#quaity

My Opal <3

Turned out kind of messy but pretty!

Tell me this, can you live without the things you want? Can you survive without the things you need? How do you define a need? How do you define a want? Do you even know the difference?

Maslow says these are the basic needs of a human. What do you think?

1. Biological and physiological needs - air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep.

2. Safety needs - protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear.

3. Love and belongingness needs - friendship, intimacy, trust, and acceptance, receiving and giving affection and love. Affiliating, being part of a group (family, friends, work).

4. Esteem needs - Two categories: (i) esteem for oneself (dignity, achievement, mastery, independence) and (ii) the desire for reputation or respect from others (e.g., status, prestige).

5. Self-actualization needs - realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences. A desire “to become everything one is capable of becoming”

(Maslow, 1987, p. 64).

When, why, and how did basic needs become so costly? 

When did WE as a society redefine what we consider to be basic needs? 

Does it matter whether you own what’s trendy or not?

Do you need that million dollar car?

Do you need 20 pairs of shoes?

Do you need a house filled with expensive furniture?

Do you really need what you want?

Most importantly, do the things you want make you happy? Are you at peace? Or do you still want more, expecting that it will bring you happiness?

What is your exchange value for your needs as opposed to your wants?

Are you unconsciously willing to give up what you need for what you want?

Do you depend on your wants to make you happy?

I don’t have your answers. I just want you to reflect. Reflect on where, who, and what you give control of your life to, of your happiness, of your inner-peace. Are you in control of your life or do you depend on the value of material objects to guide your life? I’m not here to judge. I’m not here to know. I believe it is important to ask these questions though. On this journey of inner-peace, personal freedom, mindfulness, and pursuit of the best version of yourself, what is your price? Must you be paid in quantity or would you rather have quality? Think about it. 

Good Vibes, Happy Lives

“Girls Write Now is one of those extraordinary organizations that truly transforms the lives of the inner-city girls it serves.” —  Kathleen Sweeney, author and GWN volunteer

With fifteen years of experience under our belt, Girls Write Now knows a lot about community-building, mentoring, empowering women, writing, and more. We put that knowledge into action through our programs — highly-structured, yet personalized; challenging, yet rewarding; and designed to provide creative and engaging opportunities for women of all ages.

Our flagship mentoring program matches girls with professional women writers and includes portfolios, readings, and publication, supplemented with supports like trainings, college prep and therapy panel.

Through our college prep offerings, we help New York City area girls navigate the college admissions process.

Our CHAPTERS reading series, held annually in the spring, is open to all and showcases the city’s best teen writers.