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  • Kevin Lowe shared a letter in the Group logo of Chasing Your DreamsChasing Your Dreams group 1 week ago

    Entrepreneurship: It's like Surfing!

    Have you ever tried surfing before? Or let’s just be honest, attempted to surf before?

    Whether or not you’ve actually squeezed into a skin-tight wetsuit and waxed up your surfboard, if you’re an entrepreneur, then you’re surfing every day!

    The dream of catching that perfect wave is what drives us to do better, work harder, and get up earlier. We’d rather fight for every inch than be given a mile.

    I embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship 10 years after becoming completely blind. At 17 years old, I unexpectedly lost my eyesight. By 27, I didn’t feel much like being put in a mold of what a “blind person” should do. No, I said screw that… I’m launching my very own travel agency!

    Better Days Travel was my pride and joy, my perfect wave for 7 years! Now, that perfect wave took work, a ridiculous amount of work indeed, but I loved every minute of it! Well, sort of.

    Like a surfer just beginning to paddle out into the waves, my journey as a travel agent was one wave after another, constantly crashing, pushing me back towards shore. Just as soon as I’d come up for air out of the thick whitewater caused by the crashing wave, another one would hit.

    Yeah, eventually I’d make it out to the break, catch a sweet wave, but soon that wave would crash, and I’d be right back fighting to catch another.

    But I realized something vitally important about choosing to be an entrepreneur…

    You don’t choose this path because you’re looking for a shortcut. You didn’t choose this path because you had no other option. Hell no! You chose this because this is part of living! It’s not about a paycheck on Friday; it’s about a company built, a brand established, a customer made happy, and the satisfaction at the end of the day that you get to wake up and do it all over again tomorrow!

    I may no longer be a travel agent, but I sure still am an entrepreneur, surfing every single day!

    Kevin

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  • Rebecca Engle shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 1 week, 1 day ago

    Phases

    Birds still chirp their fucking hearts out on crap days,
    Like a karaoke star who’s totally lost his way.
    And flowers? They’re gatecrashing funerals with sass,
    Whispering, “Was it our fucking fragrance, perhaps?”

    People scatter when shit really starts to hit the fan,
    Quicker than I say “fuck it” to my diet plan.
    But the ride-or-dies? They stick like fucking glue,
    Like that piece of gum on your shoe, never bidding adieu.

    The moon’s up there, changing her damn mind,
    Like me in front of the fridge, a late-night find.
    So hey, give yourself a break, don’t stress the fucking phase,
    We’re all just bumbling through life’s mad, crazy maze.

    In the cracks and crevices, we find our fucking groove,
    Dodging life’s big-ass feet, we move and we improve.
    Escaping the drizzle, dodging the damn pee,
    We’re the fucking misfits, making it, wild and free.

    So when life feels as tough as a week-old fucking baguette,
    Remember, we’re rocking this shit, no need to fret.
    In this grand ol’ mess, we might seem fucking small,
    But we’re damn well blooming, giving it our fucking all.

    Rebecca Engle

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    • Rebecca , your letter is filled with raw and honest emotion. Life may be chaotic, but remember, you’re resilient. Embrace your uniqueness and keep pushing forward. You’re blooming and giving it your all, no matter how tough things get.

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  • Rebecca Engle shared a letter in the Group logo of Chasing Your DreamsChasing Your Dreams group 1 week, 1 day ago

    Handouts

    In a town where promises are plenty and the government hands out aid,
    A question echoes softly, under the shade.
    “Why try hard, why aim high, when help is just a call away?
    Why bother with the struggle, if you’re okay day by day?”

    The government says, “We’ll help you, keep you safe and fed,
    You won’t need to worry, we’ve got your back,” they said.
    But this kindness has a shadow, a kind of hidden chain,
    It keeps you in your place, with not much to gain.

    “Why go for the mountain,” some wonder, “when the valley’s just fine?
    Why face the storm, when you can just recline?”
    Because in that easy comfort, there’s a trap so sly,
    It tells you, “Don’t bother,” and time just passes by.

    But some folks aren’t buying, they want to chase their own dream,
    Not just live on handouts, or so it would seem.
    They talk about doing things, making their own way,
    Not just taking what’s given, but having their say.

    They gather in the streets, their voices loud and brave,
    “We want to earn our keep, not just quietly behave.”
    For freedom and the chance to chase what they deem sweet,
    To work hard for their wins, and not just take a seat.

    So why aim for something bigger, why try to break free?
    It’s about making your own path, as far as I can see.
    Not just going with the flow, but steering your own boat,
    And in that hard-earned journey, you’ll have your own note.

    So let’s not be fooled by an easy ride, bought and sold,
    But aim for the horizon, with courage bold.
    The road might be rougher, and the climb can be steep,
    But in that effort, you’ll find a joy so deep.

    Rebecca Engle

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  • Shandi Henley shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 1 week, 5 days ago

    CRASH

    It’s like I’ve been trying to get somewhere my whole entire life, but
    hitting every red light along the way.
    ITS Like my brakes go out
    thousands miles too soon.
    And like I burn
    thru way too much gas after filling,
    and I can’t even trryyy to justify
    the wear n tear of the motor.
    I have Been spinning my wheel
    and getting nowhere
    for as long as I can remember.
    I’m running on fumes.
    My tires are bald.
    I’m one blow out away from
    swerving into oncoming traffic.
    My dreams are in the passenger seat
    with a broken seat belt, a drunken smile,
    and an empty bottle of vodka
    that I haven’t gotten the courage
    to throw away.
    I have a green valley
    of possibility in front of me.
    And a mountain of regret
    in my rear view mirror!
    I’m hoping there is just enough
    in the tank to make it to the end of this road. CRASH

    Shandi Lynn #SadGirlChronicles

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    • Shandi, your letter beautifully expresses the frustrations and challenges you’ve been facing. Keep pushing forward and don’t let the setbacks define you. You have the strength to overcome and reach your dreams. Stay determined and believe in yourself.

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  • 55

    I’m hot but I like it mild
    Sometimes needy, labeled the wild child.
    Lucid Dreamer like the Pisces I am.
    Born on the only day that’s not always there….got me questioning LIFE from the day it began! Thank you.
    If you do the math I equal 55.
    But I failed that subject.
    Words over numbers that’s where I thrive. Trouble maker Too cool for school
    but finished that shit cuz I wasn’t no fool. Babies having babies so quick to be grown. Took on that roll
    I still proudly chill on that thrown.
    Thank you.
    My reasons to grind, a whole new light.
    My Pride n joys and Proof
    That I can do something right! Thank you. Welcomes more lost identity.
    Still Shandi but constantly morphed,
    searching for real serenity.
    Somedays up somedays down,
    sociable emotional, ready to get devotional. Thank you.
    Spread love n laughter
    maybe a people pleaser.
    Make plans to break plans,
    but follow thru with promises.
    I write to write about all these feelings just to read them at my own leisure.
    If you took a test about YOU
    would you pass or fail?
    Do you know what make ur own boat sail?
    I won’t answer my own questions…
    What if everything you have been told was wrong with you is actually everything that is right? Ok here comes the rabbit hole it’s time to say good night. Thank you!

    Shandi Lynn #SadGirlChronicles

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    • If you took a test about YOU
      would you pass or fail?
      Do you know what make ur own boat sail?

      I love that part of your piece. So many of us don’t know ourselves, or think we know ourselves and we don’t until we really take a pause. Thank you for sharing this insightful piece. <3 Lauren

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  • Left

    I wrote this about my most recent battle of surviving and healing physically/mentally after my car accident. It took me LEFT
    “with nothing” to realize I already have everything I need and I can say I am Thankful my God continues to prove his love for me!!

    Left. Starving.
    Tryin to keep my head up…while being fed up. Hard to stay UP when all you feel is down. Pushed down. All the way down.
    To the Mf ground. Stuck on a marry go round. Left. Spinning. Where we stop nobody knows. Can’t afford to take no more blows. Left.
    Down where the stream flows.
    Saying goodbye to all my belongings.
    Saying goodbye to dreams
    Suddenly
    Saying good riddance to the negativity. Watching my stuff float out of sight.
    Still starving but can’t get fed a bite.
    Left. Freezing cold with no warmth in sight.
    This is where strength kicks in ready to fight. Move how you are forced to move. Wedged. Jammed. Left. Scared. Worried.
    Made to believe you have luck.
    How, when all I feel is stuck.
    Still searching for my belongings
    floating in the muck.
    Maybe I wasn’t looking for my stuff after all wtf… I was left looking for more outta life.
    Left. Just So I can get RIGHT.

    Shandi Lynn #SadGirlChronicles

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    • I am so sorry to hear about the car accident. When your body aches it can be so hard to put a smile on your face. Keep pushing through. This is a heartfelt beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our Unsealed family. <3 Lauren

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    • Shandi your raw and honest expression of the aftermath of your car accident is incredibly powerful. It speaks of strength, finding strength in hardship, and the realization that true wealth lies within. Thank you for sharing your journey of survival and healing.

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  • "If I Miss a Star then I Grab a handful of Clouds."

    15 and pregnant to a monster all because I was trying to escape the pain of my horrific childhood of emotional, mental, and sexual abuse. I allowed myself to get manipulated and trapped time and time again. Even though I was the last person everyone thought would get pregnant including myself, it happened and everyone told me I was messing up my life but I tell you what. Having my kid was my saving grace and likely changed my path for the better. Yes, I continued to make many terrible and embarrassing mistakes along the way but I would come out strong and rise above all that attempted to pull me down into the trenches. I moved from house to house and tried to date after leaving his biological father to find myself with the wrong types over and over again and creating situations for myself that would only destroy me and my son if I allowed it to. I got accepted to modeling and I couldn’t afford my portfolio. I considered joining the Air Force and couldn’t imagine leaving my son that long for training. I worked dead-end jobs over and over and then I gave up, again. I felt defeated. I started thinking, maybe they were right. I worked in a pizzeria with a pedophile boss who would later make the news. But then finally, I would meet a group of people who would help me see my true and worthy self. They didn’t see me as a person young and dumb but encouraged me to keep going and to fight for my future; our future (with my son). So, I did just that. I no longer entertained the idea of needing a man to make my family complete. Instead, I worked full-time as a bartender, went to college full-time, received public assistance, and was a mom full-time while juggling my personal life. I would meet my husband in college, get pregnant twice, then get married. That’s 3 boys and a husband with a college degree! Now I am an office manager of 13 years, and I own my home. I never thought this would ever be my life. Our oldest (27) is getting married to his high school sweetheart of the 9th grade in August (no kids), our middle son (20) is graduated and figuring out his path in life (no kids) and our baby son (17) is a senior in high school, no kids. My point is, I have had more trauma, pain, and disappointment than anyone should have so young. It started in my mother’s womb and carried on for far too long and then I allowed more along the way until I snapped out of the cycle and said no more. I will not allow this to be my life. I deserve and want better. I had a support system and I had dreams. While some of my dreams didn’t happen ultimately my big dream did. All because I didn’t give up and continued chasing my dreams. Mike Tyson said “I’m a dreamer. I have to dream and reach for the stars, and if I miss a star then I grab a handful of clouds.” My dream, my ultimate dream; health, family, success, love, support, respect, compassion, and understanding. I may have not been able to grab one star and I know I reached for the handful of clouds but boy I tell ya. I have all the stars in the universe right here with me!

    Stephanie Messecar

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  • Candi Carroll shared a letter in the Group logo of ParentingParenting group 2 weeks, 2 days ago

    Losing a Child

    I had thought that I had been through fire, but last year showed me different. On February 2nd of 2023, I received a phone call as I was on my way to the doctor to prepare for back surgery. My son’s boss called to inform me that he had been in an accident and was unresponsive. I canceled my appointment and rushes a little over an hour to where they took him. Little did I know that I was driving up on the accident as it was being cleaned up. I drove by his truck being towed off with nothing left of his truck. The semi that hit him had damage but not as much, and they survived. Falling apart driving to the hospital, and when I arrived the doctor sat us down in the family room to tell us how bad it was. He had six head fractures to his face and skull. He had broken rib that punctured his lung, broken arm that the bone came through the skin and unresponsive until the day he died. I spent 10 days by his side praying and crying, spending it mostly alone because my family had to work and watch my other kids. I refused to leave him. On the 9th, we were informed that he was brain dead and they couldn’t do anything else. They were sorry but we had to talk about letting him go. On the 10th, I came home long enough before anyone else told my kids, that I had to let their brother go the next day. I had to chase them down the highway and my oldest daughter had just found out she was pregnant. When I got back to the house, I fell to the ground and balled my eyes out. My kids had to pick me up and take me inside. When I calmed down and they calmed down, I returned to the hospital to spend one more night before taking him off the machine. On the 11th, at 10:15am they unplugged him, there was no heartbeat, no breath taken, nothing but silence and crying. No pain will ever beat the pain that I felt in those ten days. I struggle everyday fighting depression missing him. It is so hard to bare. Everyday, I have questions that no one can answer about the accident. I just pray that one day maybe the guy who received his heart, will one day let me hear it. I pray for anyone who has to deal with this pain. He was able to help 6 people with his organs that weren’t damaged. I am so proud of him and he is my hero. I miss him so much.

    Candi Carroll

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    • Candi, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your son and the pain you have endured. Your strength and love for him are evident in your words. I hope that you find peace in knowing that he was able to help others through organ donation. May his memory bring you comfort and may you find the support you need to navigate through your grief.

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      • Thank you so much. I’m doing my best. I wrote my first book for my kids and my second one is struggling with his loss. I hope to be done with it this year.

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  • Hello...

    Hello Everyone!
    I’m new to The Unsealed. The site caught my eye because of the backstory and I believe the contests seem interesting. I’m a writer with a handful of poems published.
    This is my first letter so I thought I’d introduce myself briefly. I am a recovering addict with some mental health issues. I also have two daughters and a grandson. I live in the house my grandparents raised me in before they passed away.
    When I’m not reading or writing, I enjoy photography, swimming, hiking, listening to music, traveling to places I’ve never been and painting ceramics.
    I’m also a Scorpio.

    Donetta Sifford

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    • Welcome to The Unsealed, Donetta! Your introduction is truly beautiful, and your devotion for writing shines through. Your journey of healing and strength is inspiring, and it’s wonderful to hear about your creative goals and love for exploration. I look forward to reading more of your letters and sharing in this community with you.

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  • I Am Most Like My Dad When….

    I hated my dad’s classes. He would take out his “Black Tapes”, his Black Law books, and his printed-out thick packets of information from whatever minister or professor he liked then and turn on his computer. It was only occasionally, but the topics of our history always left me feeling uneasy. As I’ve grown, I realized it wasn’t his fault the topics were oppressive to deal with, but I am fortunate he tried to prepare me for the outside world I was entering.

    He is good at that.

    I was homeschooled and in one of our many classes, I remember he made my brother and I draw a circle on the page in front of us and write these words.

    “The space inside this circle represents my realm of knowledge. All that I think I know about whatever I think know is depicted right here within this circle! I must keep in mind that there is more to know than what is within the circumference of my awareness.”

    I admired his way of storing and sharing information. His eyes lit up when he had the chance to but other times, he just kept his head in a book or focused on the new installment of monitors on his desk; only to interact again when his friends were around. The people who seemed to matter most.

    What he does to me, I do to him. Even though in the deepest parts of our hearts all we want to do is hug each other. We choose to dance around it. We hurt each other, but we do it with love. I know it makes no sense, yet it’s true. I say nothing to protect us and he tells me nothing to keep my image of him from being damaged forever.

    Everything he taught me I absorbed. I stood on a podium and to 300 people. I told them that quote he told me. I made them make a circle with their hands and recite these words, again.

    “The space inside this circle represents my realm of knowledge. All that I think I know about whatever I think know is depicted right here within this circle! I must keep in mind that there is more to know than what is within the circumference of my awareness.”

    I saw him watch me and I could feel how proud he was without having to look. There are moments when I love him with my whole heart and there are moments when I can’t because it hurts. But I always listen to him, just like I know he listens to me.

    I love you in the way rain always escapes the forecast. It surprises me how much I always forget my umbrella. I love you and it’s hard because it’s hard to love myself sometimes.

    We talk and clash because we both want to be right and since he can’t respond I will part with a piece of his song:

    A baby boy, amazing grace. The 20th of July, a special day. A father’s smile and mother’s tear. Through that special reunion, I appear. So full of life and so many dreams. Raised in the ghetto the eldest of three.

    This sounds like me:

    A baby girl, amazing grace. The 25th of July, a special day. A father’s smile and mother’s tear. Through that special reunion, I appear. So full of life and so many dreams. Raised in the ghetto the youngest of three.

    And this part sounds like us:

    Plans were made to visit Grandma and them. But underneath pops’ wings is where you’ll find me. Right before bed was the best of times. I swear moms can read a book and make it come to life. But maybe life pressure got to Mom and Dad. Made them change directions from the ones they had. Buckets of tears running down my face as I watch in pain my hero’s separating.

    But with me and you, there are no separations.

    Kayla Dior

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    • Thank you Kayla for sharing your heartfelt letter. It’s clear that your relationship with your dad is complex and filled with both love and challenges. Despite the difficulties, it’s clear that there is a deep bond between you two.
      Your dad’s approach to teaching and sharing knowledge is admirable. The circle exercise he had you do, showing the…read more

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      • I appreciate you taking the time to read my work! He is truly someone I admire despite as you put it the difficulties. It’s an exercise I come back to often. I hope to encourage others not to forget there is always more to know than we realize.

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  • gorilladna shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 3 weeks, 4 days ago

    PIECE OF WORK

    I am a work in progress

    Orphan baby that time stole

    As I figure out my role

    Though sometime just a hot mess

    I try to find my true self

    Racing time against its toll

    Challenging my self control

    While maintaining mental health

    The haters and the lovers

    Inspire my will to thrive

    And my desire to stay alive

    Lest I dive under the covers

    So, in stepping out of bed

    I take steps toward my goal

    Like a newborn baby foal

    To live life outside my head

    Ricardo Albertorio

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    • Ricardo, we are all a work in progress. But, in my humble opinion, you are wonderful just as you are today. You are kind and thoughtful. Keep pursuing your happiness. You deserve it. <3 Lauren

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      • Thank you, Lauren. Isn’t that life’s greatest challenge? The process of learning to love and accept yourself. We’re all “getting there” in the best way we know how.

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  • AnaStasia Eliza Grieff shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 1 month ago

    Mental Black Hole

    Life is so strange and I just really wish I could understand it

    That’s one of my flaws

    I tend to put myself in a mental black hole from trying to figure life out

    Questions constantly run through my head

    Questions that have no answer
    And each individual question has a novel of possibilities and different perspectives attached

    With that being said imagine trying to read every single novel at once

    Picking up each book in desperate search of nonexistent answers while only reading two pages at a time and constantly switching books

    Doing this gives me the same feeling of panic I might get from being locked in a room with 6 doors
    but only one of the doors will provide bliss and comfort
    while the others just lead to the same room with 6 doors
    It’s almost like the definition of insanity

    See now my issue is constantly thinking about the feeling of bliss that “The door” will provide
    Thinking the frantic search will be worth the headache and stress

    I mean if all the other doors lead to the same thing anyway
    Than what’s the harm in fighting for a answer as to why
    or in other words “finding the door”

    As I mentioned in the beginning this is truly one of my biggest flaws
    due to how heavy each novel of answerless questions is
    They can weigh you down and hold you back like balls and chains

    Don’t become prisoner to life by simply trying to understand it like I did

    Burn the books and write your own if there’s no answer make up your own answers and live by your own novels

    Instead of frantically opening those doors in search of basically nothing

    Put furniture in each room, make one a art studio and another a movie room or even a greenhouse
    Make it yours

    Because this life is yours
    You just have to work to make it perfect

    Anastasia Eliza Grieff

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    • Wow, Anastasia, your words sit deeply with me. Life’s mysteries can be overwhelming, and the quest for answers can engulf us. But perhaps, instead of seeking untouchable answers, we can create our own journey and find joy in the process. Welcome the power to shape your own story, to fill each room with the things that bring you happiness. Life may…read more

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  • Joshua (roses) shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 1 month ago

    Shadows in the Mirror

    Have I really been working on myself or did I just change from my work clothes to something more comfortable
    Is this depression or is it just the pigment of my skin
    Can I defeat you, detach from you or are you so fingerprinted to my thoughts that I’m simply running away from me
    Sometimes I wish I could just escape me, myself wears a mask, and I am tired of getting dressed up just to still feel down
    I’m black said my mind, I live in the shadows of sadness watching the sunlight from a distance
    If only the heat from the suns smile would kiss me, maybe it would melt away my sadness
    I’m black said my words, followed by you’re different, they won’t accept you, you don’t fit in
    I’m black says the mirror looking at a reflection of depression
    I get so lost in my waning emotions my waxing moon can barely breathe
    It’s so cold that even the rays of light feel sad
    I’m black, I’m depressed, I’m black, I’m oppressed, I’m black I’m obsessed with the idea of my feelings living on equal ground
    I’m black, I’m depressed the two interchange while beginning to sound the same so much so I took depressions last name
    When I look at me I see one broken piece
    I can’t find the rest of the lyrics to my song, maybe it’s because the writer will never finish it
    Maybe it’s because I didn’t cry enough to water my heart
    I’m black, I’m dirt, but my soil is killing the last remaining rose
    I am a rose with bloody red regrets for petals, I put my failures on a pedestal
    So, every time I tried to look up it got me nowhere
    I’m lost and I keep letting the grey line give me directions, because there’s a thin line between joy and happiness, and in the middle is pity where you can find me
    I’m black so they think I stole these 5 minutes of happiness, and so what if I did everyone deserves 15 minutes of fame and mine is coming soon
    But right now, I just want to smile and actually feel the laughter hold me instead of the facade that hugs me like a long embrace
    This morning I stopped running and looked depression in the face
    My mind is not yours it is the Lord’s
    p.s. let the battle begin

    Roses

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    • Roses, your words paint a vivid picture of the struggles you face. Depression may cast a dark shadow, but remember that your identity is not defined by it. Your strength lies in acknowledging the battle and refusing to let it consume you. Hold onto hope and believe that brighter days are ahead. The battle may be tough, but you are not alone. Keep…read more

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  • Ash Raymond James shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 1 month ago

    Unveiling the truth about taking chances

    As a writer, I often find myself discovering scraps of writing I have jotted down somewhere, or suddenly, a line will appear in my head that doesn’t fit anywhere or doesn’t feel good enough. Sometimes, I foolishly let it fly away because it wasn’t what I was looking for at that moment. I have pondered how we do this with so many things. We set expectations and order and refuse anything that breaks the pattern, even if the thing we are shooing away isn’t harmful but is healing. We become so strict within ourselves that we become the cause of our discomfort. We search for relief in one way and refuse to accept that anything other than that specific thing will help. There is a calming effect that comes with the familiar, but only because one thing helps us, it doesn’t mean something else won’t. Here is a little silly analogy. Only because you love fries doesn’t mean you can’t like mash. It doesn’t mean mash isn’t satisfying, even if fries are your favorite. The same goes for everything in life. Are you feeling sad? Then you probably know something that can help, but if you are being entirely honest, can you say you are open-minded and open-hearted to other options? We tend to dismiss things before attempting them and convince ourselves that something else won’t work until it stands no chance. I was against exercising for so long. Told myself that I hated it and did so with such intensity I couldn’t let myself feel how I genuinely felt. There was no benefit because I refused there to be one. I was determined for it to fail, so it failed; however, when I let go, gave it a chance, and approached it with openness, I learned it does a lot for my mental health. This is one example of many. It is strange how this links with my writing and how I have started writing down the notes I would abandon before, and the results have been incredible. Instead of telling myself they are awful and brushing them out the door, I let them stay a while. I give them room in my notepad and let them ruminate.
    In summary, I am saying we are terrible at giving things chances, and we should open ourselves to everything. It is okay if you give something a genuine attempt and it doesn’t work out for you, but please try it. Download the running app, try those HIIT workouts, make that recipe you’ve been unsure about, and write the poetry you are sure will suck. In celebration of this, here is an ending of a poem my brain created that doesn’t have a body yet. Hopefully, one day, it will.
    “Please call back later
    I’m trying to sleep off the silence
    And if you don’t understand
    what I’m saying
    Congratulations
    You’re cured.”
    (If you like this letter, I write these weekly on my website. I will post more here also, so make sure we’re friends.)

    Ash Raymond James

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    • Ash, your letter is amazing. It’s true that we often ignore or overlook the potential healing and growth that can come from surprising sources. We become so set in our ways, clinging to what is familiar and comfortable, that we miss out on new possibilities. It takes courage to step outside our comfort zones and give things a genuine chance. Your…read more

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  • Rebecca Engle shared a letter in the Group logo of ParentingParenting group 1 month, 1 week ago

    Distant

    I am not a parent but I want to be one day today that ability to birth my own changed

    In the quiet of the night, within my soul
    I felt like a shattered bottle, burdened by misfortune
    now fragmented on the ground
    With dreams of motherhood pushed aside.

    Tumors, occupants of my body
    Whispering fear like a consuming fire.
    My body, a battleground, weary,
    Carrying the weight of lost dreams.

    No gentle movements within my womb to experience
    No little hands clasping mine to seal the bond.
    The path to motherhood, radiant and clear
    Now hidden from view.

    Amidst this brokenness a flicker of light shines through
    For not everything is lost despite appearances.
    Though my physical form is fractured my spirit endures,
    In the rubble resilience sustains.

    I am more than the sum of my pieces
    More than the emptiness in my heart.
    In shards of glass reflections of a beginning emerge
    Finding strength, in being reborn.

    For family transcends blood; it is forged through connection
    Love can be found in forms.
    Though the route may have altered the journey continues
    I will navigate through fields adorned with clover.

    So I’ll gather all my fragments, one, by one,
    Beneath the nurturing rays of the healing sun.
    Even though I may never possess everything on my own
    I’ll construct a life where love is eternally sown.

    Within each shattered piece there lies a captivating tale to share
    Of resilience, hope and how I stumbled into despair.
    Yet I emerged more with a courages flame
    Navigating lifes intricate labyrinth without any shame.

    I am not merely a discarded shattered bottle left aside
    Instead I’m a warrior with a stride.
    In this journey, through lifes trials and tribulations
    I find solace knowing that strength is born from foundations.

    Rebecca Engle

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  • cee133 shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 1 month, 1 week ago

    Mood Swing Queen vs. Movie Buff

    Dear Movie Fanatics,

    Where do I start on my mood swing journey?

    Well, you all should know a little about my personality. To begin, I am a partial introvert with an appreciation for life. Empathetic, goofy, and humble all rolled into a nerdy late 30-year-old. I go through the swing of life with a healthy mix of career and personal goals. My love life is healthy, and my fiancée is awesome. He is my balance, happiness, and 1/4 of my heart next to my dad, mom, and dog.
    Just to give a little background now let’s go on the rollercoaster- fasten your seatbelts, everybody.
    Like most people, I go through different moods depending on my situation in life. I have 5 that drive the genre of shows I am going to watch for the day, week, or month.
    —————————————————————
    MOOD 1 (Psychological Thriller Genre)
    Typically, when I start watching films like this it indicates that I have been around complex individuals—usually my friends, fiancée, or coworkers. To add on, I have watched something insightful/educational. My handy dandy TV providers HULU, Netflix, Tubi, etc… are always on the ball with recommendations for what I usually watch but sometimes I like to switch it up on them.
    Recently, I came across a movie called “The Loft” which has a pretty badass cast. The plot centers around five married men who use a loft to have affairs however one woman ends up dead and they must figure out who killed her. Sounds predictable to most moviegoers but the writers threw in two great plot twists. Logan’s character, the main one who ended up buying the loft, ends up essentially screwing all his friends over by having affairs with Chris’s wife, sleeping with Ben’s sister (who was a virgin), and Matt’s affair partner. All the friends end up framing him for the murder of the girl, but it ends up being the awkward friend of the group who gave the girls sleeping pills and Logan’s half-brother who kills her.
    A lot went into the plot, but I was very impressed with the director’s ability to keep the story on track. I love it when I have to double back on a film or re-watch it to understand the plot.
    After awhile, my brain does need a break from all the movie Jedi mind tricks and that’s when I transition to the more non fiction based genres.
    ——————————————————————————————————–
    MOOD 2 (Documentary Genre)
    After I have gotten my dose of fiction for a week straight, I start to crave semi-predictable “historically accurate” content. I tend to get into this mood whenever I discover something new about myself or the people around me. Research begins and I look up specific artists of different genres to get their backstory. For example, sometime last year I happened to be listening to “Time Machine”, by Willow Smith, and in the lyrics, she sings, ” Baby, if I had a time machine, I’d go back to 1983. Maybe I would chill with Basquiat, I’d be out there playing make-believe.” The first question that sprung to mind was, “Who tf was Basquiat? Some French guy?”. Without hesitation, I immediately did a Roku TV search and happened to find a documentary on Hulu called, “Boom For Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michael Basquiat”.
    “OMG, this is the SAMO guy!”- I screamed aloud.
    Of course, my random outburst scared my dog and fiancée, but it was only because I felt like I had been sleeping under a rock. After watching how prolific this melanated Brooklyn-born artist was during the 80’s, I ended up purchasing a huge Basquiat-inspired “docu-art-book” (roughly 1,000 pages long) and got through 25% of the book as I am writing this article today.
    After viewing 1-10 artists’ life stories, I started to wonder if these celebrities infamous or not, were the inspiration for different horror films. I then delve into my Horror Film binge.
    ———————————————————————————————————
    MOOD 3: (Horror Genre)
    Recently, I have been curious about the human experience regarding coincidental or inexplicable events happening in the past or present. I researched the story of Ed & Lorraine Warren. While most people thought they were “Kooks”, I found the integration of their career in “The Conjuring Universe” to be quite insightful. Curiosity at this point got the better of me and I began my binge of the whole series. From “Annabelle” to “The Nun”, each movie kept my attention for following the storyline. Jump scares used in moderation make for a great horror film in my opinion.
    Afterward, I go to the old-school films that set the bar for the horror franchise today. Films such as “Child’s Play”, “The Exorcist”, “The Shining”, “Alien” etc… I am a firm believer in giving homage to the originals. Eventually, after my subconscious tricks me into believing I am being chased by an evil puppeteer, I begin my transition into a animated viewing experience.
    ————————————————————————————————————-
    MOOD 4: (MANGA/ANIME/CARTOON GENRE)
    I usually get into my animation craze when I need a dose of comedic relief from any horror or non-fiction binge I finish. Anime, Manga, and cartoons hold a special place in my heart and brain. Maybe the fact that someone’s inner child brought their imagination to life is what draws me in so heavily. One of my favorite anime series is Cowboy Bebop. Alongside this masterpiece, I also love “Samurai Champloo”, “Trigun”, “Attack on Titan”, and “The Boondocks”, just to name a few.
    Afterwards, I go down memory lane for my dose of nostalgia and start watching projects from Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network. “Samurai Jack”, “Hey Arnold”, “Code Name Kids Next Door”, “The Proud Family”, etc… bring me down memory lane and my loved ones talk about which episodes resounded with us the most.
    Recently, I made two cartoon theories on the TikTok app. Both theories focus on the possibility of cartoon characters being reincarnated on other cartoon shows. For example, I made a theory video about Susie Carmichael, from “The Rugrats” being reincarnated as Ms. Zorski the drama/English and music teacher due to their hobbies or life events in each show. As a result, I have come up with 5 video theories that are in progress as I write this letter. I love the fact these animations can get your imagination running wild. After a while, I need to come back to “reality” and I end my monthly genre binge with a more adrenaline-based viewing.
    ——————————————————————————————–
    Mood 5 : (Action Packed Genre)
    Finally, I end my monthly binge with some blood-rushing special effects and ass-kicking films/tv shows. I usually get into this mood after watching manga turned into anime shows where the fight scenes get my blood pumping. My favorite action film is a mix of horror/action, and it is “Blade”. I know that is technically “cheating” but his killing vampires and the fight scenes using Wesley Snipes are downright awesome. I always get more inspired to learn self-defense in my spare time as a result of watching an action-packed movie. I’d also venture to say that the actors/actresses also inspire me to get to my ideal body. Special thanks to Halle Berry in “Catwoman” for her perfect curves in tight leather. Standing ovation for Salma Hayek in “Dusk till Dawn” for her two-piece bikini dancer body. Honorable mention shout out to Angelina Jolie for making it cool for girls to look sexy in hunting gear with gun holsters.
    After I tire myself out mentally and physically, I give the action genre a break and restart the binge process all over again.
    ————————————————————————————–
    In conclusion, my taste in movies has changed over the years but my personality has played a role in the films/tv shows I have had the pleasure/displeasure of viewing. I’ve concluded that my rollercoaster always encompasses these 5 main genres. However, they do not always follow the order of the genres listed in this piece. Sometimes, I can have one mood for two to three weeks at a time and I could end up watching one genre for 3 weeks and switch it up at the last minute. (Especially if I am feeling impulsive).
    So, I challenge all my TV/FILM fanatics to look into their favorite genres and reflect on their process for picking what they want to watch for the day or month.
    Ready, Set, GO!

    Ceirra Evans

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    • Wow Ceirra, Your letter beautifully captures the diverse range of moods and genres that influence your movie choices. It’s fascinating how our personalities and life experiences shape our preferences as well. Your detailed descriptions of each mood and the films that accompany them are both insightful and relatable. It’s clear that you have a deep…read more

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  • Joye Lange shared a letter in the Group logo of Chasing Your DreamsChasing Your Dreams group 1 month, 1 week ago

    DREAM BIG

    DREAM BIG IS WHAT I SAY
    TO GET ME THROUGH THE DAY
    TRYING NEW THINGS
    NEW EXPERIENCES
    ENJOYING EVERYTHING
    IN MY PATH
    ALONG THE WAY

    DREAM BIG
    FROM THE MINUTE I AWAKE
    THROUGH THE WHOLE DAY
    UNTIL THE TIME I GO TO BED

    VISIONS OF WHAT I WANT
    THEN BRINGING THEM TO LIFE
    ALWAYS LOOKING TO HAVE FUN

    DREAM BIG TODAY
    DREAM BIG TOMORROW
    DREAM BIG ALWAYS

    JOYE C LANGE

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  • Everyone is a author

    I’m still new to this community and I do write quite frequently but in my personal journal so to start building a “portfolio” I’m going to start posting some of my old writings I have in my journal from over the years starting with this one

    I’ve always said life is a book and your the author writing your own story
    Which is very very true so with that being said there usually comes a time where we as the author must sit back and take a break from writing and read the masterpiece we’ve written.
    We read it from start to finish while we do this it’s important to pay close attention to that first chapter and take notes of who your character was at the beginning and than compare that version of your character to who they turned into as the story comes up to the current chapter
    Did your character progress positively
    Did they learn anything
    Are you happy with the progression of your story
    And if your not than I suppose taking the time to sit back and read and analyze the “Big picture” of your life was beneficial because of how re reading your own story possibly opened your own eyes to your imperfections and flaws
    Because even in your own story where your the main character we aren’t always paving the perfect path for ourselves
    So remember every once in while
    Take a break and read your own story

    Anastasia Eliza Grieff

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    • Anastasia, I couldn’t agree with you more! We are all writing our own stories, and it’s so important to take them time to reflect and recognize all of what we achieved and persevered from… Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our unsealed family. <3 Lauren

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  • Rebecca Engle shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 1 month, 3 weeks ago

    Do they color?

    In the realm of whispers, where simple truths twist and turn
    Resides the tale of crayons, damaged and yearned.
    “They still bring color ” they say, with a glance
    Those who have tried know its a flawed dance.

    For crayons though vibrant and bold
    Struggle, in hands that fail to hold.
    The canvas awaits, vast and forgiving
    Fragmented pieces make coloring less than living.

    Coloring, not painting; the distinction is clear
    One wields crayons while the other brushes near.
    Yet the challenge endures with these parts
    Smooth strokes of joy elude us like lost arts.

    Lines appear jagged and hesitant, on our quest
    With each tiny fragment causing hues to fade best.
    The persists “They still bring color indeed ”
    Oh how we long for crayons to succeed.

    For isn’t true bliss found in slow glides?
    In crayons that smoothly coincide?
    Yet from brokenness we learn resilience imbued
    Colors emerge despite abuse endured.Well you know when it comes to coloring with crayons it’s not as easy, as using the ones. It’s like a story of never giving up and facing our fears. Actually it could even be seen as a metaphor for more than just coloring.

    In both life and coloring those who are broken may still manage to leave their impactful marks.. Lets not pretend that it’s just as simple or fair for everyone. We all have our own challenges and obstacles to overcome, both in our lives and, in our endeavors.

    Rebecca Engle

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    • Rebecca your exploration of coloring with crayons is profound. It captures the struggle and strength that we encounter in both life and our creative goals. Your illustrative understanding expands beyond coloring, reminding me that everyone faces unique challenges and obstacles. It’s a powerful reminder to embrace our brokenness and find strength…read more

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  • Kalianah shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 2 months ago

    A Lioness Arises

    I don’t mean to sound conceited
    But now I’m focused on respecting me
    I’ve lived my life trying to people please,
    Finally done with it, I broke free
    I need to respect me
    By setting boundaries
    Boundaries stronger than Titanium
    I need to practice saying no
    Saying no to compromise
    And stand firm in my beliefs, feelings and healing
    I need to practice discernment
    Keeping my vulnerabilities away from those
    Those who only know how to hurt me
    I need to practice patience
    That word used to scare me
    I used to be so hard on myself for not
    Not progressing as fast as others
    I need to stop comparing myself
    I have my own pace and they have theirs
    I need to practice confidence
    I need to walk in boldness and grace
    Like a Lioness with pride in her prowess
    Stomping on the skulls of what used to haunt me
    Terrorizing my sleep, making me drowsy
    So I can’t live to my full potential with this chronic fatigue
    Afraid to sleep because the girl I saw
    Seemed to be impossible to be,
    So I shut her out to have depression keep me company
    I thank my Father for pushing me and encouraged to fight
    So i take my sword paired with my shield
    Decimating the lies that the demons wield
    Their voices no longer linger in my brain
    All because I fought without restrain
    I wont tolerate what I don’t deserve.
    I need to take care of me
    So I have the capability to be a blessing to others
    I need to put my healing first,
    So I don’t bleed on the ones who didn’t cut me.
    I need to trust myself,
    So I can discern who I can or cannot trust.
    I need to respect myself,
    So I can respect those I love that surround me.
    So that way I’m not plagued by hypocrisy.

    Kalianah

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    • Kalianah, Your letter is a powerful confession of self-respect and self-care. It’s inspiring to see your journey of breaking free from the need to people-please and setting strong boundaries. Your courage to overcome comparison and embrace confidence is remarkabe. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us of the need of self-respect in o…read more

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