u/No_Expert_7460

I don’t really know what to call what happened to me today. Maybe a conscious awakening? Existential awakening? I honestly don’t know but it was glorious.

For a moment, I became intensely aware of the fact that I exist.

I’m a living being, having an experience, on this thing we call planet Earth. I’m surrounded by billions of other living beings, all existing at the same time.

And then I started thinking about how every person I see isn’t just a person in my life. They have an entire experience happening inside of them. Their own thoughts, memories, fears, relationships, desires, inner worlds, and perception of reality.

Then I started thinking beyond humans.

Animals are experiencing existence in their own way. Plants are alive(they have an actual life). Entire ecosystems are constantly interacting.

And that’s where my questions started.

What exactly is this reality that we’re experiencing?

Why am I experiencing reality specifically from this point of view?

Does every living being have some form of consciousness, just at different levels or in completely different forms?

What would you call this experience? And if you went through something similar, where did your questions lead you?

I think I may have figured out what one of my gifts is… but it can also feel lonely.

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about purpose and the things that come naturally to us, and I think one of mine might simply be pouring into people.

I genuinely love uplifting people. Encouraging them, reminding them of what they’re capable of, making them feel seen, helping them see something good in themselves when maybe they can’t see it yet. I’ve also been told many times that I have a really bright energy and that my energy can be contagious, and I’m starting to realize that maybe that’s actually a gift of mine.

And I love that part of myself. I don’t want to become less giving or less loving.

But there’s another side to it.

Sometimes I look around and realize that I don’t really have many people who do the same thing for me. I’m often the person pouring into everyone else’s cup, and every once in a while I wish someone would notice mine and pour a little back into it.

I think what I’m craving at this point in my life is a community of people who are like that too. People who genuinely want to see each other grow, who celebrate each other, encourage each other, bring good energy into each other’s lives, and where it doesn’t always feel like one person is doing all the pouring.

Has anyone else ever realized that uplifting or encouraging people might actually be one of their gifts? And if you’re naturally the person who pours into everyone else, where did you find the people who pour back into you?

I'm trying to understand whether my mom's situation is something that would be worth discussing with a medical malpractice attorney. I know no one here can determine liability, but I'd appreciate hearing from anyone familiar with these types of cases.

My mom went to the hospital because her blood pressure was extremely high and wouldn't come down. Other than the high blood pressure, she wasn't experiencing any other symptoms.

The doctors wanted to determine the cause, so they decided to perform a CT scan with IV contrast.

Before the contrast was administered, both my mom and several family members informed the medical staff that she had experienced an allergic reaction to IV contrast in the past. We made sure they were aware before the scan.

Despite that, they proceeded with the IV contrast.

My mom was fully conscious during the procedure. She says that almost immediately after the contrast was injected, she experienced severe chest pain and pain around her heart. I don't know whether she suffered a heart attack because no one ever specifically told us that, and I don't want to assume something that wasn't medically confirmed. However, her condition deteriorated rapidly.

She was then transported by emergency helicopter to another hospital. That same day, she underwent emergency bypass surgery.

A few days later, while recovering, the hospital placed a medical alert/risk band on her indicating that she has a severe allergy to IV contrast.

We're grateful that she survived and is doing much better now. My question isn't about seeking revenge or looking for a payout. I'm genuinely trying to understand whether this is the kind of situation that could potentially indicate negligence, especially since the staff was informed beforehand about her previous reaction to contrast.

Would this be worth having a medical malpractice attorney review?

If so, what medical records should we request before scheduling a consultation? Would the fact that they were warned about the previous contrast reaction be significant if it's documented in her medical records?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

I'm a 34-year-old woman, married with kids, and lately I've been realizing just how lonely I feel.

I spend most of my days at home taking care of my family. I do have a degree and at one point I owned my own business but currently I don't work outside the house, I don't go to school, and I don't belong to a church or any groups, so meeting new people feels almost impossible. I have a few friends, but they're people I've known forever, and sometimes I feel like I've outgrown certain relationships or just want deeper connections.

I keep myself busy. I work out, go on walks, read books, and I'm trying to become a better version of myself. In many ways, I'm changing and growing, but sometimes that growth feels lonely because I don't have many people to share it with.

I look around and see other women with careers, close friendships, hobbies, and a strong sense of purpose, and I wonder if something is wrong with me for still trying to figure out who I am at 34. Some days I feel content, and other days I feel stuck, like I'm living the same routine over and over again.

Has anyone else felt this way in their 30s? Did you eventually find your people, your purpose, or a way to feel less lonely?

Genuine question from someone who's curious and trying to understand different lifestyles and beliefs.

For those who are pescatarian or who avoid eating most animals because you believe animals are living beings that deserve compassion, why is fish considered acceptable to eat? And how do eggs fit into those beliefs as well?

I'm not asking to judge anyone, I'm honestly trying to understand the reasoning and philosophy behind it. Is it because fish are viewed differently than other animals, because of health reasons, or something else entirely?

I'd love to hear your perspectives!