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People ask me, should I expect my mother to continue supporting me all her life? The answer is simple—no, of course not. I never expected her to carry that burden. But, at the very least, she could have given me the chance for success that my father tried to leave me, instead of cheating me out of it. She could have chosen not to interfere with my life by manipulating those around me. Going to my therapist, my lawyer, and essentially buying them out to make me seem more disabled than I am—just to keep me further stuck in a...

Quitting smoking is no joke—it’s a journey filled with both victories and stumbles. But, as I’ve learned in other areas of my life, a little bit of faith and practical tools can go a long way. That's why I’m relying on two key things to get through this: prayer and nicotine patches. Let’s talk about patches first. I’ve been using them for a while now, and they do help take the edge off. Instead of getting hit with those powerful cravings that feel like they're taking over your entire brain, the patch keeps things steady. It's like having a quiet...

In some forms of psychology, we develop what’s called a Wellness Toolbox. It’s a collection of activities, habits, or things that make us feel good, helping us manage stress, lift our mood, or simply take a break from the chaos of daily life. These are the little rewards we give ourselves — the warm fuzzies — for doing something nice, something that fills our emotional tank. In my Wellness Toolbox, I’ve stocked up on a variety of activities that help me stay grounded and bring joy to my day. Here’s what I’ve packed: Coffee or a Soda: Sometimes, it’s the...

If you’ve ever found yourself eavesdropping on a random, outrageous conversation at a bus stop, then Dan Joyce’s Bus Stop Talk will feel both familiar and thrillingly unpredictable. This book delves deep into the sharp edges of urban life, addiction, and the struggles of modern existence, all while being wrapped in Joyce’s unique humor and philosophical musings. With his distinct illustrative style adding to the narrative, Bus Stop Talk is more than just a book—it’s an experience. At its core, this book offers a series of candid and often absurd dialogues, reflecting the complexity of human nature in the most...

I might be relocated to a shelter in Laguna Beach soon. While this brings some uncertainty, there's a silver lining: it could help me stay away from smoking. Cigarettes will be more expensive there, and that cost is something I’d rather save to fund my business goals. The price difference alone might be the motivation I need to kick the habit for good. Yesterday and today have already been promising. By avoiding the sections of my current facility near the smoking areas, I’ve had far fewer cravings. It’s a small step, but it shows me that I can do this....