The Wrong Planet

There’s definitely a modern push towards valuing independence, sometimes at the expense of close relationships. We often hear that success means putting our personal goals, dreams, and ambitions first. Yet, when everyone is so focused on their own individual paths, it can feel isolating—even in a world that offers countless ways to connect digitally. Genuine community can be grounding; it creates a sense of collective resilience, a network of real human support. In our pursuit of independence, we sometimes idealize people to the point where mistakes become unforgivable, and kindness is seen as weakness. This idealizing can make it harder to truly connect or forgive, replacing compassion with judgment and leaving little room for the acceptance and understanding that create true bonds. The shift has us all holding people to impossible standards instead of allowing space for human error and growth, which ultimately fragments community further. We're losing something essential if we di...

Rent. It’s that monthly reminder that, despite every effort, we're just borrowing a slice of the world that our wallets can barely keep up with. Housing, they say, is a basic human need, but paying for it is anything but basic. You can work hard, stay late, save every penny, yet the rent climbs like it's on a treadmill set to "impossible." The idea that paying rent is part of "being an adult" sounds like a dead joke when you realize you’re paying just to exist on a piece of ground you’ll never own. We're paying a huge chunk of our income every month for a space that isn’t even really ours. Don’t pay? You’re out. Yet somehow, this setup is “normal.” Each month, millions face the silent stress of rent day, all while watching the cost of housing rise faster than most can keep up with. In the end, rent feels less like a fair trade and more like a system designed to keep us chasing – but never quite catching – the illusion of stability.

When news broke about Liam Payne's death, it left many of us reeling. Not just because we lost a former One Direction star, but because of the unsettling circumstances surrounding his passing. Payne was beloved by millions, yet he battled demons that fame couldn’t heal. His story raises tough questions about the cost of celebrity and the pressures that come with it. Reports reveal a grim reality: Payne struggled with addiction for years. His family witnessed the toll it took on him, with his repeated stints in rehab becoming a painful cycle. The Daily Mail reported that his father faced an unbearable wait for news of his son’s death—something no parent should have to endure. It's hard not to feel anger and sadness for a family that watched their loved one fight such an uphill battle. But it goes deeper. Payne's death isn’t just about addiction; it’s tied to a larger web of influences. Allegations link him to Rogelio Nores, a figure associated with drug supply and criminal ...

Let’s be honest—consumerism and the beauty industry are built on making us feel like we’re not enough. It’s wild when you think about it. On one hand, we see so much progress with movements advocating for mental health, inclusivity, and self-love. But then, just as quickly, we’re hit with filters, edited photos, and influencers pushing a picture-perfect lifestyle that feels impossible to attain. It’s like we’re stuck in this weird cycle where everyone’s trying to keep up with a game they don’t even want to play. Scrolling through social media can be frustrating . It’s not just the influencers promoting unattainable lifestyles; it’s the pressure to engage, to “like” and comment, all while we subconsciously compare our lives to others. Are we all chasing a dream, or is it just an illusion crafted by brands? Consider this: According to a recent survey by Credit Karma , nearly 38% of Americans have purchased products advertised on social media in the past year. A staggering 23% have charge...