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  • If I could tell one lesson learned to every person

    Writing Challenge
    By: Carletha Evans
    “If you could relay one message about a learned life lesson, to every person in the world, what would it be?” Is a daunting question. The opportunity to share one message initiated a deep feeling of responsibility. This is because life has numerous variables and anomalies. In choosing to be introspective, it is noticeable that life is not just one, but a series of experiences. I take this to mean that there has to be a series of lessons as well. With this ideology in mind, I allow the question to float freely. Refraining from using the analyzing and sorting faculty which is also known as left brain logic. I allow inspiration to speak, choosing a creative mindset versus a logical one. In doing this, I was able to narrow down just one life lesson that I have gathered during my life experience. This lesson is that we of the human race need each other. I am inclined to quote the popular line from a poem by John Donne, that states “No man is an island, No man lives alone”. In the age of remote work, and social media, many are not spending time with friends, family, or participating in community groups. A number of individuals are beginning to become isolated from society. This lack of socialization is causing increased numbers of loneliness and depression. I have learned that just having someone to listen to, or just to be there as a shoulder to cry on, can relieve stress. I am aware that many people have been hurt by others, and that in our society we are constantly bombarded with news and images that are disturbing. Constant exposure to these images make many feel unsafe in the world. As a result, some choose to isolate themselves from society which is a natural self defense people employ in order to prevent harm. This ideology however is creating a society where we no longer speak to our neighbors if we even know who they are. It seems counterproductive to want to be safe but refuse to know the individual that resides next door to you. How about the fact that many no longer participate in community events. I am not saying that a person shouldn’t protect themselves from threats. I am saying that when surrounded by people who have your best interest at heart, does wonders to a person’s overall sense of self. Nurturing relationships that help us grow and help us feel seen and safe are paramount. Knowing that you are loved and supported can only prompt a change in the community at large. This is the life lesson, that we need each other, we are each other’s reflections. Choosing to reach out in times of hardship, grief, or loneliness can only lighten your load. Allow the help of others. You don’t have to carry your burden alone, reach out to family, friends, even a professional if necessary. I learned this lesson November 25, 2022, the day my mother transitioned. I was so convinced that there was nothing in life I couldn’t handle alone. How surprised I was, because I have never felt loneliness like that.I am grateful for people in my larger community and her church family stepped in. I don’t have much biological family I am close to but those that I was in touch with, allowed me to lean on them. If it had not been for that support for months after, , I may have lost my mind. I suffered anxiety attacks for weeks following her passing. I learned how people can pass you a little bit of their strength when you are weak, they can give you a little of their love to hold onto. Sometimes we have to borrow these things from those around us when we don’t have any left to even give ourselves. Life is not a solo sport, it is a team effort. Allow yourself to be loved and supported, and then pay it forward, one person at a time we can bring unity in this world.

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • To Love

    I fear heartbreak has become a feeling all too well-known,
    People attached by invisible feelings and experiences only to be outgrown.
    But what is life without it?
    Without the struggle and fight for the companionship of only another soul?
    Only to be convicted with the murder of the heart that once made you whole.

    Too many people have fallen victim to an unrequited love.
    Either forever indebted to a heart that they couldn’t properly dispose of,
    Or rather imprisoned by the suffocating thoughts they must now learn to shove.
    All, a result of a connection someone couldn’t hold above.

    A feeling all too universal.
    What feels like detrimental heartbreak after heartbreak,
    But there is beauty in the never-ending rehearsal.
    For that beauty is you.
    Your love.
    Preserved, forever and eternal.

    A person so consumed by love that they have no other choice but to share it.
    Maybe shared prematurely but those are people who just couldn’t bear it.
    Maybe shared unconditionally to those bounded by factors unidentified,
    But regardless, it was you who bravely tried.

    It was you who finally shed light in a hundred-year-old lonesome cave,
    Bounded by the atrocities that us humans engrave.
    Within ourselves, disregarded and disguised by flaws that enslave,
    But it was you who finally had the power, for those flaws you waive.

    So, love loudly as if your heart doesn’t seethe,
    And fill your lungs to their greatest capacity, because to love is to breathe,
    And it is a privilege that some still have yet to believe,
    And therefore, we must refrain from being the love that one is forced to grieve.

    Unconditional love, the goal of many
    Seemingly unattainable but in the hearts of plenty
    Because the ability to love is nothing short of a gift
    And the connection that blossoms from it is one that will never drift.

    So, love full-heartedly and limitless as if hurt ceased to exist,
    Because the only regret I’ve ever had in life, one I cannot resist,
    Is not allotting space for love;
    for this, I felt the need to have dismissed,
    And disregarding every heartbroken yet passionate soul I have ever kissed.

    Little pieces of past companions left in what I now call me.
    A blessing in disguise, one I couldn’t wait to see,
    The love that infiltrated my entire being has only left memories that flee.
    But what a beautiful thing to have soulmates that still bear a key.

    They say it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all,
    And to those love-sick and hopeful fools,
    I agree,
    What a gift it is, this fall

    b.f.

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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    • Love is the greatest gift in life. It can be so hard to find but it’s worth the pain and we should remain open to receiving and giving love.

      I really enjoyed reading your poem, thank you for sharing!

      Write me back 

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  • The Well

    The Well

    They say you can’t pour from an empty cup
    And I am here to tell you that is true

    But, I also know you do not have to give the whole well away
    each and every time

    You can just dip from the surface

    The water is all the same

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • Dear World , Life is Subliminal

    If I had a message for you it’ll go something like

    Dear World , Life is subliminal

    You start out one way and it helps to shape your mind but most times its unintentional. What you learned then could be applied to now but it depends on who you were around. Everything you learned as a child will show up in your here and now. That part you can’t help, some will soar, some will have room to explore and some will question what was all this for? It can make you it can break you it can shake you it can play you. It can love you it can hug you it can butter you up and have you believe that anything is possible. I seen opportunity in the blue sky’s with my eyes for miles and miles. But on the other hand I seen through man that life can have sky’s that are dark and grey where you see nothing coming your way. There’s a void in this land that seems like no one understands. All you need is a hand, a hand to walk with you because you can’t see in the dark without the illume. And that’s when you look up to the heavens and say to self “oh there must be some sort of mystery in this world, I wonder what they call it” got me feeling nostalgic. All my worries are lighter now, thank you God! Or whatever you wanna call it. Through man’s eyes my message would be , don’t be surprised. It can start out dark but there will always come light in the new rise. There’s love in a few but God made everything to be beautiful. It’s just that sometimes life can get ugly but make sure you search for that light under them covers ….. namaste 🙏🏾

    I am Ms.Blossom now watch me bloom

    Ms.Blossom

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • Love is Sacrifice

    Hello World, did you know Love is sacrifice?,

    Fifteen, alone, afraid you’re going to break.

    Love is Sacrifice.

    Car seats, Diapers, formula too, these holey shoes are great!

    Love is Sacrifice.

    Rent’s due, school supplies ooph, “oh man, you haven’t ate!”

    Love is Sacrifice.

    Swing shifts, softball games, there’s no time for that break.

    Love is Sacrifice.

    Flat tire, prom dress, no money left to cover these greys.

    Love is Sacrifice.

    College Fees, battered knees, she’s going to do something great!

    Love is Sacrifice.

    Boquet’s thrown, back alone, man, it’s getting late.

    Love is Sacrifice.

    She’s back at home, the time has come, a truth she must relate.

    Love is Sacrifice.

    He’s on the throne, you’re not alone, Mom it wasn’t fate.
    He gave his son, for you and I, Grab on and don’t be late.

    Love is Sacrifice.

    Because of your prayers, I’ll meet you there and boy won’t that be great.

    Love is Sacrifice.

    Let go Mom, the Lord has won, go into heaven’s gates.
    Thank you, God, for your son, who died and made a way.

    Love is Sacrifice.

    Chassity

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • Special Note:

    Here is a message I would face death for-
    If I could deliver it to an open-minded world.
    Whereas Christ came to save sinners like me,
    Of whom I beg to differ-that myself is the chief.
    Four times Gospel=Good News
    A spiritual hospital for souls with the blues!
    Exciting, Vibrant, Exploding Truth for you…
    No matter who you are-it applies to you!
    He tells us how to be safe, to be free!
    Jesus’ own words, “Come follow me”.
    heavy loads made light-shining in the dark of night,
    He has the same path for all-come to His Grace for Life!
    Telling Perfect Truth from beginning to end,
    Though there’s no such with Him-He is eternal Friend!
    Let Him, let Him, let Him
    Remove doubt, strife, and fear of things-
    With Him you can/will be happy to win,
    Watch Him fulfill your every dream!
    May take some time-Relationships grow,
    He (Jesus) is the Perfect One to know!
    And knowing Him is Perfect Peace,
    Not knowing Him is no Peace at all-
    Because He is the Prince of Peace to all!
    Never can any take His place-
    Come for Salvation, where all our wrongs are erased!
    …Yes-Jesus saves!
    I’ve learned a 45 year lesson,
    At Camp Neosa as a kid,
    But I was a mad kid-
    I’ll bury my treasure in the ground, said I…
    Could not this message that I hid-even give a try?
    It is Perfect-will not trespass any,
    And those who find it are not many.
    So share we will-the Living Water spill…
    Into the souls-so thirsty drought-
    Sharing saving faith-to receptive hearts on route!

    Then never can the dark prevail!

    God Bless you!!!

    9-3-24

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • Dear World

    Dear World,

    The doctor told me to slow down some
    So I listened to his orders, and, begrudgingly, agreed with him

    He said right now my time is short
    And only had bad things to report

    So I decided to reflect,
    What’s most important, but a life with no regrets

    Hence, I picked up the phone
    Planned a party for all those I’ve loved and known

    Gathered up the flowers I once took for granted
    Put together a lovely bouquet and called it enchanted

    Walked outside to feel the morning breeze and midnight air
    Closed my eyes and allowed it to perfume my hair

    Danced in the rain with or without music
    Played my own melody on imaginary acoustics

    Even the former words unspoken and the sentiments untold
    I now share them boldly, I no longer withhold

    Because time is of the essence
    And I count it all as blessing

    You see, life has taught me these lessons
    Do with them as you please for they are merely my suggestions

    Dear world, I’ve had to slow down some
    Took the doctor’s orders and, thankfully, agreed with him

    Sylvia

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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    • Absolutely stunning. “Gathered up the flowers I once took for granted; put together a lovely bouquet and called it enchanted”
      A gorgeous line. I’m happy you are slowing down and taking time to enjoy yourself and your life 🙂

      Write me back 

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  • Black & White

    Subtitle: Somebody Loves You Baby 💙 ✨

    If I had to pick one thing I’d want the whole world to know — above all else — what would it be ?

    That — Somebody loves you baby—
    So please believe —

    That when you look around — you’ll be able to see

    That — that somebody — can be found — in many forms, shapes & sizes

    That — He Is — not limited — to the only world — you & I both — reside in

    Let me put it down for you — in the easiest way — that I know how

    He comes in the shape of — a parent, a brother, or a sister

    A nephew, a niece, your child, or a stranger

    He comes in the shape of — a weeping willow tree
    That some how — even with it’s sad — drooped down leaves — can manage to put ur heart at ease — as they sway back and forth in the breeze

    Or even — when simply — standing still

    He comes in the shape of that blue bird
    Who reminds you — of ur loved one — who passed away last year

    In the shape of those beautiful — white butterflies — flapping away — at the grave yard

    In the shape of that — loyal golden doodle — you tend to feed — way too much

    You can find him in the sunflower field — Late September

    Or the beautiful sunset & sunrise — Come November

    You can see him — in the waves of the ocean — as they roll & roar

    As they come to say Hi — before they drift away — once more

    I’d want you all to know — that somebody loves you more — than you could ever imagine

    But pls — don’t try to fit him in a box — with it’s four corners & think that — that’s it — that’s him

    He’s not limited to the highest iq
    that can be reached inside our human minds — today

    He knows every atom in our body —
    The building blocks — from which were made of

    We — on the other hand — on this side of heaven
    Will never fully know — or understand Him

    He’s all beautiful things we see
    And — all beautiful things — unseen

    He’s all the colors of the rainbow —
    & all colors yet — to be named — or made up

    He’s the beautifulest language — ever spoken
    & All good words — we have yet — to add to our vocab

    He’s the Beginning & The End
    The Alpha & The Omega
    The great I AM — Yah – Weh

    He’s all things Great & all things Good

    There’s a lot of things — I’d want the whole world to know —

    — but if I had to narrow it down & put it down for you — in simplest form

    I’d say— this —

    The world is not Black & White
    & neither — is HE

    He’s the creator of the universe
    & he loves both — you — & me

    But if I must say — just — ONE — Only one —single thing — it’d be ….

    Somebody Loves You Baby 💙✨
    — please believe …

    BeyondMe

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • Better Together

    Death looms all around us
    from our first moment of existence,
    at life’s coalescence,
    it shrouds our very essence,
    like breath rides with the wind.
    Eighteen funerals in a decade,
    remembering those lost lives lived.
    I find it ironic it’s called a wake,
    since they’re never to awaken again.
    Being Earth-side is hard and fleeting,
    we’re all just trying to survive
    until the day that every single one of us
    will eventually, inevitably die.
    Accidents and illness,
    people vicious and malicious,
    aging bodies growing old and weary,
    with tired minds and over-worked spines,
    usher infinite possible endings
    to this time we’re merely renting
    animating stories out of our control, really.
    So we need to lead with love,
    and remember to take care of one other.
    A dollar, a meal, a blanket, a hug,
    a conversation or sharing some of your luck,
    these little considerations
    have wide reverberations
    that make us humans driven
    towards connection and expansion,
    a purpose forged in our blood.
    It’s the humanity in humanity
    that saves us from insanity
    and provides direction on our journeys
    as we crawl through life in a hurry,
    wherein mortality we find unity,
    walking each another home unjudged.

    Alyssa Grimes

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • Never lose yourself to love them

    Many of us grew up imagining what love should be like. I remember eagerly anticipating adulthood and picturing myself with a house, kids, a husband, and those unexplainable bursts of happiness and peace. Now, looking back, I wish I hadn’t been so focused on finding happiness with someone else and instead focused on finding happiness within myself. I went through relationships that broke me to the point where I didn’t see repairing myself as possible. I allowed individuals I loved to dim my light more and more, and not only did they know what they were doing, but they took pleasure in it. I would never wish that on anyone. it upon anyone to experience losing who they are to pour and build someone up while they intentionally destroy you. It changes you in a way that only those who have been through it could ever understand. I want to teach the opposite of what Disney and Lifetime and many other major platforms and music and any other influences that push the narrative of finding love being the top priority and the only thing of substance life can bring you. Instead, I want to push falling in love with myself. Spoil yourself, date yourself, encourage and build up the most important person which is you. Once you master that I know the universe the powers to be will bring what is meant for you to you. You won’t have to question you will not have to dim your light to appease others. You will not have to hurt to know love. If I could tell the youth and encourage those in a dark place right now fighting to see the light again I would say never ever allow anyone or anything to make you lose yourself in proving that you are worthy of love, happiness, or acceptance. I want to tell you that if I love you no one else has. I see your value, I see your worth, you are worthy, you are deserving and you will obtain anything your heart desires. Never give up on the most crucial person, Yourself!!

    Azaina Goodman

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • You've got this.

    Breathe in. Breathe out.

    Trust not in where you are going but where you are in this moment.

    Life is messy. Life is hard. It is embracing the moments in between. Peaks of sunshine in the shadows. Light and hope in the darkness.

    We so easily try to reach for what is easy. What satisfies our cravings. Simple pleasures. An infinite, lasting amount of joy that cannot be taken away.

    But sadly, it can in a moment.

    Through loss and grief I have learned that life is so much more than living for the mundane or seeking something temporary to satisfy my soul.

    I lost my husband in February of 2020, prior to Covid when he passed from melanoma. From diagnosis to when he passed was a blur of three months. He had been sick for a few months prior with no answers and when we got it, it slapped us in the face.

    But every day I looked into his eyes and into my children’s eyes and knew that it was in those eyes I would find the reason to breathe. And to keep going.

    In the space that followed his death I went through the motions of life. Barely connecting the dots. But I knew that life wasn’t about me. It wasn’t about my loss. It wasn’t about my grief that weighed me down like a thick, heavy blanket after my two young daughters went to sleep each night.

    Life was and still is about the moments in between the heavy. It was about the laughter my girls brought me each and every day. It was about the neighbors and friends who showed up for me when I could barely keep myself and my children alive when the world was shrouded in fear of a virus.

    It was about long walks and rays of sunshine and music playing and birds singing even when I felt the storm clouds inside.

    It was and still is about simple prayers and so much grace for myself from a loving creator who gives me a quiet strength each and every day.

    It is about trusting in who I am and where I am made to be. It is about knowing we cannot plan for circumstances and that life rarely turns out the way we expect it to.

    But even when we find ourselves buried under the weight of it all, that doesn’t mean we can’t find hope in the very moment we are afraid of. There is beauty if we open our eyes and our hearts to it, but we have to let it in.

    Since 2020, I have found more hope than I ever thought possible. The biggest lesson I have learned in this life is to not give up when it gets hard, but to lean into the mess. To know that even the biggest challenges we face are temporary. It is so easy to let our circumstances weigh us down or stress us out. Even when I haven’t seen the way out, I have known to trust in someone so much greater than myself. I have known that I am made for and worthy of beautiful things.

    When we trust in where we are, when we open our eyes and our hearts to hope, it is easier to see the gifts that surround us. The light and beauty offered through grace even when the journey is hard.

    So let go, my friend. Lean in. See the beauty that surrounds you. You’ve got this.

    Kristin Schaaf

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • Rain

    Remember change is necessary for growth
    It can rain all day but prone to flower’s survival
    The heat of the sun will come again
    And the rain will have already sucked in
    More buds
    More roots will spread again to make something even more beautiful
    Trees die but new ones are planted
    You can put your seed in whatever is necessary and good for you
    And if not, you can pick it up and plant it elsewhere
    Make a new, cozy home for it
    Protecting it at all costs
    Living with the peace
    Focusing on the good
    Releasing the bad
    Don’t let bad roots stay intertwined in your mind
    Release them, cut them, do whatever you need to do
    Otherwise you will stay stuck and broken
    Clouding what is the greatness of life

    Rachel Milligan

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • what we don't know

    an ant would crawl on my desk
    tempted by fate to seek food
    and with a few crumbs in view
    it scurries on with finesse

    the ant would wonder and ponder
    what to do and how to go about
    bringing home this tasty treat
    to share with those without

    there are many ways to take
    and several paths to avoid
    such as the old spider’s lair
    lurking around the corner

    despite the ant’s careful planning
    it remained unaware of my presence
    and with a swift pressure of my thumb
    it was relieved of it’s existence

    the ant was sad for it tried it’s best
    yet no amount of planning would help
    for there are always higher forces
    who are on a much different quest

    Andrew Stone

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • The Hour Is Drawing Near

    We are all on this merry-go round called life. It has its ups and downs. But it’s always been around. I’m grateful for the memories, despite the distance now. Being alone is the only thing I can do now because you are just a shadow that hangs over my house. I can see a new horizon underneath the blazing sky. I’m grateful for the life that I gave myself back.Longing for the love I had, but it won’t come back. I wish I could turn back the hands of time.

    I’ll forever cherish the moments, etched in my mind. You were all my world, and the only thing that’s ever left. Now, I must navigate this world I’ve never known.In this empty space, I’m craving a feeling of home. I know I am alone but I’ll be so far from the things that I never known. In my heart, your presence will forever be shown.

    All the life that I had was turned to empty space. There’s so many twists and turns but, I must find my inner grace. I can’t take this anymore and I cant give up and I just cant go on. Cause im caught in the motion ive had enough of feeling this gone i’ve been caught. Here and now I see the world through different eyes I see the things that remain. So instead of holding on to the things that I cant erase. I live to see that I am strong. I gotta take it all in stride for what the future holds because I’ve been looking for what purpose is.
    And I know that I will never let you down
    I have to thank you for letting me be myself again.

    Though I know I would never let myself become what I want longing to feel alive again. Just so I can see the beauty in this world. If I could live another life and learn how to live as I live to be. And even if I have to change, I know I am not perfect and I can live without you there for me.
    I know that I will never be the same as anyone else with my learning disabilities. Unfortunately, the brightest light in the world is not enough to take the wrong path. Time to take care of everything I have reaped.
    I find myself already on the ground I wont retreat. I will rebuild everything you have taught me and fulfill my dreams without any illusions. I understand that life isn’t always what it seems I’ve got to get it really isn’t.
    I’m taking back all my doubts and
    I’m thankful for the love you bring, it’s my lifeline.

    Tracie Sperling

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • Choose You

    Suppressed inconsistencies. Unmatched premonition of self loathing and overwhelming destress. Patience steers the wheel of evolution and science fiction. Within belief I’m stricken. Pulsating convictions with immediate results. Camera shy actions of an insult. Take in criticism like a daily vitamin, with self love as your kryptonite and effective communication as a weapon of might, so use it wisely knowing that patience is working in your favor and is usually reciprocated, allowing for forgiveness which frees you from the intercepting vengeance of bondage, while building character, for joy should be effortless, so don’t just exist, live. 🫶🏿

    Telisha Dennis

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • A Woman's Worst Nightmare

    In January 2022, I turned 40 years old. After a yearly checkup, my
    primary care physician asked me to go for my first yearly mammogram. I
    made the appointment but due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable
    to make that appointment. I then prolonged the appointment for as long as I
    could, as I had heard many stories about it being painful and uncomfortable,
    so I waited it out. In August 2022, I drew up the courage to finally go. It
    wasn’t as terrible as I expected, and the staff was great. About 2 weeks
    later, I received a call explaining they found a mass and they wanted to have
    more images taken and an ultrasound done on my right breast.

    The week after, I went in for the appointment and they discovered
    calcifications after several images. They explained I needed a biopsy to
    ensure it was not cancer. They explained normally since this is the first scan
    and have nothing else to go by, there was nothing to worry about. A few
    days later, I went in for a biopsy. Once I was done, the nurses at the facility
    explained that my primary care physician would call me to come in for the
    results, whether they were good or bad. I received a call the next day asking
    me to come in the next day. When I got there, I went into the room with my
    head high thinking, “I’m only 40. I’m too young to get this. Everything will be
    fine.” When I went back, my doctor came into my room and asked if I knew
    why I was there. I nodded. She had given me the worse news I had ever
    received. The biopsy came back that I had DCIS or Stage 0 Breast Cancer. I
    was devastated. I had 3 children and was a single mom. I was shocked about
    the news and broke down crying in the room with my doctor. She hugged
    me and gave me hope and a book explaining what breast cancer is and
    exactly what I was to expect. I left there and didn’t know what to do or who
    to call. I called my sister and cried with her on the phone on my way back
    home.

    When I got home, my children were all there and saw that I had been
    crying. I couldn’t even look at them. I ran upstairs to my bathroom and
    locked the door until I had the courage to come out with a clean face. When
    I went back down, I asked my children to sit together so I could speak with
    them. My youngest sat next to me while my other two children sat across
    from me. I explained my situation and my oldest son (12 years old at the
    time) began crying and asked if I was going to die. I hugged him and
    immediately told him I was going to be fine. I explained that I needed
    surgery to take out the cells and it would be a process going forward. I
    showed the children the book that I was given and explained to them what
    was expected to happen. They calmed down.

    When I went to the oncologist shortly after, she explained how
    important it is to keep up with yearly mammograms. She said if I had waited
    any longer, the cancer could have been worse and/or spread. At this point, I
    am glad that I did not wait any longer to have it checked. On October 21 st ,
    2022, I had a lumpectomy of my right breast to remove the calcifications
    and have been cancer free since. After the surgery, I was tested to see if I
    needed chemotherapy and/or radiation. After they tested the cells, the
    radiologist came back with wonderful news. The cells came back that I only
    had a 7% chance of the cancer returning with or without radiation or chemo,
    so she stated I did not need either

    My message to the world is to keep up with your appointments and
    your health. Ladies, please do not wait to get a mammogram. You may not
    feel any lumps or have any issues currently, but it can still be there.
    Gentlemen, please ensure your sisters, wives, girlfriends, and any other
    woman in your life, goes to see their doctor to be screened. It can be a
    matter of life and death.

    Gina

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • Bad Womb Service

    I was born three months early to a drug addicted mother. My foster parents, who became my adoptive parents, showed me all the tender love and care I needed to help me get healthy. They kept me from meeting a fate of becoming a vegetable or dying, both of which the doctor said were my only two options in life.

    While I appreciate their many sacrifices, I know that what you do for someone does not make up for what you do TO them. I experienced nearly every form of trauma in my life as I got older. I also witnessed a great of trauma.

    All of that to say, I became an extremely miserable person. I was constantly depressed, I suffered from an eating disorder, (trigger warning) and even engaged in self-injurious behavior.

    I recall praying to God to be someone else, whether it was a schoolmate with whom I was enamored, or a member of my favorite girl group. I was so disappointed to wake up as “just me.” I recall thinking God had let me down, allowing me to be abused in the womb, and “rescued” by a family that would later disappoint and harm me, while on the outside we seemed like a happy family.

    One day, God did make me someone else; but, it was not in the way I had hoped. Through allowing positive individuals to speak hope and encouragement into my life, and shifting my perspective, I realized that I could not change the hand that I was dealt; but, it was up to me whether or not I would wallow in self-pity or use my story to inspire others.
    I realized I could seek to live a life of success and happiness, as opposed to being a victim of my circumstances.

    Therefore, I decided to learn how to become my own friend, rather than own worst enemy. I learned to express gratitude; and, rather than see difficulties as confirmation of my lack of favor with God, they became opportunities to learn, to grow, and to inspire those that cross my path.

    Professionally, I became a mental health therapist. Personally, I learned to be more compassionate, as well as someone who can make others laugh, not just someone who always complained and sought sympathy.

    Want me to prove it? *Ahem* Why did they make Finding Dory? I’d say it’s because if Nemo kept getting lost, they’d have to call CPS. Actually, Sea PS.

    (Admit it, you smiled) Being able to use humor to cope, and mustering up the courage to fight against my insecurities to start my modeling career in 2021, does not mean I do not shed tears and experience physical and emotional pain.

    I’ve learned what I wish everyone could learn early in life, which is that you may have your problems; however, your problems don’t have to have nor define you. Whether you experienced bad womb service, abuse, poverty, you name it, tragic beginnings do not mean you cannot choose to create a triumphant trajectory in life. I say create intentionally because I also realized I could wish upon stars and pray all day long, (I swear my guardian angel must be exhausted). However, it is up to me to actively form meaningful connections, pursue the opportunities I desire, and choose to give myself that glimmer of hope through a favorite song, a walk, or whatever my soul craves during the darkest moments.

    Jessica Shanel

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • Life is Hard

    Life is hard!
    I don’t make enough money.
    I can’t pay my bills.
    My car broke down.
    I’m sick and can’t afford the doctor bill.
    I’m stuck on autopilot!
    Then I received the best advice,
    I’ve ever been given.
    “Life doesn’t get easier,
    you learn to cope better!”
    I charged my thinking,
    which changed my actions.
    I worked three jobs and saved money.
    In a year,
    I was living more stable & comfortably.
    This advice has stuck with me
    and helps me through hard times.
    Family.
    Work.
    Social.
    Financial.
    It has forever changed me
    for the better!

    Briar Hex

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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    • “Life doesn’t get easier,
      you learn to cope better!”

      That is great advice! We only get stronger as we face each adversity. I love the message you chose to share to the world, it’s something we could all use a reminder of from time to time.

      Write me back 

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  • Death's Alternative

    Dear Unsealers,

    Before you decide death is the solution to relieving your depression-move to that new town you always dreamed of living in. Separate yourself from the traumatic memories that were created in your current home. Take your child or your best friend on that road trip you put on your bucket list when you were ten years old. Apply for your passport and plan your trip to that country you always wanted to vacation to. Leave that one sided friendship. Create an exit plan for your toxic relationship.

    When I was laying on what I intended to be my deathbed, I replayed all the moments in my head that led me to my decision to end my life. I thought about my friendship with my sweet, beautiful nana. She gave me my first journal, she taught me how to cook, and she introduced me to arts and crafts. She simply talked to me. She was the only one who truly made me feel heard. However, our time together was cut short when she was diagnosed with liver cancer. She passed away a couple months after her diagnosis-two days before my fifteenth birthday.

    I thought about the first time I ever cut myself. I was so angry with my mom for always taking the side of her boyfriend and their daughter. I ran upstairs after the argument and just cried. I couldn’t catch my breath, my heart was rapidly racing and I was sweating profusely. I went into my bathroom, grabbed my razor and shaved and shaved and shaved until the top layer of my wrist turned red.

    I thought about the violence that was normalized within my family. My mom told me stories about how my father was always in and out of jail for drugs and assault. She told me stories about how my father would beat on her as well. Unfortunately, I got to witness my mom get hit by her boyfriend, who was also my youngest sister’s father. I watched from the crack in my room door as he slapped her and made her cry. However, that wasn’t the last time we saw him. My mom ended up marrying him.

    I thought about my father and how his inconsistency in my life, normalized inconsistency in my relationships. I didn’t date a lot of people, but the people I did date, treated my life like a revolving door-coming in and out as they pleased-and I let them.

    I thought about my very first abusive relationship. For an entire decade, my ex sexually assaulted me, manipulated me into going back to him when he felt me trying to move on, argued with me from sundown to sunrise and, at times, physically assaulted me from sundown to sunrise. He would hit me in places no one would notice like my arms and thighs. I started to hit him back, but that just made him angrier because he wanted the last hit.

    I thought about the people that I dated after him. Instead of healing, I jumped into another situationship that left me heartbroken. I tricked myself into believing that he was good for me just because he wasn’t physically assaulting me. This cycle continued of me dating the same men in different bodies until I met my second abusive ex that ended up being the boiling point to me wanting to end my life.
    I thought about how I should have been sent to therapy when my depression first started in middle school. Had I gotten help earlier in life for my trauma, the likelihood of me trying to end my life would have greatly decreased. However, my community and family did not believe in therapy. They had it ingrained in my head that therapy was only for “crazy people.”

    I thought about how my family and friends would feel hearing the news, but I just wanted the pain to end.

    So here’s a thought- instead of ending your life- end that toxic relationship. Instead of ending your life- end the negative stigma surrounding mental health. Instead of ending your life-remove the people and things in your life that bring you pain or add to your pain. From someone who tried ending there’s-I am glad that I wasn’t successful. I get to try one more time. I get to try one more day. I learned to find joy in removal before removing myself from this life.

    Pree Dianna

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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  • "Who's Cheating Who?"

    My Dear Handsome Husband,

    I have a confession to make. One that I cannot even accept as true!
    Do you know I’m cheating on you? Do you know you’re cheating on me? I know for a fact we’re cheating on each other. Do you? I know you are cheating on me. I’m not sure if you know I am cheating on you! How ‘bout them apples?
    To be together 37 years and to realize now, at this stage of our lives, there’s cheating going on simply baffles my mind and my heart. I keep telling myself it isn’t true! It’s impossible! Us? NEVER in a million years! It just cannot be true!
    How can we still be so deeply in love with each other and have this happen? I know I still love and adore you with all my heart and want nothing but happiness for you. I believe you feel the same for me.
    Yet, here we are in the thick of it, not knowing what to do, where to turn, what to say, how to fix it. Obviously, we’ve been broken for a while. We really don’t talk as much as we used to. We don’t share too much of anything anymore with each other. I feel so alone. I know you do to. When did we and our communication break down?
    I’m not sure when you started cheating. And, here I go. I started cheating on you within this past year (or two). Why? Because you became distant, quiet and kept your feelings in – as did I. We’re the couple that can’t keep their mouths shut and we chatter it up with each other all the time. The quiet is so deafening loud inside. It’s so weird not talking like we used to hence, we are cheating cheaters.
    Ok, without stalling any longer, I wholeheartedly own I have cheated on you. I’m cheating you out of the life you want and deserve. How? I feel you would not have the problems, the stressors and the thoughts you have each and every day. It’s true. You would be free to do as you want when you want and not worry about all the things you worry about. You would deny this I’m sure.
    You are cheating on me, out of my hopes and dreams that comes with tears almost every day. I may cry for five seconds, five minutes. It doesn’t matter. The tears fall. The breathing gets tougher. The suffocation lingers throughout the day, every day. I try hard to be upbeat, positive, and helpful. I can’t stand feeling I’ve let you down but honestly, I’m gotten real exhausted acting like everything is okay when it’s not. I am tapped out.
    When we come right down to it, we are cheating ourselves, and on each other, out of the life we talked about years, YEARS ago. This life right now isn’t what either one of us wants but, my love, this is it. You know it as much as I do. I don’t know if it’s too late to salvage us.
    I’m willing to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. The rest of our days cannot continue this way. It isn’t a life anymore. I believe, with our hearts, our love and commitment to each other we can stop, take a few deep breaths and rewrite our story. We can reach a place where our hopes and dreams we had can come true. At least some of them. We deserve this for each other. We’re better than this. Please, let’s not waste any more time. Life is too short and we are in the fourth quarter of our lives. I hope you agree and want to jump into a new chapter with me. We’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain for the rest of our days. It’s time. IT’S OUR TIME!
    If there’s a funny part to all of this, it’s the whole cheating on each other. It makes me kind of smirk a smile because we’ve never cheated on each other with another person and when the words cheat, cheating, cheated is brought up, nine out of ten times it’s automatically assumed it has to do with another person.
    Well, my hubby, let’s do this! We’ve got each other and have what it takes to do this and I, for one, am 100 percent in! Thirty-seven years is a lot of love and what do we always say? “No matter what, LOVE ALWAYS WINS!”

    LYMA (Love You More Always!),
    Your Dear Wonderful Wife
    xoxo

    Ter Delaney

    Voting starts November 5, 2024 12:00am

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