Four Rules For A Disciplined Life

Four rules for a disciplined life

(Credit to reddit user ryans01).

No zero days. ‘What’s a zero day? A zero day is when you don’t do a single fucking thing towards whatever dream or goal or want or whatever that you got going on. No more zeros. I’m not saying you gotta bust an essay out everyday, that’s not the point. The point I’m trying to make is that you have to make yourself, promise yourself, that the new SYSTEM you live in is a NON-ZERO system. Didn’t do anything all fucking day and it’s 11:58 PM? Write one sentence. One pushup. Read one page of that chapter. One. Because one is non zero.’

Be grateful to the three yous. ‘There’s the past you, the present you, and the future you. If you wanna love someone and have someone love you back, you gotta learn to love yourself, and the 3 you’s are the key. Be GRATEFUL to the past you for the positive things you’ve done. And do favours for the future you like you would for your best bro.’

Forgive yourself. ‘Maybe you got all the know-how, money, ability, strength and talent to do whatever is you wanna do. But lets say you still didn’t do it. Now you’re giving yourself shit for not doing what you need to, to be who you want to. Heads up champion, being disappointed in yourself causes you to be less productive. Tried your best to have a nonzero day yesterday and it failed? So what. I forgive you, previous self. I forgive you. But today? Today is a nonzero masterpiece to the best of my ability for future self. This one’s for you, future homes. Forgiveness man, use it. I forgive you. Say it out loud.’

Exercise and books. ‘Pretty standard advice but when you exercise daily you actually get smarter. When you exercise you get high from endorphins (thanks body). When you exercise you clear your mind. When you exercise you are doing your future self a huge favour. Exercise is a leg on a three legged stool. Feel me? As for books, almost every fucking thing we’ve all ever thought of, or felt, or gone through, or wanted, or wanted to know how to do, or whatever, has been figured out by someone else. Get some books.’ 

So... this clearly is the downfall of Youtube.

Yes this is about Youtube, but it really isn’t just about Youtube. It’s really more than just that but right now I will mostly refer to Youtube. 

Though I haven’t been around for way too long, I was lucky enough to be around a somewhat good time for Youtube, specifically the “Let’s play” era which was about the time that video games started to blow up more. I remember that each Youtuber played their own games while sometimes playing some of the “popular” games and I would still watch them multiple times because every let’s player had different things to say about it; they had a clear personality and style. Not to say that they don’t have a personality anymore but… like everything, they’ve grown, the passion has shifted as well (it still exists, but it’s not what it used to be) and that’s normal; It’s expected to any kind of artist and creator as they change, Youtube is changing as well. Now that’s not inherently bad, if it weren’t for the factor that is responsible for everything’s downfall: Money.

A common theme that you’ll notice when you ask an old Youtuber as to how they got so popular is that they’ll always tell you that they never expected Youtube to become their job; they just did what they loved and fame eventually came and as more and more people noticed that, Youtube started gaining popularity and it became clear that being a Youtuber is something you can get income from therefore it no longer is something that you do because you enjoy but you do it because it’s your job. And frankly that is fine– Entertainment is not a bad thing and it’s a valid thing to want from your life- to entertain. But the problem is, an entertainer’s job is to mostly appeal to the masses which means that you have to put less from yourself in your content. Back then, reaching a million subscribers was a really big deal because it means a million people were there for you; You did what you enjoyed and people enjoyed that as well. 

That’s how vine became popular as well; people uploaded things they found funny or interesting and people liked it. There isn’t anything that was outstanding about vine but we liked it and made it as big of a deal as it was because it had what drew us to Youtube in the first place; it was flowing with personality! Personality was what made Youtube special…and it’s what it is currently trying to get rid of right now. By promoting trends and shoving in the back anything that contains “discourse”, they push their creators to make content that fits consumerism. More videos = More Ads = More Profit. I’m sure there are Youtubers out there that do have personality but the platform intentionally buries them or throws them under the bus.

There is no room for personality or quality because those take time and if that is what you want to make then Youtube won’t support you because unfortunately it doesn’t bring profit. Youtube has fully joined the entertainment industry so unless something “big” happens which will rob them from all their creators, I doubt that we will see change for the positive and that sadly applies to the internet as a whole. We are the generation of the Internet and companies have completely grasped and are taking advantage of it. Even with us as blogs, we prioritize what is “important” or “trendy” right now because that’s what gets the most attention. Personality rarely exists on an environment with big mass and when it does it gets little to no attention that we either don’t see it or it disappears. 

Junk can sell. It’s sad it really is but that is the nature of consumption. That doesn’t mean that everything is hopeless however; because personality and quality matters- it’s what brought me and you and those creators here. On youtube, on tumblr, on the art/video game/writing community, on the Internet. If it wasn’t valuable then none of us would be here.

If you are a content creator, I know money and fame is tempting I really do… But don’t you miss that feeling you got from watching that youtuber or playing that video game or engaging with a community up till 3 am? It felt personal because it was and it exists within you. That raw passion you have when profit isn’t involved; I mean yes, success is something everyone wants and that’s not bad… but when your passion is completely controlled by your desire for profit and success then your content is bound to lose it’s passion and will soon be forgotten. So create things using your passion! Make a video on that topic nobody talks about, write or draw that AU you had on your mind, create that game idea you had even if it’s not a trendy topic. People will truly care and will love it and hold it dear to them because of it’s personality and success will come. Just stay away from consumerism environments.

The new year of creators is on it’s way. Maybe what we need is a clean environment again but please don’t let kids grow up around the junk that is Jake and Logan Paul. Use the passion that you have like the one the creators when you were younger had and create; We need that passion back. So I’m begging you, pursue that passion with everything you have. 

tl;dr: The internet is being used by the entertainment industry and the only was to save quality content is if we separate them from it. We are in need of original/quality content now more than ever so stop going with the flow of popularity and start making things YOU want to make like the people who you admire did before you. Some people will hold em dear just as you did with the creators that you grew up with. Be The Change We Need.

Don’t be an entertainer. Be a creator.

By request, this article was published by AHS.

Indoor Cats vs. Outdoor Cats

Like many cat lovers, you may have thought about letting your cat go outside. A lot of cat owners feel guilty about keeping their cat inside, and worry that they are depriving their cat of natural instincts or fresh air and sunshine. If you have experienced some of these feelings, American Humane appreciates your concern for your feline friend and would like to help you make an educated decision. Let’s look at the issues surrounding indoor vs. outdoor cats:

HEALTH CONCERNS

Disease:

The American Feral Cat Coalition estimates that there are approximately 60 million feral and homeless stray cats living in the U.S. Many of these cats may carry diseases that can be passed on to your cat if he or she comes into contact with them. A number of these diseases can be serious or potentially fatal. Common examples include:

feline leukemia (FeLV)

feline AIDS (FIV)

FIP (feline infectious peritonitis)

feline distemper (panleukopenia)

upper respiratory infections (or URI).

Parasites:

While usually not life-threatening for cats, several common parasites can be picked up by your kitty when venturing outdoors, including:

fleas

ticks

ear mites

intestinal worms

ringworm (a fungal infection)

These parasites can cause a variety of moderate to severe symptoms, such as scratching, skin infections, vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, these creepy crawlies can hitch a ride into your home and infect your family. Parasites can be very difficult to eradicate from your pet, from humans and from your home.

IF YOU DECIDE TO LET YOUR CAT OUTSIDE:

Protect your kitty from other cats. Keep her on a leash or secured in a cage or other confined space where she can’t get out (and other cats can’t get in).

Make sure an adult supervises your kitty’s outdoor time to ensure strays cannot come into contact with her.

Take her to the veterinarian at least once every year for lifesaving vaccines, as well as parasite screening and treatment.

SAFETY CONCERNS

A major consideration for cat lovers thinking about letting their cat venture outdoors is safety. In addition to the risks posed by fellow cats, other potential hazards that can seriously threaten your cat’s well-being — and even her life – include:

Cars:

Contrary to popular belief, cats do not have the innate instinct to avoid busy streets, and they frequently get hit by cars.

Animal cruelty:

Roaming cats may be at risk for animal cruelty. Sadly, some people have been known to shoot cats with BB guns or arrows, while some cats end up being trapped, abused and killed in the name of “sport” or “for fun.”

Loose dogs and wild animals:

We may think of our feisty felines as good hunters who are capable of taking care of themselves with sharp teeth and claws. Unfortunately, cats may be good hunters, but they also often wind up being hunted. Cats are commonly attacked by loose dogs and wild animals, such as coyotes, raccoons, foxes and even alligators (depending on where they live). Injuries from wild animal and stray dog attacks are very serious and often fatal.

Toxins and poisons: Outside cats also face danger from coming into contact with toxins, such as antifreeze, that are often ingested because they have a pleasant taste. Cats may also end up accidently exposed to rodent poisons when they hunt and eat rodents that have recently ingested poison bait.

Trees: Trees can be a source of some danger for cats who climb to a place where they are afraid or unable to climb down. In some cases, they may be up in a tree for days until they become so severely dehydrated and weak that they fall and suffer severe, serious or fatal injuries.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Killing birds and small animals:

A cat’s prey drive is so strong that even well-fed cats may naturally enjoy hunting birds or other small animals. Although the impact made by one cat might not seem like a big deal, it is important to think about the total impact of all the cats who are allowed outside. Loose cats are estimated to kill hundreds of millions of birds each year, yet birds are believed to be only 20 percent of the wildlife stray cats kill.1 Birds are especially at risk around homes with feeders and birdbaths.1

KEEPING INDOOR CATS HAPPY

Here are some great ways to ensure that your cat enjoys a happy, healthy life inside your home:

A Companion for Your Cat

Many cats enjoy the company of other cats or in some cases, dogs! Playing, chasing and mutual grooming and snuggling can fulfill your indoor cat’s need for exercise, companionship and affection while you are at work or away from home.

Interactive Toys

Provide your indoor cat with a variety of different interactive toys to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

While cats have individual preferences for favorite types of toys, most enjoy the thrill of getting any new toy. However, just like children, they may get bored with it after a few days. This does not mean you have to buy your cat new toys constantly. Try putting some of the toys away while you leave others out, and then rotate them every few days to give your kitty the “new toy” excitement without the expense.

A great way to stimulate a cat’s hunting instinct is to provide your cat with a prey-like toy, such as a laser toy or kitty fishing pole. Enjoying these types of toys with your cat for several minutes each day is an ideal way to interact with your cat and provide much-needed exercise and playtime, while allowing an appropriate outlet for her natural prey drive.

Scratching Posts

Indoor cats should be provided with appropriate surfaces on which to exercise their natural instinct to scratch. Cats have individual preferences, and many prefer to have a variety of scratching posts and surfaces, so be sure to offer your cat several types in multiple locations around your house.

Creating a Purr-fect Indoor Environment

Climbing places: Your house may already provide climbing opportunities on furniture, shelves or cabinets, but you may also want to have climbing areas specifically for your cat, such as a cat tree. You can buy cat trees at most pet supply stores, or research online how to make your own.

Cat perches: Cats are natural-born sun worshippers. Giving your cat access to several windows will give her the opportunity to both sunbathe and watch the world from the safety of your home. If you have narrow windowsills, consider installing a cat perch on several windows so your kitty has a place to stretch out and enjoy the view. Shelves made especially for this purpose can be purchased at most pet supply stores, or you can research online how to build your own.

“Cat TV”: Provide entertainment for your cat by placing a bird feeder or birdbath in your yard within view of the windows. If you decide to provide feeders and baths, please keep our winged friends safe by keeping your cats inside at all times. A screened-in porch can also be a safe, enjoyable place for your cat to enjoy the sun and a view of nature; just be sure that the screens are secure to prevent escape.

Hiding places: Most cats love to hide. Providing your feline friend with fun hiding places is easy and does not have to cost a dime! Most cats will be thrilled to have a cardboard box or paper grocery bag to hide in. If you prefer, you can purchase a kitty tent, condo or tunnel at a pet supply store, or figure out how to make one at home.

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Eva’s LGBT Manga recs by LGBT authors that don’t include Miss Kobayashi’s or Citrus

My Brother’s Husband by Gengoroh Tagame- a manga for children and adults about gay men in Japan. told through the POV of a man who was estranged from his gay brother, and is suddenly surprised when his brother’s husband appears at his doorstep for the funeral. Explores growing up being gay in Japan, family and loss, and how children can learn and understand and help their parents understand.

My Lesbian Expierence With Lonliness by Nagata Kabi- goes into things like depression and realizing you are a lesbian in a very anti-gay culture. Nagata gets really deep here and goes into the nitty gritty of depression and anxiety, and doesn’t spare any of the details about her life being depressed and gay.

Please Tell Me! Galko-Chan by Kenya Suzuki- goes into girls in high school discovering sexuality through beautifully illustrated and colored twelve paneled strips. the gay is getting there atm but there’s a lot of discussion about girls and their sexualities without actually sexualizing the girls themselves; rather discussing the process of growing up and becoming best friends and eventually dating someone of the same sex who is also out of your social class. but it’s a comedy manga, so while there’s serious moments, the majority of it is funnies- but, the way the panels are structured and the way punchlines are set up is really amazing! it’s an acquired taste, though, considering the majority of it is dirty jokes. has very developed characters.

after hours by yuhta nishio- about a girl who owns a music store falling in love with another girl who she meets while clubbing. VERY SWEET! very fluffy and just the sweetest thing you will ever read. doesn’t have homophobia or etc, everything is good and it’s incredibly sweet.

bloom into you by nakatani nio- this is nio (a bisexual woman)’s first dive into writing same-sex love, so it’s a little clanky, but overall it’s amazing and very sweet! about a student council president falling in love with a pupil.

The Bride Was A Boy by Chii- a trans woman’s autobiography about her life as a child and growing up and eventually meeting her very supportive husband. VERY sweet!!!

feel free to add more!