Who am I?
It’s not a mask, because who am I covering up?
Who is truly there?
My mind is trying to figure out who I am.
One side is happy to be free and true, and the other is scared that I’m making the wrong decision.
I’m nothing but a broken magnet.
My two halves repelled each other.
Maybe I can just stick it out.
Then I can’t regret anything.
I wish I could just restart.
Leave behind the people I know and start fresh.
Maybe then I can find out who I am.
But will I?
If I don’t even know who I am, then what's the point?
A new version of me will be created, just like always.
But is it truly me?

Who am I?
It’s not a mask, because who am I covering up?
Who is truly there?
My mind is trying to figure out who I am.
One side is happy to be free and true, and the other is scared that I’m making the wrong decision.
I’m nothing but a broken magnet.
My two halves repelled each other.
Maybe I can just stick it out.
Then I can’t regret anything.
I wish I could just restart.
Leave behind the people I know and start fresh.
Maybe then I can find out who I am.
But will I?
If I don’t even know who I am, then what's the point?
A new version of me will be created, just like always.
But is it truly me?

I only hear what I hear from my son…. I don’t know this boy’s situation from his own mouth. My son says he lives with older friends and walks to work at a fast food place, apparently his family needs the money, and/or he’s on his own due to a mother that is terrible. My son has been friends with him for over a year. I’ve met him three times when he’s come over to our place. I have let my son know he’s welcome here as much as he feels comfortable with. Tonight I told the friend while he was here to please let me know if he thinks of anything an adult/mom can help him out with and to tell me directly or pass it through my son. I also confirmed that he’s not going to school anymore, since my son just told me that today, it’s a new development. He said yes he’s not “right now.” I was careful not to pry or make him feel like coming over here means the third degree. I figured being here without worries and as much free food and drink as he can stand was good for him. But now I think I wasn’t enough of an “I know what to do” adult for him, I just mainly let him be and fed him and said that one thing. But I don’t know what to do. Should I have said more? Done more? What should I do or say next time he comes over? He’s 16 or 17.

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(The post is slightly altered because the original text was more personal and directed at my friend)
All of this is stuff you’ve already heard before so this is just my personal looks at the album, its meaning, and why it’s probably the best rap album we’ll ever see.
If you have listened to TPAB all the way through then you remember that in the final track, Mortal Man, it’s Kendrick and someone else talking. I put this together and it’s just the conversation they have so you can easily read it and see who is talking when.
This is how I interpret albums meaning: TPAB is about the issues that African Americans will face due to the neglect of the U.S. government. The idea of the butterfly is a person who has become famous, or has power. That’s why in tracks like Wesley’s Theory, the opening track, the person talking says, “When the four corners of this cocoon collide You'll slip through the cracks hopin' that you'll survive Gather your weight, take a deep look inside Are you really who they idolize? To pimp a butterfly.” A butterfly is a transformed caterpillar, so in TPAB the idea of a caterpillar is someone who the government, or really anyone for that matter, doesn’t care about. Once they become famous (transform) and have power, they are treated better or like a butterfly.
Also, fun fact about TPAB that you prob already know. The original title was going to be “To Pimp a Caterpillar.” This was because it would then abbreviate to “2PAC” instead of TPAB.
Now for the conversation:
Kendrick: “I remember you was conflicted, misusing your influence. Sometimes I did the same, abusing my power full of resentment. Found myself screaming in a hotel room. I didn’t wanna self destruct. The evils of Lucy was all around me, so I went running for answers. Until I came home, but that didn’t stop survivors guilt. Going back and forth, trying to convince myself the stripes I earned, or maybe how A-1 my foundation was. But while my loved ones were fighting a continuous war back in the dirty, I was entering a new one. A war that was based on apartheid and discrimination. Made me wanna go back to the city and tell the homies what I learned, the word was respect. Just because you wore a different gang color than mine's doesn't mean I can't respect you as a black man. Forgetting all the pain and hurt we caused each other in these streets. If I respect you, we unify and stop the enemy from killing us, but I don't know, I'm no mortal man, maybe I'm just another n*. Shit and that's all I wrote. I was gonna call it Another N** but, it ain't really a poem, I just felt like it's something you probably could relate to. Other than that, now that I finally got a chance to holla at you. I always wanted to ask you about a certain situa--, about a metaphor actually, you spoke on the ground. What you mean 'bout that, what the ground represent?”
Friend: “The ground is gonna open up and swallow the evil…”
Kendrick - “Right…”
Friend: “That's how I see it, my word is bond. I see--and the ground is the symbol for the poor people, the poor people is gonna open up this whole world and swallow up the rich people. Cause the rich people gonna be so fat, they gonna be so appetising, you know what I'm saying, wealthy, appetizing. he poor gonna be so poor and hungry, you know what I'm saying it's gonna be like... there might be some cannibalism out this mutha, they might eat the rich.”
Kendrick: “Aight so let me ask you this then, do you see yourself as somebody that's rich or somebody that made the best of their own opportunities?”
Friend: “I see myself as a natural born hustler, a true hustler in every sense of the word. I took nothin', I took the opportunities, I worked at the most menial and degrading job and built myself up so I could get it to where I owned it. I went from having somebody manage me to me hiring the person that works my management company. I changed everything I realized my destiny in a matter of five years you know what I'm saying I made myself a millionaire. I made millions for a lot of people now it's time to make millions for myself, you know what I'm saying. I made millions for the record companies, I made millions for these movie companies, now I make millions for us.”
Kendrick: “And through your different avenues of success, how would you say you managed to keep a level of sanity?”
Friend: “and by my faith in "all good things come to those that stay true. You know what I'm saying, and it was happening to me for a reason, you know what I'm saying, I was noticing, shit, I was punching the right buttons and it was happening. So it's no problem, you know I mean it's a problem but I'm not finna let them know. I'm finna go straight through.”
Kendrick: “Would you consider yourself a fighter at heart or somebody that only reacts when they back is against the wall?”
Friend: “Shit, I like to think that at every opportunity I've ever been threatened with resistance, it's been met with resistance. And not only me but it goes down my family tree. You know what I'm saying, it's in my veins to fight back.”
Kendrick: “Aight well, how long you think it take before n***** be like, we fighting a war, I'm fighting a war I can't win and I wanna lay it all down.”
Friend: “In this country a black man only have like 5 years we can exhibit maximum strength, and that's right now while you a teenager, while you still strong or while you still wanna lift weights, while you still wanna shoot back. Cause once you turn 30 it's like they take the heart and soul out of a man, out of a black man in this country. And you don't wanna fight no more. And if you don't believe me you can look around, you don't see no loud mouth 30-year old muthafuckas.”
Kendrick: “That's crazy, because me being one of your offspring of the legacy you left behind I can truly tell you that there's nothing but turmoil goin' on so I wanted to ask you what you think is the future for me and my generation today?”
Friend: “I think that n***** is tired of grabbin' shit out the stores and next time it's a riot there's gonna be, like, uh, bloodshed for real. I don't think America know that. I think American think we was just playing and it's gonna be some more playing but it ain't gonna be no playing. It's gonna be murder, you know what I'm saying, it's gonna be like Nat Turner, 1831, up in this muthafucka. You know what I'm saying, it's gonna happen.”
Kendrick: “That's crazy man. In my opinion, only hope that we kinda have left is music and vibrations, lotta people don't understand how important it is. Sometimes I be like, get behind a mic and I don't know what type of energy I'mma push out, or where it comes from. Trip me out sometimes.”
Friend: “Because the spirits, we ain't even really rappin', we just letting our dead homies tell stories for us.”
Kendrick: I wanted to read one last thing to you. It's actually something a good friend had wrote describing my world. It says: "The caterpillar is a prisoner to the streets that conceived it. Its only job is to eat or consume everything around it, in order to protect itself from this mad city. While consuming its environment the caterpillar begins to notice ways to survive. One thing it noticed is how much the world shuns him, but praises the butterfly. The butterfly represents the talent, the thoughtfulness, and the beauty within the caterpillar. But having a harsh outlook on life the caterpillar sees the butterfly as weak and figures out a way to pimp it to his own benefits. Already surrounded by this mad city the caterpillar goes to work on the cocoon which institutionalizes him. He can no longer see past his own thoughts. He's trapped. When trapped inside these walls certain ideas take roots, such as going home, and bringing back new concepts to this mad city The result? Wings begin to emerge, breaking the cycle of feeling stagnant. Finally free, the butterfly sheds light on situations that the caterpillar never considered, ending the internal struggle. Although the butterfly and caterpillar are completely different, they are one and the same. What's your perspective on that? Pac? Pac? Pac?!”

Tempted to buy it on PC right now but don’t know if it’s worth it to buy it so close to the console release?
If I buy it on PC now, will I simply get to update the game when the final release is out, free of charge ? Or will I have to drop $60 on it in stream just because they released the console version and they’re calling it a new game?

Hello, I am a new player of this game. I think I played it for about a month a couple of years ago, then abandoned it.
I've been back for a week and chose the free deck, called "Highlander Shaman", with Reno, Doctor Hollidae and other cool cards.
I have 210 arcane dust and 2000 gold. I don't know how to invest these resources.
I usually play standard mode with my "Reno Shaman" and I managed to get to the gold rank within a few days. Now the situation is getting more difficult and I need to improve my deck.
I also saw some cool cards in some decks (Shudderblock, Golganneth the Thunderer, Yogg-Saron Unleashed...), but I have no idea how to get them (I can't craft them because I have very little dust).
Which miniset or packs should I buy, based on my needs?
(I checked a few minisets, but they have very few shaman cards)
My deck is: AAECAejwBB6vnwT5nwT6nwT9nwSAoAS+0AXB0AXE0AXl5AWt7QXN7gX08gX++AWH+wXYgQbKgwbQgwb5jAbslQarnQatnQaTngacngbNngbRngbmngbIoAavqAbOsAbh6wYAAAA=

Hey y'all, i'm a very chill person who likes to vibe and game with people or hangout.
sometimes i watch animes, movies(especially horror). i also like to talk about life, seeing different perspectives on things and know about new culture.
Games i'm currently playing/want to:

• CS2
• fortnite (no building)
• stardew valley
• valorant
• rainbow six
• COD
• GTA
• Rust
• Sons of the forest
• the forest
• lethal company
• raft
• content warning.

i'm willing to play all kinds of games (horror, fps, survival, etc..)
i really want to make some good connections
I'm not a native english speaker
feel free to DM me

Recently divorced, and decided to move to a different city and just...start over. I don't have a lot of free time to do things, but I do find myself feeling lonely, or lacking something, some days. I want to meet new people and try different things, but it's a bit crazy with my schedule right now. I plan to work on this when I have more downtime in, say, a month or so.
Anyway, my question here is: what do you do to fight off the lonely thoughts? I still keep in touch with old friends via text groups, but they lead pretty busy lives, too. I've had a few guys that I knew from my past life reach out to me, but I know it's bad news to get chatty with them just because I'm bored or lonely at some moment. Mostly, I think I just find myself wanting to have someone to chat with when I have some rare moments of down time, and I think it's just because I'm not used to being alone with myself. Has anyone else struggled through this? What did you do (that wasn't self-sabotaging, lol)?

What’s up!, I’m soooo bored tn and would like to chat to pass time. I have too much free time since my semester ended and been feeling sorta lonely lately so it’d be cool to make a new friend, I think it’s impossible here tho so just a chat is fine too lol. We can talk about anything if you’re not creepy. Hmu if you’re interested

timestamp : https://imgur.com/a/fUcdxb3 hi, wanting to sell a PreSonus PD-70 and Behringer UM2 audio interface (with cables) as I don't use them anymore. both are in like new condition and work perfectly. i'm looking to sell outright, but i would also be interested in trading for a headset around the same price, or less but with payment to balance difference. will be shipped via usps or ups same day if possible, payment via paypal invoice. feel free to ask any questions!
price : $100 shipped (firm, no offers.)

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TL;DR— Nasacort and Singulair have changed my life for the better. Thanks to this thread for those recommendations!
I just wanted to share here (since this thread has been so helpful to me) that I’ve recently found significant relief in starting two new meds— one being Nasacort, a simple OTC spray, the other being Singulair (Montelukast), a Rx drug that I was hesitant to take for years due to its Black label warning from the FDA, but which has helped me tremendously.
Y’all shared in these threads that these medications had changed your life, and I’m so grateful because that gave me the push I needed to try them. I’ve always had pretty bad seasonal allergies, but after having COVID in 2022, my allergies went completely crazy. April through September were a nightmare. I could barely function, had terrible brain fog, debilitating symptoms, had trouble working, couldn’t go outside, began experiencing allergic asthma… the whole works. Hay fever all day every day. I had sinus infections that led to terrible bronchitis. I was living on multiple Zyrtec a day (which honestly didn’t touch my symptoms), Sudafed during the day, Benadryl at night, Flonase, Ipaproprium Bromide spray and a host of supplements (Quercetin, vitamin c, stinging nettle, et.al) I tried EVERYTHING. (And I mean everything— diet, breath work, acupuncture, Ayurvedic treatments, the lot.) The majority of “alternative” / natural remedies have helped a little, but they’re more an extra support for my symptoms… they really didn’t do a whole lot for me.
Someone on here recommended Nasacort. And while it took a few weeks to kick in, when it did, a TOTAL game changer. I am free of chronic postnasal drip for maybe the first time in years?! I cannot believe it. If you haven’t tried Nasacort yet, I highly recommend it. No negative side effects. Safe for longer term use.
Upon searching these threads for how to deal with allergic asthma, I read more about Singulair. I’d always been nervous to take it because it can have bad psychological side effects, but it was nearly my last resort. My allergist told me that some folks have bad side effects, but the majority of people tolerate it well. I’m thrilled to say it’s working SO well for me. (Full disclosure: I also take Wellbutrin, an antidepressant). Singulair makes you a little sleepy, so it’s recommended you take it at night. It can give you very vivid dreams, and in my case, that’s been true. Other than that, zero side effects. My dreams are weirdly way more fun now, lol. Singulair has eliminated my allergic asthma— I can now exercise outside now during allergy season and not have to spend the next day in bed. Hallelujah!
Anyways, as a lifelong allergy sufferer / long Covid allergy mystery, I just wanted to share that these meds have helped me tremendously and I hope everyone can get what they need this allergy season!
Extra disclosure— I am very early in this journey, so no way to tell yet how much it’s helping, but I’m doing allergy immunotherapy with my allergist. I started with shots, but started reacting with major swelling at a very low dosage of the subcutaneous injection, so he has switched me to SLIT— sublingual drops. They’re European dosing guidelines, so very high quality and a high concentration serum. I’m only one month in, so I can’t say decisively how much they’re helping yet because it’s a 5 year process, but I’m hopeful my full court press against my seasonal allergies does the trick.

Okay so I finally decided to watch S19 and went through seasons 1-6 and episode 7x01.
Here are some things I just want to share. There will be spoilers if you haven’t watched…
Also I am new to reddit so if the spoiler tags don’t work, points 2-7 are spoilers! ——————————

1. Vic is undoubtedly my favorite character. It’s like she is playful, fun, and loving but she can be serious and professional when the time comes.
   

2. Was it necessary to kill Ryan or Ripley??? I sort of made peace with Pruitt’s death.
   

3. I think I saw somewhere that Dean was killed off because of the actor or something?? Feel free to explain this to me!
   
4. I forgot what season and episode this was, but the scene when Travis woke up from a dream and screaming and Vic ran in with a bat literally had me dying cuz what???
   
5. I love the scenes where the team surrounds the person in crisis (Vic when Ripley died, Andy’s attack, etc.)
   
6. I didn’t realize how close Vic and Andy were until Vic slept over after Andy’s attack. I guess it made sense for them to get closer after Maya and Andy’s off and on friendship.
   
7. I am putting off watching the rest of Season 7 because I have already heard spoilers about Vic having a MH crisis and I’m just nervous about what happens to her character. So if anyone wants to explain what happens without spoilers (if that makes sense) feel free to do so. !<
   
8. I definitely want to know everyone’s favorite characters, scenes, or their least favorites!
   

I also want to say that I have honestly enjoyed this show from binging and I am sad to see it go. I wish I wasn’t stubborn from watching Grey’s first so that I could enjoy the show longer!

So i think this may be a little backwards, but here goes.
Ive built PCs, I work in a networking adjacent field, and I like having stuff thats overkill in all aspects of life. So after not taking my ADD meds for a few days, I'm diving head first into something like an idiot.
Backstory: for the last 10 years or so i have been installing Physical access control, and camera systems for a national retailer (think BIG BIG. with their own data centers, and central monitoring). In that role, i was provided hardware, and had to program at the device level, but never dealt much with the server setups. I got tired of traveling nonstop, so i got a new job as an "engineer" for another company, doing design work. Since we utilize lots of systems that i am not familiar with I am working on taking some of the server setup work from the programming team to familiarize myself with the systems. In the process of doing that, i realized that having my programming lab be a folding table with a server sitting on it and cameras and access boards strewn about wasnt the best bet, so i picked up a free 48u rack off marketplace for cheap, commandeered a UPS and KVM Console, from the office, bought 2 used servers on marketplace, and a few cisco enterprise 48 port POE+ switches. All hardware was pretty cheap which im sure i will regret soon (im sitting around $400 currently). Here's what im working with:
Server 1 - Dell Poweredge r720XD - dual Xeon e5-2670's, 128gb DDR3, 1tb HDD (11 empty drive bays, that i will be filling for storage) Server 2 - Dell Poweredge R710 - Dual Xeon L5520's, 128gb ECC, 3x2TB HDD
Server 1 im planning to be a NAS for documents, photos, and CCTV storage, as well as running the CCTV VMS, plus whatever else it can handle
Server 2 was basically given to me when i bought server 1 so im not 100% sure yet. I was thinking about using it as a way to train on new software solutions when given demo licenses by our vendors, Maybe even set up in its own VLAN/standalone network to work on more secure buildouts
Some other things i would like to try but im unsure if i have the hardware capability:
Make a minecraft server for my daughter and a few friends (3-5 active players at a time) plex server (currently dont own a ton of physical media, but that may be in the future. im tired of switching streaming services month to month) Have games saved to the server so i can play them on any computer in the house without filling up the laptop (not sure how to make this happen. Basically, i like to play Flight sim 2020 every few months, its 200gb, and im tired of uninstalling a bunch of stuff and installing it just to play for 30 mins and get bored)
IDK. I guess what im really asking is what now. Where would you begin? What other things could/should i be doing. I basically needed a structured cable/rack setup but got too excited on FB marketplace, and im looking at a pile of parts wondering if i am an idiot.

I was absolutely convinced (emphasis on 'was') that I was different. I wouldn't fall into the 'credit card' trap and that somehow my use of credit cards allowed me to earn 'cash back' and 'points' and they put me ahead in the game to live the good life, for free! What I thought was frugal and conservative use of credit cards - which I always paid off in full every month - was wise and simply that Dave was wrong.
As a u/DaveRamsey fan of his Youtube videos. . . something he said late in 2023 got me thinking about my use of credit cards in a different way; the 'lack of pain' associated with the use of actual cash and the dopamine hit I got every time I used a credit card for a purchase.
So, since January, I've been running an experiment to see who was right; Dave or me? Here's what I've been doing and even more importantly, what I've learned:

1. I've tracked every single penny I earn for nearly a decade. . . meticulous tracking of income, outgoing, investments, etc... I know where every single penny goes and am a budget maniac. What I was hoping to prove to myself was that I was right and Dave was wrong and I could continue my life of credit card spending after proving how financially adept I was, to myself (insert snarky sarcasm icon, here).
2. I've completed all the Babysteps (not sure if that's truly possible but I'm 100% debt free in every category, am contributing to others, have a completely paid off mortgage and no children (any more) to put through college. I've got a fully funded (9 months - I know, I'm excessive) emergency fund and all of my free cash is in a HYSA earning 5.25% APY. Fully funded 401K, HSA, Roth, etc... I'm fortunate to be in the position I am and I owe a lot of that due to Dave's wise guidance (except for the credit card stuff).
3. I continued to use my credit cards in January, 2024 and tracked everything . . . and I mean EVERYTHING . . . to see what I was using CCs for. At the end of January, I evaluated how much I was spending using CCs to do it (about 65% of my monthly take home) and further, in what categories. To say I was 'stunned' about the amount of frivolous spending I was doing because credit cards are painless, would be a clear understatement.
4. So, in February, I committed to spending no more than 10% of my take home using credit cards (some monthly recurring charges but mostly frivolous spending) and really struggled with not just spending using CCs whenever I wanted to because I paid for all of that stuff with cash or, what really happened, I just didn't buy that stuff (sorry Jeff Bezos)! At the end of February, with 50%-ish more free cash flow available, I invested more aggressively (mostly in the HYSA) and noticed the freedom not using CCs provided me.
5. In March, I moved ALL of my previous CC auto charges onto my bank/cash account and put the CCs on the shelf. I quite literally spent <$150 using CCs (Auto Gas...errrrrrgh) and to my surprise (but I'm sure no one else's) I was able to reduce my frivolous spending to less than 5% of my total take home pay and had - no kidding - even more money to deposit into the HYSA.
   1. At my quarterly financial advisor meeting, he wanted to know where the extra money was coming from and I showed him my budget, talked about my mind set shift and laid out a plan for tracking my new found financial freedom out for the next 5 years. . . HOLY MOLY the results are stunning!
6. In April, I continued my March plan (CCs still alive but sitting on the shelf) and while the results didn't accelerate, I found even more cash flow freedom knowing that if I didn't have the cash, I wasn't going to buy it. Cancelled my Amazon Prime account and a few other 'frivolous spending' things I was doing and saved a bit more. . . nothing significant like February and March, but still; it felt great to continue making progress.
7. Well, now it's May and earlier today, I cut up my credit cards (I admit, I cried a bit :( on the first one) but by the 5th one. . . I was all good. 3 weeks in with the realization that I can't use credit cards, pay everything with real cash or by autopayment from my bank and I think I'm going to like this as my savings and investment portfolio continues to grow and I have a mental tool to reduce frivolous spending.

Not sure why it took me this long to actually learn the lesson, but dang, I'm glad that I have and am now looking for even more things to do to remain debt free (even if for only 21 days at a time) put more money into smart buckets and follow Dave's path. Oh, and the % cash back and free points . . . yeah, they didn't add up to even a month's worth of extra savings that I now have 100% under my control.
The reality is, by following Dave's guidance I'm sleeping better at night (even though I didn't live paycheck-to-paycheck, the mental freedom is pretty great). I'm able to make more of a contribution to my future and that of my community (oh, did you know you can actually buy people's medical debt and clear that for them?), then I did when I thought I was being smart about the use of credit cards.
Lose your credit cards (and run an experiment like the above) and you'll see that they're nothing more than a drug that keeps you in debt. Good luck to everyone on your financial journey!

Meditation is one of the most ancient practices which almost every self improvement creator or people in self improvement tell about and it has almost a mystic essence to it. This mystic nature of meditation comes from the fact that its written account is first seen in VEDAS, Hindu Scripture, which is 1500 BCE. So it is pretty old.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
I have been meditating for almost 2 years obviously with ups and downs, going from 20 minutes a day to 0 minutes but overall I have meditated for more than 50 hours or over 3000 Minutes. I did it mostly from Waking Up App (2432 Minutes), Medito (193 Minutes) And Rest with just a timer. So I don’t have the experience of a monk but I have some experience in meditation and here’s how it has affected my life.
CHOICE AND SELF AWARENESS
One thing which meditation has given me is choice and it is probably the most relevant change I have felt in myself. As a kid and as a teenager I was an angry boy and I used to lash out on people in fit of rage and had violent tendencies which occurred when something didn’t go my way and I used to just hit people when I got angry. My mom wanted me to meditate because she thought it would help cure my anger issues. But obviously I didn’t listen to her. But later I started meditating on my own accord. And now when any event happens I automatically see the anger coming on the surface and feel a level of control on that. Do I still lash out? Yes sometimes, less than before but now I feel it comes because It is required like, to standing up for someone and not because I am just angry. It could be just a rationalisation I use to justify the anger but just the thought that I am aware of my own anger and what I use to rationalise is the new skill which I gained because of meditation.
MOVING ON AND ACTION:
Before meditating, if an event happens which bothers me and I couldn’t take action or didn’t wanted to take action on it I would get stuck on that. I would then use the anger of not taking that action towards someone else, but now when an event happens I feel like if I don’t any actions towards it because of any reason I am able to get over it more easily and don’t get stuck at any one thing, which makes me unbothered and disregard anything which is not really important and it is easier to focus on what is important.
ACTIONABLE ADVICE:

1. Waking Up App: This app is by Sam Hariss and you can get it for free if you apply for a scholarship and it has a lot of different types of meditation. Plus it also has audio courses for daily life, like Time Management, Stoicism etc
2. Medito: This app is much simpler, it too has courses, and also has daily meditation which starts from 3 minutes which makes it easier to practise daily.
3. Timer: If you are starting you can also use a timer and start from one minute and increase your meditation practice daily or weekly.
4. Smartwatches And Smart Bands: These devices has a feature called breathing which can help if you get lost in thought while meditating and brings you back to the present moment.

This was my personal experience with meditation, if you have any problems which you want me to make a guide on write in comments and I will make a guide to tackle that problem. If you have any review on my writing please tell me in comments I will appreciate any advice on writing as well. THANK YOU

Meditation is one of the most ancient practices which almost every self improvement creator or people in self improvement tell about and it has almost a mystic essence to it. This mystic nature of meditation comes from the fact that its written account is first seen in VEDAS, Hindu Scripture, which is 1500 BCE. So it is pretty old.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
I have been meditating for almost 2 years obviously with ups and downs, going from 20 minutes a day to 0 minutes but overall I have meditated for more than 50 hours or over 3000 Minutes. I did it mostly from Waking Up App (2432 Minutes), Medito (193 Minutes) And Rest with just a timer. So I don’t have the experience of a monk but I have some experience in meditation and here’s how it has affected my life.
CHOICE AND SELF AWARENESS
One thing which meditation has given me is choice and it is probably the most relevant change I have felt in myself. As a kid and as a teenager I was an angry boy and I used to lash out on people in fit of rage and had violent tendencies which occurred when something didn’t go my way and I used to just hit people when I got angry. My mom wanted me to meditate because she thought it would help cure my anger issues. But obviously I didn’t listen to her. But later I started meditating on my own accord. And now when any event happens I automatically see the anger coming on the surface and feel a level of control on that. Do I still lash out? Yes sometimes, less than before but now I feel it comes because It is required like, to standing up for someone and not because I am just angry. It could be just a rationalisation I use to justify the anger but just the thought that I am aware of my own anger and what I use to rationalise is the new skill which I gained because of meditation.
MOVING ON AND ACTION:
Before meditating, if an event happens which bothers me and I couldn’t take action or didn’t wanted to take action on it I would get stuck on that. I would then use the anger of not taking that action towards someone else, but now when an event happens I feel like if I don’t any actions towards it because of any reason I am able to get over it more easily and don’t get stuck at any one thing, which makes me unbothered and disregard anything which is not really important and it is easier to focus on what is important.
ACTIONABLE ADVICE:

1. Waking Up App: This app is by Sam Hariss and you can get it for free if you apply for a scholarship and it has a lot of different types of meditation. Plus it also has audio courses for daily life, like Time Management, Stoicism etc
2. Medito: This app is much simpler, it too has courses, and also has daily meditation which starts from 3 minutes which makes it easier to practise daily.
3. Timer: If you are starting you can also use a timer and start from one minute and increase your meditation practice daily or weekly.
4. Smartwatches And Smart Bands: These devices has a feature called breathing which can help if you get lost in thought while meditating and brings you back to the present moment.

This was my personal experience with meditation, if you have any problems which you want me to make a guide on write in comments and I will make a guide to tackle that problem. If you have any review on my writing please tell me in comments I will appreciate any advice on writing as well. THANK YOU

“True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Bio
Name: Taylor Bennett Armstrong	Date of Birth: 04/03/2024
Age: 15 years old	Gender: Demiboy
Sexual Orientation:	Nationality: Canadian
Ethnicity: Irish-Jewish	Languages: English, French, Japanese
Hometown: Toronto, Canada	Demigod Conundrums: ADHD

Family:

Name Relation Age Occupation Relationship ------------
Benjamin Armstrong Father 42 years old Artist Taylor shares a special bond with his father, Benjamin Armstrong. Despite being a single parent for much of Taylor's life, Benjamin always made sure to provide a loving and nurturing environment for his son. He recognized Taylor's unique talents from a young age and encouraged him to explore his creativity without limitations. Benjamin's own passion for art and innovation served as an inspiration for Taylor, shaping his worldview and igniting his love for invention. Benjamin supports Taylor's dreams and ambitions wholeheartedly, even if he doesn't always understand the mechanics behind his son's creations.
Eliza Armstrong Stepmother 43 years old Graphic Designer She brings a different perspective to Taylor's life. As a graphic designer, she values precision and order, which sometimes clashes with Taylor's more spontaneous and chaotic approach to creativity. However, despite their differences, Eliza cares deeply for Taylor and wants what's best for him. She worries about Taylor's safety and well-being, especially when his inventions go awry and cause unintended chaos. She often finds herself playing the role of the voice of reason, urging Taylor to think things through more carefully before diving headfirst into his next project. Despite their occasional disagreements, Eliza recognizes Taylor's potential and admires his boundless imagination and ingenuity.
Rachel Armstrong Half-sister 10 years old Student Rachel Armstrong, Taylor's half-sister, adores her older brother and looks up to him with wide-eyed admiration. From a young age, she was fascinated by Taylor's inventions and artistic talents, often trailing after him like a curious puppy, eager to learn and explore alongside him. Taylor sees Rachel as the most precious angel in the world and is very protective of her. He takes great joy in teaching her how to sketch, build, and code, fostering her own love for art and invention. Rachel, in turn, idolizes her big brother and cherishes their time together.

Appearance

Faceclaim: this Picrew Voiceclaim Walter from Spies in Disguise

Features	Description
Height	5’8 feet
Weight	157 lbs
Hair	Ginger
Eyes	Blue
Skin	Tan
Build	Lean, slim
Scent	Ink, paint, oil
Attire	Gamer Aesthetic

Overview: Ginger Hair: One of Taylor's most noticeable features is his vibrant ginger hair, which seems to have a life of its own. His locks cascade in untamed waves around his head, framing his face in a fiery halo. Despite occasional attempts to tame it, Taylor's hair always manages to retain its wild, rebellious spirit, reflecting his own untamed nature. Taylor's eyes are a mesmerizing shade of blue. They sparkle with curiosity and intelligence, constantly darting from one point of interest to the next. Across Taylor's nose and cheeks are scattered a constellation of freckles, like tiny stars dotting the canvas of his face. Despite his intelligence beyond his years, Taylor's face retains a youthful charm and innocence. His features are soft and rounded, with a hint of boyish mischief lurking behind his bright smile. There is a sense of wonder and curiosity in his expression, as if he is forever on the brink of discovering something new and exciting. Taylor's fashion sense is a reflection of his personality, blending comfort with a hint of geeky flair. He favors graphic t-shirts adorned with characters from his favorite video games, showcasing his love for gaming and pop culture. His hoodies are oversized and well-worn, providing both warmth and a sense of familiarity. Taylor's cargo pants are practical and utilitarian, offering plenty of pockets to store his tools and gadgets for tinkering. His sneakers are his constant companions, scuffed and worn from countless adventures and late-night gaming marathons.

Personality

“Creativity is a wild mind and a disciplined eye.” Dorothy Parker
Quality Traits Positive Optimistic, Creative, Kind-hearted, Spontaneous, Resilient Neutral Naive, Chaotic, Impulsive, Eccentric, Idealistic Negative Gullible, Overbearing, Impatient, Inattentive, Stubborn
Overview: Taylor radiates an infectious positivity that lights up any room he enters. He greets each day with boundless enthusiasm, seeing every challenge as an opportunity for adventure and growth. His optimism is unwavering, even in the face of adversity, and he has a knack for finding the silver lining in the darkest of situations. Taylor's sunny disposition makes him a joy to be around, and his genuine smile can brighten even the gloomiest of days. Taylor marches to the beat of his own drum, embracing his individuality with gusto. He has never been one to conform to societal norms or expectations, preferring to chart his own course through life. Taylor's free-spirited nature is reflected in everything he does, from his spontaneous inventions to his unconventional approach to problem-solving. He thrives on the freedom to express himself creatively, unbound by rules or conventions. Taylor's energy is boundless, and he approaches everything he does with an infectious sense of excitement and wonder. He is easily captivated by new ideas and experiences, often bouncing from one project to the next with the fervor of a child in a candy store. Taylor's excitable nature fuels his insatiable curiosity, driving him to constantly seek out new challenges and adventures. Despite his youthful exuberance, Taylor possesses a keen intellect far beyond his years. He is a natural problem-solver, able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to even the most daunting of challenges. Taylor's mind is a whirlwind of ideas and possibilities, constantly buzzing with new inventions and artistic endeavors. His creativity knows no bounds, and he revels in the thrill of bringing his imagination to life. Taylor's intelligence and creativity have instilled in him a healthy dose of confidence, bordering on cockiness at times. He knows his worth and isn't afraid to show it, often speaking his mind with a brashness that can catch others off guard. However, Taylor's confidence is tempered by his humility and genuine humility. He is quick to acknowledge his mistakes and learn from them, never allowing his ego to overshadow his humanity. At the core of Taylor's personality is a deep well of kindness and empathy for others. He genuinely cares about the people around him and goes out of his way to help those in need. Taylor's compassion knows no bounds, and he often puts the needs of others before his own. He is quick to offer a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, and his unwavering support has endeared him to many. Beneath Taylor's cheerful exterior lies a vulnerability that he often tries to conceal. He is sensitive to the opinions of others and fears being rejected or misunderstood. Taylor's insecurities stem from a desire to be accepted and valued for who he truly is, flaws and all. Despite his outward confidence, he struggles with feelings of loneliness and self-doubt, yearning for genuine connections and validation. Taylor's drive for excellence can sometimes border on perfectionism, leading him to be overly critical of himself and his work. He sets high standards for himself and is often disappointed when he falls short of his own expectations. However, Taylor's perfectionism is tempered by his resilience and determination to persevere in the face of failure. He sees each setback as an opportunity to learn and grow, refusing to let obstacles dampen his spirit. Taylor has a gift for communication, able to express his thoughts and feelings with clarity and sincerity. He is a natural storyteller, captivating audiences with his animated anecdotes and infectious enthusiasm. Taylor's ability to connect with others on a deep emotional level makes him a trusted confidant and valued friend. He listens intently to others, offering words of encouragement and wisdom when needed. Taylor approaches life with a sense of adventure, always eager to explore new horizons and push the boundaries of what is possible. He thrives on the thrill of discovery, relishing in the excitement of unknown possibilities. Taylor's insatiable curiosity drives him to seek out new experiences and embrace the unknown with open arms. Whether embarking on a daring quest or simply trying out a new recipe, he approaches each adventure with the same sense of wonder and excitement. Taylor has a playful sense of humor that often borders on mischievousness. He loves to joke and laugh, finding joy in the absurdities of life. Taylor's playful nature brings levity to even the most serious of situations, helping to ease tension and lift spirits. He delights in pulling harmless pranks and sharing witty banter with friends, always with a twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face. Taylor is incredibly adaptable, able to thrive in any environment or situation. He approaches change with a sense of curiosity and excitement, eager to embrace new challenges and opportunities. Taylor's ability to adapt to different circumstances has served him well throughout his life, allowing him to navigate the complexities of both the mortal world and the realm of the gods with ease.
Preferences
Favourite... Item Food Macaroni and cheese, mango milkshake Colour Electric Blue Season Summer Weather Sunny, warm, clear skies Music Pop, rock, orchestral, jazz, celtic Animals Bunnies and Cats Book/Movie Genre Fantasy, Sci-fi, Romance, Slice-of-life, Adventure, Action Media Avatar: The Last Airbender, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, Kingdom Hearts, Legend of Zelda, Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3rd, Honkai: Star Rail, Pokémon, a scary amount of anime, etc…
Hobbies:

• Drawing
• Painting
• Crafting
• Sewing
• Video Games
• Cosplay

Demigod Info

Powers

Name	Type	Description
Psychometry	Domain	The ability to glean information from a particular object relevant to the parent's domain, especially its material make-up and method of creation. (Crafts, Mechanics and Art)
Enhanced Skill Proficiency	Domain	A trait where one is naturally adept in the skills lorded over by their parent. (Crafts, Mechanics and Art)
Summon Tool	Domain	The ability to summon any small tool. (Once every 5 minutes or per turn.) (Duct Tape or Superglue)
Machine Communication	Minor	A trait where one is able to understand and communicate with automatons and machinery (includes code).
Electrical Resistance	Minor	A trait where one is able to resist electricity to a such degree that they are able to withstand badly interacting with small appliances.
Machine Manipulation (Technokinesis)	Minor	The ability to directly control mechanisms, machines and automatons.
Basic Enchantment	Major	The ability to imbue weapons, crafts, machinery and automatons with magical properties (modmail for specific enchantments). Options: Weapon Transformation—into a mundane item; Monster Hunting Proficiency for a) Fleshy Monsters—Sharpness, b) Armored Monsters—Bludgeoning, c) Ghosty Monsters—Absorption

Weapon of Choice: Bastard Sword
Fatal Flaw: Naivety Taylor's fatal flaw lies in his inherent naivety, stemming from his trusting and optimistic nature. Despite his intelligence and creativity, Taylor often lacks the worldly wisdom and discernment needed to navigate the complexities of the world around him. His naivety makes him vulnerable to manipulation and deception, as he struggles to see the darker intentions lurking behind the smiles of others.

Items and Equipment

Name	Age	Description
Sketchbook	7 years old	Taylor always carries a sketchbook with him, filled with doodles, sketches, and designs inspired by his vivid imagination.
Art Supplies	3 years old	As someone who enjoys art, Taylor keeps a collection of art supplies like pencils, markers, and colored pencils, allowing him to bring his creative visions to life wherever he goes.
Tool Kit	5 years old	As a budding inventor and tinkerer, Taylor carries a compact tool kit with him at all times. It contains essential tools like screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and a mini soldering iron, allowing him to repair gadgets, fix mechanical issues, and work on DIY projects on the fly.
Nintendo Switch	2 years old	Taylor never leaves home without Nintendo Switch. He keeps a selection of his favorite games in his backpack, ready to play whenever he has a spare moment to indulge in his love of gaming.
Music Player	3 years old	Music is a constant source of inspiration and motivation for Taylor, so he always carries a portable music player loaded with his favorite tunes.
Cat Headphones	1 year old	High-quality headphones that allow him to escape into his own world of music whenever he needs a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They are cat-themed for no reason other than Taylor felt like it.

Trivia

• Zodiac Sign: Pisces
• MBTI: ESTP-T (The Entrepreneur)
• Enneagram: Type 7 (The Enthusiast)
• Love Languages: Words of Affirmation (receive); Acts of service (give)
• Quirk: Doodling on almost every surface he sees when bored.
• Fears: Hurting People, Big Animals

Backstory

“There is no innovation and creativity without failure.” ***Brené Brown*
Taylor Bennett Armstrong was born into a creatively vibrant family. His father, Benjamin Armstrong, was a dedicated artist who often spent hours in his studio, painting and sculpting. Benjamin's work was deeply inspired by classical art, and his studio was filled with references to mythological themes and ancient techniques. This environment planted the seeds of creativity in Taylor from a very young age.
Taylor’s biological mother was Techne, the goddess of art, craft, and invention, but he had no knowledge of her divine heritage. His mother left shortly after his birth, leaving Benjamin to raise Taylor on his own. Despite the absence of his mother, Taylor's early childhood was filled with love and encouragement from his father.
When Taylor was five, Benjamin met Eliza, a talented graphic designer, at an art exhibit. They quickly bonded over their shared love for art and soon married. Eliza embraced Taylor as her own, though she struggled to understand his unique, often chaotic way of thinking and creating.
Even as a young child, Taylor showed remarkable intelligence and creativity. By the age of six, he was building simple machines and drawing intricate designs. His father was both amazed and slightly concerned when Taylor began to take apart household appliances to understand how they worked. While Benjamin encouraged his son's curiosity, Eliza worried about the constant mess and occasional accidents that resulted from Taylor's experiments.
Taylor’s half-sister, Rachel, was born when he was five. She looked up to her big brother with admiration, often following him around and watching as he created his various inventions. Despite the occasional mishap, Taylor and Rachel shared a close bond, with Taylor frequently making small toys and gadgets to entertain her.
School was both a blessing and a curse for Taylor. His intelligence allowed him to excel academically, but his unique way of thinking and his constant tinkering often got him into trouble. Teachers labeled him a "problem child" due to his inability to sit still and follow conventional methods. Taylor's inventions occasionally caused disruptions, further cementing his reputation.
Socially, Taylor found it hard to connect with his peers. His enthusiasm and intelligence often intimidated other children, and he was frequently taken advantage of by classmates who used him to boost their own grades. These experiences left Taylor feeling lonely and self-conscious about his naivety, although he never let it dampen his cheerful spirit.
Taylor's life took a dramatic turn when he was 15 years old. One day, while working on a particularly ambitious project in his makeshift workshop, he was visited by Oleander, a satyr sent by Camp Half-Blood. Oleander had been observing Taylor for some time, noting his extraordinary abilities and his connection to the divine.
Oleander revealed to Taylor the truth about his mother, Techne, and his demigod heritage. At first, Taylor was skeptical, thinking it was some sort of elaborate joke or fantasy. However, Oleander's ability to demonstrate his satyr powers and his deep knowledge of Taylor's unexplained talents eventually convinced him.
Explaining the situation to his family was a challenge. Benjamin, who had always suspected that there was something special about Taylor, took the news in stride. Eliza, though worried and confused, ultimately supported the decision, understanding that Camp Half-Blood could provide Taylor with the guidance he needed. Rachel was both excited and scared for her brother, worried about the dangers he might face and she would miss him.
Thankfully, despite the huge distance he and Oleander had to travel from Toronto to Long Island went calmly, for the most part, with not many delays or monsters attacking them.
Well, at least until they reached New York. After that, the whole “calm journey” was out the window. It almost seemed like all the monsters decided to wait until they were close to their destination to suddenly appear one after the other. First they had to somehow avoid a cyclops. Then they were attacked by dracanaea. And finally, they were chased by harpies until they crossed the border of Camp Half-Blood.
By some miracle, they were still alive.
What a way to be introduced to demigod life.

Present Day

“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun” Mary Lou Cook
Taylor's arrival at Campbell Half-Blood was… something, alright.
You know, being chased by monsters from New York to Long Island, passing out in between attacks and then waking up in the Medic Cabin feeling like you've been hit by a truck and maimed by a cat at the same time was, in short, not fun. It also didn't help the fact that he had to stay in bed to get treated for what, hours. Which, for someone like Taylor, was absolute torture. Good for him then that demigods, apparently, had magic healing and he didn't have to stay for days instead. At least Oleander was around to explain every detail about the world he's been thrust into now that he was out of danger. And as a plus, he was also claimed, so yay! He had no clue who Techne was, but he was sure he would learn soon enough.
So, what does Taylor do after getting patched up? Does he wait and rest for a bit just to make sure everything is okay with him? Does he stop for a moment to process everything that has happened to him in the last 24 hours?
No! Of course not! This is Taylor, after all. Him staying put for more than 10 minutes would be a miracle already.
Instead, he just went off on his own to see what this Camp Half-Blood was all about. He just had to get to his cabin first, which would be relatively easy with Oleander's instructions, and then he could explore this place to his heart's content!
Hopefully, Camp Half-Blood would be ready for the chaotic force Taylor would prove to be.
[OOC: Hello, everyone! Say hello to my new character, Taylor! Feel free to interact with him literally anywhere at Camp, he's probably going to be there at some point anyway lmao. Thanks for reading;)]