Note: I wrote this last New Years day. I found and re-read it yesterday and realized that in part that my prayer was answered. Some of it is still in the process of being answered.

As we close the curtain on 2022 and pull back the curtains to a bright, new you I don’t know what to expect. I couldn’t have imagined 2022 going the way it did, so please forgive my anxious anticipation, and please know that it is also mixed with an excitement and enthusiasm to reset and begin again.

I pray that I change, heal, and progress throughout the year. I pray that you teach me the lessons God knows I need to learn to be who He has created me to be. I pray that you are a gentle teacher full of compassion, kindness, “I love yous” and and “I’m sorrys.” I hope this year is full of adventures, full of laughter and love, and that it is surrounded with healthy friendships that continually call us both to excellence and holiness.

Most importantly I want to strengthen my relationship with God, to listen to his voice, to trust and rely on Him fully in every moment and to give Him everything.

I ask for protection for my………
Mind
Heart
Soul
Body
Friends
Family
Home

in the upcoming year. Deliver us Lord from every temptation, evil, danger and/or harm that the enemy could imagine. Make us holy.

2023 you have large shoes to fill. I know the Lord has given you a big purpose to fulfill. I know that the Lord is just a step ahead of me–He’s already in 2023 dealing with each trial, making a message out of a mess and guiding my footsteps. And so I dare to follow Him wholeheartedly into the unknown, into the heart of you–2023. Welcome 2023! I can’t wait to see what you have in store.

Sincerely,

My heart is broke I’m begining to sulk
My tears are for fears that you might not be back do you have to go away for this long? I don’t think Im strong for lack of a better word, maybe I’m being absurd
First time I saw you I knew you were the one.
Starring in to each others eyes our lips touched and that was it, I was hit with cupid’s arrow.
Now years later a lie was created
doubted thoughts loom and you assume.
My heart drops what did I do I never knew you felt like this I must’ve missed.
I want to give you a kiss and be in bliss again with you, this what I really want to do
I miss you

Within the corridors, where the echoes gradually fade
There lies a hidden torment silently made.
In the minds of those who strive and push
Exist battles that few truly recognize.

Amongst the books and academic commotion
Deep shadows lurk, a hush, in motion.
For college souls burdened and weary
Depressions hold becomes a cloak to carry.

Assignments pile up expectations soar
Yet within storms rage and hearts deeply sigh.
Smiles become faint behind veils they wear
Concealing pain that’s far from being clear.

Isolation hides within spaces grand
Loneliness conceals itself with a friendly hand.
Lost in the whirlwind of ceaseless days pace
Depression whispers its message in ways.

Craving solace amidst a crowds embrace
Unheard cries and emotions shrouded with grace.
Yearning for light to pierce through the gloom
In this labyrinth searching for a room.

Oh college hearts! Burdened and fragile you may be
Your struggles remain unseen behind your veil so free.
Know this; in darkness glimmers shall rise,
Guiding you beyond murky skies disguise.

Reach out! Let voices break through the nights hold tight
And find strength and light together as one might.
For, in shared burdens healing can be found profound
And through empathys embrace hope can truly abound.

Happy Birthday Lauren thank you for this amazing platform and community of like minded individuals wishing you continuous years of greatness and happiness🤗🫶🏾✨

Dear Lauren,

I always hoped that clicking around on social media would lead me to a community that was authentic and motivated, but safe spaces like that aren’t too common like that on the internet… Luckily, one fateful day in 2022 I saw an ad for The Unsealed. An invitation to share my story and a community to share and grow with was like a dream come true. My confidence and connection with writing has grown so much in such a short amount of time and I have to give major credit to this community. A community that wouldn’t be possible without the remarkable and inspiring expertise and humanity you, Lauren, offer to all of us.

It will take me years and novels to truly express my gratitude for this opportunity of a lifetime. The opportunity to be connected to enlightened writers and led by such a exceptional soul.

Lauren, I hope your birthday feels as special as you have made The Unsealed community feel.

Best Wishes. I can’t wait to see why you do next. ❤️

Wishing an awesome birthday to the founder of a community that has brought joy and connection to people who need it. Thank you Lauren for being that very person that chooses to help inspire others to share their stories to gain healing and strengthen others through community care. Enjoy your day! You deserve it!

Dear Lauren,

Thank you for creating this community and in turn giving us a safe space to share our stories and find strength in one another. I am new here, but I already feel so grateful for this community of people who can come together to share their experiences, their fears, and their dreams. There is something so beautiful about that level of vulnerability and connection in a community. Thank you and happy birthday! 💛

To the one who took a passion,
aligned with her soul mission,
and birthed an entire community.

You are deeply appreciated.

My journey as a poet and intuitive writer started just two short years ago and I’ve officially been a member here for 1/2 of that 🙂
I’m not sure how I found my way,
but that magic moment unlocked
a source of Brilliance
that I never dreamed possible.

That Brilliance is you
That Brilliance is this community
That Brilliance is The Unsealed
and every single action you take
to encourage new artists
to keep going.

I don’t think we take enough time to pour into you as much as you have for each of us,
so when Rick reached out for ideas
of something we could collectively give as a token of our gratitude,
all I could think is how you deserve your flowers, too 🌸

Thank you so very much for all you do.
Thank you for giving me a safe place
to express my deepest feelings with
compassion and love.

Thank you for publishing these sacred pieces of my story in not one,
but two books!
Typing that out feel like a lie
that imposter syndrome tries so hard
to force me to not believe
but it is true,
and that is all because of YOU 🙂

May this next chapter of your life
be the one where abundance comes to you with ease
where grace saturates all of your darkest days
as the angels bless you with the love and gaiety needed to stay grounded through each breakthrough.

Something tells me you are going to have a wonderful year 🙂

Happy Happy Birthday!!!!

My description of a delightful conversation that is open-minded and nonjudgmental. You can see each other’s point of view because you listen intending to listen. When starting off the dialogue, others refrain from interrupting you, allowing you to get to the point. I understand why it’s so difficult to have it with most people. The reason for that is simple: you appreciate it more when you have that delightful conversation.

I used to love reading and writing, how much emotion they expressed with the power of the written word. What’s more powerful than the written word? That would be the words that we speak; the spoken word. Words have the power to build or destroy you. When you have ill intention, then the words hurt and create chaos for the person receiving it. A delightful conversation has the power to bring in positivity and possibly people together. Some people can agree to disagree and continue on with the conversation. While others stand firm that there is only one way. There is nothing magical about having a conversation that is only one-sided.

My magical moment was joining The Unsealed, knowing that I can also transform my pain into a superpower. It inspired me to express my thoughts the only way that I knew it would be best. I had a zoom meeting with Lauren, which went amazing. She is so kindhearted, empathetic, and compassionate. I believe I cried during that zoom call. A pile of emotion from my story & to how she just listened, intending to listen, providing me with that safe space. I wanted to just pull her from the screen and give her the biggest hug.

I know everything happens for a reason and sometimes we don’t always understand why it happens. I know the reason I am writing this today and that is because it is a very special someone’s birthday 12/11. The founder of The Unsealed, who has given people a voice to be heard and listened to. To have the weekly zoom meeting and writing contest. The way you genuinely reach out to every single member. It really is a community so much so that you published books with our pieces in it! You provided a safe space for us to express ourselves and we are so grateful for that. I wish you nothing but the best for you on your special day because you deserve that and so much more. Thank you for everything you do and for allowing us to be a part of your journey. You have gathered like-minded people together and allowed us to express ourselves with the written word. You truly are one of a kind Lauren, happy solar return!

When I stumbled upon The Unsealed, my life was in a dark place. In private, I could hardly muster a smile upon my saddened face. Writing is all I wanted to do, but a few poor decisions turned my dream into a nightmare. What this world is capable of, yet rarely do people embrace, I was about to enter a writing space where miracles are made possible; a chance to erase my past mistakes. Little did I know, the miraculous woman who orchestrates miracles by encouraging people to believe in themselves, shares the same birthday as my one and only baby girl. As fate would see fit, my daughter was born on December 11, too. Isn’t this the kind of miracle that strikes you! Shocks you! Fills your heart with magic? What if told you, the day after my grandmother passed four years ago, the number I couldn’t escape was 11:11. From that day forth, I imagined my grandmother taking on the form of an angel, guiding me on my new path as a writer. To this day, I’m confidently convinced that my grandmother led me to a living angel, my dear friend, Lauren Brill. I wish you a wonderful birthday Lauren, and I hope your special day is filled with magical moments 🌷🎂🎈🎁🎉

Lauren I went through our first book, page by page and reached out to everyone that I could find.
I went through all of your tags to see everyone that was associated with the unsealed, and I got to say everyone that I was able to reach was on board with doing this.
I had a small glimpse in everyone’s lives, and your impact was always a shining moment at the epicenter. It was always something like “I can’t believe I see my name in a book!” or “I can’t believe I’m on a billboard!”
All these people who are writing your messages today they all said the same thing: that it was a wonderful idea and that they would be happy to help surprise you.
I can not thank you enough for you and the community that you lead with love.
This is me as your friend showing you my gratitude for giving us a space to share the things that we share here, you curated an environment for strangers to become friends.
I’m so proud of you and I look forward to further collaborations and I really hope that you take this to the highest level that you can. Happy birthday!

Dear Lauren,
Happy Solar Return! May this new year bring you more life, more love, more joy and more happiness! You’re a real life super heroine spreading love and encouragement for writers to keep their dreams alive.
I use the words Solar Return instead of birthday for two reasons:
1. Technically your mother birthed you. So please tell her Happy Birthday from me. 😁
2. You’re experiencing another trip around the sun in real time. I don’t know about you but for me my birthday is always an emotional time. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what I did with my time over the course of the last year. It’s also a magical time because it gives me the chance to dream a new set of memories, adventures and stories that I hope to create. I hope that in this new chapter you dare to dream bigger and louder than ever. See you soon.

Lauren, I hope that this wish (prayer) finds you well… Happiest Birthday!!! May your day be filled with pure joy & warmth!

I am honored to celebrate this special day for the amazing impact that your light is contributing within this world, just by being YOU.
I am so blessed to have found this platform last year… it has truly helped revive a part of myself that the world needs to hear and for that I THANK YOU!!!
Btw, I loveee how compassionate and such a great effective listener/ communicator you are. That goes so unnoticed.

All the best & Cheers to more life!!!

Blessed Birthday to the women who has turned tragedy into triumph, compassion into community, and passions into realities, for herself and so many others!

Truly thank you for bringing so many people and opportunities together.

May your dreams keep unfolding; and keep coming true in the most magical and optimal of ways!

With Love and Appreciation…

I remember years ago when I visited an art gallery for extra credit. I saw a door with a note telling me to take off my shoes after I enter and before I proceed down the dark passageway. It also told me to do whatever felt natural. I followed the light to an enclosed space with dirt and leaves all over the floor. A swing was hanging from the ceiling in front of a projection of a girl swinging in and out of the darkness. At first, I hesitated and just watched the girl dip in and out of existence. Finally, I gave in and sat on the swing. My bare feet brushed against the leaves and dirt as I worked up some momentum. As I swung back and forth, childhood memories swung back into my brain. I saw myself swinging in my neighbor’s backyard because I didn’t have my own swing set. I’d try to touch the sky with my toes. That little girl didn’t have a care in the world.

May you always find the time to swing your cares away, Lauren. Happy Day of Birth!

For Lauren

Dancing across the stage of Life

The Real Goal is to start a flame of Passion

To Ignite another’s Soul to move the mountains

You wished you could

To Inspire is the greatest gift

You will ever be given.

Real Beauty and Wisdom that come with Age

Should always be celebrated and cherished

by the World

Thank you Lauren! Happy Birthday!

Lauren, I’ve always referred to you as a gem because from the beginning that is exactly what you have been to Me.

Bright, empowering and solid.

You have pushed us all here in the Unsealed community to reach new potentials within ourselves and do things even when we are scared.

You have pushed past so much self adversity, harsh character traits in people and career let downs that strengthened you so much that you’ve used said strength to encourage everyone around you.

You are abundantly patient.

You allow others to bare their souls and feed yours while showing some of the highest forms of empathy and compassion I’ve ever seen.

You love the core of a person. And cast no judgment, even virtually I can feel your sincerity.

You are not afraid to admit your flaws and learn how to shape up better for the future.

The sparkle in your eyes that illuminates when you have an idea you just can’t wait to share is legit!

I love that about you.

You are you.

Blue Zircon.

A December gem, representing spiritual growth, beauty, peace and wisdom.

You are the embodiment of such.

I thank you for simply being you.

Gem, I am wishing you all the continued love, peace, and joy on this birthday and cheers to many many more to come.

You deserve all the candles to come true.