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  • Movie Extra

    Here I am sitting across from a frothy white chocolate mocha, where the steam kisses my eyes as I close them.
    I inhale a deep breath and exhale a smile, fully teethed, pearly matching the pearls given to me by my Grandmother.
    Just as the camera man yells “Scene, take 1”
    I am in my zone.
    I gracefully let the melodies of memorized lines glide freely from my lips as my soul is soothed by just being here.
    Present.
    Present is not past tense. It’s intense in this moment.
    I’m here.
    I’m alive.
    Thriving off of the very thing that helped me survive.
    It’s no surprise, I am a crafter.
    Carefully skilled words woven into a silk created emotional basket.
    I offer up my body like the Tin Man In hopes of getting a brain. One that is settled, free and happy.
    Images of what happiness feels like from within.
    The inside.
    The craft enlightens me.
    My ideal self and the old me cross paths.
    This time we share a couple of laughs.
    No sympathetic whispers of fear or doubt.
    The old me knows I’m filtering out the negativity that does not serve me anymore.
    I prayed for days like this.
    Beaming genuinely, smiling and knowing true self love and not just from afar.

    My ideal self, a true star.
    Each pointe representing a point where I remembered just how beautiful everybody says that I are.
    I am.
    Look at how high I set the bar.
    For myself, I am the bar.
    Top shelf.
    200lbs and 2 ice cubes of something spectacular.

    “Cut” Yells production.

    The smile fades, the pearly whites are tucked away.
    It’s not forever this time.
    The next scene is left of me my eyes fixated on the display.
    I am happy today.
    Truly happy!
    Being the star of my own show, executive producing and achieving goals.
    I am doing everything on last year’s wish list and now creating a new list of wins.
    My ideal self is wealthy.
    Not in the form of currency, currently the wealth comes with residuals results of good health.
    Ideally I worked really hard on this scene.

    “It’s a wrap for today”

    But this happiness is continuously.

    bright lights & green screens – Gie

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    • Dear Gie,
      I am so glad you are healthy. It sounds like you have a very positive outlook on life. Please continue your healthy beautiful journey.

      Shelley

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      • Thank you so much Mrs.Shelly. I am trying, everything is not what it seems at all the time. I am trying my best to be happy whole and keep going for the woman I am destined to be and the mom my child needs and the goals I just can’t let go of. It’s hard if I am quite honest. I just keep praying for continued mercy and growth every moment.

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    • Gie, You are the star of your own show, And I hope you see that, feel that, and bathe in that every single day of your life. You are a true star and your positivity shines bright. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being that special bright, loving, and shining star that you are. <3 Laure

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  • A Cycle (Con't) By ChatterBox

    A self-inflicting cycle perpetuated by

    A cycle

    A generational trauma passed on by

    A cycle

    A repetition of patterns not noticed by

    A cycle

    A blind eye on poor behavior caused by

    A cycle

    A need to heal and break the patterns caused by

    A cycle

    A slip on words dissociated in a traumatic moment by

    A cycle

    A combination of fight, flight, freeze, fawn caused by

    A cycle

    A history that needs to be learned and understood to prevent

    A cycle

    A poem that will one day encourage others to break

    A cycle

    A reason to show yourself the utmost respect is from

    A cycle

    A lack of understanding yourself for being trapped in

    A cycle

    As I learn myself, I realize that I deserve the utmost respect after being caught in,

    A cycle

    A need to respect myself to not be caught in,
    A cycle.

    ChatterBox

    Voting is open!

    Voting ends September 1, 2024 12:00pm

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    • You are so right. It is so easy to let life be controlled by the cycles of your environment. That awareness will take you far in terms of breaking any negative cycles and paving your own path. I really appreciate the insightfulness of this piece. Thank you for sharing. <3Lauren

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    • I’m genuinely moved by this; thanks for sharing it.

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    • BEAUTIFUL!!! This piece was such an awesome one Chatterbox. You captured how the most part of my 2023 has concluded in the night time. My favorite letter thus far! I commend you for wanting to break the cycle.
      ‘A slip on words dissociated in a traumatic moment by
      A cycle.”
      That is my life when I am in social settings and I am working so hard to…read more

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  • Nonverbal Podium

    I sat there.
    I never would have came to this place if it wasn’t for a saving grace.
    I sat there.
    I watched the glares form an unruly silence around the room.
    Unfamiliar territory looms, the expectations are loud too.
    I sat there.
    I felt doom come take the empty seat next to me at the bar. I figured they too wanted a drink.
    Scotch.
    Neat.
    I twirled the lone hanging string of my dress hoping they wouldn’t call on me.
    Fragile.
    Placing my name down on paper. Second to last place is where I signed the waiver.
    I should eat.
    A lite snack should calm the waves of my mind sea.
    You see, I was told to focus on one centered area of the room, something only I can see.
    Bustling busy sentences are heard from those around me.
    The crowd responds wildly.
    Snaps,claps and the occasional “ooh wee” .
    Not like the free and cheerful sounds of children on merry-go-rounds, swings, the glide of the slide you know monkey bar things.
    My name is almost up next.
    My hands are complex. Tucked in.Resting in it’s own apartment. My feet tapping to the saxophonist beat. My mind, wandering circles around me.
    Did I eat?
    Where’s my purse?
    Oh… Right here duh! Laying across me. It’s a cute little thing. A light blue bag, bare from any words, logos, or brand.
    Hmm… Kinda like me.
    “And up next we have Ms. Gie”
    Gosh I’m not ready.
    I counted the names. How’d they get to me so quickly?
    A daze.
    I look around,the claps and unknown smiles invade my privacy.
    I’m uneasy.
    Do I start off by saying “I get nervous doing these types of things?”
    Out of my comfort zone. Well outta my league.
    I’m up to bat.
    Stand tall. Plaster a smile at least.
    YOU wanted this.
    Remember?
    This is your YES year.
    Push yourself graciously.
    Conquer some fears.
    Fear number 1. Public speaking.
    What am I thinking?
    I can’t do this.
    These people are expecting greatness. Words that fly off the lips cold like a Winter’s kiss. Not a ball of nervousness.
    Nervousness.
    She’s here, plucking fabric from the hem of her dress.
    Stressed.
    Why did I even sign the list?
    My hands ball into a fist.
    I rehearsed at home for weeks and now this?
    It’s not them it’s me. I just wanted to do something differently.
    Find my voice.
    I breathe.
    Inhale positivity.
    I speak.

    This is for anyone struggling with stage fright, public speaking, or general anxiety. You are not alone. Being in a shell, secluded from the world was my comfort zone. I felt I could control my world better. I was slightly wrong. One of the first steps are to breathe. Reaffirm yourself as many times as you need and rearrange the steps that help you step, speak and live abundantly.

    With sound love, Gie

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    • Gie – I am so proud of you. Getting up in front of a crowd – all eyes on you – is so hard. I am so glad you pushed yourself. You should be so proud. Each time will get easier and easier, and your words need to be heard by as many people as possible. You are so strong, inspiring, and wonderful. Your heart makes the world better – so never be afraid…read more

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      • <3 Lauren, my gem Thank You! The mental barriers is what fills up my voice when speaking. It's not ever the people, no matter if its 1 person or 100 it's Me, and the anquish going on inside my head.
        I am pushing through though ,some days are better than others, but I still arrive and try my best to speak. I am elated to be apart of the Unsealed…read more

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    • “[…]the expectations are loud”—
      and too loud at that!

      These four words say it all—all that needs saying, they’ve said!

      May this be another “YES year” nonetheless 🙂

      Thanks for this one, Gie <3

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  • Hula hoop dreams and Guess jeans

    To whom Gie may concern,
    You were always enough. And forever be enough.
    Throughout the teenage phase, at times when life played rough, you tried hard navigating the highs and lows and subtracting the good vs bad ratios that played heavy in math class while you nervously snuck a taste of hot Cheetos.
    Hot cheetos, you always somehow mustered up enough loose change to afford those. Ala cart options at lunch made you feel cool. A luxury you felt other kids established at school so that their status of school wealth proclaimed the school fame of popularity.
    So dazzled, dripped in hot Cheetos and chicken tenders to accompany fresh hair styles, clean clothes and cool kicks.
    With careful planning and an allowance advantage you could manage it. Right?…
    The clothes.
    They didn’t fit you like you imagined. You would survey the mannequin before leaving the store to make sure that the body alignments were matching. You didn’t want to look too frail and then the fabric I mean You, you wouldn’t want to look too tragic. You wanted to be cool so the clothes must match …You plastered those smiles for miles even when the clothes leaps piles around your bedroom.
    Bedroom. 16 was too young for sex, 17 too. You barely knew love you just knew what nurturing could do. No pre talks prepped you for the first time nor the last. Take your time and nurture your mind first.
    You believe in magic. Santa is real, the tooth fairy has upped their tooth cash on value this time their paying good bucks and the money’s real. The Easter bunny always notifies his friends and St.Patrick is a lucky fella well after the parade ends .
    At 17 it’s okay to still have hula hoop dreams and Guess jeans.

    Peace & Gratitude

    Gie 💙

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    • I totally forgot about the wanting to wear what everyone else was wearing. I remember trying to find the knock off clothes that looked similar to everyone’s real brand clothes to make myself fit in because i couldnt afford the real thing. Not that I really did. I stopped caring about my clothes in high school. I was more interested in getting into…read more

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      • @miraculous88 @giesantana As Mira said, I took forgot about how much I cared about being a part of the “in thing” and making sure I had what everyone had or wanted. High school and middle school are such funny times. All we want to do is grow up and be cool. Then we grow up and we realize we were pretty cool all along and we just want to hold on…read more

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        • Yes!!!
          We were pretty cool all along. I don’t know why we filled our mind with negative things. And trying to fit into size 6 shoes when I was a soze 8 was ridiculous lol.
          Thanks for reminding Me Lauren how cool we really are!!

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      • Thank you so much for your reply Mira!! The clothes mattered most to Me. I think it was the self doubt that kept creeping in and I was super super thin. I was afraid of my own greatness.
        Thank God for evolving.
        And I’m gonna take a page from your mindset. To stop caring what others think.
        We are all unique.

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  • Plant Food

    Men deserve flowers too.

    Ones that sparkle like the Ocean’s blue.

    From the time they were a child, when the thunder went boom!
    They were told “you’re a big boy, boys don’t cry” and sent back to their rooms.

    Moving on to the falls off the bikes and standing their ground in after school yard fights, they then were told “dust yourself off , you will be alright”.

    As a teen, not really having a place to feel seen, a place they can be vulnerable and bear out some of those anxieties, they make constant pleas,some go unnoticed but their zest for life keeps them focused.

    Flowers come in varieties and they deserve them too.
    Ones that light up the room like most of their presence do.

    For far too long they’ve been taught to stand tall, affirm their fears and smile in the place of tears.

    Men deserve flowers too.
    Ones that smell as fresh as morning dew.

    For far too long they’ve been groomed to be the biggest yet most resilient in the room, to protect, love and guide even when their own world is full of doom.

    Men deserve flowers too.

    A change I want to see in this world is that EVERYONE loves a Man a little more.

    Support the dreams that make them beam, create a space free from friction so that they too can breathe.
    Pray with them and speak new life to them.

    We always uplift our wonderful Queens.
    When doing so we must not forget about our Kings

    Royally, I’m here to shed some sunshine and love on you.

    Ones that sparkle like the Ocean’s blue. Men deserve flowers too.

    Because plants are nothing without food.

    Gie

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    • Your poem is so inspiring. Especially for raising the next generation of men. I have 2 boys and at the age of 2 their grand parents say he’s too big to be crying. At 2! It’s so frustrating. Yes they deserve flowers too. They deserve to show emotion without judgement.

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      • At 32 the men around Me were still crying and Im sure your Grandparents cried at 42 and 52 and so on and so forth. We have to come to grips with the reality of dropping “gender specific roles and behaviors”, we are all human and allowed to express ourselves positively as such. Keep allowing them the space to cry, to be tucked in to express…read more

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    • Gie this excellent. I love the idea of saying men need flowers as a way to represent this idea that men have a soft side too and need to be treated tenderly. It’s so true that we need to allow men to be vulnerable and let their emotions out. I love this poem! Thank you for sharing! <3 Lauren

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    • Hello Gie,
      Having raised a son and daughter, I can relate to your words. I always tried to treat them equally and give them the same amount of space to be emotional. Thank you for the wise words.

      Shelley

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      • Thank you as well! You raised an incredble daughter who faught through so much adversity and self doubt thank you for sharing this gem with us!! I am sure you’ve raised an awesome son as well. You have the best of both worlds. I sometime think I let my kiddo down or that they are lonely. But I am truly doing the best I can. Thank you for sharing…read more

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  • Olive oil for Samson

    Many moons ago, I used to have this pesky little habit of twirling my hair. I would twirl my hair when I was happy, I would twirl my hair when I was sad, twirl my hair belly laughing, even twirled my hair watching whatever Halloween movie in utter suspense.
    Twirling my hair was my jam.
    As the moons turned to crescents and faint owl shapes, I stopped twirling my hair.
    Anxiety packed its bags and came to my house for what was supposed to be an overnight night stay here or there.
    But they stayed and oh boy are we having a great time!
    During the stay, I picked up an even “pet peevier” habit of pulling my hair. Out.
    The more intense life got with Me, the more I would tug. One strand, curl, beaded braid, or finger wave at a time, I would tug.
    After a rough couple of years, lots of crooked wigs, the whole epic glue debacle, and a lot of honorable “Mommy your hair is so funny” mentions from my son, I decided in June of 2018 a change would need to be made.
    Internally more than anything.
    I decided that I no longer would hide behind my hair, using it as an escape route and filtering my feelings.
    I decided I wanted to allow my roots to grow beautifully and naturally in whatever form they choose.
    I decided this time around I would show myself some strength, security, and sacrifice.
    I woke up on 06/10/2018 with the bit of hair I managed to salvage, sticking straight up like a warhead, and said, “I’m locking my hair, I’m done!”
    My appointment was set, and I was ready to go.
    Or so I thought.
    That day it seemed that everything that could go wrong before a 10:00 am appointment could, did.
    My son was running a slight fever due to teething, and he was cranky and wanted to snuggle with mom all day, my car was running hot just out of the magic jiffy lube blue, my funds were running low because my direct deposit still hadn’t processed yet and I was running out of patience.
    I called my hair stylist twice. I was going to cancel. I for sure thought I needed to cancel.
    The first time I hung up after the third ring.
    The second time I called and stayed on the line giving myself the “Breathe, you got this champ” pep talk until the line was answered.
    I crumbled into a wimpy pile of tears and explained all that is keeping Me from the change I so desperately needed.
    I started to pull; it was familiar it provided a sense of comfort.
    I…I needed the comfort.
    I stopped myself quickly, when I heard my stylist say, “it’s fine girl, come on over and we’ll figure something out later.”
    I choose to turn the day around and lean into the unknown which is something I loathe doing.
    Breathed a sigh of relief, dropped my kiddo off with his father, got some quick fluids maintenance on car and by the time my hair was loc-d and done the funds were in my account and I was able to make good on appointment measures.
    That was almost 5 years ago.
    5 years of trials, displacement both literally and mentally.
    5 years of strength, self-scrutiny and self-love and the balance of pulling everything out that means Me no good.
    My hair represents the joys of my ongoing strength.
    No matter what trends, styles, pressures of social society and stigmas were placed on Me throughout these 5 years I have shown strength.
    Each loc represents a time where I could have let my mind ravage over Me wildly and corrupt my good nature.
    Each loc represents where I held on and where I prevailed.
    Some locs have lint in them from the times I were displaced and needed to make a cot bedding out of blankets in my car.
    Some locs are colored representation a time when I wanted to feel a positive change.
    Some locs are shorter than the others to remind Me of the damage done when I pull negatively from the roots.
    Some locs are intertwined with others to remind Me it’s okay to join someone to make an impact overall.
    Some locs are thinner, dryer then the others due to the medications.
    Some locs grow wild to represent my instinctive nature.
    All the locs are Me.
    5 years of a magical, amazing journey I find the most strength in. No more pulling. Only nourishing and excitement during semiannual length checks.
    Each day, whether I wear my hair in a high 80’s style pony or a swift low space bun I am so incredibly thankful for each loc-d testimony of strength.

    Gie

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    • Gie, this is amazing. I love how each lock represents a different part of yourself. It’s interesting because I feel like hair can be so much a part of our identity. And the fact that your hair represents all parts of yourself is just so inspiring and powerful. I feel like you really conquered your own demons and transformed that into something…read more

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      • Oh Lauren, I am surely trying! It’s been a feat for Me to say the least. But once I had let go of constantly pulling at my hair I felt stronger more amped to take control of my life and I pray SO MUCH that, that strength I have harvested within self is stronger than any demons.
        Incredibly thankful for you and the Unsealed family.

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    • Gie, I know the strength you had to face with changing your hair from what you’re so used to doing. When I did a big chop I was so scared and didn’t know what to do because before my hair was relaxed and that was the style we all had back then. Once it was chopped it was in a weird stage. In the end it grew out so well and flourished. So I u…read more

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      • Yesss!!! Definitely takes a bunch of strength and the outcome can be scary because you just never know how you will feel about it in it’s different stages. Thank you so much , I hope your hair is a lavish as you are in whatever form its currently in! 🙂

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  • 2023 and G. I. E.

    Hello there sweetheart.
    This year, in a nutshell you will simply smile more.
    I know last year was quite the doozy and it took a lot of your essence away, your tenacity and a bit of your umph away as well. But you pushed through now look at you!
    2023! A year you couldn’t quite vison a bit ago. But nonetheless a beautiful attest in being champion of your life.
    I sincerely want you to smile, unapologetically and loudly.
    This year when someone asks, “Are you doing okay?”
    You will confidently and accurately say “Yes”.
    You will beam with joy because this year, in 2023, you WILL be happy.
    How will you do that?
    My darling, read on.
    Those projects you are working so hard on will flourish and make room for you in places you have yet to dream of.
    You will continue healing, practicing healthy, happy, and wholesome vibes that ooze out into the world and make you feel super cozy on the inside.
    Inside.
    No more major self-isolation. Allow yourself to feel exactly what you are feeling and embrace it wholly.
    You will no longer try on self-scrutiny at clothing stores.
    You will instead stunningly step into the best fitting pair of confidence and acceleration for life there is.
    Gie Gie, its 2023!
    Your health scares, and constant worries WILL be replaced with consistent improvements, miraculous mentions, and a lot of high fives!
    You will speak up. Your voice is beautiful, and it shall not be only made to whimper in this grand life.
    It’s also made to belly laugh so full you dribble food out in pure excitement!
    So far, you’ve wrote down 175 goals to accomplish just this year, big or small and guess what lucky duck? You will get a Guitar and learn how to strum sweet cords.
    I know you’ve always wanted a guitar. You have been in constant awe of anyone who knows how to play, plus 2-time Guitar Hero champion right here, your ready for sure.

    You love a fierce cat eye, often hid by your glasses but learning how to apply basic makeup is a razzle dazzle goal, you plan to trial and error it until your face either screams circus or success.
    Depending on the day it could scream both.
    You will take more time for self, more time to evolve, nurture the interworking’s of self and investing in self.
    You will produce zero guilt for taking a day off.
    Even if the day off is to lounge and binge watch your favorite cooking show for the hundredth time.
    It is allowed.
    Gie, you have faced many obstacles. Ones where you were certain you could not move on from.
    Each day as the goal list grows bigger, brighter, and even a bit scarier you WILL embrace it and simply do it all with a smile. A smile that is not forced, preempted, or leaves you wondering why.
    This year in 2023 Gie you will smile.
    And skydive.
    Goal 176.

    Gie

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    • Gie!!! This is soo good! You are such a strong person. And this poem is a reflection of that FACT. I hope this year you have all the confidence in the world. I hope you smile and appreciate all your beauty and determination. And of course, I hope you go skydiving and then tell me all about it! It sounds incredible, You are awesome. Keep being you…read more

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      • Lauren, as always you’re a pure gem! The way you pour into us daily is astonishing. Thank you for your kind words, this incredible platform and birthing the Unsealed family. You deserve the freshest of flowers and bluest of skies my dear. I am grateful to be here. Writing, living and striving for the better.
        Ah… Skydiving. I hope they let Me…read more

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        • Awww this message made my day. Your kind words motivate me to keep pushing. You absolutely inspire me and your kindness means a lot to me as well. Together we are going to change the world 🙂 . Thank you again. <3 Lauren

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    • Gie, I’m glad that you were able to get yourself to a point in life where you can admit that you are indeed ok when someone asks you. Smiling can take you a long way in life and leave an impression on others around you. You never know who you can impact with such an amazing smile. Stay healthy and heal yourself. You’re doing great so far!

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      • Kayjah, Thank you so very much!! It’s certainly a process and that’s exactly what I intend to do is make a lasting and positive impression on others despite how I am internally feeling at times. Thank you for the well wishes and affirmation I wish the same for you!! Your smile in profile pic is so cherry! 🙂

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  • Wheels Up, Buttercup

    “Greetings and thank you for boarding flight “1 Life to Flight”
    I am your pilot, and we will be traveling non-stop to beautiful Peaceland.”

    Son,

    Something cool about Mommy you probably didn’t know is, Mommy’s a pilot.
    Metaphorically.

    I take on uncharted and sometimes unfamiliar territories of life with only the whimsical buildup of experimental confidence.
    Hazy vision accompanied with anxious jolly demeanor, I want to fully enjoy riding the wave of life, steering deep into the abyss of the destination hoping for safe travels each time.

    Each day I gear up and get prepared for smooth flights and careful landing, even though turbulence looms over quite a few trips.

    I worry greatly if the passengers aboard will have enough connection to me. I don’t want the distance between the aisle and the cockpit to determine the connection. I want to get a great feel for everyone and see the smiles, the undeniable happiness of floating away to places where the sun kisses you in the morning to a frosty mountain top at night.
    I often wonder will I be able to provide peace upon boarding? Can they look at me and tell my fear is great, or have rest assured we’ll all land safe.
    Oh, and Son, I like to provide awesome snacks, even on days when I can’t eat. Mentally.
    Mentally.
    A word that has plastered itself to my name. Every day before flight Mentally and I take a brisk jog. We discuss what we learned from the last trip and areas of improvement for the upcoming one. Mentally is a friend of mine. Sometimes we have the best of times and ends in great laughter other times, mentally has me too wound up and I must go “AP” promptly.

    “Auto pilot”, I really try to avoid that feature of self. I desire to live and thrive in the reality of the ride. Not be consumed by the unsteady control switch. I intend to be hands on and alert throughout entire flight. Not matter how long it takes to get through TSA, baggage claim and settling in for overnight stays in new cities.

    Son, the tears you’ve seen Mommy cry are not always sad ones. There are tears of happiness, constant wars within self, proud flag planted triumphs, tears of peaceful surrender and tears of absolute joy watching you grow. I’m so incredibly thankful that I am a “pilot”.
    My mental health equips me with a life jacket awareness and ultra “fight or flight” responses. I am working hard to make sure it’s a great snug fit.

    I want you to know with each day, I will always give a grand effort to earn as many frequent flyer miles as possible, smile more and worry less and be positively ever changing.
    Mommy is proud to suit up and land safely in the world of life. No matter the distance
    I thank you for being air crafted and designed just for me and being the best copilot thus far.

    CLICK HERE TO WRITE ME BACK

    Signing off,

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  • Maybe One Day

    This letter is only available to The Unsealed subscribers. Subscribe or login to get access!

  • Jules Baker shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 1 year, 5 months ago

    Skinn

    There is something inside of me
    Desperately trying to claw its way out
    Of this flesh prison

    She isn’t a monster
    But I can never let her out
    She’s been there for too long

    In the dawn of myself
    I stuck her there
    Pushed her down with hopes she would just disappear

    But as I grow older and wiser
    She grows stronger and angrier
    For all the wrongs done against her

    And I fear, with her ever growing power,
    That she will break free
    And tear me to pieces in the process

    I can feel the seething rage
    Bubbling through to the surface
    And I grow weaker with each attempt to escape

    I fear her, yes, but she is no monster
    I fear her wrath
    I fear her need for vengeance

    Because all that happened to her
    Happened to me
    Where I am passive, she is aggressive

    She want the world to pay
    And she doesn’t care about this skin cage
    Or the person that is stuck in there too

    Behind these glassy eyes
    We are screaming
    A battle is waging, and there is no winning

    There is no other me to take over
    No before us
    Nothing to go back to when we crumble

    If I open the door, then I become her
    If she breaks free then I become nothing
    It’s too late for either of us

    Juliette

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    • Juliette, this is a beautiful poem but I want you to know it’s never too late for either of you. I know what it’s like to have pain and anger held inside … let it out. Kick, scream, talk to someone you trust or hug a friend. But know it’s never ever too late to heal your soul. Sending you a great big hug. We support you. You got this. You are so strong.

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    • Juliette, I have been through the same seething rage but instead of holding it in, I’ve let it loose. Letting this type of rage loose didn’t do me any justice, I’ve been expelled because of it and also lost a job because of it. I’ve learned from being on the unsealed how to control it and use other tactics such as writing and talking up boxing…read more

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    • Dear Juliette,
      Your poem is very thoughtful and serious. I hope you find a balance in your life that makes you happy. I hope you find peace and happiness.

      All the best,
      Shelley

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  • The change I so desperately crave

    Representation to me means the whole entire world and takes on a whole new level when you weren’t born the so-called typical way and your body doesn’t fit the mold. I have a form of Cerebral Palsy known as Spastic Diplegia which translates to both of my legs being affected resulting in difficulties moving around. I use all different types of things for mobility aid ranging from leg braces, a walker and occasionally a wheelchair for longer distances. A little bit of a back story. I’m a triplet as a result of in vitro we came into this world at thirty weeks so when you come to think about it my family and I are truly blessed as things could have been a whole lot worse. Under no circumstances does that mean I’m not deserving of being seen. I have so much to offer this world but don’t have as nearly as many audiences to show as I should. All throughout my years of elementary, middle and high school I had something called an individualized education plan which had my specific needs documented such as extra time on tests and so on including the therapies I received physical and occupational. I have fine motor difficulties however they are not as prevalent as my gross motor ones. There will never be a time when I don’t need physical therapy. I attend an intensive place bi weekly and at the end of every session I feel so proud of myself. It can be absolutely grueling at times but it’s so worth it. Another thing I had in school was a one on one aide to help in making sure I navigated from place to place safely. Fast forward to after high school graduation and I no longer have either of those things. I in a sense fell off the face of the earth. There is literally nothing for me now as all my life I have been told I fall in the middle somewhere or am too high functioning, but then again keep in mind things can be too advanced for me as well. A number of programs I have reached out to don’t even bother responding I shouldn’t have to experience what I do on a daily basis boredom beyond measure because I have very few things to occupy my time which is off the scale frustrating because not to toot my own horn but I am very smart I just need a different approach than most. For example when I was in eleventh grade I was inducted into the world language honor society and took it a step further and filled out an application to become an officer ultimately becoming the secretary. I have a love of learning but regular college run classes have never been suitable for me as I get extremely overwhelmed with the pace. I have had six surgeries to date and the uncertainty my life presents can be paralyzing some days but I will never ever give up and do not let anything stop me. I have gone rock and boulder climbing reaching the top both times thanks to my amazing friends who to say I’m lucky to have would be an understatement. This applies to my family as well. A support system goes such a long way but now it’s time we reach the highest grounds and soar. I also did adaptive skiing, zip lining, a flying trapeze and will be looking into adaptive surfing for next summer. I get a lot of enjoyment riding my adaptive bike too. Another thing I am working towards is ice skating. In preparation for this I have been practicing in therapy by ambulating with scooters under my feet. Life has thrown me a bunch of curveballs so I want to remind everyone of this, you truly never know the depth of what someone may be going through so in a word where you can be anything just be kind. Here’s a bonus: being kind doesn’t cost a thing plus it’s a two way street you will begin to reap the rewards too trust me on that. I don’t know what job path I would like to go down just yet but I do know one thing for sure: I want to spend all of my life using my voice to help others. This was fueled more so than I could have ever imagined back in 2019 when I became a volunteer suicide mental health hotline operator. It’s fully online through texting. It lit a fire in my soul that I never saw before and I don’t plan to ever stop feeding that passion of mine. When you’re in tune with your own voice you have the power to move mountains, and that is my exact mission in life to do just that, envisioning the best possible future for all. After the conversation you have with the person they have an option to anonymously write something if they want to, like feedback of how we did. They are all very nice but one in particular made the happiest tears flow out of me and I will never forget it as long as I live. It changed my view of literally everything. They called me an angel saying I saved a life today and that I should be proud of what I do. I have every reason to be. That statement leaves me utterly speechless miracles happen in our everyday lives if we look hard enough. To tie back to the theme of this letter representation I always say to myself if someone was in my shoes or anyone with challenges it would be a different story as they would see where I’m coming from. I will always use my voice for all especially those who can’t voice their thoughts to ensure that those with physical challenges on all degrees can have just as much visibility as everyone else I think it’s absolutely wonderful that when it comes to cognitive disabilities like autism and Down syndrome that the world recognizes it as that’s how it should be however we should be represented just like that I hope for this to go viral and be seen by as many possible those in the higher education field would be an ideal start.

    Julia

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    • Julia, you are truly strong. I hate that the world we live in has such standards on society and when you are out of the so-called norm there are always stares. Your amazing even though your fighting with something you have no control over. I hope they show more representation with Spastic Diplegi. It’s the first time I’ve heard of this. I’m glad…read more

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      • ⚠️ This letter has been reported

        Kayjah,
        Thank you for your interest in my story and your support!!!!!! Educating others about what I live with means everything to me and your words will stay with me forever. Have an amazing night keep making your incredible mark on this world and again thank you SO much truly ❤️❤️

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    • Perseverance! Julia you show so much perseverance in your representation and I felt it through the letter. Despite the adversities faced you have still stood strong self vigilante and forward! Very honorable. Please keep striving! 🙂

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      • I truly needed this tonight. Your kind nature is everything ❤️ Thank you so much for sharing your bright light Gie! Enjoy your night and have a wonderful week xoxoxoxoxo you rock

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        • For sure!! Im so glad Lauren created this platform! We are gonna build stellar connections here and grow well beyond our fears! You are a light too Julia and I always want you to shine!! 🙂

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          • I’m endlessly grateful for Lauren as well and agree with everything you said!!! Thank you for your kindness and sharing your character with me Enjoy the rest of your day and weekend

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    • Great article! Would love to talk to you more about your experiences. I have CP too! And have an Instagram page where I post about it, adaptint2yourabilities. If you want to know more about how I do things with CP or just general motivation, thank you for creating this community, Lauren!

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  • Shauntyce Plowden shared a letter in the Group logo of What does representation mean to you?What does representation mean to you? group 1 year, 5 months ago

    This post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.

    My Mirror

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  • WINNER: New Year’s Dance

    you come from a story of love

    so it’s only natural for you to carry so much of it on your sleeve.

    your mom believes in miracles because of your breath, so why shouldn’t you?

    you come from thick texas drawls,

    cigarette smoke,

    hairspray,

    and tents made out of bedsheets and dining chairs.

    a student of opera

    and a dropout almost-rockstar

    smiled and decided that life

    was found in each other,

    your first example of juliet and romeo.

     

    there’s a memory somewhere of you

    in dad’s old studio

    with big headphones on and a smile on your face

    and that’s where you got your biggest gift

    a strum of a guitar

    and clatters of a drum kit

    right in front of you.

    your dad knew you would love it like he did

    just as your mom knew you were a soprano

    and from then on you let the music hold your hand

    and put you to sleep.

     

    you never lost it as you grew up

    you measure your life with different songs

    many different genres in your blood.

    your grandma always knew you could dance

    even if your body seemed to hold you captive

    and that’s the kind of faith you believe in.

    the kind of faith that doesn’t scream at you to repent

    no kind of sin to confess

    just belief in the people around you.

     

    you carry that faith into the new year

    as you dance with your girlfriend straight into midnight

    and you notice how no one judges you for the way that you move.

    your entire life, the bruises on your knees had been your identity

    and you’d apologized for almost every step you had taken

    until someone you had chosen bought you boots with easy zips on the side

    and held your bones with such nuance

    such marvel

    in a way they had never been held before

    held not out of obligation

    but out of love.

     

    so as you dance,

    you know that you are beautiful.

    and as you count down to a complete rotation,

    you know

    for the very first time

    that you exist infinitely

    that your soul has been made over

    more times than you can fathom

    and that there is no right or wrong way

    to breathe

    there is only life.

     

    and under a new year’s sun,

    you will no longer apologize

    and you will dance without remorse.

    Voting is closed

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  • jadeng662 submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to the world about the how you’ve overcome adversityWrite a letter to the world about the how you’ve overcome adversity 2 years, 8 months ago

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    Contest Entry Top 10: What almost losing my mom taught me

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