News

In today’s world, where conversations about reproductive rights have never been more polarizing, we find ourselves grappling with difficult questions about life, choice, and morality. Whether we're standing in defense of bodily autonomy or advocating for the rights of the unborn, it’s crucial that we explore the emotions, stories, and experiences tied to abortion with empathy and understanding. The poem Be Quiet My Child delves into one of the rawest and most controversial subjects—abortion—from a perspective of deep conflict and sorrow. It does not take a political stance but instead reflects the internal voice of a mother grappling with a...

 We are often taught that when it comes to addiction, there is no middle ground. You can’t just have a small amount or one of something you’ve been addicted to. It’s all or nothing, they say—if you allow yourself one, it will lead to a full-blown relapse. This is the cognitive distortion known as All or Nothing Thinking, and it can be devastating. Sure, being on the "nothing" side—where you quit entirely—can be great for your health. But the danger lies on the "all" side, where people are convinced that if they have even a little, they must have...

When I first joined Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), I quickly noticed that while the program focused on quitting alcohol, cigarettes were practically endorsed. You’d see smoke swirling outside meetings, with nearly everyone lighting up. It wasn’t just normal; it was almost expected. Somehow, I bought into the belief that quitting cigarettes was the hardest thing to do—probably because no one in those circles ever seemed to stop. And I absorbed the idea that I would need another program, another crutch like religion, to give me the strength to quit. But I’m not in AA anymore. Now, I see things differently, and...

In 1970, renowned conceptual artist John Baldessari burned hundreds of his paintings in a symbolic act, forever altering the way we view art and our relationship to it. This poem, "The Beauty He Burned?" reflects on that transformative moment and asks questions about the value of our creative efforts, especially in an age where digital art and memes can disappear in an instant. What were in those paintingsThat Baldessari burned?His graduation, his manifesto, his kissesResting in an urn. Baldessari's paintings were more than just artworks—they represented phases of his life, artistic milestones, and perhaps his own personal revelations. When he...

Thank you for sticking with me through this journey. I’ve been reflecting a lot, and I truly believe this new outlook will change things for the better. We’re often fed a lot of false beliefs about addiction, and one of the biggest lies is that a slip-up equals failure. I used to beat myself up for sneaking out to smoke those two times, but now I realize that thinking a slip-up means giving up is just a setup for failure. Instead of wallowing in guilt, I’m learning to face the cravings head-on. Meditation, deep breathing, and other techniques that are...