July 2022 – Donna Villani

The Positive Side of Fear

“It is good to have fear, because it keeps you alert and on guard. It is when you think you completely know the beast that you will fail…” (Kuruk, The Portal)

Blog

The Positive Side of Fear

“It is good to have fear, because it keeps you alert and on guard. It is when you think you completely know the beast that you will fail…” (Kuruk, The Portal)

Fear is a complicated emotion; it is also a natural reaction when faced with something threatening. However, when not dealt with properly, it can overtake your rational mind and enable you to make rash decisions.

Nevertheless, here are some positive sides to fear we should keep in mind:

It serves as a warning.

Our biological instincts have evolved for us to detect danger or anything that is threatening to our well-being. Fear is a natural reaction to such a threat. When we can identify it with rationality, we can take the necessary steps to overcome it.
It heightens our awareness.

Knowing what is dangerous can be beneficial, especially when we can never be too sure about the future. When we become aware of our fears, we begin to learn of the strengths needed to overcome them.
It enlightens us.

Learning our fear and understanding that it is subjective keeps us enlightened. When we are aware of fear, we also are aware of some areas we need to improve on. For instance, people who fear failure may take this as an opportunity to learn how to be less of a perfectionist to deal better with their perceived failures.
It helps us focus.

Knowing what we don’t want to happen narrows our focus and leaves us concentrating on what we truly want. If we do not wish for “x” to happen, then we make sure we do our best to achieve “y.” This step makes it easier for us to keep in line with our personal goals.

Fear is complicated, but it can also have many benefits. With careful introspection and understanding, we can use that fear to our advantage and enable ourselves to transcend such emotions. When we overcome our fears, we become better.

Subscribe to our blog

Enter your email address to follow this blog and
receive notifications of new posts by email.

Donna Villani

The Importance of a Positive Male Figure

While my book mainly focuses on Colleen, several other characters have more or less made a great impression. One of them is Ricky, Colleen’s nephew, who also happens to be Jeanette and Geoff’s son.

Donna Villani

Blog

The Importance of a Positive Male Figure

A few years have passed since Geoff left Driftwood to deal with his grief. During his absence, Colleen took the reins and raised Ricky until Geoff’s return. Their reunion is sweet and heart-warming as Ricky slowly begins to take on the responsibilities of what he believes a man should have.

Little boys, in general, should have positive models in their lives. It also helps to have a male they can model after. Here are some reasons why that is so important:

It improves their social development. Little boys with positive male figures learn to deal with other men. They also have better social skills and are better at solving problems.
It inspires. Admirable male figures encourage little boys to become a better version of themselves. This step creates a positive environment for self-improvement and enables them to develop confidence and self-assurance.
It teaches them values. Positive male figures offer a set of values that little boys ought to follow. Values like duty, honor, integrity, honesty, and friendship are critical and can help shape a man throughout his life.
It teaches them acceptance. Self-assured men can inspire acceptance toward the younger generation. A positive relationship between a role model and a mentee can enable better social bonds that continue for decades.

With that in mind, having a positive male role model can benefit both boys and girls. As we become better versions of ourselves, let us not forget how this step can influence the next generation. When we improve ourselves, we improve others with us. Stay safe and offer a thank you to the positive male models in your life.

Subscribe to our blog

Enter your email address to follow this blog and
receive notifications of new posts by email.

Donna Villani

How to Prepare for a Trip

Much of my story in “The Portal” takes place in the desert. The Armstrongs, the Bolovichs, the O’Donnells, and the LaFarges have all made preparations as they get readied for the trip, which could take months as they head off on a wagon train.

Donna Villani

Blog

How to Prepare for a Trip

Regardless of the length of your trip or where you are going, you can still benefit from some preparation. Here are some handy tips to keep in mind:

* Research your destination first. If you are traveling to a different country, learn about the local weather, the culture, and the location around your hotel first. That way, you can prevent getting lost or being potentially scammed.

* Keep documents and copies secure. Passports, identification cards, and bank statements should be kept in a secured folder. It also helps to make extra copies. This step is to ensure that during the immigration check, you are well-prepared and ready after a long flight.

* Make sure your money and supplies are plentiful. Call your bank and phone provider and inform them of your travel plans ahead of time. Certain companies may freeze up accounts if they suspect potential identity theft overseas, so keep that in mind.

* Keep contact details of your country’s nearest embassy office. Many countries often have embassies and consulates for visiting foreigners and the like. Make sure to keep note of their contact information just in case of any emergency.

* Consider travel insurance. One can never be too prepared, including your health and safety. Many traveling agencies often include travel insurance in their booking package. Still, it also helps to shop around for better deals. Make sure such insurance is acceptable in the foreign country and your own.

Traveling can be a great and exciting way to decompress. Regardless, one should always take the time to prepare things as early as a month before the scheduled trip. Stay safe!

Subscribe to our blog

Enter your email address to follow this blog and
receive notifications of new posts by email.