From April Fools to Eclipses: Exploring Life’s Curiosities

Awe and wonder are everywhere

Nicole Akers
Publishous
Published in
4 min readApr 7, 2024

--

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

Sometimes, as we navigate through life, we forget to notice the peculiar events and occurrences that unfold around us. Last week, we chuckled through April Fool’s Day, with its pranks and jests bringing smiles to many faces.

I got married on April 1, so the day holds special meaning for me.

Tomorrow, we anticipate the spectacle of an eclipse, when the moon briefly obscures the sun. Notice that this isn’t just any eclipse, but a total eclipse.

It’s certainly thrown life into a tizzy.

School and work schedules are altered. In many cases, schools across this big state of Texas are going to be shut down. At first, it seemed like overkill, but the closer we get to the event, the more I wonder if the people making these decisions may have foreseen reactions I personally hadn’t considered.

But beyond these scheduled moments of whimsy and wonder, countless other peculiarities that weave through the fabric of our lives. Life is filled with mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

Perhaps it’s the unexpected kindness of a stranger on a dreary day or the sudden realization that leads to a profound shift in perspective. Whatever form they take, these strange occurrences serve as reminders that we still have much to comprehend about the universe and ourselves.

So, as we witness the eclipse tomorrow, let’s embrace the strange and mysterious elements of our everyday lives. In these moments of uncertainty and intrigue, we are reminded of the boundless possibilities that lie before us.

Enjoy some of our latest reads:

Behaviors Perceived As Rude And Insensitive, Even If Done Unintentionally by Darshak Rana

70 to 93% of communication is non-verbal, shown through gestures, body language, voice tones, etc.

Yes, body language and nonverbal interactions reveal what a person hides, deliberately or unknowingly! → READ MORE

Once You See “God’s Hand,” You Cannot Unsee It by Neeramitra Reddy

This will kill me today.” I held onto the railing — as nukes exploded inside my skull.

Flashing a tortured smile to the receptionist, I pulled out my jump rope.

The bouncing motion proved oddly therapeutic — READ MORE

If You Master Three of These Habits, You Will Be Ahead of the Majority of People by Desiree Peralta

Do you know what the difference is between you and all the people around you who have achieved something?

It is not their luck, hard work, or someone who sponsored them that helped them get there. → READ MORE

My Daily Smartphone Usage Reduced By 90% Using This Simple System by Gaurav Dahiya

Phone dependence is real.

A whopping 84% of people can’t go a single day without their devices. This attachment runs deep, with many of us feeling anxious and uncomfortable if we can’t access our phones. → READ MORE

You’ll Need Imagination to Live the Life of Your Dreams by Crystal Jackson

When I was a teenager and young adult, I searched for identity. Everyone else seemed to fit so easily into their Breakfast Club categories, but I was a nerd, a jock, and a weirdo. → READ MORE

Who Are You When You’re Waiting? by Midnight Young

It’s a busy morning. I shoved this dental appointment at 8:30 AM — I’m hoping to catch up with my work by the end of the day. It’s a quick visit, shouldn’t take more than an hour. I just need to patiently wait for my turn. → READ MORE

I Don’t Have My Life Figured Out, But That’s Okay by James White

Strolling along the river, I’m mesmerized by breathtaking scenery. The first light of dawn breaks through the horizon, creating a spectacular display of orange hues in the sky. → READ MORE

Do You Believe Everything Happens For a Reason, or Do You Say It to Feel Better? by Elaine Hilides

When I had cancer, a few people told me that ‘everything happens for a reason’, and I have to admit that I had a few fantasies about stamping on their toe for the reason that I wanted to. → READ MORE

A Distinguished Author Explains How to Fall In Love In 17 Words by Andy Murphy

Building a sailing boat is a bit like falling in love.

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work,” warned → READ MORE

An Authentic Artist Needs Despair to Create Better and More Relatable Art by Khyati Jain

Being an artist is both a curse and a blessing. You feel the utmost freedom while engaged in a creative task, but this freedom is harrowing.

It’s gut-wrenching to bare your soul on a sheet or a canvas, but we do it because that’s the only time we feel in sync with ourselves. → READ MORE

We End Up Losing If We Want to Be ‘Right’ All the Time by Yiling Ong

I was 16 when one line in my report card stood out like a sore thumb.

Amidst the praise, this sentence gnawed at me: “Yiling lacks confidence.”

My heart sank. → READ MORE

Sending healthy wishes,
Nicole

--

--

Nicole Akers
Publishous

Teacher | Happy Mom of 2 brings amazing tips on parenting, learning, & lifestyle | 🐶 Mom | Bestselling Author | Founder of Publishous. Keep that smile.