Pain

People are afraid of themselves, of their own reality; their feelings most of all. People talk about how great love is, but that’s bullshit. Love hurts. Feelings are disturbing. People are taught that pain is evil and dangerous. How can they deal with love if they’re afraid to feel pain? Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they’re wrong. Pain is something to carry. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It’s all in how you carry it. That’s what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you’re letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain.

Strange Dream

Truly original, these cute and creepy quietly contemplative black and white illustrations were created by Japanese artist Kazuki Takamatsu. Each piece is a frozen moment in a strange dream.

Sigmund Freud called dreams the "royal road to the unconscious". He believes that nothing you do occurs by chance; every action and thought is motivated by your unconscious at some level. In order to live in a civilized society, you have a tendency to hold back urges and repress impulses. However, these urges and impulses must be released in some way; they have a way of coming to the surface in disguised forms. One way these urges and impulses are released is through dreams. Lately I've been having odd dreams. I've always wondered if I'm suppressing my subconscious desires. Then I realize that what matters most is the actions I take while conscious. I have control over my conduct. My dreams may be my desires unhindered by morals but it is beneath my dignity to partake in floozy behavior.

its a date

meet me at the top of the world (:

Love Within Myself

I feel as though I haven't loved myself enough these past few days, weeks, months, years... I've disrespected myself numerous times. I question my self worth all the time. My heart for the past couple of years has beat for others. Now that I'm taking time to myself my heart is beating an unfamiliar rhythm. It's completely my own and I feel like I'm finally living. I haven't given myself the attention I deserve. When have I really asked myself "What do I want?" "Will this make me happy?". It's definitely time to correct the wrong I've done.

Words of Wisdom

A life lived without purpose or value, the kind in which one doesn't know the reason why one was born, is joyless and lackluster. To just live, eat and die without any real sense of purpose surely represents a life pervaded by animality. On the other hand, to do, create or contribute something that benefits others, society and ourselves and to dedicate ourselves as long as we live to that challenge-that is a life of true satisfaction, a life of value. It is a humanistic and lofty way to live. - Daisuke Ikeda

...in love

"...in love" by Oprisco

Oprisco is a Ukrainian photographer and artist who takes us on a heart-wrenching journey of love. With each picture he tells a story; he starts off with longing and lust, then carries us through love and, finally, gently drops us off at break-up and loss. Through it all he reminds us that love is one of those experiences that we all go through in life and that, as cliche as it sounds, it's better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. This is one of my favorite pictures out of his entire collection. In the arms of someone you love everyone else seems to blur and pass you by. Oprisco perfecty captures that feeling vividly. If I were to guess the thought going through this couple's mind it would be, "you're all I need". I genuinely feel touched by this photo.

Big Teddy

Teddy Bear Love

I admit the little girl in me wants a big big BIG teddy bear just like this. Ridiculously adorable. Nothing would make me happier than to curl up with a huge teddy bear when I'm feeling stressed and lonely. Surrounded with soft fur and balls of cotton I could fall asleep every night with a big ol grin on my face. C: