Category: Life
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Life Updates: Teaching a Lay Leadership Course, my Writing Career & What I Gave Up for Lent
Hi, friends. Stay tuned to see what’s going on with Retrospective Lily… 🙂 The last few weeks have passed by in a whirlwind. I tend to put blogging on the back burner when life gets crazy, but I guess that’s okay, since it’s been more quiet around here lately. [Or maybe I’m not taking time…
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The Problem with Bite-Sized Political-Propaganda Videos
Hi, friends. How many of you have seen five-minute-or-less informational videos making the rounds on social media? Prager U, AJ+, and several other media outlets create them. Why is this a thing (and why is it bad)? The “bite-sized” video is a popular format for social media because it boils down a large, nuanced concept…
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Choosing Gratitude While Also Being Empathetic (Discussing Physical & Mental Illness + Suffering in the World)
Hi, friends. Today, we’ll discuss the power of perspective, i.e. how comparison, empathy, and gratitude affect the way we see ourselves and others. I have two diverging thoughts on this subject: “It could always be worse; choose gratitude.” “Your having a broken arm doesn’t mean my paper cut doesn’t hurt.” As a wheelchair user with…
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Self-Deprecating Memes: Relatable But Kind of Pitiful
Hi, friends. Today, I want to talk about a trend I’ve noticed lately with memes on social media. I’ve noticed a particular type of meme cropping up more and more. With this sort of meme, the jokes are more self-deprecating and/or unashamed of not-so-great personality traits/habits. Here are some examples– When I see these memes…
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My Thoughts on the Instagram Change (& Tying Self-Worth to Numbers)
Hi, friends. Today, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on both the new policy on Instagram (hiding the “like” count on pictures) and why measuring self-worth in numbers is a bad thing. The Basic Gist & People’s Reactions This article can catch you up if you’ve no idea what I’m referring to. In summary, we can…
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Three Tips to Become a Better Conversationalist (& Not Look Like a Narcissist With No Self-Awareness)
Hi, friends. In today’s post, I’ll share a few ways that you can be a better conversationalist at work, with friends, at social functions, or anywhere people exchange words. Do you want to know how to make a good first impression? Do you want to facilitate conversations that go deeper than the surface level? Do…
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We Interrupt the Regularly-Scheduled Program for a Special Announcement…
Hi, friends. How’s your week been? Mine’s been really fun and a little exhausting. I travelled from NC to PA to attend rideATAXIA Philly 2019 and the 12th annual scientific symposium hosted by FARA (Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance). The ride is a fundraiser for FARA that takes place in different locations across the US every…
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Letter to Myself in High School (on Disability, Popularity, Dating, etc.)
Hi, friends. I am sure we have all felt the saying, “hindsight is 2020.” As a 26-year-old, I know so much more about God, the world, and myself; of course, I still have much to learn. Here is a letter I might write to myself in high school if I could. Perhaps it’s good that…
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Getting Personal on my Frustrations, the Serenity Prayer & Romanticizing “What-Ifs”
Hi, friends. Today’s post explores a few things on my mind, and it incorporates some whining, some philosophizing, some taking responsibility…you name it. 😉 Dealing With Frustration I have been vulnerable with the emotional struggles I face. I have written posts on petty pity parties and getting out of the pit. As a wheelchair user,…
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Western NC United Methodist Women Spiritual Growth Retreat 2019
Hi, friends. Today’s post is a recap of the spiritual growth retreat I attended last week. The retreat is held every year for our conference (Western NC) of United Methodist Women, an organization of women who support and participate in mission work, created through the United Methodist Church. Click here to read my post commemorating…
Retrospective Lily 