no shortcuts.

[hindimapakali]

I just feel so sad. I feel like I can’t trust anyone. I wanna cry

[hindimapakali]

in-act

Why are you so scared to do the things you feel down inside want to do

Why are you afraid

Why do you consume yourself with so much thought

Why do you shy away from taking action even if it might free you

Why do you feel like you need to still shoulder his pain

Why do you want him to make the first move

Why are you still waiting for the perfect conditions to present themselves

Why are you not acknowledging how you are feeling in this very moment or how you feel about all of this

Why are you stressing yourself out to the point of procrastination

Why are you trying to manage the lie

Why do you not trust your instinct and decision making process

[hindimapakali]

There is never a good time to do this, but I need to.

It hurts so much. My stomach is hurting so much because I am writing this letter to you and I had been mustering the ability to finally respond to my feelings and to write this and address this to you. My stomach hurts because I am still not fully able to sit with myself and my feelings but I am trying and I am feeling a sharp pain and a stomach ache brewing but I also know that this pain is the most I’ve felt in this situation because I am finally doing it I’m finally speaking up for myself and finally talking about how I feel and I hope you’ll be able to stop for a second and listen to me and listen to how I am feeling. In truth we take chances. I would rather live knowing I tried and failed than die knowing I did not take the chances I needed to. The stomach pain is the manifestation of this internal struggle within me. The speaking up has to happen.

[hindimapakali]

It’s just hard to connect. It’s hard because it’s hard to relate. And that’s hard because it’s an experience he doesn’t share.

[crpl-pnk]

i want men to be able to emotionally connect with people they don’t plan on having sex with. i want men to stop assuming i am planning on having sex with them because i make an effort to engage with them emotionally. i want men to stop feeling personally betrayed by the fact that i engage deeply & genuinely with people regardless of whether i desire them sexually, because i value people & seek to understand & connect with them regardless of sexual attraction

[visual-poetry]

by juan arata

[missmentelle]

How to Tell Your Friend That You Need a Break From Supporting Them

When I worked at a mental health crisis centre, I couldn’t believe how many people came to us, not because of their own problems, but because they were so lost in a friend’s pain that they couldn’t take it anymore. I saw a lot of people who were so worn down from helping someone else that they couldn’t sleep, eat, socialize or focus at work or school. They were consumed with guilt every time they put down their phones, went to sleep, or dared to enjoy themselves and have a good time. All because they had no idea how to set boundaries.  Helping your friends through a tough situation is a wonderful and noble thing to do, but it only works if you’re mentally in a place to do so. If you’re dealing with issues or mental illness of your own, you’re not always capable of being someone else’s shoulder to cry on 24/7. And that’s okay. Sometimes, you have to put yourself first. You can’t help someone else if you’re a mess yourself. You can’t save a drowning person with a sinking ship.  Telling a friend that you’re overwhelmed and you need a break is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do. Honesty is the best policy - don’t go radio silent on them, or avoid answering their messages. Be honest about how you’re feeling, and what you need from them. If you’re stuck on what to say and how to start the conversation, here are a few suggestions. Feel free to copy them exactly: It’s really hard for me to admit this, but I’ve been feeling like I’m on the verge of a breakdown lately. I love you and I care about you, but I need to take some time to take care of myself for a while.  I’m really concerned about you, but I honestly don’t know how to deal with this and I’m worried I’ll say the wrong thing. I really think that you should talk to a professional about this.  This is hard for me to admit, but I have a lot going on in my life right now, and it’s getting to be too much for me. Would it be okay if we talked about lighter stuff for the next little while?

You deserve more support than I can give you. I think you need to tell a close family member or professional about what’s going on. 

It seems like every time we talk about this, things are worse for you. I’m worried that my advice isn’t helping you at all, and I think you should talk to someone more qualified than me. 

I’m really worried for your safety, and it breaks my heart, but I can’t keep you safe all by myself. Would it be okay if we told someone else what was going on? 

I’m sorry, but I can’t answer my text messages 24 hours per day. I really want to make sure that you always have someone to turn to if I’m not available. Are there some other people you would trust with this? I can help you tell them, if you’re not comfortable doing it by yourself.  I hope these suggestions are helpful - best of luck to all of you, and make sure to put your own mental health first when you have to. 

[acakewalkofcrocodiles]

Found it! 

[super-affection]

only real 90s kids remember

[leaveful]

[hindimapakali]

I have already forgotten it all,

Chidi.

I do not even remember who we once were.

I wish you peace, healing, and closure, especially with those in your life who are able to help you attain it.

[theweirdwideweb]

[hindimapakali]

Don’t go hiring other people to do the work for you

If you want to know how I’m doing and how I feel about you then hit me up directly.

[piss-bong]

[embraceyourmelanin]

Non binary people with dark skin: your gender isn’t a “white people thing” and you deserve more respect

[hindimapakali]

I cannot accept life as a traumatized subject without being endlessly angry about it

[hindimapakali]

Imagine mental fog and having had it your whole life to an extent that you don’t know life without it

There is emptiness that is too full and I am so frustrated and annoyed

The extent to which trauma has affected my life is not normal.

There may be things buried underneath that I am unaware of and have yet to deal with

Speak up about your uncomfortable discomfort.

You cling to or even seek those very oppressive structures you flee from

[hindimapakali]

That thing around your neck that says

You don’t deserve good things

This is therapy, level 2.