#it makes a difference

[animentality]

I know everyone wants stories with happy endings, and they all hate when the main characters die, and insist well what's the point of the story then, it didn't matter at all! they died!

but.

I don't know. do the stories of those who die at the end not matter at all?

because if that's the case, I have news about the stories told by everyone who has ever lived in this world.

we all die at the end. we are all doomed by the narrative.

but our stories still matter.

#writing #writers on tumblr #writerscommunity #listen it can be done well it can be done poorly #but i dont get this hatred of characters dying at the end and everyone not getting their happy ending #its not about realism #its about what the author is trying to say #some characters die because they need to die #because it fulfills their character arc it enhances it #it makes a difference #and there is catharsis in understanding that sometimes people die for a good cause for a glorious purpose #we all die #isnt there relief in seeing a story where our special friends die but it mattered in the end and death was something meaningful #if it was embraced with dignity #am i making any sense #i just know my own death wont matter #i like following stories where the mc dies but #it meant something the way mine will not #and the vast majority of people do not die for a good cause or with purpose #and those who do are heroes in our reality #but why are they so reviled in fiction #let your characters deaths mean something

[soulinkpoetry]

Knowing the right words and how to use them makes all the difference in how you come across.

.

.

#words #it makes a difference #honey #mind your words #soulinkpoetry #poetry #thoughts #she writes #feelings #poets on tumblr #that’s life #communication

[bardass]

i don’t know who needs to hear this (even if it’s just myself, i think that’s okay), but i want to congratulate you for making it to this year. i mourn those who did not, and will hold them in my heart for all the years to come. but look at you. i am so proud of you. there have been many times when i truly did not think i would make it this far. hell, i didn’t think i was going to make it through high school but here i am: having graduated college this past year (with honors!). there have been times when i have been low and i mean rock bottom. there have been times when i have shut myself in with the darkness and dug myself deeper to see just how bad it could get. and then there have been times not long after when i have let in the sunshine again and climbed higher than i ever thought possible. after every darkness came the dawn. and after all of that—all the pain and the mistakes and the loss, i remain. i am happier and stronger than i have ever been. because, despite the persistent and nagging despair, it does get better.

i’m not saying it’s easy. because goddess knows i worked damn hard to get here and everyday i work hard to keep moving forward, and everyday i’m still learning more. life is an rpg where the difficulty keeps raising but i level up with it. each year i live through has a tendency to seem insane and feel like the end of the world. and yet, here we are: still hurdling around the sun a billion miles a second. still kicking. still breathing. still trying to learn from and fix our mistakes. because despite the wars and the diseases and the many powers that be that threaten our very livelihoods, we persevere. we don’t give up. because even if it seems far off, even if it seems impossible, even if it’s a fat chance in hell, we hold out for that tiny sliver of hope that it could get better.

i think now more than ever we need to remember how bright that sliver of hope actually is and can be when we breathe life into it. i am a strong believer that every one of us has the power to save a life, even and especially if it’s just our own. when you grow up in darkness you learn to make your own light. to become your own beacon—a source of light and hope and warmth. and by consequence you become a beacon and inspiration for others. by kindling the light within you, you spark a chain reaction that can grow and spread until one day it’s big enough to warm a whole community, or bigger.

what i’m trying to say is, if you are in the darkness now, or find yourself there again, remember this:

It will pass. The sun will rise. And if the sun doesn’t come, fuse your own damn star. Be the radiance you need from the world. Don’t just wait around for change, plant the seeds and watch them grow. You have the power. You can get through this. You are capable of far more than you can possibly imagine. I believe in you. Even if you don’t, even if no one else will, I believe. Because you are enough.

#bardass posts #first post of the year #bardass speaks #positivity #motivational #mental health #hope #hopepunk #never give up #pep talk #self growth #believe in yourself #there is always hope #be the change you want to see in the world #i mean it #even if it's small #every act of kindness counts #every smile #every encouraging word #it makes a difference #you can make a difference #even if it's just in yourself #my dms are open #my inbox is open #if you need a friend #i'll be here. #<3 #you are not alone

[chiomakedu]

I’m quiet because I’m listening. Something is being crushed and something is sprouting. I’m quiet because I’m listening, learning which one to feed and how. What I can say is that I look forward to living in a place where I have year round access to abundant sunshine again

#it makes a difference

[johannstutt413]

(requested by calligomiles) Saga/Absinthe

“It’ll have to do,” Absinthe sighed as she holstered her Arts unit before speaking into her field communicator. “Enemy neutralized; hostage recovered. Any issues on your end?”

“Nary a casualty, commander, though thine original appointment for telephonic communications has succumbed to some sort of sickness. He relinquished the role to me.” Saga, God bless her, had learned how to use the device, but no one had taught her to send short messages with it.

Still, as long as someone competent had the radio, that was good enough. “Reach out when you’re at the pick-up point. We’re on our way.”

“Thank God someone actually came.” Her rescuee, a panic-stricken Ursus with a stone-pocked scar on her face, was grateful for the moment. “I thought those Infected were going to sacrifice me.”

“With all due respect, ma’am, you’re Infected, too, now.” No use sugarcoating the issue.

That drained what little color had returned to her face. “I…right…You’re with Rhodes Island?”

“That’s right. Follow me, and we’ll get you out of here.” Time was of the essence; the guards weren’t messing around with unarmored patrols, after all. “And whatever you do, don’t look back.”

“A-alright.” The freed hostage steeled herself before following Absinthe out the closest exit-

-and into a waiting ambush, the first crossbow bolt of which shot said hostage in the throat as the Caster ducked behind a crate. “I deserved that. Saga, come in…Saga?...Oh no…”

“-even if she is a kid,” one of her enemies was saying as they surrounded her position. “Whatever she’s doing here, she’s armed, and she’s helping the Infected. That’s execution-worthy right there.”

“Heh, like you need the excuse, Sergeant.” Some knowing chuckles. The bastards enjoyed what they did, did they?

It made the Ursus’ blood boil to think about it, and when her blood boiled, she wanted to set something right. Her options for that at the moment were limited…but she had been wanting to die for a while, so a last stand wasn’t the worst thing in the world. ‘Hopefully Saga’s side went better, or this whole mission’s a bust.’

One - the Ursus patrolman who rounded the corner of her crate enclosure. Two - the one who followed behind him, three - the one behind them, each with a single headshot. Justice was blind, and not seeing their faces made it easier for Absinthe to be, too, to the carnage involved. Four - a crossbowman who was just too slow. Fi-

Ow. Crossbow bolts hurt. The one that knocked the Caster to the ground had pierced her shoulder, but not the one her Arts unit was still tightly clutched in. Five - the bastard who shot her. Six - his buddy stepping out of cover. Se-

Fuck, there went her leg; down she tumbled, managing to twist herself so she at least ended up behind cover. Six for one wasn’t that bad a trade, and that wasn’t counting the other grunts from earlier. If only the hostage could’ve made it ou-

“Aburaage!” Was that…No, it couldn’t have been. Her unit was…so far away…“Natto gohan!”

“Man down!” One of RI’s Medics had found her, immediately setting to work. The meeting point was practically twenty minutes from her position here, though. How had they gotten there so fast?

Questions were for the conscious, and shortly after the first bolt was plucked from her arm, Absinthe was no longer capable of forming them.

-----

“Absinthe?” There was a familiar voice in her ear when she next woke up, and a familiar face in front of hers when her eyes cooperated. “Thou hast survived! Truly, thine condition was uncertain, but I have remained ever vigilant in hopes wouldst awaken to hear my apology.”

“Apology?” Huh?

The Ursus was still blinking sleep out of her eyes as the Perro continued. “Verily, for if I had recognized the tactical folly of our party’s division from the outset, I might have prevented both thine injury and our mission’s casualty.”

“Don’t beat yourself up.” That advice naturally didn’t apply to the Caster, but did to her rescuer. “I led the squad, I made the bad call.”

“...Absinthe, dost thou not intend on implementing thine own wisdom?” Saga had noticed the hypocrisy.

Which left Absinthe with no good option for a response; instead, she attempted to sit up and was relieved at being able to do so. “Hmm. That’s a start-”

“Please answer the question.” It wasn’t a command, but it had the weight of one. “If thou hast decided to bear the burden of her life solely on thine own shoulders-”

“I led her into that ambush and nearly died with her. It was my fault.” Not that that in and of itself would’ve been a problem for the Caster. Honestly, the fact she’d survived and the hostage hadn’t weighed more heavily on her.

The Perro looked at her, through her, and around her; if meditation could allow one to see souls, then the Vanguard was exercising that power. “Absinthe-”

“Why are you doing this?” Saving her life was one thing; trying to meddle in it was another. She fell back into her pillow, now against her back rather than her head. “I’m awake, I’m alive, you can leave at any time.”

“Then I shall remain in thine company for a spell.”

The Ursus rolled her eyes. “That’s not what I meant-”

“I understood thy intent,” Saga interjected, “but thou dost evade mine in a most aggravating manner. It is one thing to take one’s share of responsibility, and another to wish thou hadst died in her place.”

“...Her life was worth more than mine, wasn’t it?” Her truth spilled out of her mouth, compelled by the Perro’s gravity. It was a rare thing to see her so stern.

The monk shook her head. “Nay, Zoya. Such an idea is a flagrant falsehood. Thine life is just as precious as any other.”

“Then how do we justify killing anyone?” Absinthe gestured to the naginata resting in the corner. “Even if you know how to deal with people nonlethally, you still carry that and fight our enemies with it.”

“I admit, thine query plagues me even now. I harbor no bloodlust for my fellow man, thus I bear my blade only in the defense of myself or others. When thine form hadst lain on the ground, scarlet stains seeping into it, however, I did not withhold myself from drawing mortal wounds against the perpetrators.” She hadn’t even attempted to subdue them as she normally did.

The Caster stared at her. “Why?”

“Thine life is precious,” Saga replied, “perhaps more so in others’ hearts than thine own.”

“What?”

The Vanguard retreated a little. “I don’t believe I stuttered-”

“I heard you,” the Ursus replied, “but what’s precious about me? What’s important about me? My job is to protect others, but I can’t protect anyone.”

“Zoya-”

She hopped to her feet, stumbling a little but catching herself on the bed. “I’m even more useless right now, thanks to that fight. If I’m going to do something about that, though, I need…you brought me food?”

“Aye.” The Perro seemed stung by her squad leader’s self-deprecation. Her usual buoyancy had been deflated somewhat. “As well as my own dinner. Arst thou hungry?”

“Yeah.” Was she being…served?

As the monk went about breaking out the meals she’d brought with her, it certainly seemed that way. Not only had she’d somehow known Absinthe’s preferred late-night meal and beverage, she’d found side dishes to pair with it. They both attacked their dinners with gusto, the Ursus to avoid talking and Saga because, well, it’s how she conducted herself around food.

When they were both done, the Vanguard reached for her squad leader’s plate. “Hast thine strength been replenished?”

“...Saga?” Staring at the near-polished dish, a pattern weeks in the making was finally revealed to the Caster. “I don’t know why you care, but um…thank you for saving me, and for dinner.”

“Thine existence is precious to me, and I will defend its continuance to mine’s own conclusion.” She ruffled the Ursus’ hair a little; it was already messy, and it felt right.

An impression confirmed when Zoya took her hand when she went to move it and put it back on her head. “You don’t…have to leave yet, do you?”

“Nay,” the Perro smiled, pulling her chair closer so she could more easily headpat the Caster. “Thou wouldst entertain my wish for thine company still longer?”

Yeah, sure, as long as that pile of words meant Saga would stick around.

#arknights #arknights fic #saga (arknights) #absinthe (arknights) #not strictly a ship #more than anything i see Saga here as a protective big sister or aunt character #but sad bears need headpats regardless of the surrounding circumstances #please give your Zoya her daily allotment #it makes a difference

[flowerpotmage]

psst if u see a service industry worker getting chewed out for no reason at their job and u r able to do so pls don't hesitate to say something

#brought to u by this motherfucker cussing out my gas station guy and then threatening to get his gf to physically fight me #gas station guy was very nice and grateful he didnt have to deal with shithead all by himself #it makes a difference

[lilyfreshwater]

Ranboo had more viewers than dream this mcc

was dream streaming on twitch or youtube tho?

#ask #it makes a difference

[butchfalin]

the funniest meltdown ive ever had was in college when i got so overstimulated that i could Not speak, including over text. one of my friends was trying to talk me through it but i was solely using emojis because they were easier than trying to come up with words so he started using primarily emojis as well just to make things feel balanced. this was not the Most effective strategy... until. he tried to ask me "you okay?" but the way he chose to do that was by sending "👉🏼👌🏼❓" and i was so shocked by suddenly being asked if i was dtf that i was like WHAT???? WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME?????????? and thus was verbal again

#yeehaw #1k #5k #10k #posts that got cursed. blasted. im making these tag updates after... 19 hours? #also i have been told it should say speech loss bc nonverbal specifically refers to the permanent state. did not know that! #unfortunately i fear it is so far past containment that even if i edited it now it would do very little. but noted for future reference #edit 2: nvm enough ppl have come to rb it from me directly that i changed the wording a bit. hopefully this makes sense #also. in case anyone is curious. though i doubt anyone who is commenting these things will check the original tags #1) my friend did not do this on purpose in any way. it was not intended to distract me or to hit on me. im a lesbian hes a gay man. cmon now #he felt very bad about it afterwards. i thought it was hilarious but it was very embarrassed and apologetic #2) “why didn't he use 🫵🏼?” didn't exist yet. “why didn't he use 🆗?” dunno! we'd been using a lot of hand emojis. 👌🏼 is an ok sign #like it makes sense. it was just a silly mixup. also No i did not invent 👉🏼👌🏼 as a gesture meaning sex. do you live under a rock #3) nonspeaking episodes are a recurring thing in my life and have been since i was born. this is not a quirky one-time thing #it is a pervasive issue that is very frustrating to both myself and the people i am trying to communicate with. in which trying to speak is #extremely distressing and causes very genuine anguish. this post is not me making light of it it's just a funny thing that happened once #it's no different than if i post about a funny thing that happened in conjunction w a physical disability. it's just me talking abt my life #i don't mind character tags tho. those can be entertaining. i don't know what any of you are talking about #Except the ppl who have said this is pego/ryu or wang/xian. those people i understand and respect #if you use it as a writing prompt that's fine but send it to me. i want to see it #aaaand i think that's it. everyday im tempted to turn off rbs on it. it hasn't even been a week

[cemeterything]

anyone who thinks dostoevsky's writing is dry and humourless is missing out on passages like this

#🐉 #i dont think my version is the most common translation because its worded a bit differently #(but still gets the same point across) #however im glad because this bit makes me howl every time i remember it

[sturgeonposting]

Do you love the colour of the sturgeon?

Which one?

#sturgeon #sturgeon fish #fish #fishblr #i love pngs #i love sturgeon fish #I did not edit the colors of any of these photos but I feel like I should say: m #some of these are taken under water which makes the colors look different #do you love the color of the sky

[borrelia]

if you donate one single us dollar to the unrwa, you will have donated more money than you would have by clicking that stupid arab.orb link every day for four and a half years. yes, they do actually donate money to the unrwa, but even with tens of thousands of clicks, most of that money is the baseline $90 they send every quarter. from 2023 quarter 4, half a million clicks turned into $380.57. maths out to six hundreths of one cent per click. just donate to unrwa.

#myaa #everyones pushing so hard for the clicks and like #its nice you think you can make a difference by clicking #but you should understand how minimal the impact of that site is #i can understand if you literally cannot donate #but its frustrating to see ppl reposting the click link so many times without the link to ACTUALLY donate...

[free-piza]

enough about taylor swift already. reblog and tag the smallest, least known artist you listen to

#txt #put your energy where it'll make a difference #i have not and will never be silent about sperling but they are not the smallest in my library #it might be Dachs - which is swiss! #and i love that for me because i understand fuck all it's all just vibes to me #and the vibes are great #muted post

[silverfox66]

I adore this recent trend (if that's the right word) of letting an orchestra play classical music on a festival. It's magical to see thousands of festival-goers going absolutely wild on Beethoven. Mosh/circlepits, crowd surfing. It's wonderful to see the orchestra and the audience having the time of their lives.

#haha this almost makes me wanna go to festivals #Lowlands #these are two different worlds getting together #it's so wholesome 🥹 #Beethoven #Classical Music

[jesncin]

"Who Is Superman? A Private Interview with Lois Lane" a fancomic about hope and connection. I've had this story in mind for so long and I'm very excited to be able to share it at last. Thank you for reading, and happy Lunar New Year!

#superman #clark kent #lois lane #clois #dc comics #my art #fancomic #long post #my immigrant clois love story agenda is HERE #I have big feelings over the superman private interview canon event- how differently an asian lois would make that scene play out #jl remix

[jamjoob]

Screencap redraws for fun

#these r so fun to make cuz i don't need to think #also the sudden height difference???? #gobbled that up #marshall/marcy shorter so tru #adventure time #fionna and cake #bubbline #marceline #princess bubblegum #my art

[and-corn]

shoutout to the "foolproof" bread recipe I fucked up entirely for inspiring this

#something different from what I normally draw! #I said this when I realized the bread was NOT making it and I made myself laugh out loud #also...if you happen to really like this it's available in my threadless shop - acorn.threadless.com #tw: cursing #typography #lettering #graphic design #illustration #original art #digital drawing #digital illustration #comedy #humor #relatable