This English-speaker succumbs to the overwhelming force of the other languages and drowns only to be reborn, panting and coughing on the shores of the Hudson River. — I’ve tried and failed to learn other languages French/Creole, because my husband is Creole and every time we visit his relatives, I’m always the odd one out. He’s lovely and tries to explain the hilarious stories that has the whole room in stitches. The joke is always lost in translation. His uncle always asks me “When are you…

I was keen to get answers that give us a peek into her current passions and motivators. — “Georgia Powell is a health and wellness strategist, gerontologist, and mental health instructor. She’s worked with government programs nationally, non-profit organizations, and local communities to implement successful solutions for better health outcomes.” “Georgia’s professional and personal mission is to help people in their health journey, remove stigmatization, offer the best…

Christmas starts on December 25, my response to this challenge begins with births — two, interrupted. — I was moved to respond to a What Is Love To You publication challenge. About me, in four parts. Question 1: The love part If truth be told, who is the one person you would get hugs and kisses from that you always wanted but never experienced? There are two people. I have lost two babies during my lifetime. One when I was nineteen. And another when I was 38. …

This Black woman feels like she’s failing at being Black because she doesn’t celebrate Kwanzaa. Here’s her story. — Cascadura’s African-American half-sister invited her to a Kwanzaa party. Her sister is American; raised in New Jersey. Cascadura was born and lived in Trinidad for most of her life. She had never celebrated Kwanzaa before and wasn’t sure what to expect at the party. As she arrived at the house…

I read how another Medium writer did it and, being the curious person I am, I tried it — and loved it! — Having zero experience as a video content producer, stepping into the world of video production can be intimidating. There are so many tools and techniques to learn, and it’s overwhelming to figure out where to start. However, I recently read an interesting article by Heather Paz in which she described…

I’ve just finished lunch with my girlfriend, step outside the cafe and see my lover with another woman — My best friend and I just finished brunch where I confessed to having an extra-marital affair, wallowed, cried, laughed, and resolved to seek help. The wait staff was probably relieved that we were leaving their establishment after over two and a half hours of above the acceptable volume level camaraderie…

BJ’s This or That Challenge — Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Christmas Day. Presents, food, sleep, cinema — in that order. Santa or No Santa? I am Santa. No one will take credit for my thoughtful gift (of socks and other practical items). Naughty or Nice? Naughty, of course. And by that, I mean sexy. …

When the writer is a romantic at heart, and her husband prefers westerns — striking a harmonious balance between interests can be both achievable and delightful. — Him: “Hey, baby. Why don’t you come and watch this new western series with me tonight?” Her: “I have been typing away at so many blog posts recently, I think it’s time for a break from the screens! …

This Christmas two men are putting together gift boxes for the same woman. — In the basement of their home, Adrian created a box of memories to remind his wife of their love and marriage. The room was bright and warm. He was at his workbench, hunched over items in front of him. The box he chose was a wooden chest he had gotten…

Insights from the Moroccan team’s loss. — Change management is a process, an art if you will — and football provides myriad lessons for those involved in the practice. Whether learning from failure or strategically using resources, I am thinking about the connections between these two seemingly different disciplines. Taking cues from change management processes and football strategies, what can we learn to help our day-to-day operations?

His honest story about being yourself, discovering what you need, and grabbing at true happiness — About Norma ⤽ Norm I am a fifty-one-year-old man now. I was born female, though. I lived as a woman for many years. My first husband was my neighbor when we were children. We grew up together, played sports in high school, and went to college together; we were always best friends. We went…

Seemingly, out of nowhere, his marriage began hurtling toward destruction — Married for seventeen years to Oorun, I have been an enthusiastic suitor and faithful partner from the day she rose like the sun in my life. I had been unemployed since the early days of COVID. While Oorun leaned into her fitness and started doing vlogs for people who wanted…

Her name means sun. She is being orbited by two moons — I am a forty-one-year-old woman. I’m the mother of a delightful boy with ADD. People who know me would describe me as a positive, physically fit, a Black woman. I have been married for seventeen years to Adrian. He and I first met while working on a project as college…

How do Medium.com content producers think about the number of views versus the average percentage story that is read? I am so thrilled to have found Medium.com. I write stories every weekend. My tales reflect my life, work and especially the characters in settings that manifest themselves in my imagination…

If you’re looking for a fun family tradition, this is definitely the one to try. — My grandmother and I shared a special bond. Since the tender age of three, she has nurtured me into the person I am today. It was a lovely Christmas tradition for us. She had a large kitchen, and during the holidays, so much goodness was created there. Best of all…