By Clove Morgan You have one decision to make: love or leadership? You can only choose one or the other. If you pick love, you’re weak and anti-feminist. If you pick leadership, you’re cold-hearted and bitter. In the past, love was all a woman seemed fit for. We were born and raised to be future homemakers, devoted wives, and doting mothers. It was our only option until decades of feminism and the various waves of political movements that have gotten us to the point where we are today. Then, of course, the expectations for women flipped on its head. The next big thing on the horizon for girls was to be a leader, strong and resilient with no need for romance. But why can’t we have both? It was just a century ago that exclusively white women gained the right to vote in the United States. From there, it was a hard-fought battle that lasted decades for women of color to take their own rights and exercise them to the same ability they have today. Even with the activism and ongoing fight against gender-based discrimination, women face plenty of social and workplace prejudice. There are still misogynist ideals that linger and have a platform that directly harms women–the expectations of care-taking and being adaptive to every demand or scenario thrown at them. In the past, women needed to tend to the house, husband, and children. There were social standards that demanded a woman sacrifice her individuality in order to fit into a predestined role. However, as women began forcing their way out of the house and into the professional world, it became more common to see women in the office and educational spaces. Thus, the normalization of women in higher education, male-dominated industries, and positions of socio-political power came to pass. Yet, being taken seriously continues to be a struggle faced by women in academics and in their careers. They often need to make sure their presence is palatable to their colleagues and higher-ups. The media saw women’s desire to be leaders and took that as their sign to change their treatment of women in film to appeal to their audience. Suddenly, girls in movies didn’t want or need to be saved by a man–but rather be heroines taking on the world all on their own. Frozen and the leading lady, Elsa, began a literal snowball effect for the young girls to grow up with powerful role models. Disney, in particular, began going in a brand new direction from their early “saved by the prince” days–creating iconic characters like Moana, Merida, Tiana, and more that either didn’t end up with a romantic interest or were not rescued by one. Then, the fabled word “girlboss” comes into play. Though it is now often used in an exclusively ironic way, there was a time when it was genuine, and some people still see it as such. For the sake of this piece, just walk with me here. There was a fixation in the 2010s feminist era that zeroed in on what it meant to be a “girlboss.” It warrants plenty of criticism through the current lens of feminism, but at the time, it was the highest compliment as being a girlboss meant owning your power as a girl. As people outgrew the term, the idealization of being an individual feminine powerhouse remained just under a different presentation. Feminism became packaged as a female lead with no weaknesses for romance and only strength in their capabilities. We were told we could do anything, be anything; in fact, we had to be everything. A message you would think is great for young girls wanting to grow up confident in themselves. But then there was me and girls like me. We grew up adoring romance, craving and giving love as though it was the most valuable thing. Seeing women be strong was great, but I also began to question if wanting romance was okay. Aurora from Sleeping Beauty was my favorite princess, with a whopping sixteen lines in the film and Prince Phillip saving her to boot; she wasn’t exactly an icon of feminism as I grew up. Something about her story, though, I absolutely loved. It was the simplicity of wanting love–nothing more and nothing less–and living in a little cottage surrounded by animals and nature. Her life pre-sleep seemed like a dream come true, and that ending scene was just stunning. With the live-action Snow White film on the horizon, the film has been receiving some criticism on social media for being faux-feminist as the “girlboss” mentality has been dying out. Those a part of the film have said in interviews that it is no longer like the original, that the princess does not need saving or love. Gen Z has begun reshaping what it means to be a feminist once again, claiming that women don’t need to be a leader 100% of the time to be respected. We should simply be allowed to exist, warranting respect as a person first. The demand that a woman needs to lead or establish her power in order to gain the acknowledgment she deserves poses a similar issue from the past, just packaged in a new way. We still need to prove ourselves, just for a different reason entirely. That’s why Gen Z is transforming expectations for women. We should be able to decide for ourselves what we want and how we want it without owing people an explanation. There is no reason for girls and women to have to only pick one between romance and respect. They aren’t mutually exclusive. So, when asked to pick between the two, consider how they are really different. I find power in love and have learned to lead with it; they are synonymous to me. Besides, who says you owe anyone an answer?

By Clove Morgan You can say it, your best wasn’t good enough. It is way more common than you think. People can try as hard as they can and do as much as they please; their efforts can still amount to unfavorable outcomes. I spent my whole life at the top of my class. I always made the honor roll, my extracurriculars involved academics, and I took as many APs and college courses as I could. Now, as a college student, where I have shifted from youth to the professional world, I am no longer the best. But that’s okay. It just took me a long time to understand that not being the best doesn’t dictate my value. I have a hard time distinguishing my self-worth from my success in education. I was trademarked “the smart girl” by my high school friends. Not the pretty, fun, or popular one, but the smart one, and that was a reputation that I had to uphold. I had to be quiet, serious, maybe sardonic at times. I needed to fit the expectations people had of me and, by extension, the standard I had set for myself. All of a sudden, 93% meant the end of the world, and I silenced the silly side of my personality as though it was a punished child in time-out. I lost a lot of the best things in my life trying to be an extreme version of myself and missed out on even more—friendships, relationships, major events like proms, grad parties, etc. But I figured it would all be worth it—to what end, I didn’t know. College came around, and I attended an art school for dramatic writing where being the best in academics didn’t really matter. We had to take general education classes, but our foundations were things like design, drawing, and digital arts programs. But I’m a writer. I can’t draw; all of that talent went to my sister. There was no way, in a sea of budding artists that specialized in every art medium, that I could be the best anymore. I faced my first B in years in the base-level drawing class required for my major. I was devastated and had my first college-scale anxiety attack from the pressure of having to do something I wasn’t good at. Art doesn’t come naturally to me; I can’t study Quizlet sets until my eyes burn to learn how to properly shade an egg (a drawing I got a 77% on, by the way). I chose my classes and professors intentionally, guaranteeing my success from the blunder of my first quarter in university. At the price of my mental and social health, I withheld urges to explore my new city and attend parties in favor of staying in, studying, or rewatching Pretty Little Liars for the fifth time. I couldn’t be the one that had friends and went out, I was the stay-at-home-smart-friend. I didn’t know how to be social anyway. I felt I had missed the trial period in high school, where I could gain the footing of my going-out persona. At some point, friends from class started dragging me out to movie nights and restaurants, and I got a taste of what it meant to have a life beyond school. In spite of this, I still had to be on top of everything, and my perfectionism seeped out into other facets of my life, too. I was in relationships that made me feel as though I had to be the best and perfect partner at all times. I needed to be the ideal girlfriend that was willing to do anything, and everything asked of me, kind and caring at all times—obedient. My voice was snuffed out because I was so afraid that standing up for myself would mean losing all that I had worked so hard for. There is so much pressure on young people, especially those who are femininely aligned, to be perfect. You have to have stellar grades, make money, be an exemplary partner/child/friend/etc. It’s just not possible when you’re not being yourself. I sacrificed everything, most of all my identity. In the end, I was rejected by a lot of the things I thought would make or break me. Relationships end, tests are failed, and job applications aren’t accepted. It is a necessary inevitability that rejection will happen to all of us. Then why does it hurt so much? We all have been faced with rejection in some regard. Whether it’s being last picked on a playground kickball team, not hearing back from an employer, or hitting a cone during your driver’s test. All of these are mundane things that happen every single day to thousands of people. As a teenager, there is so much on our shoulders: preconceived standards we are still getting used to and the mountain of our future in front of us to climb. You have to learn your own limits and not let the fear of rejection force you to put your well-being aside. Over the past few years, I have been an array of different versions of myself. Just about the only thing they have in common is the fear of rejection, something even the current me has. You won’t ever be perfect; striving for it is equally unattainable. Going so long without a break to ease your stress can only end with rejection—the primary one being self-rejection—neglect of yourself and your needs. It is best to learn now how to see beyond the negative feelings associated with being turned away, visualizing instead the different possibilities you may have now that you are free to look in another direction. This isn’t a how-to guide on how to deal with rejection; you can’t give advice about something you haven’t learned how to do, after all. But we all feel that similar fear, and it is something to be conquered by the parts of your life that have survived every trial up until the present—you are more than rejection as you are the one that thrives despite it.

By Marium Tariq Source Imagine living in a magical world where crayons aren't just for coloring inside the lines but for drawing your very own map. Where your guitar is not just wood and strings but a passport to melodies that speak your heart's language? Or how about a blank page, not as a void, but as a canvas where your words can paint the most beautiful pictures? Welcome to Zhive’s realm of teen empowerment through art! 🎨🎵📚 A place where insecurity packs its bags and heads for the hills, where self-doubt gets a one-way ticket to hell, and where confidence and creativity throw the best block parties. Yep, we're diving into a world where artistic expression isn't just a pastime; it's a superpower, and we've got the scoop on how you… yes, YOU can tap into it. So, grab your favorite paintbrush, strum that guitar, and dust off that journal because we're about to embark on a journey where art isn't just a hobby; it's your key to empowerment. Let's get started! 🚀✨🎸 Behold The Power Of Art: 3 Benefits of Creative Outlets Sure, your mom’s narcissistic friend thinks dancing is not a real career, but you know what? There are loads of science-backed reasons you can hip-hop in her face to let her know she is WRONG! Here are 3 to help you get started: Confidence Boost When you're rocking your artistic prowess, your brain releases all those feel-good chemicals like dopamine. It's like a mini-celebration happening inside your head. Your brain is all, "Wow, you're amazing at this!" And that's how your confidence skyrockets. You start to believe in yourself more than you believe in the existence of unicorns. Stress-Busting Art Here's where cortisol, our stress hormone, comes into play. Creative outlets, be it painting, acting, or composing, help keep cortisol in check. Lower stress levels? Heck yes! It's like art's secret mission is to send stress packing, leaving you as cool as a cucumber in a creative garden. Brain Gains (Yes, Really!) Science has shown that engaging in creative activities can stimulate different parts of your brain, fostering neural connections and cognitive growth. In simpler terms, it's like giving your brain a mini-workout. You might even surprise yourself with newfound problem-solving skills and fresh perspectives. Who knew creativity could make you smarter, right? 🧠 Source Exploring Different Art Forms: Where Creative Horizons Expand! The world of art is vast and open to all, no matter who you are or where you come from. It's a canvas where everyone's unique stories and perspectives can shine. Let's explore a variety of art forms that are as diverse as the colors in a rainbow, each offering a unique path to self-expression and empowerment. Visual Arts - Paint Your World: Whether you're a seasoned artist or just dipping your brush for the first time, visual arts are your canvas to shine. Express yourself through painting, drawing, sculpting, or even digital art. No matter your background, the art world welcomes you with open arms. 🎨✨ Music and Performing Arts - Find Your Rhythm: Singing, playing, dancing, acting, and performing are like a universal language that transcends barriers. Whether you're playing a keyboard or stepping into the spotlight, the stage is yours to conquer. 🎸🎭 Writing and Literature - Words That Soar: The beauty of writing is that it knows no boundaries. Poetry, short stories, journaling –- your words can create worlds and touch hearts. Use your stories and experiences to bring a change and make this world a better place. 📝📖 Digital Media and Design - Pixels and Possibilities: In the digital age, creativity knows no borders. From graphic design to photography to digital storytelling, technology connects us all. Dive into the world of digital media and design, where your ideas can flourish, and you can make your mark. 📷💻 Source Turning Your Passion Into A Profession: 10 Practical Tips for Teens Interested in Art Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-expression? We’ve got your back! Pursuing your artistic passion can be a fantastic adventure, but we know it's not always a walk in the park. You get criticism, rejections, self-doubt, and whatnot, right? Here are some tips to help you navigate those creative hurdles and unlock your full potential: Believe in Yourself: First and foremost, remember that you've got talent and creativity bubbling inside you. Self-doubt? Tell it to take a hike! Your unique perspective and ideas are what make your art special. Set Realistic Goals: Start small, dream big. It's okay not to create a masterpiece on your first try. Set achievable goals and celebrate each tiny victory along the way. It's like leveling up in a video game; Every.Achievement.Counts. Don't Fear Mistakes: Art is all about experimenting, and mistakes are your greatest teachers. Embrace the quirks, imperfections, and unexpected surprises that happen along the way. Sometimes, the "oops" moments lead to your most brilliant "ahas.” Find Your Tribe: Seek out like-minded folks who share your love for art. Whether it's a local art class, an online community, or your supportive friends and family, having a creative tribe can provide motivation, inspiration, and a safety net when you're feeling stuck. Practice, Practice, Practice: Art is a skill, and skills improve with practice. Make it a daily habit, like brushing your teeth or scrolling through memes. The more you practice, the better you become and the more confident you feel. Learn From Others: Don't be shy about learning from the greats. Study the works of artists you admire, attend workshops, and watch tutorials. Art history is full of inspiration and valuable lessons. Embrace Rejection: Not every artwork will be a hit, and not every opportunity will pan out. Rejection is just part of the journey. Use it as a stepping stone to push your creativity further. Stay Curious: The world is your creative oyster. Stay curious, explore new techniques, experiment with different art forms, and draw inspiration from everyday life. Keep your artistic fire burning bright. Take Breaks: Don't forget to pause and recharge. Creative burnout is a real thing. Taking breaks and nurturing your mental health are essential for a long-lasting love affair with art. Share Your Art: Don't keep your creativity hidden away. Share your work with the world, whether it's through social media, exhibitions, or sharing with friends. Your art has the power to inspire others, too. Remember, the creative journey is uniquely yours, and there's no right or wrong way to do it. So, grab your tools, let your imagination run wild, and create the art that's been brewing in your heart. You've got this, and the world can't wait to see your talent shine! 🎨💫🚀 Source The Takeaway As we wrap up this artistic adventure, remember that the world of art is your playground, your sanctuary, and your source of empowerment. Whether you're painting your dreams, singing your heart out, or writing your stories, your creativity knows no bounds. So, believe in yourself, embrace your unique journey, and never stop creating. The hurdles you face will only make you stronger, and the art you create will speak volumes about your inner strength. And hey, if you're eager to connect with fellow teen artists and share your art with a supportive community, we've got just the place for you. Join the Zhive community, where teen artists like you gather to learn, inspire, and create in a safe, supportive space. Your art deserves to be celebrated, and your voice deserves to be heard. Let's empower each other, one brushstroke, note, or word at a time. Your masterpiece is just a click away! 🎨🎵📚🌟 Source

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Zhive Wellness clove morgan (27) 27 posts identity (22) 22 posts self care (17) 17 posts wellness (16) 16 posts exploration (15) 15 posts list (15) 15 posts relationships (12) 12 posts health (12) 12 posts entertainment (11) 11 posts career (10) 10 posts feminism (10) 10 posts culture (9) 9 posts activism (7) 7 posts film review (7) 7 posts family (7) 7 posts Clove Morgan Facing Rejection By Clove Morgan You can say it, your best wasn’t good enough. It is way more common than you think. People can try as hard as they can... Marium Tariq Your Creativity Doesn’t Have To Be Just A Pastime: Empower Yourself Through Art By Marium Tariq Source Imagine living in a magical world where crayons aren't just for coloring inside the lines but for drawing your... Phoebe Pineda Sir, That’s My Emotional Support Educator By Phoebe Pineda My 11th-grade AP English teacher’s name was Jenny Wei. She kept a life-size cardboard cutout of Jacob from Twilight... Summer Wrenn Pen & Paper: The Benefits of Journaling By Summer Wrenn In a time where we likely spend most of our days staring at a screen, it’s easy to get stuck in the loop of computer work... Clove Morgan The Online Journal By Clove Morgan I think it’s safe to say we have all gotten a little too personal on the internet before. Whether you have tweeted your... Clove Morgan Journaling: Take the Pressure Off By Clove Morgan You’re sitting at your desk, the pen fresh from the pack is balanced between your thumb and fingers, and in front of you... 1 2 3 4 Wellness Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search video... All Categories All Categories Wellness Now Playing Daily Practices with Samaira Mehta 01:30 Play Video Now Playing Difficult Days with Samaira Mehta 01:58 Play Video Now Playing Difficult Days and Daily Practices with Ruby Chitsey 01:02 Play Video Now Playing Difficult Days with Marley Dias 06:32 Play Video Want to be featured? We got you covered. Feature Me Back to Browse Join Zhive! Join our email list and get access to specials deals exclusive to our subscribers. Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting!

14 years old from Harrison, Arkansas Ruby Chitsey Favorite Food: Pizza; she even had some last night! What is their mission/cause? Helping the livelihood of seniors in nursing homes How is she doing it? Her mother works at a nursing home, and when she was 10, Ruby noticed how depressed the seniors living there were. She has been motivated to help the living conditions of the seniors ever since. Fun Fact: She is a natural brunette. She dyes her hair blonde. She loves Netflix, television shows, movies, and binging! She spends a lot of her time watching movies. Inspirational quote: Kindnes s is a hobby. Date of recording: July 18, 2022 When Ruby was ten years old, she noticed that the nursing home residents at her mother’s job had poor living conditions and always seemed disappointed with their lifestyle. Ruby wanted to help them be happier in their nursing homes. Ruby was inspired to make a difference when she realized how easy it is to make a positive change for her loved ones. She is frequently told no, but she does not let that deter her. Ruby always takes “no” as a new opportunity and perseveres past the negativity. Ruby feels the most satisfied when she is working with her friends and for her activism. She becomes elated during her accomplishments and finds heartwarming moments throughout her activism. Ruby Chitsey All Categories Play Video Play Video Ruby Chitsey Social Media Play Video Play Video 01:02 Difficult Days and Daily Practices with Ruby Chitsey Play Video Play Video 01:03 Creating Change with Ruby Chitsey Play Video Play Video 01:14 Future Journey with Ruby Chitsey About Ruby By Winter Pearson When Ruby was ten years old, she noticed that the nursing home residents at her mother’s job had poor living conditions and always seemed disappointed with their lifestyle. Ruby wanted to help them be happier in their nursing homes. Therefore, Ruby became involved and began her activism work, volunteering and advocating with nursing home residents and the elderly to improve their way of life. She has become well-versed in the unfair practices within the nursing homes, such as the Monthly $40. The Monthly $40 is when nursing home residents are provided $40 per month to pay for their snacks, pillows, hygiene products, paper products, and other necessities. Ruby explains that $40 per month is unfair because it is not enough to cover monthly living expenses, and nursing home residents should not have to pay for their basic necessities. Ruby hopes her activism will carry her in her future, and she will be able to change the $40 as she becomes more knowledgeable. Changing the Monthly $40 would include increasing the amount given to the nursing home residents or providing them with necessities, so they do not need to pay for them. Ruby was inspired to make a difference when she realized how easy it is to make a positive change for her loved ones. She has grown over the past few years since she started activism when she was only ten. Since then, her growth has motivated her to keep pursuing her passions, despite some people’s doubts, assuming Ruby was too young to get involved. The first step in creating change for Ruby was to communicate her dreams to her mom. Her mother was hesitant and had misgivings about her daughter’s idea. But Ruby didn’t let that stop her. She continued despite her mother’s and everyone else’s doubt, despite everyone believing she was too inexperienced and her plan would not work. The days that are the most difficult for Ruby are the days she is told no. She is frequently told no, but she does not let that deter her. Ruby always takes “no” as a new opportunity and perseveres past the negativity. “[Being told no is] a struggle, but it gives me more opportunities and gives me the chance to try harder next time.” Ruby pursues her activism work with her friends and peers close to her age group because she believes that teenagers are more innovative than adults give them credit for. Ruby wishes adults would understand how intelligent and creative teenagers are. Because of Ruby’s personal activism and perseverance, she tells her friends never to give up and to keep pursuing their passions to complete their goals. Ruby feels the most satisfied when she is working with her friends and for her activism. She becomes elated during her accomplishments and finds heartwarming moments throughout her activism. Ruby says, “my heart explodes with happiness” when she has successful days in her activism work. When asked about current topics affecting teens today, Ruby believes social media plays an important role. Ruby gets most of her news and information from Twitter and other social media platforms, but she tries to keep it reliable. Ruby believes the current state of social media is very negative, with a high beauty standard. She compares herself to the girls on Instagram, like Kylie Jenner, just like most teen girls do. Ruby wants social media to be more uplifting and for social media to be a place where people can post more positive stories to bring out happiness, “I wish social media just made me happy.” She wants social media to be a safe and supportive space. Want to be featured? We got you covered. Feature Me Back to Browse Join Zhive! Join our email list and get access to specials deals exclusive to our subscribers. Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting!