First, they took me to the mountain peak around some 8100 feet above. And then as I stood there, just before the takeoff, my instructor told me to run towards the edge of the mountain with every force I had. I was seeing the deepest cliff in front of me I’ve ever seen with my eyes. There were only mountains and alpine trees all around me.

My whole body was surrounded by a lot of ‘What If’ scenarios. Again & again I was asking myself – “Am I really ready for this?”

But the second I launched myself off that cliff, it all melted away. All that was left was the appreciation and realization of how big & precious the world really is.

Soaring above the Himalayas, the snow-capped peaks beside me, it was like the world opened up in a way I never imagined. I see the horizons and the universe much closer to me. Everything suddenly felt simpler, smaller worries just faded away. It was like I had unlocked a whole new dimension of joy, the kind that can only be found in those first-time experiences.

After I returned home, it got me thinking –

Why do first-time experiences matter so much?

Well, this isn’t just about paragliding, though that was pretty epic. First-time experiences matter because they push us outside our comfort zones. They remind us that fear can be a big, fat liar, and sometimes you gotta grab life by the horns and just go for it.

Remember that first hike you took, even though your legs screamed? That feeling of accomplishment after reaching the peak? The first time you get that 1 like on your blog? That’s the magic of firsts. Because the funny thing is – the most incredible things in life happen just beyond the edge of what we think we’re capable of.

To be honest, I remember the fear when I hiked for the first time in the mountains. I still sometimes hesitate for a second before tackling a new mountain. But you know what? If the opportunity presents itself, I’ll even go for higher mountains, higher paragliding points, higher skydiving, higher bungee jumping, and eventually higher me.

And while I might not have all the time in the world, every first-time experience is a chance to grow, to learn, and to feel truly alive. I wanna feel this world, this universe.

Next time you get that chance to try something new, something a little scary, take a deep breath and just go for it. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve, and how much bigger the world feels when you see it from a new perspective.

After all, life’s a journey, and the best journeys are filled with amazing first times!

You may also want to read: What Happens When You Start Something New?

Fear, he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear, he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
‘Cause fear, he is a liar

Zach Williams – Fear Is a Liar Song

The post The Joy of the First Time – ‘I Jumped Off a Mountain’ appeared first on Aspiring Blog.

But what truly is happiness? Who decides it?

Recently, I made the most important discovery of my career, the most important discovery of my life. The Self-discovery.

Self-Discovery – those two words can conjure up images of mountaintops or long retreats to a yoga ashram (which, don’t get me wrong, can be fantastic experiences). But for most of us, the truth is a little messier.

I believe we all have this inherent goodness within us, just waiting to be unearthed. Maybe it’s a passion for helping others, creativity, or even a wicked sense of humor.

Now, I’m no self-discovery guru, but at least I’m beginning to realise self-discovery isn’t about finding some hidden treasure or becoming a superhero (though that would be cool). It’s more about understanding who you are, what makes you tick, and what makes your heart sing. It’s about truly knowing the good stuff within – the kindness, the creativity, the weirdness that makes you, you. It’s about the goodness within you.

(There was actually an incident that made me realise this, and it of course a long story that I’ll explain to you in some other blog post)

They say negativity is around every corner, which seems true when you deal with things around you. It’s internal struggles like self-doubt and anxiety or external challenges. These negativities can rob us of the peace we yearn for in life. Our lives are busy, and it’s very common to feel busted by work pressures and the complexities of relationships.

Disappointment frequently stems from the weight of societal norms and our own self-imposed standards. When we experience a sense of letdown, it’s typically due to unmet expectations. Such feelings may emerge when we measure our achievements against those of others.

The search for meaning and beauty often leads us to external sources, overshadowing the incredible richness within our own hearts. Each one of us carries unique and wonderful qualities that make us special yet these treasurers often go unnoticed.

The Beauty Of Goodness

There’s a special beauty in the goodness you discover within yourself. It’s like finding a hidden gem. A strength you never knew you possessed. Sharing this goodness with the world, whether through a random act of kindness, a helping hand, or simply a goofy grin, makes the world a brighter place.

Imagine goodness as a source of light that shines from within. When we act with kindness, empathy, and generosity, this light illuminates not just ourselves, but also those around us. And you know what, I assure you this happens, I’ve lived those moments recently.

It’s a beautiful ripple effect, and you’re the pebble that starts it all.

If you’ve watched The Hobbits by J.R.R. Tolkien, remember what Gandalf said?

Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love.

Gandalf

And as I’m talking about Self-Discovery and the beauty of goodness, I think I should share these beautiful lines that we posted around 4 years ago

Life is strange, isn't it?

You wake up every day not knowing what's in store

You go to sleep only to journey yet again.

Our universe is so vast and yet it is so detailed. Everything has a story including you.

You may not be the first person to exist, you definitely won't be the last.

But you are the only you that exists.

You're unique from everyone else in your own special way.

Life is a journey

You will hit many bumps along the way. But you'll keep moving on.

As cheesy as it sounds it's not the destination that matters, it's the journey

That's what makes life so wonderful.

The good and bad moments we go through

The people we meet

The places we go, and the goals we accomplish

It shows how incredible we can be and what we can do if we keep pushing on

If we keep on living

If you keep being you

So life may be strange but it's also very beautiful and you are part of it.

So live your life the way you want to

Do what you wanna do

Be who you wanna be

Just be you and never stop being you

So don't cry, keep pushing on

And smile for all the universe to see

I wish you the best on your journey through this strange thing which we call Life

I haven’t posted for so long and it feels good to be back, to again interacting with you all

The post A Look Within and the Beauty You’ll Find appeared first on Aspiring Blog.

Well, don’t get confused it’s just another ‘Dadly Joke’, Oh! I mean ‘Dad Joke’, I heard just an hour ago.

Dad jokes are a staple of the internet and for good reason. They’re funny, they’re cheesy, and they’re always guaranteed to get a groan or two. But what is it about dad jokes that makes them so addictive? And why are they so powerful?

I’ve had this question so many times. Turns out, the science behind dad jokes is as fascinating as a squirrel attempting to do stand-up comedy!

There’s actually a lot of science behind dad jokes. For one thing, they’re often based on puns, which are a type of wordplay that tricks the listener’s brain into expecting one thing and then delivers something else. This unexpected twist is what makes puns so funny, and it’s also what makes them so addictive.

And, have you ever noticed? Dads often deliver their jokes with an air of innocent seriousness, as if they genuinely believe they’re sharing a revelation. This creates a delightful juxtaposition between the mundane setup and the punny punchline. Our brains adore this pleasant contrast, making dad jokes memorable and hard to forget.

The Dad Joke That Shaped Me

I can personally attest to the power of dad jokes. My dad is a master of dad jokes, and he used them to great effect. He always told me dad jokes when I was feeling down, and they always made me laugh.

He also used dad jokes to teach me valuable lessons, like the importance of being kind to others and the importance of never taking yourself too seriously.

It all started on a rainy day when I was feeling as gloomy as a cat without its yarn ball. That’s when my dad dropped this classic:

“Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field!”

Later that night, he asked when a joke would become a dad joke. Before I could respond he said, “When it becomes apparent”

At first, I rolled my eyes so hard I think I saw my own brain. But then it dawned on me – life’s problems are like a tricky maze of words. Sometimes, all you need is a punny perspective to find your way out.

Thanks to my dad’s knack for corny humor, I discovered that even the most challenging situations can be tackled with a sprinkle of silliness. Isn’t it?

And who knows, maybe one day I’ll be the one delivering dad jokes that leave everyone in stitches… or at least rolling their eyes with a smile! The sense of humor is also an essential trait for human beings.

So next time you’re feeling down, or you need a way to diffuse some tension, try telling a dad joke. You might be surprised at how well it works. And who knows, you might even teach someone a valuable lesson along the way.

Also, my dad told me to put this another dadly joke at the end of this post, so here it is –

What did the buffalo say when his son left for college?

[The answer is in the first comment]

Get your copy of the Unsung Heroes Series Today!

The post The Science of Dad Jokes – Why are they so Addictive appeared first on Aspiring Blog.

The reason is that things are not in the right place and have been rough for the past few days which are kind of stopping us to do what we are supposed to do.

Our blogging schedule is all over the place and we find ourselves incapable of carrying it at the moment.

Recently, I had a terrible road accident that was kind enough to offer me the complete bed rest that I was longing for for a while. Additionally, it added a few head stitches, so that my brilliant thoughts won’t find the passage out of my brain. However, it was too much it offered that I didn’t expect.

On the other hand, my blogging friend Deepak got himself surrounded by unwanted circumstances in his career and other essential works that just popped out of nowhere.

And interestingly, both of these things are happening at the same time. Doesn’t it sound weird?

So, if you haven’t found us and our comments hanging around on your blog posts for a while now, know that we are missing it a lot more than you do.

We love blogging and connecting with our readers & amazing bloggers here, but sometimes life gets in the way and we need to take a break. Taking a short break from blogging will help us recharge and come back refreshed, ready to provide even more amazing content! We’ll miss you all while we’re gone, but we’ll be back soon better than ever.

PS: Though guest posts are still welcome

Thanks for reading!

The post An Update: Going on Temporary Blog Hiatus appeared first on Aspiring Blog.

The road that is built in hope is more pleasant to the traveler than the road built in despair, even though they both lead to the same destination.

In light of the above quotation, I would like to tell you a story of an old woman in my town. She was probably around 60 years old, but the age was barely a number for her. Her energy to accomplish the task and vision for life is no less than young blood, enthusiastic person.

I first found her in the civil court of my area, carrying a bunch of documents in one hand, and the other hand was covered with a big cloth (also known as a shawl). She bowed her head in front of the lawyer and asked them for taking her lawsuit.

But the lawyer refused to take it, probably thinking she might be unable to pay the heavy fees.

I often saw her coming to the court with hope but every time she had to return with disappointment on her wrinkled face. After seeing her in this condition, I was about to ask her about her problems but she didn’t appear for several days.

After a few months, I went to the market to purchase some household things and I got surprised. I saw one old woman selling vegetables on the street with the same appearance as I saw in the court.

That time I did not want to miss this chance to know about her. I reached out to her and asked for the vegetable’s price at first and then purchased from her.

After a few minutes,

I asked her- “Why are you selling Vegetables on the streets at such an old age?”

She didn’t reply to me and I just left her alone. I asked another vendor about her.

Another vendor said, “She is an aggressive woman, always seems a freak, don’t purchase anything from her”.

However, I didn’t agree with him. I again turned to her and after so many tries she finally answered my questions.

She replied in a very generous way,- “This is the only way left to make me and my grandson survive.”

Surprisingly after a bit of talk, she called me to her house. So, I went to her house and she welcomed me with heartiness, offered me tea, and gave me some snacks.

I was overwhelmed by her loving nature and she also reminded me of my grandmother. After a while, I asked her about the cloth she wears in one hand. In answer to my question, she removed the cloth from her hand.

She was one-handed.

She Narrated ‘A Story Of Hope’

The old woman shared the story – I lost one hand two years ago in a car accident. I know what you want to know from me.

She then narrated the story behind her becoming the street vendor.

She told me – I lost my husband after 2 years of our marriage, and at that time Ajay (changed name), my son was only 5 months. Everyone insisted I should marry someone and live the rest of my life happily. But I decided to live with my hope “Ajay” and would devote my whole life to his better future.

I asked– So, why didn’t you get remarried, might you could have a better life by now.

She half-smiled.

And said – I loved Ajay’s father very much, and before marriage, we took a pledge to spend our whole life together. Now he is no more but he left his soul and my hope in the name of Ajay.

I got so emotional that time. I just wanted to know what happened after that.

Out of curiosity, I asked – So, where’s Ajay now?

She got emotional.

She replied- I lost him and her wife in a car accident. We were returning home, it was dense Fogg outside, visibility was extremely low and the taxi on which we were coming crashed with the truck and Ajay and his wife died at the moment and I lost my one hand.

She paused for a while there.

And then said– But for God’s sake, my grandson which was on my lap that time was somehow made out alive.

She continued narrating – Since then, I have continuously reached the court so that I can get the insurance claim and can provide my grandson a good life. He is my new hope for life. I am selling vegetables for our bread butter. I know you also assumed that I’m mad and violent. But I am only hoping for a good life for my grandson because Ajay will never come again but he left his son as a new hope for me.

I asked – why do you always trust much in hope? it can be a lie.

And she gave me the new vision to live a life in her answer.

She replied – Hope gives me power, it makes me optimistic, it helps me in forgetting the past, it always uplifts my motivation, that is the reason I always rely on hope. Hope is everything for me.

It is the reward of hope that someone came to me and asked about my situation and now he is a good friend of mine. We both smile facing each other. there was something strange at that moment. I left for my home after that.

Why Hope Is Important in life?

After meeting her my vision for life changed, I found that secret & mysterious energy in the word ‘hope‘. Sometimes all you have is hope when you lost everything. It is the thing that keeps you alive and encourages you to fight back.

Helps us in becoming optimistic

Hope is a soft burning flame that is unable to be extinguished and capable of enduring any condition. Hope helps us to stay positive and helps us in tackling the situations.

Helps us in remain motivated

“Only in the darkness, you can see the stars”- Martin Luther King. It helps us in managing stress, and anxiety and copes with hardship. It bestows our happiness and well-being. Hope helps in setting high-quality goals and accomplishing them.

Helps in forgetting our past

It is the result of hope that the old lady is still so strong, that she is managing all ups and downs in her life. Hope helps you in focusing on the main goal rather than crying about the situation. By hope, you can focus on your priorities and let things off making you down.

Helps in lessening the feeling of helplessness

Whenever we need support and no one is there to encourage us, that time Hope gives us the energy to reduce mental pressure and stay calm. Because whoever has no one, has a God. That time despite feeling anxious, stay calm and let give things to God.

Hope has the possibility of something better

When one door is closed, another door is opened at the same time. There is nothing permanent in life, even bad times also. Always draw hope and say to yourself “Everything will be alright”.

I found some positivity in hope, I know everyone has a different aspect to look at the situation. Nevertheless, as the old lady makes her way despite all the atrocities. We should also set our priorities, and pay attention to the present moments and also what God offers us. It makes us so strong that we can continue our journey despite all challenges and failures.

I have started hoping for a good and better future, and also hoping that you like the story and may positivity comes into your life. I HOPE.

Peace

Edited by- Ritish

Art Work by – Ridhi

Our Mailing Address – Namaskar@theblogera.com

Wants to unfold more real stories of hopes? Check out the book Unfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes. The stories here are both real & inspiring. The book is meant to make us realize that there is so much potential in being alive that we just never tap into.

A highly recommended book.

The post If You Have Hope, You Have Everything appeared first on Aspiring Blog.

The more you have, the more you can give. I remember when I was 12 years old my aunt handed me $100 for my birthday. I tried to decline the money, but I told her it was too much.

She looked at me with a firm look powered by kindness and generosity. She told me that when someone gives me something whether it be money or a compliment to accept it with grace and tact. She didn’t sugarcoat the fact that it was almost rude not to accept and that it takes away from the person trying to give you the gift if you decline.

I felt guilty about that, so I accepted the money, and bought a Hilary Duff CD and probably a bunch of candy. Haha. After all, isn’t one of the pleasures of gift giving the satisfaction of knowing what you have given has added to their life?

I’m telling you this story because this wasn’t the end all be all for my being able to receive such generous offerings. Receiving was and sometimes still is hard.

As a society, we have been shown that to receive is to be selfish. To be accepting of large sums of money makes us greedy and materialistic. To allow ourselves to be showered with praise and compliment is conceded and self-centred. To dress up for school drop-off, to wear a dress, get your nails done, to have great hair and makeup for a seemingly normal day is… too much, too bold, too loud… You attract too much attention.

After all, someone could look at you, they could stare and worst of all they could offer you a generous compliment. The horror is to put yourself in a position of receiving.

We have been shown to be small. Be small in size and fit into the average sizing for clothing. Be an acceptable weight. Laugh a little quieter not to attract too much attention. Go to college instead of being a pop star, because that’s unrealistic and would cause way too much attention.

Be a lady, be a good girl. Fit into the box you were given, be quieter, be smaller, and sure as hell don’t make too much money, or you could be viewed as greedy and make others uncomfortable.

But what if there was another way? Hear Me Out

What if it was GOOD, to receive more? What if by you being rich, you could fill the pockets of others? What if by doing your hair for school drop off you inspire another mother in her depressive slump to feel like herself again? What if in your boldness, you become magnetic?

When my son was a year old, I investigated my drawers and looked in the mirror. I saw a new mother with her hair in a bun, bags under her eyes, and holes in her thrift store clothes that might I add… were inside out because #momlife lol.

I saw a much smaller woman. The bold, bright, light in my eyes looked dull. I was the smallest I had ever been. I stopped treating myself to the things I loved such as cake, curled hair, mascara, pedicures, new clothes, new shoes, and fun. I forced myself into the box of what I thought was successful motherhood.

Moms wear their hair up every day, don’t they? They skip showers, and they wear leggings and oversized tees. Most importantly they are trying to bounce back to their pre-baby weight… Aren’t they? So, I embodied it. All of it. I didn’t want to be that selfish mom who, heaven for freakin bid, did her hair. How could I take precious time away from this little potato baby I birthed out of my body? I stopped receiving them.

One day in the middle of an anxious meltdown in my undies on the kitchen floor, I realized I felt like a shell of myself. I sold myself out and was constantly giving away my resources. I realized by choosing the “selfless” path, I was losing myself.

By putting everyone including perceived expectations of society before what felt good to me, I gave everything I had away. I was burnt out and tapped out. Which created loneliness and lack in my life. I stopped receiving them together. Including enough food to properly sustain me. Friendships that once burned with fiery passion sailed away. The passion for fun had sizzled away and I felt completely unworthy of anything but the bare minimum.

But what good am I to my son, my husband, and the world if I am so lost, so turned off, that when I look in the mirror I can’t even recognize myself?

I remembered my aunt’s words… “Receive with tact” but how?

A little voice, call it my higher self spoke a whisper to me “Take your power back, be open to miracles and have fun along the way” This shift teaches us this:  A whole new world unravels.

This shift in thinking will simply bring you back home to who you truly are. The abundant, magnetic, turned up and on version. Upon observation of who I was being when I sold myself out for the sake of motherhood, I realized by keeping myself small, I was doing a disservice to the world.  If I could bring myself to a point where I was confident, taking up space and achieving something just for me, maybe, just maybe I could allow that power to ripple out.

I could allow that power to change the world. So, I did my hair, put on my mascara, and remembered who the hell I was.

Receiving becomes easier when you take your power back and decide that you are worthy of something more. That being small and dimming your light allows for more darkness. So, shine brighter, and remember that receiving is necessary because the more you have, the more you can give.

I believe on some level our hearts want to serve others. Whether it be world-changing ideas and teachings or raising kind humans. It all matters. What you do is just as important as what you are able to receive back. It will circle back and ripple out.

And in order to receive a little easier, whether it be money, love, compliments, travel, or opportunities, here’s what to do:

Absolutely nothing. Set your intentions, take your aligned action, be so grateful and then do nothing.

Have some fun, read a book for pleasure, and play outside with your kids. And lastly remind yourself of your own power, remind yourself how worthy you are of a great life. You are simply worthy because of the beating heart in your chest.

So, reader, I challenge you to tactfully accept the next compliment that comes your way or random money sent from the Universe from a random source. Expect miracles and step into your magnetism.

I challenge you to wear red lipstick, do your hair and allow the eyes to fall on you. And this my friend, is how you manifest anything.

About the Author – My name is Sam! I am a manifestation coach, speaker, and podcaster. I help you attract a life you love no matter how you got your start in life. As a mother and wife it’s important for me to be the change I wish to see in the world, and by never settling in life and love I believe we can change the world for the better. We need great people who are wealthy and thriving, I am here to help you harness your magic and become magnetic in your desires!

• Visit my website- Sam Speaks
• Connect with me on Social Media – @samperiard_

Want to publish your post or story?

The post Receiving Codes – A Guide To Limitless Abundance appeared first on Aspiring Blog.

My best friend Sheila and I work at the same health care facility. We both trust each other unconditionally, seek each other’s advice, respect, and depend on each other.

We both are Christians and like-minded on every issue. I have known her for about 20 years, and we have been best friends for many of those. So of course, I know her family as well. When I say “know” her family, I mean we talk about our families often because that is what friends do. I have met a few of her family members but had never met her brother JoeBill.

Sheila and I were going to Branson to see a Disney show production. I honestly don’t remember who suggested we invite JoeBill but he wanted to go and was invited.

I am always apprehensive about meeting family members of someone I care about. I feel like I’m on stage or being “sized up.” They (the brain doctors) say people form an opinion of you within a few seconds of meeting you for the first time. If you make a bad first impression it may take a very long time or even impossible to repair that first impression.

Like Others, I Have a Problem

The show was a week or two away, so I had plenty of time for my nerves to reach their full potential. (Yes, I know I have a problem) But the evening finally arrived along with Sheila, and JoeBill at my house.

Sheila introduced JoeBill to me and me to JoeBill, but JoeBill has a speech impediment, and I cannot understand what he is saying. Sheila, bless her heart interprets for me during the 45-minute drive to Branson.

You see, JoeBill Has Down Syndrome and I know that played a major role in my apprehension leading up to meeting him. I have noticed that most people seem to avoid others who they deem “different.” They just don’t know what to say or do, so they avoid them altogether. They are not bad people they just don’t want to say or do something wrong.

Loving The Show And JoeBill

The Disney show was on “The Branson Belle” which is an old paddlewheel showboat. You enjoy a ride around beautiful Table Rock Lake while being served a great meal and the show. I have been many times.

The show and food are always amazing, a unique experience, and I highly recommend it if you get the chance to go. We had a wonderful time of course, but what I enjoyed most was watching JoeBill. His face was lit like a Christmas tree, and he was enjoying every second. All the Disney characters, costumes, songs, music, and dialogue he absorbed like a sponge. And I’m betting he still remembers every detail.

Wow! just think about it, we have so many things going on in our minds it’s nearly impossible for us to really enjoy anything to the fullest.

I read somewhere that we have 7 different thoughts going on at the same time in our head. There are many ways I have heard the following old saying quoted, but I have shortened it to: “wherever you are, BE there.”

JoeBill is always there “entirely there.” He soaks it in, he “gets it.” He keeps it.

Un-ending Faith

You might hear JoeBill talking out loud quite a bit in his room. After an hour you might wonder, “who in the world is he talking to for so long?”

If you go closer and listen at his door, you’ll find out he is talking to God. He talks to God about anything and everything. He talks to Him just as you would if you were talking to your dad or a friend. And after all, he IS talking to his Father and absolutely the best friend he has. Below is a photo of JoeBill’s Bible.

Whatever your faith, this is the way a book should look that teaches and guides you through that faith.

JoeBill also likes coloring books and there have been many famous people who liked to color. Heavyweight boxing champ George Foreman comes to mind. He always colored before a fight. He said it calmed him down. I think we could all use something to calm us down. I plan to give that a try.

Speaking of Fighting

JoeBill absolutely loves WWE wrestling, and it is no surprise that his favorite wrestler is the 16-time world champion, “John Cena.”

We have requested and are hoping John will consent to meet JoeBill someday soon. I would give any of my possessions to see JoeBills face at that meeting. As a side note, I would not challenge JoeBill to a wrestling match because he knows all the tricks, moves, and holds. (He remembers everything) He would probably make me end up looking like a pretzel.

Independent JoeBill

JoeBill has his own room, TV, DVD player, small fridge, and other items that allow him to remain largely independent. Having Down Syndrome certainly does not keep him “down”.

He has hundreds of varying DVDs and has every western ever made. What is more, he pretty much knows them all by heart. I call this his “superpower.” And isn’t that the case with many, or all special needs people? I’m certainly no expert but I know several of these wonderful people and most excel at something.

I used to feel sorry for special needs families and wondered why and how such a tragedy could happen. I felt me and my family were the “lucky ones.”

In my own ignorance, I just could not understand why parents of a special needs person felt blessed beyond measure to have them in their life. Only after spending a little time with JoeBill did I finally understand. He is truly a gift to this earth and anyone who has the pleasure to know him.

JoeBill loves every person and every creature unconditionally as you can tell by the photo of him and his cat who he appropriately named “Tom.” When it is all said and done, he is simply living and following exactly what that rugged, old, tattered book has taught him.

I wish I could say the same for myself.

About Guest Author– Hi! I’m Dennis Elton Stanley- a 69-year-old widower. I Love to walk in long-distance events and I live in the Ozark Mountains, so I hike a lot. I play multiple musical instruments and love writing.

• Visit my website- The Daily Sinner– https://thedailysinner.blog/

More From Dennis –

• Do You Believe In Love At First Sight?
• Swimming Against The Waves
• Photo-Hiking: The Art Of Being Alive
• Maybe It’s Good When Your Guitar Gently Weeps
• Angels That No Longer Wear White

Want to publish your own post or story?

Visit all other Guest Posts here

Wants to say something like “Hello”? Mail us at Namaskar@theblogera.com

The post A Syndrome Will Not Keep JoeBill Down appeared first on Aspiring Blog.

Do you know there are real live angels here on earth?

We have all heard stories of angels showing up at the scene of a car accident and carrying the injured to safety. Some people say they have experienced an angel coming to them with a message. History books and Bibles are full of stories about angels and the amazing things they do.

But there are people living amongst us that perform these same amazing things each and every day.

Miracle Workers

They are called nurses and if you are lucky enough, you may know one personally. I have worked in a health care facility for 25 years and witnessed the miracles they perform many times.

I used to think of miracles as some grandiose feat of magic, like a mother lifting a car off her child to save or prevent life-changing injury. But when you think about it, anyone saving a life or recovering a patient back to their normal life produces the same result.

And just as the mother lifting a car off her child didn’t do it for money, neither do these nurses do their work for the money. Ask any doctor and he/she will tell you quickly that they can do little without good nurses.

Being a nurse is not a job “it’s a life.” I am blessed to be close with two of these angels, my sister, and my best friend.

There is no telling how many lives have been made whole again or even saved by just these two incredible women. They were born into this world as nurses, never considering any other life. Right out of high school they struggled and worked their way through nursing school. Now, nearing retirement, have remained in the field of nursing their entire lives.

In the past, all nurses wore those white uniforms. In modern times the uniforms have been replaced with more practical scrubs, so they really are the angels that no longer wear white.

Selfless Angels

And school never ends for nurses. In addition to working long hours and always being on call, there is continuing education forever. And how are these heroes sometimes treated?

I have witnessed nurses being cursed, pushed, spit on, punched, vomited on, urinated on, and worse. I know of a nurse being beaten to the brink of death. All these things were being done to a nurse that was simply trying to help them. In larger cities, it sounds even more dangerous for nurses.

Sheila

My best friend Sheila attended Nursing school about 75 miles from her home and her part-time job. The job that paid just enough to get her back and forth to school plus her school expenses for 3 years.

At times she had little or no food. She graduated Nursing school as an RN carrying heavy tuition debt and started her nursing career at $6.25 per hr. .25 cents more than others because she slept very little and earned a BSN.

Sheila says God was with her always and graduating could not have been possible without constant prayer. Sheila has continued working hard and attained many more titles and degrees. Over the years she has served in surgery, OP, and ER. She is a trauma nurse and educator, and these are just the things I know about.

She is very shy to talk about herself. Sheila has done all these things while raising a family, much of the time a single mom. I am truly blessed to call her my best friend.

Little Sister

My sister, because of her current position cannot allow me to use her name or say much of her more recent accomplishments, so I will just call her Sister.

My sister’s story follows a similar path. Right out of high school she worked her own way through college and then graduated nursing school. Sister began nursing as a NICU nurse working in labor and delivery. NICU is where the tiniest and most critical babies go.

I have seen a photo of Sister with a preemie that would fit in a coffee cup. Here’s a quote from my sister: “Many, many times I have swaddled a teeny baby so the mother/father could hold him/her while he or she passed away.”

There is certainly much sadness in healthcare, but temper that quote with another quote from Sister:

“A lot of times, I would be the primary nurse and care for a baby for weeks or even months and then get to experience the joy on the day they finally get to go home. There were hundreds of exciting delivery room times filled with happiness, joy, excitement parents, grandparents, siblings.”

Why do they do it? My logical but simple mind would have said: “they are missing out on their own life.”

I was already making 3 times what these women were making even after they graduated college and began a job; A job I wouldn’t take for any amount of money. But, people of faith know, Angels don’t do anything for money.

Angels do everything for love.

About Guest Author– Dennis Elton Stanley- He is a 69-year-old widower. Still working full-time as an engineer in healthcare. He competes in long-distance speed walking, hiking, photography, musician, and he loves to write. “I am very busy”– as he says.

• Visit his website- The Daily Sinner– https://thedailysinner.blog/

More From Dennis –

• Do You Believe In Love At First Sight?
• Swimming Against The Waves
• Photo-Hiking: The Art Of Being Alive
• Maybe It’s Good When Your Guitar Gently Weeps

Want to publish your own post or story?

Visit all other Guest Posts here

Wants to say something like “Hello”? Mail us at Namaskar@theblogera.com

The post Angels That No Longer Wear White appeared first on Aspiring Blog.

There are so many single parents who work as lone wolves all their life and fight with the outworn system and social stigmas.

As of now, on average around 7% of the population lives a life of single parenthood. The dominance of the mother is 80% compared to the Father which is 20% in the world. The data also signifies the increase in the number of single-parent families.

As of 1980, it stood at 5.9 million of the total population which rose to 320 million in the 21st century. This distinctly shows how swiftly this has expanded.

It sounds disturbing that developed countries like the USA have the highest number of single-parent families around the globe. In the USA 23% of children under the age of 18 live with a single parent. In comparison, a neighboring country like Canada has 15% of single-parenthood households. Also, China with 3%, Nigeria has 4%, and India has 5% of children living with single parenthood families.

Also read:- 320 Million children in single-parent families in the globe.

Raising children alone has not the same financial means, protection, and care, as they are brought up in two-parent families. Consequently, Single parenting faces many difficulties which we will discuss later. Before, let us understand more about single parenting.

What Is Single Parenting Or Single Parent?

Single parent or single parenting means nurturing a child alone. It means parenting a child solely without the presence of another parent to any degree. Anyone from a mother or father can be a single parent. But interestingly the mother’s dominance is more as compared to the father’s. According to recent studies, the reason for the mother as a single parent is custody after divorce or the death of a spouse.

Single Parenting as a Mother:

Nurturing a child as a single mother faces many social stigmas like the judgment of her character, unemployment, self-protection, etc. Also, she has to manage household chores along with taking care of the child. This doesn’t stop here even society often puts a tag on her way of eating, dressing, and meeting with someone.

In one such interview with Brut, a single mother enunciate the challenges faced by her. She said “Every Moment We Die Socially, When We Are Divorced”, Every time our child got embarrassed at school. We are assumed to be not a real family, our life is not smooth sailing“

They are assumed to be easily available, people look after whom is she meeting, eating, also the father’s name becomes important for legal documentation. But Why? Why someone can’t live life happily?

Single Parenting as a Father:

For a longer period of time, single parent means mother raising children but this is cautiously changing. As we can see, men have equal participation in parenting the child solely. There is no doubt that the father has a better financial back as compared to the mother. The reason for this fact is that most mothers seem to do household things and fathers tend to be breadwinners.

But it is also true that men are not far away from the social stigma. For Instance, “Being a man how you will cook? The kitchen doesn’t suit you, Get married again so that someone can take care of your child, etc.” These are some quotations used by society to demoralize a single father.

It becomes difficult for a man to emotionally connect with the child in the absence of a mother. You must have seen the movie Pursuit of Happiness where Chris Gardner manages to pull himself and his young son out of poverty. Will smith as a Chris Gardner nurtures his son alone spending nights in public toilets, and public restrooms but never making his son feel lonely.

We watched Gardner work hard after his wife left him alone, and care tenderly for his son. He set an example that the world’s best mommy is a single Dad.

Reasons Behind Single Parenthood

We noticed that single parenting is increasing gradually. No doubt the ratio of single mothers is much higher than single fathers. But it is very difficult for anyone to face this stage. So let’s find out what can be the possible reasons behind single parenting.

Parental Death

The death of a spouse is the main cause of single parenting. Deaths in accidents, Diseases, wars, etc. that put a serious impact on the life partner. Their lives become barren and full of challenges. As we have seen in the COVID-19 pandemic where lots of families have suffered.

Divorce

Another reason for single parenthood is legal separation from their partner. This is the most common reason for alone nurturing when our thoughts are not matched with our partner. We mutually decided to get separated but it put a serious impact on the child’s mental health.

A child without marriage

This is not common in Asian countries like India but in western countries, we can see many single parents nurturing children without marrying someone. The reason would be adopting a child from an orphanage or unwanted pregnancy.

These reasons rob the joy from the parents of companionship and sharing of obligations. Let’s now discuss some parenting concerns and challenges which single parents mostly face in their life.

Struggles Behind Single Parenting

• Manage Finances:- Economical insecurities are one of the most overbearing responsibilities of a single parent. Managing household things, as well as schooling a child, feels like having a roller coaster ride. Sometimes delaying the desire for a child due to a financial crunch feels heartbreaking. It falls down self-confidence and creates self-doubt.

• Quality time with children:- As a single parent you have to bear a lot of responsibilities like managing finances, society, household things, self-care, social events, etc,. In the rush of all these things, single parenthood left with nothing but spending less quality time with children. It doesn’t cost much until their kids fall into the wrong path like drug addiction, social abuse, Depression, etc.

• Social stigma:- No matter how good you are, or how amazing you are nurturing your child, one thing which always falls you down is a negative view of society. Society put many tags on your way of dressing, meeting, eating, talking many more. As I said above they blame, question, embarrass you, judge the character you play as a single parent, etc.

• Feeling of loneliness:- This is one of the most painful moments when your partner leaves and you are alone in the jungle of Judgemental society, responsibilities, etc. There would be no one to offer a shoulder to lean your head. No one to take care of you when you feel sick, No one to listen when a lot of things juggling inside you.

No Doubt it is emotionally challenging when your partner has to live with the kids. And you have to come back to an abandoned home, this depletes you emotionally.

Wants to Keep Yourself Motivated as a Single Parent? Follow This

These are some ways you can imply as a single parent as told by my Mom as she is also a single parent now-

• Stay away from negative thoughts that make you feel demotivated, whenever you feel alone rather than stuck with old thoughts, look after new things and new opportunities you can pursue yourself and your child.
• Single parenting can be daunting but not impossible to survive, always keep yourself surrounded by positive ones who can listen to you and understand your temperament.
• Keep reading books whenever you feel demotivated and demoralized.
• To find a way from financial instability, save money for the future, or don’t spend on unnecessary things.
• Try not to take the guilt of any situation and don’t take self-blame for whatever in you are. Accept the truth and look positive in your life.

Our Mailing Address is Namaskar@theblogera.com

The post Being A Single Parent Is Not Easy appeared first on Aspiring Blog.

We never pull it off without each and every one of you. All those comments, likes, and love are the essential part of Aspiring Blog’s journey and will always be.

It was really a roller coaster ride, especially with all those scary technical difficulties and running out of content, made terrible mistakes, learned so many things, lost confidence sometimes, but at the end of the day we saw you cheering us up & the wisdom you shares on our comment box, or in your blog was all-powerful enough to keep going.

The part that was quite interesting however is how different blogging is from what we had imagined initially. It is like you’ll never know what is just around the next bend.

It is much crazier but at the same time, it is the thing that built mutual respect & good relations with others. You teach something, you learn something.

And proudly, we’ve learned so many things on the way. Made some special blogging friends like you who are reading this right now.

As the number grows, so as our reach. And then we decided to introduce Guest posts.

Along with our content, now you can read some more fascinating and inspiring blogs submitted by people like you.

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We have and will continue to do so.

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You can visit all the Guest Posts here

Also, check out our Unsung Heroes Series here, and do let us know if you know any unsung heroes, we’ll be more than happy to write about them.

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