Peace is an easy concept. It is when you know something is right for your life. Not right for a friend, relative, or even a significant other, but yourself. Only you know what is right. Peace is not a deep thinking ritual; some thoughts, yes, but not the whole concept. It is a sign to know what is truly meant for our lives. For some, peace may come right away. For others, it takes time. Either process is acceptable because it is your life. It is your decision, not anyone else's. Peace comes naturally when it feels right; you just know. If the concept is a fight, then it is a warning sign speaking to you. Warning of possible danger, heartache, or even disaster. Listen to its message; it will save you. Be still and listen to your inner voice. It is your guide. It is your friend. It is your lifeline. Don't shut it out.
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7 Fun Facts About The Eiffel Tower
The iconic landmark is reinventing itself with a splashy new color.
3h
222
Soon, the 2024 Summer Olympics are coming to Paris, and the Eiffel Tower will be in the spotlight.
Embedded so much into Paris's identity, the iconic landmark is no stranger to historic events and world-class gatherings over the years. It is sure to shine again.
Here are 7 fun facts about the Eiffel Tower. See how many you know...
1. It's Being Painted Gold
Eiffel Tower Gold
freesvg.orgRepainting is done about every seven years, per the official Eiffel Tower website, and the 20th edition is extra special: it's going gold. Previous paint is being stripped and gold paint is being used in a project that is slated to be completed by the start of the 2024 Summer Olympics. (Lonely Planet)
2. It Was Protested In Its Earliest Years: 'A Dark Ink Stain'
The Eiffel Tower on 1888-11-14 - Wikimedia Commons
commons.wikimedia.orgA series of prominent artists, poets and composers all came out against the Eiffel Tower in its earliest days, calling it ugly and saying it had no place in Paris. This drew a response from Gustave Eiffel himself, who found the Eiffel Tower comparable to the pyramids in Egypt, "a symbol of strength and overcoming adversity." (Tour Eiffel)
3. It Was The World's Tallest Structure For 41 Years
Low angle of The Eiffel Tower
www.flickr.comFrom 1889 when it was constructed to 1930, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world. It was surpassed by the Chrysler Building in New York City. (Chaletcouleursde France)
4. It Will Serve As A Backdrop At The Olympics
Eiffel Tower Bridge | Bridge leading towards the Eiffel Tower
www.flickr.comIt will be hard to miss the Eiffel Tower during the Games, as it will be visible in the background of both triathlon and open water swimming events. (Travel + Leisure)
5. It Once Had A Theater, A Post Office + A Newsroom
Interior of Old Theatre, 1921 - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.orgA wooden structure that was designed by the Eiffel Tower's architect, the first-floor theater was replaced after the 1937 World's Fair. It also had a post office, a newsroom, and a radio station in earlier years. (Tour Eiffel)
6. It Was Originally Built For The World Fair
Eiffel Tower in 1914 - Wikimedia Commons
commons.wikimedia.orgThe Eiffel Tower was one of the main attractions at the World's Fair in 1889, which commemorated 100 years since the French Revolution. It drew attention for its iron and steel construction, which was a great industrial achievement at the time. (All That's Interesting)
7. It Was Part Of A Flight Competition In The Early 1900s
File:Santos-Dumont flight around the Eiffel Tower - Wikimedia
commons.wikimedia.orgThere was a 100,000 francs prize for flying from a designated location to the Eiffel Tower and back within 30 minutes. This competition was won in an airship in 1901 by Brazilian pioneer aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. (APS)
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Featured
Blue Skies Weren't Always Blue
You don't just start as the person you are meant to be; there is a journey full of ups and downs that mold a person, so this is my journey.
4h
699
Overall I'd love to say I grew up a happy overly enthusiastic child that was taught to love herself and be loved by everyone else, but I can't say that and I never will. My smile wasn't always as bright as it is today, but this is the story behind my smile, the story about how I got here to the happiest place I'll ever be. I'll begin at freshman year of high school.
I was definitely not the prettiest one in my class, I was the underdeveloped girl who talked way too much for anyone's liking and was just over all annoying. At school, I guess I could say I sought for attention maybe because I wasn't getting it all at home. The constant thing I'd hear at school was " I can't wait to go home.", but is it crazy that I couldn't wait to get back to school. School was more of a home than my own house, the place where people dread to go was the place I was desperate not to leave. Coming home from school felt like I was entering a battlefield not knowing what I was going to get hit with next. Were my grades not good enough? Did I say something wrong? Did I forget to do a chore? Of course these are such small things. SUCH. SMALL. THINGS. They were blown up into hellish arguments I could never win. I lived with my step sister, Alyssa, she is 2 years older than me and I felt like if anything she took the brunt of everything. When it came to grades she would get yelled at way more than me; they seemed harder on her.
Alyssa was always the pretty one, they rarely pointed out a flaw in her appearance. I felt like I heard it all the time from her dad. A dad is known to be a daughters first love right? The one that told her she was the prettiest one out there, the one that made sure I had all the confidence in the world and more. It's okay not everyone's perfect you know. From the age of 10-13 I felt like I was raised as one of his own, but growing up things changed. He would mention how people would pick on me for my imperfections, but it seemed like the only one doing it was him. There's more between me and him, but that's a story for another time. My mom always stressed out with the family business took most of it out on us, blowing up and being verbally abusive on a consistent basis. I never felt like I was good enough to my parents, I gave my all and got nothing in return. I wasn't happy for such a long time, but I didn't tell anyone.
I thought that everything would be better if I wasn't there, that the home I lived in did not take me into account so it wouldn't matter. Going to school made me feel valued, I felt important and didn't feel judged and picked on. I knew that I was always the smart one in my class and that people cared about me because they always reminded me. I had some friends that really got me through some of the personal conflicts I had going on and they didn't even know because of the welcoming and positive facade I put on everyday.
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Featured
The Heart Wants what the Heart Wants
Just remember sometimes it is gonna hurt, whether we want it to or not!
30 January
3631
Where to start...... Let me start with the cliche that life throws us curveballs and what we do with it is what counts.
One day he walked into my life. UNEXPECTED! And one day he walked out!
He walked in with a smile! One that glistened from a mile away! He knew the right things to say! He made me laugh more than I thought I could! He made me smile bigger than the world! He didn't know I had feelings! I didn't realize I had feelings! I didn't realize they were strong.
He poked and probed until I told him I had feelings. I think I screwed up! Because he told me not to and instead of developing feelings, I fell hard!!!! He walked away! He didn't know how I felt or what I thought from then on out! I put a smile on and faced the day brave as I wished I had done before he asked that question.
Oh how that question is burned into my mind! My heart and soul ache everytime I think. He says he understands but does he really?! He knows all my secrets but does he know what this ones like! He's my best friend and I can't be honest with him! I support every decision he makes! I smile at every achievement happily even when it hurts! I smile when he smiles! I frown when he's hurting! But I can't tell him my biggest secret of all! I fell in love with him on day one and everyday it grows stronger!
One day, he'll actually understand! One day, he'll truly see me for me! One day, he will understand that I didn't mean to fall in love with him! One day, he will see that I want happiness, joy, and love for him! But in the meantime, my heart hearts. The heart wants what the heart wants! If only I could restart the clock!
The heart truly wants what the heart truly wants! We can't change that! Just remember sometimes it is gonna hurt, whether we want it to or not!
Sincerely,
A Broken Heart
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Content Inspiration
Top 3 Response Articles of This Week
See which conversations rose to the top on Odyssey this week!
30 January
4185
New response writers means exciting new conversations on Odyssey! We're proud to spotlight our talented creators and the topics that matter most to them. Here are the top three response articles of last week:
What’s the Point of Short-Term Mission Trips? by Carlos Gonzalez
During trips, you see first-hand how powerful God is, and how important prayer can be.
This was a response to What Short-Term Mission Trips Have Taught Me.
Living in between by Akansha Singh
It's okay to to lead two lives, have two identities, and call two places home.
This was a response to Culture Clashing: A Lifetime Of Adapting To An American Life.
The Mystery of Soul Mates, Twin Flames, and Kindred Spirits by Jennifer Starr
In this life, they say there are three specific kinds of connections that go beyond the Earthly realm. Have you met one of the above? Read more to find out.
This was a response to A Letter To Myself: Relationships Are Full-Time Employment, Are You Up For the Job?
Congratulations to all the writers! Odyssey will continue to spotlight top response articles on our homepage every week, and in our brand new newsletter Overheard on Odyssey. Click here to subscribe!
Want to join the conversation? Our response writer community is growing, and we're always looking for new voices! As a response writer, your work will be featured on our homepage, newsletter, and social media feed. Plus, you'll be compensated by HQ at $10/response for your first 10 articles.
To become a response writer, email glorie@theodysseyonline.com. We're excited to hear from you!
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Featured
Heart on a Wet Sleeve
No one prepares you for the honeymoon phase wearing off
29 January
5846
Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash
Let's start off with the simple fact that God made everyone differently. That statement could not be more evident. We try to embrace our differences and set ourselves apart from the rest of the world. What that doesn't prepare us for is when we yearn for a characteristic of someone else. For example, have you ever met someone who can experience this great heart ache and hardly shed a tear? This person just had their heart ripped out and they find a way to carry themselves through it with great composure. Well, not all of us have that desirable trait. Some of us wear our hearts on our wet sleeves. When a person has their heart on their sleeve, it can be viewed as a good thing, that the individual isn't shallow. However,
A difficult battle comes with fighting your mind everyday just for someone to act as though they aren't valid or that you need to control it. To some people, these problems don't exist, but to some of us, they are very real. A prime example can be seen in relationships. The exciting first few months where there are butterflies and love is sought after to the fullest extent. No one prepares you for the honeymoon phase wearing off, but still reminiscing that desire.
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