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How do you write about personal experiences without embarrassing people from your past?
This is a frequent fear: embarrassment or worse of people you write about. It is sometimes so large some writers simply avoid writing about those people. Even so, “Writing from the Bones” has some good advice. Take a look.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora
People dining at tables in a room
A black and white photograph shows multiple people seated at tables in a room, with some standing in the background. The individuals are dressed in clothing typical of the mid-20th century, and some tables have dishes and centerpieces.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
People on a boat deck with city skyline
Three people are on the deck of a boat under a blue sky with white clouds. A city skyline is visible in the background, and a tall mast is on the right side of the frame.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
People gathered indoors, man playing brass instrument
A group of people are gathered indoors, with a man in the foreground playing a brass instrument. Other individuals are visible in the background, some looking towards the musician, in what appears to be a casual indoor setting.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
People seated at tables in a dining room
Several people are seated at tables in a dining room. One person in a wheelchair gives a thumbs-up gesture, while others are seated at tables with place settings and beverages.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Three people at an outdoor gathering
Three people are seated outdoors, with two women and one man visible. The man on the left has a nasal cannula, and the woman in the middle wears a pink cat-themed hat. A red and white Coca-Cola umbrella is visible in the background.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Crowd of people in outdoor seating
A group of people are seated outdoors, with a woman in a striped shirt and a man in a plaid shirt and bucket hat in the foreground. Several other adults and children are visible in the background, some looking forward and others looking around.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
People gathered in a room with artwork
A group of people are gathered in a room with several framed artworks displayed. Some individuals are standing and speaking, while others are seated facing them. The room has light-colored walls with rectangular panels and windows.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
People and dog outdoors on a paved area
A group of people are gathered on a paved area with trees and buildings in the background. A small dog is lying on the ground in the foreground, and one person wears a colorful jester hat.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
My friend is always confused about everything, so people initially always think he's a bit slow, but he is actually super smart. Why is he so confused when I talk to him if he's so smart?
Many possibilities exist for this. A very intelligent person may have Asperger’s, a high-functioning form of autism, and may not have developed the “normal” conversation behaviors and processing. There are many other neuropsychological possibilities, including lack of interest, or lack of ability to focus on external stimulus. Einstein was possibly one of these people.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora
Three people posing for a portrait
A black and white studio portrait shows a woman, a young child, and a man. The woman is on the left, wearing a patterned shirt, and the man is on the right in a suit and tie, holding the child who is wearing a knitted vest and plaid pants.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Four people and two dogs on a porch
Four individuals and two dogs are gathered on what appears to be a porch or patio. One person is seated on a railing, playing a wind instrument, while another stands next to a large potted plant with fruit.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Five people seated on a patterned sofa
Five individuals, including two adults and three children, are seated on a floral-patterned sofa. The adults are dressed in 1940s-era clothing, and a window with a grid pattern is visible in the background.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Woman at a table with food and other people
A black and white photograph shows a woman in a floral dress and beaded necklace seated at a table. On the table, there is a tray with plates of food, a carton, and a salt shaker. Other individuals are partially visible in the background.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Two people playing a keyboard instrument
Two individuals are seated, with their hands on the keys of a black electronic keyboard. A bookshelf filled with books is visible in the background.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Group of people outdoors with trees
A group of ten adults is gathered outdoors, with a backdrop of green trees and foliage. One person in the foreground is seated in a wheelchair, wearing a nasal cannula and covered with a blue puffer jacket and brown blanket.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Four people posing outdoors with mountains and lake
Four individuals are standing side-by-side, facing the camera, with a background of snow-capped mountains, a body of water, and a clear blue sky. The two men are wearing long-sleeved denim shirts, and the two women are wearing short-sleeved tops.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Group of people standing by a wooden wall
A group of seven adults stands on a wooden deck in front of a building with a wooden wall and large windows. One person is seated in a wheelchair on the left, and a wooden sign with text is visible on the wall behind the group.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Two people on a porch with a book
A man with a beard and a woman are on a porch. The man is wearing a light gray t-shirt and khaki shorts, with his tongue out. The woman is seated, wearing a pink and blue plaid shirt, looking up at the man while holding a book with images of coral.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Three people posing indoors
Three individuals are standing together indoors. The person in the center is a man wearing a suit jacket, a light blue shirt, and a dark blue tie. To his left is a woman in a light-colored jacket with a patterned collar, and to his right is a woman in a red turtleneck and light-colored pants. A framed picture is visible on the wall in the background.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Two people standing by the ocean
A man and a woman are standing outdoors with a body of water and distant land in the background. The man wears a white polo shirt and light-colored pants, while the woman wears a dark olive green dress with a floral pattern and multiple necklaces.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Two people sitting outdoors on grass
A man and a woman are seated outdoors on a grassy area. The woman wears a patterned halter-neck top, and the man wears a white t-shirt and light-colored pants.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Four people at a table giving thumbs up
Four individuals are seated around a table with food and drinks, all giving a thumbs-up gesture. The setting appears to be a restaurant or dining area with decorative wall art and a large leaf-patterned mural.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Three people in plaid shirts outdoors
Two men and one woman are standing outdoors in a wooded area. The woman is being held by one man, while the other man stands beside them. All three are wearing plaid shirts.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Three people in plaid shirts outdoors
Three individuals, two men and one woman, stand together outdoors, all wearing plaid shirts. A car is partially visible in the background on the left, and trees are behind them.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Two people sitting outdoors on grass
A man and a woman are seated on grass outdoors. The woman wears a patterned halter top, and the man wears a white t-shirt and light-colored pants.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Four people in front of a decorated Christmas tree
Four individuals are seated in front of a decorated Christmas tree and a window. Two adults and two children are visible, with one adult wearing a plaid shirt and sunglasses.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Five people working at a large table
Five individuals are seated around a large, multi-colored table, each with a laptop or mobile device. Various cables, power strips, and papers are spread across the table surface.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Two people seated at a table with plates of food
A man and a woman are seated at a table with plates of food in front of them. The man wears an apron and glasses, and the woman wears a purple top. A printer is visible on a cabinet in the background, and a whiteboard with writing is on the wall.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
I have to present a project. The explanation involves lots of math, which makes me look "smart" but uncomfortable before people, what do I do?
When I present before any audience, as soon as I realize I’m using terms and concepts which make their eyes glaze over, I translate immediately into something they are familiar with. In other words, even though I used a lot of math to come to my conclusions, I describe the math process as a “black box” processor.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora
How do people still fail tests when they are allowed to bring in a cheat sheet?
Unless the person understands the framework of the test creator, no cheat sheet will be particularly useful.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora
What is the science behind meditation and how it calms people down?
The history of science studying the benefits of meditation began in the United States a long time ago (as part of religious practices). More recently, when the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi began teaching “westerners,” Yale University and a health institute in Hartford CT began more rigorous neurobiological research.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora
Which is more effective, one-on-one or group grief counseling?
It depends entirely on the people involved. Being in a group is too much for some people, but those who can be comfortable participating in a group (less than 10 people) more quickly feel supported and understood. It is extremely important, however, that the group leader is a skilled facilitator and well-trained in grief counseling.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora
Group seated around a table, 1950s
A black and white photograph shows a group of people, including adults and children, seated around a table. The table is covered with a white tablecloth and has various items on it, including glasses and what appears to be food. The people are dressed in clothing consistent with the mid-20th century, with some wearing suits and dresses. Another smaller, inverted photograph is visible in the bottom left corner, showing a landscape with buildings.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Four black and white photos in an album
The top left photo shows a man playing a piano with three women standing nearby. The top right photo shows a person standing in a snowy landscape with trees. The bottom left photo shows two people in a snowy landscape, one standing and one on the ground with skis. The bottom right photo shows three people in a snowy landscape near a building.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Is death life and is life death?
Death is part of living, a new phase of being. Some people and other living things go into death phase and then return to more physically thriving states. Some people, without dying, go into vegetative state. Are they alive? The answer lies within each being. Are you in a dying life or a living death, or neither. This moment you may be one way. The next moment the weather has changed.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora
What are some lesser known forms of meditation?
I assume you are asking about “Lesser known in the USA.” Many of the ones I know are still widely used in Asia, the South Pacific, South America, and elsewhere; some are based on practices of indigenous peoples. Drawing is one meditation: drawing spirals, or repeated patterns; even doodles. This can be done on any surface or in the air. Another, done with other people: humming, or singing a tone.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora
Has meditation or other practices helped you during the lockdown? Do you suggest to practice everyday?
Yes, meditation has helped. Every evening at eight my daughter and I meditate in giving thanks for our well-being, and thanks to all of the people who continue to help in the world. This is a simple meditation, beginning with focus on oneself and close people then extending the gratefulness and awareness to the community, to the larger community, to the world.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora
Empathy, Part of Compassion Fatigue
Ch. 2›Literature Review
Many people are attracted to the healthcare profession due to their empathy and compassion. Unfortunately these abilities, if unsupported, may lead to CF ([Figley, 1995, 2002; Hofmann, 2009; Sabo, 2011](/dissertation/references)). The diverse definitions for empathy, sympathy, and compassion make understanding difficult about how these traits are involved in CF.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026
Coping Strategies to Avoid Developing Compassion Fatigue
Ch. 2›Literature Review
There are, however, people who have developed effective coping strategies, the focus of this study. In addition to healthy habits of self-care, the positive reinforcement of watching patients recover, feeling effective, and being able to interact compassionately with patients helps HCPs avoid CF.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026
Phenomenological Methodology
Ch. 2›Literature Review
Studies of phenomena which affect people subjectively, and which occur outside of controlled environments, do not lend themselves to the objectivity, experimental control, and exact measurement of positivist, quantitative methods ([Davis, 1998](/dissertation/references)).
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026
Why does everyone get really surprised when they find out that I wrote a book? And they start to treat me different, Is it special to write a book?
Many people don’t realize how many of us write books. Is it special? Certainly. But the distinction is that you fulfilled a project and that in itself might be admirable in others’ eyes. Treating you differently? That would depend on what age range you’re in. At my age (elder) no one would be surprised or treat me differently if they knew I’d written a book.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora
How can you measure compassion fatigue?
The first most helpful measurement device is the people who know you the best. If they see you beginning to pay too much attention to one needy person or project, excluding social interaction with others or other normal daily activities, this is one of the indicators.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora
Album page with large and small photographs
A photograph of an album page featuring one large black and white photo of a group of people seated around a table, and four smaller black and white photos below it. The album page is on a textured carpet surface.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Six Black and White Photos in Album
This image displays six black and white photographs arranged in an album. The photos feature people on a beach, a person with a dog, a person swimming, and two landscape scenes with trees and water.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Couple Posing with Lifebuoy on a Ship
A man and a woman, both wearing pink jackets, stand next to a red and white lifebuoy. The lifebuoy has 'SKYWARD', 'NCL Norwegian Caribbean Lines', and 'OSLO' written on it. Other people are visible in the background.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Three individuals posing at a table indoors
Three people are seated at a round, patterned table. Two individuals are giving a thumbs-up gesture, and one person has an arm around another. The person on the left wears a rainbow-striped hat and a light blue face mask pulled down, while the person in the middle wears a gray suit jacket and a blue lanyard with an ID badge.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Two individuals posing outdoors with a Coca-Cola umbrella
Two individuals are visible in the foreground, with one wearing a pink hat with a cartoon character on it. In the background, a red and white Coca-Cola umbrella is open, and other people are seated at tables. A gas station and trees are visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
cousins after hike
A group of seven people are standing on a wooden deck in front of a building with a wooden wall and glass doors. One person is seated in a wheelchair on the left, while the others stand behind and beside them. A sign with the words "NATIONAL PARK SER" is visible on the wooden wall behind the group.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Tim, Mel, George, Mary
Four people are standing on a rocky surface with snow-capped mountains and a blue sky in the background. A white streamer and a pole are visible in the upper portion of the image.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026