The world breaks everyone or nearly everyone, of their childish illusions, assumptions and wishes, often painfully and afterwards due to the personal growth in practical experience, insight and the resulting wisdom many are strong at the broken places just like mended broken bones often are, and some people even have the great insight to be grateful for the purifying fire. --Ernest Hemingway

Strength in Brokenness: A Spiritual Journey

 

by Olivia Salter

 

 

Ernest Hemingway’s poignant words resonate deeply with the human experience. In this quote, he captures the essence of spiritual growth—the transformation that occurs when life shatters our illusions and leaves us vulnerable. Let us explore the profound wisdom hidden within these lines.

1. The World Breaks Everyone

Life is a relentless sculptor, chiseling away at our preconceptions, dreams, and assumptions. We all encounter moments of fracture—loss, heartache, disappointment. These fractures are not signs of weakness; they are the raw material for growth.

2. Pain as a Catalyst for Growth

Hemingway suggests that pain is the crucible in which wisdom is forged. When our illusions shatter, we confront reality head-on. The searing ache of disappointment or loss forces us to reevaluate our beliefs and priorities. It is through this process that we gain insight and resilience.

3. Strong at the Broken Places

Just as mended bones become stronger at the fracture site, our spirits can find strength in adversity. The broken places—once tender and vulnerable—become reservoirs of resilience. We learn to adapt, to heal, and to rise anew. Our scars become badges of honor, testaments to our endurance.

4. Gratitude for the Purifying Fire

Some souls possess the rare insight to be grateful for life’s trials. They recognize that pain purifies, burning away the superficial layers to reveal our true essence. Like gold refined in fire, they emerge stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

5. The Spiritual Journey

Spirituality lies not in escaping suffering but in embracing it. It is the pilgrimage from naivety to enlightenment, from shattered illusions to profound understanding. As we walk this path, we discover that brokenness need not weaken us—it can be the catalyst for our greatest strength.

 

In the crucible of life, our illusions shatter, but from those broken pieces, we emerge transformed. Let us honor the purifying fire and find strength in our fractures.  

Note: Ernest Hemingway’s quote reminds us that our brokenness is not a sign of failure but an invitation to growth. May we find solace in the mending of our souls.

 

 

Embracing the Madness: Finding Sanity in a World Gone Mad

By Olivia Salter

In a world with chaos and uncertainty, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. The words of Jean-Jacques Rousseau ring true: "To be sane in a world of men is in itself madness." But what does this mean for us as individuals trying to navigate the complexities of modern life?

Rousseau's quote speaks to the idea that sometimes, in order to maintain our sanity, we must embrace a certain level of madness. In a society that often values conformity and uniformity, it can be challenging to stay true to ourselves and our beliefs. It is often those who dare to think differently, those who refuse to conform to societal norms, who are labeled as "mad" by the masses.

But perhaps it is these individuals who hold the key to true sanity. By embracing their uniqueness and their madness, they are able to see the world from a different perspective. They are able to challenge the status quo and push boundaries in ways that others cannot.

To be sane in a world of madmen is not about conforming to the expectations of others. It is about staying true to yourself and your convictions, even when it feels like the world is against you. It is about finding strength in the face of adversity and holding onto your beliefs no matter what.

So, the next time you feel like the world is closing in on you and everyone around you seems to be losing their minds, remember the words of Rousseau. Embrace your madness, embrace your uniqueness, and find the sanity that lies within. Because sometimes, in a world gone mad, it is the ones who dare to be different who are truly the sanest of us all.

Staying positive does not mean that things will turn out okay. Rather it is knowing that you will be okay no matter how things turn out. —Garth Ennis

 

  

Embracing Resilience: The True Essence of Positivity

 

By Olivia Salter

 

In a world that often equates a positive outlook with guaranteed success, the words of Garth Ennis serve as a profound reminder of what it truly means to stay positive. “Staying positive does not mean that things will turn out okay. Rather it is knowing that you will be okay no matter how things turn out.” This statement isn’t just a quote; it’s a philosophy, a mindset that can significantly alter our approach to life’s challenges.

The Misconception of Positivity

Many of us have been conditioned to believe that positivity is a magic potion that leads to favorable outcomes. We’re told that if we just stay positive, everything will work out in the end. However, this belief sets many up for disappointment when reality doesn’t align with their expectations. Positivity, in this sense, becomes a fragile concept, easily shattered by the unpredictability of life.

The Reality of Positivity

Garth Ennis’s perspective shifts the narrative from a focus on outcomes to a focus on inner strength. True positivity is not about ensuring a perfect outcome; it’s about cultivating an inner resilience that allows us to remain steadfast, regardless of the circumstances. It’s about developing a core of steel that isn’t swayed by the storms of life.

The Power of Acceptance

At the heart of this form of positivity is acceptance. Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation or giving up on goals and dreams. Instead, it’s about acknowledging the reality of a situation and understanding that some factors are beyond our control. When we embrace acceptance, we free ourselves from the burden of needing things to go a certain way to feel okay.

The Role of Positivity in Adversity

When faced with adversity, a genuinely positive person doesn’t waste energy on denial or despair. They acknowledge the challenge, allow themselves to feel the full range of emotions, and then use their positivity as a tool to navigate through the difficulty. This approach doesn’t guarantee a solution, but it does guarantee personal growth and a sense of peace, regardless of the outcome.

 

In conclusion, Garth Ennis’s quote is a call to redefine positivity. It’s an invitation to build an unshakeable foundation within ourselves that can withstand any outcome. By doing so, we don’t just stay positive; we become resilient, adaptable, and truly at peace. And in this state, we find that we are okay, no matter how things turn out.

This philosophy of positivity isn’t just a way to handle the ups and downs of life; it’s a transformative approach that can lead to a more fulfilling and grounded existence. It’s a reminder that our well-being doesn’t hinge on the external but is rooted in the strength and serenity we cultivate within.

Dance like nobody is watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth — Mark Twain.

 

 

Heaven On Earth:  The World Can Be A Brighter, More Beautiful Place

 

By Olivia Salter

 Dance like nobody is watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth. These words by Mark Twain are more than just a phrase; they are a reminder to live life to the fullest and embrace every moment with joy and enthusiasm.

Dancing like nobody's watching allows you to let go of inhibitions, express your emotions, and celebrate life. Whether you're dancing alone in your room or in a crowded club, let the music move you and feel the exuberance that comes with being truly alive.

Loving like you've never been hurt is a courageous act of vulnerability. It means opening your heart even after it's been broken and trusting in the power of love to heal and transform. Love has the ability to bring light into the darkest of places and to make life worth living. So don't hold back, but instead love fiercely and fearlessly.

Singing like nobody's listening is an expression of pure joy. It's about letting your voice soar and reveling in the beauty of music. Singing can uplift the spirit and bring a sense of peace and harmony. So belt out those tunes, whether in the shower, the car, or on stage, and let the music fill your soul.

Living like it's heaven on earth is about embracing each moment with gratitude and appreciation. It's about finding beauty in the simple things and savoring the magic of existence. Life is a precious gift, and every day is an opportunity to create memories, forge connections, and make a difference in the world.

So dance, love, sing, and live with passion and purpose. Embrace the fullness of life and savor every moment. Because when you do, you'll find that the world is a brighter, more beautiful place, and your heart will rejoice with love and gratitude.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. --Albert Einstein

The devil appeared to three monks and said to them: "If I gave you the power to change something in the past, what would you change?"

The first of them, with great apostolic fervor, replied: "I would like to prevent you from leading Adam and Eve to sin, so that humanity does not separate from God."

The second, a man full of mercy, said to him: "I will prevent you from straying from God and condemning you forever."

The third of them was the simplest and instead of answering the tempter, he knelt down, made the sign of the cross, and prayed: "Lord, deliver me from the temptation of what might have been and what was not."

The demon, screaming and trembling with pain, fled.

The other two were surprised and said to him: "Brother, why did you react like this?"

And he answered them: “First, we should never talk to the enemy.”

“Secondly, no one in the world has the power to change the past.”

“Third: Satan’s interest was not to prove our virtue, but to trap us in the past, so that we neglect the present, the only time God gives us His grace and we can cooperate with Him to fulfill His will.”

Of all the demons, the one that most holds men back and prevents them from being happy is “what could have been and was not.” The past is left to the mercy of God and the future to His providence. Only the present is in our hands. Live today loving God with all your heart.

(Modified from original text)
Ctto: Michael Acebedo Lopez

 

Embracing Imperfection: The Beauty of Flaws in the Human Experience

 

 

Embracing Imperfection: The Beauty of Flaws in the Human Experience

 

BY Olivia Salter

 

I think perfection is ugly. Somewhere in the things humans make, I want to see scars, failure, disorder, distortion.

– Yohji Yamamoto

In a world that often glorifies perfection, fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto's words remind us of the inherent beauty found in imperfection. As humans, we are constantly bombarded with images of flawlessness, whether it be in the form of airbrushed models on magazine covers or meticulously curated social media feeds. However, Yamamoto challenges us to look beyond the facade of perfection and instead embrace the scars, failures, disorder, and distortions that make us uniquely human.

In a society that places so much value on achievement and conformity, it can be easy to overlook the beauty that lies in our imperfections. We are taught to strive for flawlessness in every aspect of our lives, from our appearances to our careers, relationships, and beyond. Yet, in our pursuit of perfection, we often lose sight of the essence of what it means to be truly alive—to experience both joy and pain, success and failure, growth and setbacks.

Yamamoto's philosophy speaks to the idea that imperfection is not something to be feared or hidden but rather celebrated as a testament to our resilience and authenticity. Our scars tell the stories of our journey; our failures teach us valuable lessons; our disorder forces us to find beauty in chaos; and our distortions challenge us to see things from a different perspective.

By embracing imperfection, we allow ourselves the freedom to be vulnerable, to make mistakes, and to grow from our experiences. It is through our flaws that we learn what it truly means to be human—flawed yet infinitely beautiful in our complexity.

So, the next time you find yourself striving for perfection, remember Yamamoto's words and consider the beauty that lies in imperfection. Embrace your scars, failures, disorders, and distortions, for they are what make you beautifully, uniquely, and authentically you.