Taboo
This Confession
The final line from Brett Easton Ellis' controversial 1991 novel American Psycho resonates with me deeply: "This confession has meant nothing." As a summation of what has gone before, it casts doubt on the Christian dicta of confession, absolution, or forgiveness. It makes a mockery of the notion that to "get it off your chest" will bring one a sense of inner peace. For the character of Patrick Bateman there is no "inner peace"; there is a grinding cycle of narcissistic delusion, self-aggrandizement, violence, and the complete and total realization that in his simulated world of surfaces, he will never be taken to task for the carnage he exteriorizes on subjects that are little more than fleeting representations of individuated egos. Stock characters, NPCs in his ever-world of disposable miniaturized souls.
By Tom Bakerabout a year ago in Confessions
An open letter to the voices in my head
Dear Echoes in my mind I understand how enraging it becomes from time to time to express yourself, to finally say what's on your mind, to bury your sadness and angst through my being. Because I know how infuriating it is to be confined in an endless labyrinth of what-ifs and curating the worst-case scenarios for every stance we go through. I know all you are trying to do is protect me from the potential perils of my existential stride, to shield me from the externality of how horrendous the world could be. I behold your concern, I see you as you are and I feel your pain, but I want to be honest with you and I am tired. I am tired of your constant whispers of how bad the world is, how everything can turn against me or how I can become better because the present me is not good enough.
By Hridya Sharmaabout a year ago in Confessions
Decision: The Foundation of Life
Ayan sat on a park bench, staring at the rippling water of the small lake before him. The late afternoon sun cast golden reflections on the surface, yet his mind was clouded with uncertainty. He was faced with a decision that had the potential to alter his life forever. For the past five years, he had worked as a junior executive in a corporate firm. It was a stable job, providing him with a decent salary and a comfortable lifestyle. But deep down, he felt trapped. His true passion lay in writing, something he had neglected for years in the name of security. And now, an opportunity had arrived—one that could either fulfill his dreams or leave him struggling financially. A renowned publishing house had offered to publish his novel. The catch? He would need to dedicate himself full-time to writing, as they required him to complete two more books within the next three years. Quitting his job meant stepping into uncertainty, with no guarantee of financial stability. But continuing in his current job meant suppressing his dream forever.
By Niranjon Chandra Royabout a year ago in Confessions
January and February 2025: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
I messed up. In complete honesty, 2025 has been a whirlwind of difficulties and lessons that have humbled me in its entirety. Though lasting only two months in its stretch, I have danced through the storms that have wearied the brevity of my soul. Some days were radiating with a sense of hope and oozing peace that displayed the possibility of a bright future, while others had a sense of doom, the kind of despair that doesn't go away with a full night's sleep, or ice cream or a warm bubble bath. It is the kind of tiredness that lingers onto your soul in its deepest trench, leaving no room for any light to enter.
By Hridya Sharmaabout a year ago in Confessions
The Pain Echoed by That Laughter...
The Pain Echoed by That Laughter... School days—an era of innocence, a sky painted with endless memories, and the silent blooming of unspoken dreams. These years carve countless imprints on the heart, some fading with time, others remaining as scars that never truly heal.
By Dipak Pawarabout a year ago in Confessions
Old school PSWs VS New School PSWs
A job in social services can decline in value and importance for many reasons. First of all, it is an undervalued service that offers low pay and frankly a barely livable wage let alone benefits that one need. On top of that they are now creating PSWs faster to meet the demand. They now require no education professionalism or personal skills. My care provider is now training their workforce in the office for a pathetic 30 hours and now they are trained and ready to go into the community. They are taking people that are in the country to go to school and allowing this as a fast tract opinion so they can create as many employees as possible.
By Julia Stellingsabout a year ago in Confessions
Sipping Wisdom: A Personal Journey of Meeting My Younger Self Over Coffee
The air permeated a sense of calmness and stillness as I entered the coffee shop ten minutes late, I saw my younger self sitting there reading a book as she was sipping on her favourite caramel ice cream latte. Engrossed in her tale, she scrunched her nose as she did not like a particular stance of the story, I smiled with a serenity-filled eye as I saw the beauty of innocence brimming in her eyes. Hurrying across the table I told her sorry I was late and she said it was no problem. She asked me what I would like to have and I ordered an iced mocha frappuccino as she made room for me to sit alongside her on the table.
By Hridya Sharmaabout a year ago in Confessions
Unwavering Dedication… A Journey to the Pinnacle of Success!
Unwavering Dedication… A Journey to the Pinnacle of Success! Life is a journey filled with struggles, challenges, and countless twists and turns. Some paths are smooth, while others are riddled with obstacles. Some moments bring immense joy, while others test our resilience with pain and hardship. However, the moment a person decides to remain steadfast in pursuit of their goal, their journey toward success truly begins.
By Dipak Pawarabout a year ago in Confessions
The Number
Should I even write about this? It is Sunday night - nice touch - and I have planned my lessons for the college. It will mostly be a review of the material we have already covered and I will be preparing them for the exam they have after their spring break. And I have some new online students who will just want to chat and discuss how to improve their English skills. I will have a lot of time to meditate and focus on what this means.
By Kendall Defoe about a year ago in Confessions
