to solve the problem faced by people suffering from such mental disorders.

Deliverables

You are to make a PPT of not more than 7 slides, including but not limited to the following:

Executive Summary

Operational and Phase Wise Implementation Plan

Marketing Campaign

Financials (Fund Allocation and Revenue Generation Estimates)

Extra Deliverables

Be ready with your presentations by 11:25 AM, today.