Chapter 1: The Classroom of Stories

Stepping into Medium feels like entering a welcoming classroom reminiscent of our middle school days—comfortable, filled with friends, and led by the beloved teacher who brings laughter and wisdom without the burden of homework.

I must confess early on: I’m captivated by stories. It’s been five days since I logged into Netflix, yet I haven't missed the antics of the ever-entertaining Dr. House.

The narratives shared here are primarily drawn from real life—tales of struggles and the battles that continue to unfold. They reveal the challenges faced and the arduous journey to make sense of it all once more.

Consider the gripping drama of a single mother overcoming insurmountable odds, where you binge-watch episodes to uncover her fate. These real-life accounts echo that same intensity, stemming from hearts that have endured countless shatterings.

Whether it’s the betrayal from a partner or the loss of a loved one, these are stories that take us to profound emotional depths. You can almost feel the air being drawn from your lungs, leaving you to ponder how one might reclaim their sense of wholeness.

Yet, within the same breath, the authors display an unexpected resilience, triumphing over their immediate suffering. They remind us that as long as we draw breath, the path forward is simply about taking the next step—and then another.

I've read of a father relocating his family in search of a brighter future, confronting unforeseen challenges while his children adapt. Instead of succumbing to bitterness, he chooses to spread hope.

Another family, enduring a prolonged escape, faces scrutiny from both their government and the people around them. Their long-held dreams may have been shattered, yet they find salvation in the most unexpected allies.

Each author expresses their journey in a unique voice—some employ humor to mask their pain, while others wield the rawness of trauma to underscore their message.

Regardless of the approach, the essence remains: they are all survivors, sharing their stories not to evoke pity, but to illustrate the enduring strength of the human spirit.

As I read these biographies, my heart swells with pride for their courage. Much like light from a distant star, their tales traverse time, and I find myself astounded by their resilience.

In my humble gesture of appreciation, I decided to give all remarkable authors a total of 48 claps.

(Amidst the murmurs of discontent, I hear the chorus: “What a cheapskate…”)

However, in Chinese numerology, 48 signifies something special. It represents 'determined to prosper' or simply 'prosperity'—a boon for both business and the authors themselves.

So, you see, my intent is straightforward: to wish for your prosperity.

HyaenaDad

May 2024

PS: I invite you to share your favorite authors with me in the comments below. I know I should watch my waistline, but I can’t resist—this hyaena is weak!

Chapter 2: The Power of Clapping

The first video, "Clapping To The Beat: 1 & 3 vs. 2 & 4," explores the rhythm and significance of clapping, enhancing our understanding of this universal gesture.

The second video, "Why do YouTubers clap at the start of videos?", delves into the reasons behind this common practice, shedding light on its importance in the digital world.