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  • felicerecuperoaol-com shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 12 months ago

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    First Breath of Gratitude

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  • aliciaw shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 12 months ago

    We Are All a Work in Progress

    Dear whoever needs a reminder,

    At this point in time, you’ve probably heard the term “Gratitude Practice” in pop culture. It centers on looking at the things in your life through a lens of appreciation. It requires an ability to shift your focus and play up the parts of life that we often overlook. Gratitude practice for me has been a long developing perspective shift, but the benefits have been unparalleled. Practicing gratitude in my daily life allows me to stay present, but it also helps me reflect on bigger moments with an appreciation for the work I’ve done. From a bird’s-eye view, I am able to solidify the reality of all I have to be grateful for.

    Graduating with my bachelor’s in psychology at the beginning of the pandemic scared me into thinking that I would never get to do the type of work I had been dreaming of. Schools were closed. Volunteer programs halted. And I felt that I would be stuck working in restaurants for the rest of my life.

    It’s hard to see the path forward when your head is down.

    But being grateful for all that I did have around me, recognizing the efforts I put in to get there, being coupled with people assuring me that my degree wasn’t going to waste helped me see that a bump in the road or a change of plans doesn’t mean you should throw your life course out the window. So as soon as I could, I started substituting in classrooms again. And during one of my subbing escapades, I stumbled upon an open position in a classroom that felt like exactly what I had been working towards.

    Now Monday through Friday, for 7 hours a day, I get to connect with a small group of high school students in an Emotional Disturbance class.

    I get to teach them in ways no one ever took the time to. I get to expose them to ways of thinking and opportunities that they don’t typically have access to. I get to be a witness to real growth. And I get to learn more about myself through their own special personalities. I have never woken up consistently excited to go to work until this past year. I feel gratitude every day I drive to work, every time I see my students faces, and every time I think of how much I wanted this.

    “Stop and smell the roses.” It’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. Certainly not every day with my students is a magical transformation. Some days feel like quite the opposite. But in the grand scheme of things, I know that I am exactly where I want to be. Connecting and guiding. At the intersection of growth and patience.

    My students remind me that life is not an uphill battle, as much as it may feel that way sometimes. By being grateful for your progress, you can acknowledge that what you have now is what you once wanted. Use this as fuel for the present as much as you use it as fuel for your future.

    Alicia Sophia Marie

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    • I’ve never heard of gratitude practice. I’m glad I’m hearing about it now. Changing your perspective on things and shifting your thoughts from stress to gratitude can’t be extremely beneficial. Just like the saying “stop and smell the roses” there’s also “look at the bright side.” Thank you for sharing.

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    • Thanks for sharing Alicia. This is such an important thing to practice and I needed this reminder. It’s sooo important to practice this during the good times too! When you don’t “need” it. Then it becomes habit and when you’re feeling down you have this tool that is so easily tangible. This reminder to practice gratitude was something that I truly…read more

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    • First off, congrats on your bachelor’s in psychology. Reading this shows that you’ve come a long way and that your journey has surely paid off. When you said “It’s hard to see the path forward when your head is down.” is so deep and powerful. If you don’t mind I just might start using this saying. Thank you for sharing.

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    • Thank you for sharing this inspirational story. We all should be grateful for what we have and what we will achieve in life. We should be happy for small things for the things we wake up in the morning and do the things we do.

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  • Lauren Brill shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 12 months ago

    Dear World, Here is why I am grateful

    Dear World,

    I will admit sometimes I complain. Some days, I am grumpy and exhausted and feel the world’s weight on my shoulders. When I am knee-deep in those moments, I often go for a walk or rollerblade by the beach, where I look around and take a breath, and I am quickly reminded of how lucky I am. There are so many reasons I have to possess tremendous gratitude for my life.

    I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the country, with a roof over my head and food for every meal. A few years ago, I discovered my purpose and was able to start and pursue a business that speaks to my soul. I am, knock on wood, healthy and happy. Also, I have the most amazing people in my life.

    My mom calls me daily to check in, asking, “What are you doing? How’s your day.” She always wants to make sure I am happy and at my best. Throughout the week, you can catch my father sharing all my business social media posts, bursting with pride, and doing whatever he can to support my dreams. My big brother, Andrew, is my lifeline. He gives me the best advice, personally and professionally. He has a way of looking at my life challenges through a clear and logical lens and can always guide me. My friends are loving, supportive, and just a phone call away. Some proofread my writing, give me business tips, or listen to me for hours talk about whatever I need to get off my chest. They want nothing more than to see me live my best life. And my boyfriend is the kind of partner that will surprise me and bring back my favorite meal. He will play with my dog and have dinner with my parents on nights when I know he has a ton of work to do. His thoughtfulness makes it clear that he genuinely cares about me.

    All the people in my life make me feel loved, supported, and joyful. My circle is the source of my strength, as I am flooded with positive energy and kindness. I know that my family and friends will never let me fall too far or hard. So while the universe has blessed me in so many ways, what I love most about my life are the people I am fortunate enough to share it with.

    Love,

    Lauren

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    • I’m so glad you have such a strong support system. They’re no better feeling in the world than to have the ones you love to also support you and your passion. Thank you for sharing.

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    • You have such a wonderful support system. And the fact that you’re surrounded by people who care about you and aren’t biased and keep it real with you is amazing. Thank you for sharing

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  • dannicatwhiskers shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 1 years ago

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    It’s not an eating disorder, it’s a digestive tract disorder

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  • Hannah G. shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 1 years ago

    A Letter to my Shame

    It’s about to get personal here. You’ve been with me for way too long. You’ve torn down my self-confidence, you’ve creeped into the narratives that I tell myself, you have kept me grounded and not in a good way, but in a self-isolating way, you’ve even made a place for yourself in my beliefs. You have long outstayed your welcome and you need to leave now.

    I was listening to a podcast recently on shame and I found the hosts definition of shame interesting. Shame was defined (on this podcast at least) as wanting to receive love, affection, and affirmation from someone, but not receiving that love in the presence of others. I remember one of my earliest memories of shame creeping in was in 4th grade. A classmate had quite a hatred towards me, though I don’t recall doing anything to her to make her hate me. Anyways, she put a death threat in my desk. I came to school that day and found it on top of my books and folders. The girl who wrote it came all too perfectly at the exact moment I found it, grabbed it out of my hands and ripped it up (a tactic she employed so she wouldn’t get in trouble). I decided to try and tell the teacher what happened, but without proof she didn’t believe me. I was depressed the whole day and she noticed and asked what was wrong and I told her again what had happened. But she didn’t believe me. I wanted and needed to hear the affirmation that it wasn’t my fault. That someone was on my side and that they were going to help me when this felt like too much for me to handle on my own. My younger self was forced to ask the question “why me?” And even though I understand now that hurt people hurt people, but I still ask “why?” 4th grade me thought the teacher would at least call my parents to let them know what had happened, but since she didn’t believe me she didn’t believe there was a reason to call my parents. Shame is what kept me from telling them. Shame thrives in secrecy and self-isolation.

    It’s taken me years of hard work, therapy and tears to realize that a lot of the healing process includes grieving. I’ve realized that breaking up with you will be beneficial for me. One of my favorite pump up songs “Favorite Sound” by Echosmith says “[I] shouldn’t apologize for just existing…..shouldn’t apologize for just being me…….I’m learning how to turn around all the voices in my head I think I’ve found my favorite sound.” My favorite sound is me writing you this letter. My favorite sound is me unlearning all the lies you told me, like that I was unlovable and that there must be something wrong with me. My favorite sound is me learning that I am loveable after all. I’m learning the joy of just being me. I’m learning that I was not wrong, I was was just someone who had wrong done to them and didn’t know what to do. And I will continue putting the sound of self-love on replay over and over and over until it becomes natural for me.

    But shame your soundtrack is being deleted. Hasta freaking la vista. Goodbye and good riddance shame. You don’t rule anymore.

    Truthfully,

    Hannah G.

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    • Aww Hannah, this piece really pulled at my heart strings. I am sorry your classmate was so meaner and I am so sorry your teacher didn’t do what she should have done. But you are so sweet, and you are most certainly lovable. I always say, what people say to you about you says more about who they are than who you are… let go of any shame you feel.…read more

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    • This reminded me of the first time I experienced shame. It was the 2nd grade on the playground and a 5th grader told me to get off the monkey bars and before I could she punched me in the stomach. (Pretty hard too.) I never told anyone about it. I even held back my tears so the teachers wouldn’t ask questions. I’m not sure what I did to des…read more

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      • @mavisjohnson I’m so sorry that that happened to you. You did nothing to deserve that. I know that is easier said than to believe, but it is true. That 5th grader was probably hurting inside and didn’t know how to express the hurt they were feeling so it came out sideways and ended up hurting you in the process.

        I am so proud of the steps…read more

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    • This is wonderful and I’m proud of you. You’ve shaken the chains that bogged you down, albeit not in a quick fashion but after all of the pain and realization came together you’ve gained the ability to tell your shame to go kick rocks. Thank you for sharing

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  • Michelle shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 1 years ago

    Invisible bruises

    I didn’t think it would be this hard. Accepting the diagnosis of *permanently disabled* The fact is, that I have a brain injury. An invisible injury that no one but myself knows about unless we strike up a conversation. What’s the hardest part? The depression. The untreatable with medication depression. The PTSD and the pains haunt me. When I see another woman my age, so beautiful and fit, so full of energy and life, sometimes I’m hit with grief. Why is that you might ask? The days for me lately have been divided out and measured by how much, or how little energy I have that morning waking up. If my body is screaming at me or being kind to me. It all depends. I proudly carry the badge of a domestic violence survivor, but inside my invisible bruises smother my light as the depression tries to take over. My Dr told me that I was beautifully broken. My heart and my brain agree. I just want to be free from the sadness. It feels impossible. Be “mindful” they say. As the tears pour down my face. I hold on for dear life these days riding the waves. Learning to live myself again, and nurturing my invisible bruises. 🩶

    Shelle Belle

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    • Thank you so much for sharing your inner dialogue. I can’t imagine how difficult your life might be because of what you’ve been through. Being beautifully broken is something I’ve heard before. In china, if fine china is broken it’s mended back together with gold. Showing the beauty in imperfections and that it’s worth is still valuable. You may b…read more

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      • 💜 Thank you so much for your word of encouragement. I appreciate you taking the time to write a little something to me. It feels a bit less lonely knowing that my words can be safe here.

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    • Hello Shelle, I understand the invisible illnesses all to well. The physical and the mental that came from first abuse and then MS. PTSD has calmed down as I work on regulating my nervous system and my physical ailments have changed significantly as I changed my life style. The memories of the abuse are still surfacing and I ride those waves as…read more

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    • This is a very beautiful and emotional letter. you’ve clearly been through hell and back yet you’re still here, besides the depression and PTSD you’re still here to share your story. Thank you for sharing your struggle.

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  • draperj submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to your future selfWrite a letter to your future self 1 years, 1 months ago

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    Trust me, let go!

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  • jazlinh submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to your future selfWrite a letter to your future self 1 years, 1 months ago

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    I love you

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  • sirensong666 submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to your future selfWrite a letter to your future self 1 years, 1 months ago

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    Healing for a Lifetime

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  • zandrea submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to your future selfWrite a letter to your future self 1 years, 1 months ago

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    Remember angel

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  • aastha submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to your future selfWrite a letter to your future self 1 years, 1 months ago

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    To My Dearest

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  • Who are you? Autobio- Poem; Return Response, From: Future-Fiction Fantasy (Dream)Come True, FANATIC

    Letter To My Future Self Fr

    Who are? I’ll tell you ALL you need know.
    I Am presently living your life right now.
    I am, stabilizing standards for our future success.
    The choices I make today effects tomorrow. The present, past and future coexist all in one universe at different times though.

    (2023 version) of us;
    I am Someone who aspire to inspire others, through my testimony.

    I am striving to reach optimal potential.
    I am an active listener.
    I search for beauty within every single day and (person). I believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    I think more than I say; I don’t care about others opinions of me. Facts are proven.
    I truly believe nothing is impossible I’m(possible); through knowledge, reverse psychology.

    I think positive; I believe when others doubt.
    Who am I to judge ? I learned Respect is earned not given. Life is about about worth and purpose. I often reflect; ask myself is it worth it? and does my intentions (actions) meet my expectations (purpose?)

    Its essential I learn my lesson,
    If not, history repeats itself.
    If my intentions are not pure: I self reflect, repent and fix it. I must stay pure. Karma is real.

    I am giving because my purpose is helping , healing and mission(ary).
    Ultimately I want to spread love, peace and happiness. And start a non profit for foster children.

    I am understanding but misunderstood.
    Forgive for, they don’t know who I am.
    I am trying to find Balance and Master Life.
    I am setting myself up for (our) future success.

    I remind myself to not dwell on situations I can’t change. Instead I search for alternatives.

    I’m working to provide for myself, family orphans and the less fortunate slaves.
    I must ensure my prophecy transpires, by any means necessary.

    Its mandatory that I Sacrifice now (presently) for my future self to thrive, (for humanity) future prize.

    Return Response, From: Future-Fiction Fantasy (Dreams)Come True, FANATIC!

    Dear Present Self,

    Heads up! Thanks for the head start, from your future-self. Now you living lavish never forget where you came from. Remember home is where the heart is.

    Remind yourself daily, you have already won. You have absolutely nothing to worry about warrior. Your journey has already been mapped out.

    Time is of the essence; some(times) patience is a necessity. Know the difference between the two; time wasted.

    When you feel like giving up, remember your purpose. That should motivate you to keep going and refocus on the outcome (better days to come).

    You need to open up more, don’t be scared to express yourself. Your voice is your sword(weapon) to success.
    You give but can’t accept love. Explore and Embrace your, Love Language. It’s detrimental to reciprocate (give-take) relationships. Accept love not only because you deserve it, You are also worthy to be loved.
    You are honorable because you worked for everything you have; you earned it
    Your are strong and brave. When you feel weak, remind yourself how far you came; from nothing. You are great because you are grateful.

    Remember It’s okay if you fail; When you fall get back up. If you can say you tried your best and gave it all you had, realistically you could never fail. You are blessed beyond measures.

    If you learn from the mistakes you make then; you earn mercy, grace and forgiveness.
    You are guaranteed to reach optimal potential by accepting failure and gaining knowledge which is the key to power.
    Don’t be so hard on yourself all the time. You deserve a break, you have already won.

    You will be(come), past tense.
    The first millionaire in your family.
    Always trust intuition and only be lead by the spirit. in a million years never give up because you have already won.

    You are the creator of your world.
    Your mind is the most powerful tool you obtain. Be wise and think positive. Always believe wholeheartedly. Focus on your purpose.
    Through pure performance, passion, and perseverance you will reach your destination; which is destiny.

    The legacy you leave will be for generations to come.
    You can celebrate now because your future is bright, you already won. Enjoy your journey. Abundance waits you. Just keep going.

    You are righteous and will be recognized.
    Anything you seek, you will find(willingly)
    Everything you want, you will obtain
    From past to future tense (spontaneously)

    Congratulations Jessica Oliver,
    Mission accomplished. Your purpose will be fulfilled and (testimony) heard from generations for ages all around the world

    You earned and are worthy of honor.
    you will obtain, more than you yearn for.
    For Grace and being Grateful. You are destined for greatness. Thank you for paving the path for success for us.

    Love your present and future self

    Jessica Oliver

    Jessica Oliver

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    • Jessica you are such an incredible human being. There is no one who embodies this idea that you’ve already won more than you! Never ever forget that. You are so powerful, and you have so much love and strength to offer yourself and others, especially young people who need someone like you, to show them the way. Keep becoming more and more of who…read more

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    • Thank you for sharing. You are such an amazing and genuine human. Your perspective is so inspiring to everyone. We need more people like to to undo the younger generations.

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    • YES! YES! YES!
      Declare those words of fortune. You are amazing. This letter was beautiful and crafted with such inspiration and power. I am Jazzed! Seriously. Reading your letter makes me feel as if anything is possible as long as we do not give up and believe in ourselves. Sometimes, that’s my toughest struggle. Thank you so much. I voted 💜

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  • artiste submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to your future selfWrite a letter to your future self 1 years, 1 months ago

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    To Us it does Concern

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  • sdambrosio submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to your future selfWrite a letter to your future self 1 years, 1 months ago

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    Navigating Life's Journey: A Message of Resilience and Creativity

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  • Dear Old me,

    You’re in excruciating pain, scared and confused. That’s due to the multiple skull fractures. You will always be reminded of what happened because of the lifetime of pain you will endure, but you heal. Better than anyone could ever have imagined. Despite the amnesia, God will allow you to keep the memories you have made with your children. For this, you are grateful. Unfortunately, memories of that night are also something that stays with you, but you see it as a starting point from how far you’ve come. This is also something to be grateful for.

    After he fractures your jaw, he uses pliers in an attempt to remove several of your teeth. He wanted a souvenir. God is with you when this happens, therefore he ends up with nothing. The dentist is the only one who collects a tooth several months later. It’s necessary for the healing process. In time, you will find yourself able to enjoy dinner with your children again.

    You regain your hearing even though he ruptures both of your eardrums. God will allow you to hear your Autistic son speak his first words eventually. That’s when you’ll realize your life will be filled with miracles that have nothing to do with that night. This is when you stop counting your blessings and accept them in abundance.

    It will take over a year for you to ovulate the way a woman should. That’s okay. Eventually the pain you experience due to the trauma inflicted to your uterus lessens. You’ll only be reminded of it when menstruating. At times, you’ll think about the little girl that you always wanted but push those thoughts aside when you remember how lucky you are to have two sons already.

    It was rape. There is nothing that you could have done differently to change the events that unfolded that night. Be kinder to yourself. It will take years, but the nightmares will subside. You will no longer find yourself drenched in tears, awoken by your own screams. God will allow you to dream again.

    You survive. Your mind, body and soul will be forever altered, but that’s okay. You will struggle with relearning everything you have forgotten, because of this, you will evolve into a different person. A better person. One who displays strength and compassion in all that she does. You will piece yourself back together and the broken in you will be your beauty.

    God will allow you to heal. He will assure you that this happens through the love and bond you have with your children. They will repair you mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. Remember to thank God for this in your prayers daily and thank your children by reciprocating the love they use to save you with. Love is all they have to give you; that’s all you will ever need to make it through another day.

    Love Always, Your Future Self

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    • I am so very sorry to read what you went through. I am a survivor too. Your strength is incredible. He hurt your body but he didn’t damage your soul. Your kids are so lucky to have a mommy like you. You are not just a survivor you are fighter. The future you is so thankful the present you is so resilient. Keep healing. Keep loving yourself and…read more

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    • Thank you for your kind words. I’m sorry this happened to you as well. It’s been a long journey, the healing process. It took me a long time to make sense of my writing. The head injury set me back in so many ways. I submitted this as a entry because I may have read the contest topic in error. It was to my understanding that I could write to…read more

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      • Aww, the way you wrote it works! We did give multiple options on how to write it! Keep opening up and sharing your story. One day at a time. You’ll keep getting better. Thank you for being so brave. <3 Lauren

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    • You captured my attention instantly as a woman from abuse and of rape. My body bruised my insides torn and the shame that swallowed my being. You are an inspiration, an earth angel and yes you will heal because you have gratitude for every new day with your children. Goddess speed for you beauty.

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      • Thank you sweetheart,
        It’s a shame an experience as such is the reason we cross paths, however I’m glad you took the time to read my letter. I appreciate you saying I’m an inspiration, as are you. It’s important to know this is something society experiences more than we care to speak of. Shame also suffocates me at times, so understand where you…read more

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    • You are so strong. I’m so sorry that you went through that. Never let that define who you are. Your kids are so lucky to have a mother like you. Your strength is unwavering. Thank you for sharing.

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    • Oh. My heart is with you. I to am a survivor. The words of your pain stuck my soul. You are so strong. You are so brave. You are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your deepest feelings here, in this very safe group. We are all here to help build one another up. To hold one another and to bring back the light for one another. 💜

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    • You’ve gone through so much. Physical pain and emotional trauma is such a hard thing to come to terms with. You are so strong and is a powerful role model. Thank you for sharing

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  • ameerahshabazz submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to your future selfWrite a letter to your future self 1 years, 1 months ago

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    Letter to Ameerah

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  • kyladiane submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to your future selfWrite a letter to your future self 1 years, 1 months ago

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    The Road We’ve Traveled

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  • rosh89 submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to your future selfWrite a letter to your future self 1 years, 1 months ago

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    Be kind to yourself and prioritize yourself!

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  • The Mourning Doves Are Gone

    I don’t know why she’s in my arms now.
    She’s just as rigid as she ever was.
    Not even blood pools out her private body,
    She thought she’d save it for her wedding day.
    The rocking chair creaks like a mourning dove,
    The mourning doves are gone.

    I wanted to write you before she was gone,
    But the shotgun smokes black, but I’ve done it now,
    but I’ve done it raw. Above, a mourning dove
    Groans like a dying girl on her wedding day.
    The bullet hole is just as gaudy as it ever was.
    The rocking chair thrusts in and out like a body.

    Do we ever get the nerve to look at our own body?
    If the mourning doves are gone,
    Should we mourn for ourselves? Will our day
    Of reckoning smoke black like a gun? Now,
    she’s in the garden, just as soft as she ever was.
    Now, the lillies are screaming like a mourning dove.

    Will Jesus, Son of God, mourn us like a dove?
    If a fallen angel comes, will they touch our dirty body?
    Is it just as raw as it ever was?
    The morning doves are gone,
    I wonder where they’ll fly now;
    There’ll be no blood for them, or a wedding day.

    I never loved the girl that we buried. The black day
    sinks into my lap like our gun. A mourning dove
    Murmurs our name to Jesus. We’ve done it now,
    Will we do it again? There’s no such thing as a private body
    anymore. I rock in the rocking chair. I’ve gone
    back and forth like I never was

    Rigid. I’ve gone back and forth like I never was
    Soft. When you read this, will you remember this day
    Like a wound or a moan? Have you ever gone
    Back to her body? Do you have the nerve to look at a dove?
    Did the Lily’s in the garden grow from her body?
    I hope you’re chuckling in the rocking chair now.

    She’s just as rigid as she ever was.
    The rocking chair creaks like a mourning dove

    We could have bled on our wedding day,
    But of what use is a private body?

    The mourning doves are gone
    My shotgun’s hot, I’ve done it now.

    Kylie Cohen

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    • This is such an interesting take on purity being stripped away. You have an artist touch in your words. Thank you so much for sharing such an interesting piece of you.

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  • It’s Lighter Here

    Hey you,

    I know.

    You are seen.
    I see you.

    Your bloom is just around the corner so don’t lose your footing now. The load is much lighter here, after learning to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Elevation is right there. I see you spending days cuddled up in bed with God’s Word because you think the entire world doesn’t understand depth. Plus, speaking kindly to yourself just doesn’t feel natural. I see the mirrors decorating every wall just to reaffirm yourself: ‘I am well spoken and articulate’. From where I sit, Indian style and lifted of course, people do understand you when you speak; the depth, the substance. Our words penetrate souls and who is for you will align with you. And yes, it is ok to leave a little room for delusion in your life because reality is heavy and the truth is, everything seemingly holding you back is all an illusion anyway. Never mind the diagnosis and crises you believe could never get better.

    Time.

    All in God’s timing, for you know ‘His ways are not our ways; His thoughts are not our thoughts.’ Yet and still, you are there to give valuable and necessary think pieces. Here, you’ve finally made it to be remembered as a lighthouse; you store light, you pour light. You are a pathway to peace above all else. Your gift guides life directly to and from the Creator so don’t doubt yourself. For now, focus on being present in every task without strategizing the outcome.

    Breathe.

    Your feet have already been blessed in every step you take. The ground you walk on is sacred. You can rest.

    Rest.

    Send kudos to the soldiers in their bullet proof vests; ours became too heavy to suit up in every single day so on this new land, I decided to take it off and bury it. Now, I protect myself by going where I’m celebrated and resting where peace greets me; speaking in spaces where my language flows freely and is reciprocated with flowers while I’m breathing. You are doing everything we first learn to do alone on our own – alone, so yes, you will know what beauty feels like when you invite someone along. Our wildest discovery in healing was that the process becomes a little easier once you learn to hurt. Not avoid it. Not fight it. And it is ok to count your blessings but mourning the pain and the scars of the lessons holds real weight too. So smile, Angelface, through the highs and the lows.

    Trust.

    Keep your balance and embrace the moments of weakness too. For when you are weak, He can be strong for you.

    Be.

    You’re free. Survival mode taught you well but now softness is your robe. Adjust your crown and recognize your throne. Predestined for peace, is what you are – what you’ve been. The prayer hadn’t even existed on your lips until the plan to answer it said ‘begin”.

    Sow.

    Accept with worthiness what you deserve to reap, through and through. Most of all, don’t forget to remember what God says is true about You.

    I’ll wait for you.

    Love,
    The Future You

    Clarisse H.

    Voting is closed

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    • Clarisse – I love this! You already know how amazing you are. I don’t even have to tell you, but I will anyway. You are AMAZING. I love love love this part: “Now, I protect myself by going where I’m celebrated and resting where peace greets me; speaking in spaces where my language flows freely and is reciprocated with flowers while I’m bre…read more

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      • Lauren, your kind and encouraging words are always very much appreciated. I’ve spent too much time shying away from the resilient and string parts of me simply due to exhaustion and fear that if I exhibited those traits, I’d keep attracting things and situations I’d have to be resilient and strong for. However, I now realize these chara…read more

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        • Aww yes, it is so true. There is a quote I once saw and loved. I am not sure who said it but it says, “I want to inspire people. ‘I want someone to look at me and say, because of you. I didn’t give up.'”

          Your journey will be someone else’s roadmap. Be proud of all that you are. You are right, they are gifts. You are a wonderful and beautiful…read more

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          • “Your journey will be someone else’s roadmap.” Wow. That just lit a fire in me that I cannot yet describe to its fullest extent but that just gave me a reminder that this life we live isn’t just for us; it is to inspire and touch those around us too. Thank you so so much 🙏🏽

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    • Wow. You are an amazing person. This is such an inspiration. You already know who you are. Thank you for sharing your story. Your journey in someone else roadmap. <3

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      • Mavis, your compliment to who am I as a human being is truly an honor to receive. My journey recognizes yours and to connect is beyond fate! Thank you so much!

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    • What a touching and beautiful letter. It’s an honor to read this! You are inspiring and powerful, it really shines through in your written words! Cheering you on and I voted for you as well! 🙌

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    • Clarisse, this was beautiful. There was a depth and lyrical-ness in your letter that was very moving. I loved so many thoughts and it resonated deeply with my own experiences and feelings.

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    • Your words are so beautiful and encouraging and I’m sure that when the future you reads this they will be filled with comfort. Your imagery is very powerful. Thank you for sharing

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