“There’s something I want you to remember today… America isn’t great because it’s easy. It’s great because for generations… Men and women have put their heads down, worked their asses off, and built something out of nothing. That’s the America I believe in. The America that rewards effort. The America that values freedom. The AmericaContinue reading “AF’s America”
Author Archives: Gabriela Yareliz
A Dash of Anticipation
By: Gabriela Yareliz I am on a ghost train. A ghost train is one that does not appear on any of the apps and systems. The train that arrives and confuses all platformed passengers when the board says the next train arrives in 14 minutes. The board tells you delays. Reality tells you it hasContinue reading “A Dash of Anticipation”
Masked in Convenience
By: Gabriela Yareliz Jon Haidt (author of The Anxious Generation) asked ChatGPT how the devil would destroy the next generations. Its answer— the devil comes in convenience. “Convince them that comfort, consumption, and self-expression are the highest goods, while restraint, sacrifice, and long-term commitment are oppressive. That way, they’ll celebrate indulgence while mocking tradition andContinue reading “Masked in Convenience”
Maximum Tilt
By: Gabriela Yareliz We have reached our “maximum tilt away from the sun,” my almanac tells me for the month of December. I tuck the ribbon bookmark into our last month. There is a soft tap-tap on the window of rain mixed with some sort of sleet because it sounds harder than just rain. It’sContinue reading “Maximum Tilt”
Grateful Hearts
“O beloved Spirit, truly you have given us so much, an extravagance of riches. Give us, we pray, one thing more: the gift of grateful hearts. Hearts that will not forget what You have done.” Sarah Ban Breathnach
Gratitude
“Gratitude is a discipline. It’s a practice. It’s the art of taking full responsibility for your own life, without excuses or blame. This isn’t a spontaneous experience. It’s a choice. And so today, I’m thankful for the moments I saw my pain, and took responsibility for my experience. I’m thankful for times I tapped intoContinue reading “Gratitude”
The Real
By: Gabriela Yareliz As the holidays arrive, one thing I know for certain— so many of us crave nostalgic vibes. We crave the safety and comfort of the past. Its simplicity and partnering maximalism. Everything these days feels so minimalistic and beige. It lacks character. Everything ends up looking the same. But we want theContinue reading “The Real”
Peace
“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” Lao Tzu Today, let’s be present.
Mature
I have memories of getting good grades and getting the Metamorphosis CD. I loved flipping through the booklet. It also came with a special DVD that had three music videos on it. There it was, spinning in my purple boombox while I would get ready for the school Christmas show. Curling iron on; glitter onContinue reading “Mature”
The Poem
“Simply put: we went from living in the poem, to needing someone else to explain it to us.” Rainier Wylde Read it. Sit with it. Feel it. Think about it. What does it mean to you?
GABRIELA YARELIZ 