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  • Nightfall

    Heal yourself before you let anyone too close.
    I wanted to heal myself before I leant too close to your heart, but it seemed as though the intimacy of nightfall took ownership of my will, well before I could prepare for the unknown of what comes next.
    I couldn’t tell her no.

    A fire was lit that night, though unsure if it was ours.

    The trees were whistling with the sounds of whispers and I remember being afraid of moving too loud—as I was afraid of breaking the silence.

    Our silence.
    Our mouths salivating.
    Our skin pierced with the teeth of blood sucking vessels.
    Our fears enlarging.

    Neither one of us wanted to move, no matter how painful.
    However,
    this was nothing compared to the pain we usually felt.

    This was pain that one could appreciate for not being so heavy.

    Your silence speaks of hidden languages that only a fellow hurt person could understand—I was only favored enough to understand it.
    Similar to the way your eyes tell a story that is both beautiful and sorrowful if you stare too closely—so I don’t.

    I turn my head the opposite way on your chest so that I could listen with more depth to the sounds of your heart waves.
    I was overcome with a feeling of emptiness.
    Hollow even, but a heart was still inside.
    It’s beating faster than usual.
    It’s the feeling of a race being chased by its own blood. Whoever stops the beating first is the most comfortable. There was no off button, no way to stop what was actually being felt.
    We just had to wait for the intensity to cool down.

    I told you that I was tired,
    to which you replied “so fall asleep”
    And I did—I attempted.

    The sky took away the brightness of day, along with it the warmth of a summer evening. Though replaced with your presence. Nightfall no longer brought the fear of solitude and the self-sabotage my thoughts spawned. And I no longer feared of what happens if both our darknesses activated on such a night.

    I whisper to you, “I can hear your heartbeat.”
    Your silence was louder than your wavelength.

    At that moment, I was unsure if words were allowed, unsure if I should have spoken—so I didn’t.

    We are both broken inside, I can feel it. I can feel you.

    We were both hesitant, but it still felt nice—to know that we both came from dark and twisted places, yet no matter how broken, we only saw each other as human.

    I knew not to let go, as this hour was the only hour we had that time was allowed to stop. That’s what it felt like.
    A pause.
    A pause on all the heartbreak we’ve undergone.

    I’ve been heartbeat to heartbeat
    with other people before,
    skin to skin,
    but it never felt like when I was with you.
    This didn’t feel so wrong.
    Instead, this felt okay.
    This felt like safety was an understatement.

    I can feel your heartbeat again,
    but this time its closer towards your lap,
    with me laying across you.
    You’re afraid to touch me—so you don’t.
    However, you don’t want me to move.
    Unfortunately, those were actions that we couldn’t act on.

    Together, we reached safety within our hearts.
    An unspoken true love.
    Builders then constructed a home.
    One with no loud anger, no worries, no glass boxes, and no heartbreak.
    We put a pause to the hurt. How did we manage to do this? Perhaps the darkness that we shared created a dark hole. One that was powerful enough to create a temporary silence.

    You were gentle. I was anxious.
    I kept you warm, and you kept me still.
    No anger, no worries, no fears, and no hurt.
    We put a pause to the hurt. How did we manage to both come from dark and twisted places but still together, we were able to create something that was so whole and safe?
    While only temporary, it was still nice.

    I would then crawl into you and enjoy the sounds of love bugs within the air.
    And before the night was over,

    —before the sky released the brightness of the day…along with it the warmth of summer evening
    —before the hours of dawn erased a memory of what special was held in that very moment…
    —And before magic went back to being parable…

    We allowed ourselves to be intimate in other ways.
    That’s what I like to call sincere friendship.

    Jesseley Gomes

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    • Jesseley, this piece feels so magical. Sometimes in life, we have this inexplicable connection with people. Sometimes it’s only for a moment in time, and sometimes it’s forever, but either way, it doesn’t take away from the magic. It seems like you soaked in the moment and magic and appreciated it for all it was worth. Thank you for sharing it…read more

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  • Cloud Therapy

    Hop in my charcoal gray Nissan
    I call her sweet, Storm Moltenya
    hankering, hungrily for my favorite guacamole
    it’s such a lovely, broken heart mender
    swerving swiftly through the street
    to my glorious green treat
    on the radio, a lo-fi beat
    relaxing, rocking in my seat

    striking sights suddenly stop
    me amidst the concrete maze
    my eyes bathe in a golden glaze
    pampering, pretty pink haze
    Happy, hopeful heavens amaze
    sunbeams bow as they blaze

    cloud crests curl compassionately
    atop blue beauty, like festive covers
    swirling colors like lustful lovers
    floating forces connect
    robust, radiant, and proud
    one keeps calling, like a friend to me
    rare and distinct from the crowd
    with a name, it is endowed
    Titan is silent, yet loud

    drawn in by his magnanimous mojo
    body like a stairway to Cielo
    sunlight illuminates his halo
    saying, “Climb up, spend a day or so”
    to meet my spirit guides, I want to go

    for a little while, he makes me smile
    magnificently moving, I like his style
    shaped like a seven, such a divine posture
    delightfully doting, my full attention I offer

    tall Titan
    incredible, inviting
    enchanted to behold you
    with you, I’m vibing
    just joy riding
    admiring you from all angles
    an amazing abode for angels

    viewing your spectacular stature
    over the rolling green pasture
    peace, presence, and love
    from the majestic master
    of this unique universe
    I’m inspired to pen a verse

    listening to Miguel
    feeling alive and well
    earlier felt like hell
    now I’m witnessing heaven
    picturesque, pineapple, purple skies
    baptize, bless, caress, and surprise
    viewing this vibrant vision, I realize

    Everything is going to be alright.

    Taryn Ariel

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    • Taryn! This piece is brilliant. I love how you describe such a carefree way in such a creative and rhythmic way! I also happen to love Miguel and guacamole. I can totally feel the entire vibe of your day through your words. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren

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    • I love the personification with nature, so much so, some thought another was there with you.
      Your piece reminds me of the peace I could feel and how simple it could be.
      I’m always working on presence.
      Thank you for the experience!

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  • 2024 Music Year of Memories

    Dear Unsealed,
    2024 was and is forever changing directions around the world.
    As I step up the ladder to look out at the world,
    I slip,
    I grip,
    The sides of the ladder as it staggers slowly to the ground,
    All around
    The neighborhoods of America
    We shout I care!
    I kept my goals of diet, focusing, eating healthy and all the other goals I had proposed processing the exchange from 2023 to 2024. I wrote for The Unsealed and Vocal.
    My newest accomplishment was writing and producing 18 songs after signing a contract with #distrokid online. That was not planned. I had music training beginning early in life. I utilize Suno AI, Invideo Ai, LTX studios AI, Sora AI to produce videos with my music to publish on you tube. I create music, words, and beats and all that from my heart and soul to make people happy or to talk about political issues through music. I discovered this is my new adventure.
    I am still waiting on commissions from Vocal for this year. I am waiting for my royalties from my music. A goal for another story will be written soon.
    2024 was a progressive year of changes, elections, and then the non-progressive election of a backwards society person to suppress women, the elderly, the vulnerable of our society. My answer to all of that malarky’ is I will remain who I am as a creative woman of elder age of 75.
    The world watches all.
    The world will see as the ball
    Drops in Times Square 2024.
    As before
    We salute 2024,
    We crash our drinks to 2025,
    We are alive
    To strive for rainbows,
    Not illusions of unicorns,
    But truth, freedom, and to be born
    To spread love across the world
    Of the good, the bad, the ugly.
    As I type on my pc to be a ladybug
    Of character of values to flow
    Across from 2024 to 2025,
    More songs, stories, poems, art
    Not farts.
    So, I summarize my eccentric rant of 2024
    As each year goes forward
    My music and contract with #distrokid were my unexpected 2024 goal that came true as I walked the path of the year transformation from dark to light.
    So bright,
    So very light,
    Breathe!

    Vicki Lawana Trusselli

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  • Upon turning 50 on September 25, 1974

    I am in that time of life when looking into the mirror reveals a face that looks back at me–
    and I no longer see myself
    as I see my-
    Self.

    I am in that time of life when new music and shows and scenes are too loud and too much and too many and the sound of silence and childhood nostalgia
    are soft
    and calm
    and exact.

    I am in that time of life when the more really should be the less–and while so much is thought-
    so much less is said
    because when you know…you know to do better.
    And, better is in what is left
    unspoken.

    Yes,
    I am in that time of life when the thought of menopause is no longer a mystery, but an expectation and dreams are plans and goals made and promises broken or kept
    or both-and-
    what’s left has now grown into
    a woman.

    A woman in that time of life who has seen or sees her mother in herself-
    as a mother-
    and if not-
    sees herself as the mother who has learned how to be her
    Self
    As
    An-
    Other.

    That time of life, I am in
    as a woman- now
    And keep growing into myself even
    further.

    Alana Wortman Coles

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    • Alana, Aging can be such a surreal feeling as you evolve into a new form of yourself in every sense. I love how eloquently you described the experience and how thoughtful you are about your journey. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren

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  • Coming home

    I would love to tell you 2024 was the GREATEST year ever, but it has been MY MOST GROWING year, this year we received my hero ( my mom had leukemia, and we were prepared to fight with her , we rushed her to the hospital on multiple occasions and for a month she was in the hospital, so we took care of 2 homes and prayed and believed in a MIGHTY GOD, who can do ALL THINGS, well after the month was up , she was CLEARED OF IT ( THANK YOU JESUS) and I rented a billboard and I TOLD EVERYONE, she was coming home, she beat the leukemia ( ALL THANKS TO GOD) I watched as all those years it was MY TURN to help her, Everyday is a NEW DAY and we don’t look months in advance, we are taking day by day. 2024 was the year I GREW MENTALLY, and I watched my mom BEAT what was impossible.. LUKE 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible

    Boyd.LeRoy.Bragg

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    • Aww, I am so happy to hear that your mom is in remission. That is amazing. It sounds like in 2024 you realized how strong you are and how much you can carry. Sending hugs. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren

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  • briar-hex submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024 6 months, 1 weeks ago

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    New Addition

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  • 2024 Sing,Dance,Act

    2024 Sing,Dance,Act
    Best
    Better
    The Bomb
    Graduate 2024 Sing your song!
    Best
    Better
    The Bomb
    Graduate 2024 Dance to your prom!
    Best
    Better
    The Bomb
    Graduate 2024 Act cool, Act fast, Act like a grown up for your mom!

    Stephanie Thomas

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    • Congrats on graduating to the next chapter of your life. This is such a fun and clever piece. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren

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  • 2024: The Best Year

    When I think of 2024, I think: “best year of my life,”
    Because this is the year that I became your wife.
    The year we said “I do” standing before our loved ones,
    With our toes in the sand, in front of the setting sun.

    This is the day I had been dreaming of,
    For thirteen years we have been sharing our love.
    We started dating when we were only sixteen,
    Simultaneously knowing, and not knowing, we’d be living this dream.

    Building this foundation with you over the years
    Has only strengthen my love and lessened my fears.
    You know me better than anyone; you love every part of me
    And I do the same for you- it all comes naturally.

    We came together effortlessly, as if we were meant to
    Whether you believe so or not, I believe that to be true.
    From the beginning, I knew our connection was divine
    Even if I didn’t have those exact spiritual beliefs at the time

    It was a feeling deep within me, one that got loud when you walked in
    It was strong yet calming… a sort of intuition from within.
    I knew you were going to be someone special in my life,
    And I somehow knew that one day I would be your wife.

    We both knew it then, which is why we didn’t care about the timeline.
    People would ask questions and judge, but we knew that everything would align.
    Thirteen years later, we got married on our dating anniversary,
    Uniting us forever and sealing our love for eternity.

    As we continue to grow old, I will always remember our special day
    Deep in my heart and soul, the fond memories will stay.
    They warm me from the inside out, bringing up happy tears.
    I know our love will only continue to grow stronger over the years.

    Jena McPherson

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    • Awww JENA!! I love love this story and your love and this poem. And how lucky are you to meet the love of your life at 16. Do you know how much heartache and drama you avoided? Lol. I am so happy you have such wonderful love/partner in your life, and your wedding day was magical, as you so deserved. Thank you for sharing your love story with us.…read more

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      • Thank you, Lauren! I honestly feel so lucky every day that I met him when I did. I cannot imagine dealing with the drama of dating LOL and I am so thankful for that. I appreciate your kind words and I appreciate this community!

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  • LIVING THROUGH LOVE AND LOSS: THE JOURNEY OF CUMULATIVE GRIEF

    I remember the smell of Charlie perfume and peppermint candy, the sound of her strong voice and the feel of her warm, calloused hands. Grandma Lee Lee, as she was fondly called, loved to cook, dance and play the piano at church. Often when GaGa had political engagements and mommy was busy living her life, I spent immeasurable time with Grandma Lee Lee. I just had my sixth birthday party and although Grandma Lee Lee wasn’t feeling well, I remember her being the fun hostess everyone adored because she always loved a good party. I remember going home and a few days later waking up to everyone crying in my house. When GaGa told me Grandma Lee Lee had died, my little mind couldn’t comprehend it. I told my grandmother that Grandma Lee Lee had just come to me that night, beautiful and not sick. She told me that she was better, that she loved me and I was to be a good girl because she’ll be watching me. How could Grandma Lee Lee come see me if she was dead? My grandmother looked at me, the tears streaming from her eyes and held me close without saying a word.
    That was my first memory and experience with death and a couple of years later a childhood friend, Karla Campbell, was kidnapped and murdered. We were just eight years old and all I was thinking about was that I was never going to see her again because a bad man hurt her. My biggest heartbreak came in 2000 when we had to make the most difficult decision to take my grandmother off life support on Easter Sunday at noon. GaGa had been my world and I had been her caregiver since a senior in high school. I never fully recovered from that decision or day and over the years, I would replay and relive the moment to my mental and spiritual detriment.
    Since then, death has often paralyzed me each time; with the last decade experiencing multiple losses, seemingly back to back with little time or rest to process the last transition of a loved one. For example late 2011-2013, I had lost thirteen loved ones; among them my god child, the suicide of a cousin, the murder of another cousin, my uncle who was my father figure and finally ending with the sudden death of my grief counselor herself. I had started going to therapy in 2012 to deal with my compounded grief and she was a great inspiration for my healing. Imagine someone giving you coping tools for grief processing and ultimately you have to deal with losing them as well. It was the first time I had heard about complicated and compounded grief:

    “Complicated grief is like being in an ongoing, heightened state of mourning that keeps you from healing. Signs and symptoms of complicated grief may include: Intense sorrow, pain and rumination over the loss of your loved one. Focus on little else but your loved one’s death.”

    “Compounded grief, also known as cumulative grief, is a pile-on effect of grief or “grief overload.” It may mean losing several loved ones in a short period of time. It may mean losing a loved one, then a relationship, then a job, then a pet, then a natural disaster hits and damages your home, etc. The losses can come from various sectors, but put together, it’s a big pile of grief and loss to deal with”

    I thought I would never see a season of so much loss like 2011-2013 but unfortunately, I was wrong. And although my perception of death matured with my spirituality, my constant and prolonged grieving has often prevented me from healing as much as I could. 2017 I lost my mother to breast cancer after an estrangement. Being at her bedside, despite it all, I was allowed to care for her the last two weeks of her life and by the Lord’s grace, we found our closure before she transitioned but the mourning of our relationship and time lost continues until this day. I would experience more loss soon after, a village mother and two pets, which only compounded my grief. Then the pandemic hit and of course like many, Covid-19 took some loved ones I thought I’d never be without and I found myself drowning in depression even as I facilitated grief and bereavement support groups for Project WINGS.
    Last year I lost my big brother Sean and a childhood friend back to back. The holidays are hard to endure and haven’t been the same for years but I push through for others sake and not my own. It can be daunting to have to smile when inside you are drained and emotional from grieving.
    Even as I write this, I’ve experienced the loss of five loved ones since June 2023. A dear cousin that was like a brother, a best friend since seventh grade, a nephew to murder, a father figure/mentor and a young man that had become my earth son the last few years. As much as I try, the world seems so hard and feels so cold dealing with loss. However I heard a saying recently “Grief is the price you pay for loving that person” and Dr. Joseph Smedley tells us that after each loss, you have to reinvent yourself because you are not the same person who was before the loss of a loved one. Having cumulative grief means constantly reinventing myself almost to the point of not recognizing who I am sometimes. I’ve found some solace in therapy, family and friends as my life lines yet sometimes I struggle with feeling like a burden or downer to them, so I tend to isolate which isn’t good for my mental health. Though I still struggle and will continue to fight myself, I offer these tidbits for someone who is dealing with complicated or compounded grief:

    Therapy
    I can’t stress enough the importance of counseling to help with your mental health! You can have theology/religion and therapy too, in fact, I strongly suggest you do both to help heal your overall being. Because grief is also a mental health crisis, it is important to get the tools and resources you need to survive it.

    Coping Skills
    Whatever your healthy coping skill is, use it!
    I know people who walk or jog, I know others who are creatives using their talents and some who volunteer for organizations. I’m grateful to be an artist that can utilize some of my gifts to help relieve stress, anxiety and depression. Laughter is also one of my coping skills I utilize to get me through hard times. Coping skills help us to raise our resilience against life stressors. Just a simple act of sitting in the sun, watching a movie, listening to music or helping someone can make you feel better. Find a way to celebrate or honor their lives in some way. Being grateful for their lives, the impact they have in yours and cherishing fond memories.

    Life lines
    Have a circle of family/friends that you can lean on during this time. There is power in reaching out to those who love you and empathize with you. Having a trusted circle that you can go to in times of need is essential to your wellbeing and self-care.

    Griever’s Rights
    You have griever’s rights, use them! I find it necessary to remind myself to be kind and gracious to myself while grieving. That everyone grieves differently and that grief is not a straight line. Look up mental and spiritual health resources that can help you during your grief process. Know that grieving is a unique journey for every individual. Know your grievers rights and honor your grief processing.

    Prayer and Praise
    Pray, Pray and Pray! We are social, biological, psychological and spiritual beings. The journey of healing entails addressing each aspect of our beings and I personally have found that praying daily, listening to mediation and/or praise music helps to stabilize my moods and helps to raise my vibrations against depression. It’s not easy but there are times when I have to literally stay in prayer all day to stay focused, encouraged and to keep my mood up.

    Self-care
    Take care of yourself!
    All of the above is self-care and self-care is imperative to the grief process as well as the journey of healing. Sometimes self-care is hard to do when you can’t get out of bed, or just taking a shower seems so overwhelming. In therapy and living through cumulative grief, I’ve discovered that small steps, coping skills and grace for myself aids in my self-care.

    Loves and Lights, grief is something you don’t get over but live through. For those of us who are experiencing cumulative grief, the journey can often feel endless but after every storm is a rainbow. Sometimes you have to fight extra hard to see or find it, but the rainbow is always there, a promise from The Most High that this too shall pass and that we are not alone. There is help and hope for us if we choose to seek it. As I live out my grieving process, my prayer for myself and for anyone struggling is that you have comfort, grace and strength on your healing journey. That you celebrate Life’s about moments so please don’t give up; stay encouraged and find your joy in every moment and everywhere that you can, while you can.

    I love you

    TaMara E'Lan G.

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    • Wow Tamra you have endured a lot of grief and pain. My heart goes out to you. As I was reading this I felt my heartbreak. I have never known about compounded grief until I had read your story. That is a perfect word for someone who has experienced numerous losses in their lifetime. Thank you for creating ways on how to process compounded grief.…read more

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      • Thank you Cierra for your response and encouragement. Sending you my light and prayers to you on your healing and journey. Grief is never a straight line so we have to be kind to ourselves and be there for another. I’m here if you ever want or need to talk. ❤️

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  • Memories Created

    In 2024, a moment shone bright,
    A day when everything felt just right.
    The classroom buzzed with quiet pride,
    As understanding grew from side to side.

    A breakthrough bloomed, soft and clear,
    A quiet smile, a spark of cheer.
    A student reached a place so new,
    And in that moment, strength just grew.

    The hard work paid, the effort true,
    A bond of trust in all they knew.
    In that small moment, a world was changed,
    And everything felt wonderfully rearranged.

    A memory to carry, warm and near,
    A reminder that growth is always here.
    2024 brought joy anew,
    A year of progress, of dreams in view.

    Neuropoetic

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    • You are such an amazing writer. You are able to tell your story so clearly and creatively. It is such a joy to read. Congrats on the milestone of starting your career. Your students are so lucky to have you. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren

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  • Melancholy

    He just couldn’t stand the “American Dream”
    Presence left, his soul never leaves
    When I lost my father my vision turned blurry
    Flavoring my life even though I lost the strife
    I still worry that I can’t hold the knife
    Even though God tells me not to withhold it
    Wrath of emotions symbolize despondent
    How could anyone compare Immune to the heartache
    Limbs of despair roaring through the thick air
    The air revolve around the painful calamity
    Dysphoria chemistry within a distant memory
    Wishing human nature could stick to the roots of imagery
    A tree of life. A tree of symbolism. A tree of purity.

    Artistic Ci

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  • Sacrifice

    Rolling them dice
    In this world of mine
    Gambling at loves price
    Yes, I am fine!

    Read between the lines
    Cause, I will not say
    What my mind confines
    Please, will you stay?

    Must I tell you a tale
    Or tell you how I really feel
    Instead, I could run and bail
    Or make love an ordeal!

    Maybe I will give you a clue
    The chaos I have become
    Just to be true
    What a sacrifice to come!

    The love between us
    Could be a distant memory
    Is there any more to discuss?
    Oh quite contrary!

    JoAnna

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    • Joanna, this piece is so clever. I can feel the internal conflict through your words. Love is complicated – whether it be loving someone else or loving another. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren

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  • I Guess

    Why is Grief alive when the person I love is dead?

    Why does Grief taunt and speak when my relationship is quiet, nothing more said?

    Grief keeps coming to over power me, over take me, overcome me-

    Leave me Grief!
    No! You’re all I have left.

    Stay I Guess

    Stephanie Thomas

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    • This is such a powerful letter about grief. Grief has been my best friend since 2014 and has become a bigger monster last year! Grief comes in various forms of faces whether it is sadness, or anger. There are times grief disables our minds our bodies and our voices. I try to run away from it but I am learning to face the fear and battle of grief.…read more

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  • From Heartbreak to Healing: Trusting God's Timing

    Have you ever wanted something so deeply, prayed for it for years, and finally had it within your grasp—only for it to be taken away? That kind of loss is indescribable, a pain that shakes your very soul. I’ve seen people in moments like this lose their faith, turn their backs on God, and cry out, “Why me?” But I’ve also learned that the real question is often, “Why not?” What if the denial isn’t punishment, but protection? What if it’s God’s way of preparing us for something far greater than we can see in the moment?

    Sometimes, we carry unhealed wounds—trauma buried so deeply it shapes our lives without us even realizing it. Instead of confronting it, we move forward, adding layer upon layer to a foundation that isn’t stable. We pray for blessings, but how can God build something beautiful on ground that’s fractured? Before He gives us what we’re asking for, He often calls us to heal, to prepare for the weight of the blessing. That’s what I’ve come to understand through my own journey.

    In 2020, my world was turned upside down. I lost my dad, a man whose presence was a constant in my life. That same year, I ended an eight-year relationship with my fiancé. At the same time, I received a promotion at work—a bittersweet high in the midst of so many lows. Life felt like a chaotic mix of gains and losses, but I buried my pain under work, pretending everything was fine. I kept smiling, kept pushing forward, even though my heart was heavy and my spirit was weary.

    Then came 2021, and instead of taking the time to heal, I jumped into a new relationship. At first, it felt like the escape I needed, the fresh start that could make everything better. But I wasn’t okay—I hadn’t dealt with the grief of losing my dad or the pain of my broken engagement. I was running from myself, hoping a new love could fix what was broken inside me.

    When I found out I was pregnant, it felt like a sign, like God was finally giving me the joy I had been praying for. My kids were so excited, especially my son with autism, who joyfully spoke about baby clothes and all the things we would do. For a brief moment, it felt like everything was coming together. But that joy was short-lived. The dream was shattered when I was told my baby had passed away.

    The loss was devastating, and the weight of it all overwhelmed me. The day before the procedure to remove the baby, I finally broke down, letting out the tears and sorrow I had been suppressing. It was one of the hardest moments of my life, but in that pain, I began to find clarity. As much as I wanted to hold on to the hope of new life, I couldn’t ignore the reality of my situation.

    The relationship I was in wasn’t right. My partner wasn’t ready to be the kind of father I needed for my child, and the foundation wasn’t stable enough to support such a blessing. It became clear that God wasn’t denying me; He was protecting me. He wasn’t going to bring new life into chaos or confusion, and as painful as it was to accept, I knew He was saving me from something I wasn’t ready for.

    December 10th, a day I had always celebrated as my parents’ anniversary, became a day of deep reflection. Though it was marked by pain, I never lost my faith. Instead, I began to see the spiritual meaning in the loss. Sometimes, the blessings we pray for require preparation. They demand healing, clarity, and a solid foundation. God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own. What felt like denial wasn’t punishment—it was protection, a reminder that some blessings aren’t meant to come into chaos.

    This experience, as painful as it was, taught me strength and patience. It deepened my trust in God’s plan and reminded me that not all delays are denials. I’m still grieving, still healing, but I hold on to the belief that when the time is right, the blessings meant for me will come. And when they do, they’ll come on a foundation that is whole, healed, and ready to embrace them fully.

    Anita A Williams

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    • I really resonated with the first paragraph in this letter, I was feeling the tormenting of why am I losing a lot of things that I have prayed for but I clicked over to awareness of it is what it is and sometimes we have to let go for better things in life that aligns with our purpose. I am so sorry you went through so many challenges, and am…read more

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  • The Bonus Moments of Leap Day

    Each year’s a fresh collage of memories,
    most blurry, insignificant, and pale—
    but some recur as vivid reveries.

    Please.

    Of those, I cannot choose a favorite tale.

    How could I rank a moment as the one
    I’d save to an impenetrable drive
    if suddenly my brain became corrupt,
    deleting every snippet of my life?

    No love is more important than the next.

    I’d sadly watch each pixel fade away
    from Betamax home movies in my head,
    all color leached, my screen a snowy gray,
    still hanging tight to this year’s bonus speck—
    the extra day of Mason loves Mammay.

    Necia Campbell

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    • Aww, this is so sweet. and thoughtful. It is so hard just to choose one moment, but a baby’s love fills up so many moments, all I assume are equally wonderful. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren

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      • Thank you, as always, for reading! My oldest grandson is the light of my life and every minute I spend with him is magical. 🥰

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  • Memory of '24

    Dear Unsealers,

    2024 has had a lot in store for many of us, I am sure.

    It is nothing compared to 2023, which shattered some hopes and some dreams for me.

    In 2023, I said goodbye to past versions of myself, but with them went parts of my little family. They passed away only one year ago. It took some time to process all that, and I’m not quite sure I am done at this point.

    In 2024, something different in me woke up. I saw things differently, new things I hadn’t felt, old feelings too. PTSD does bring its blues. I may not be great, at least not just yet. But I’ve told myself again and again that I’ll spend my life trying to be the best version of myself.

    2024 is my favorite memory.

    I’ll feel this one for sure because it has given me the space to address some old wounds and heal. It’s given me memories and moments an old me would have wanted. 2023 was filled with a lot of pain for me—many times tested, many nights alone. Everything will all be worth it in the end.

    So today, when you ask me what my favorite memory of 2024 was, I’d say every day, in every way. But if I had to choose just one, it would be when I turned 26. I’ve never liked my birthday, and I probably never will. But when I turned 26, something in me clicked. I was so sure I’d expire before the age of 25, so sure, in fact, that it was hard to imagine myself past my 20s. But I made it to 26, and some days past that.

    2024 is my favorite memory of 2024.
    I wouldn’t say this year is easy.
    But it hasn’t been the most challenging year yet.

    Mars Wilson

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    • Aww, Mars, I am so glad you made it 26, too. And I am so glad 2024 was a year of healing and growing for you. I am sorry for the losses you endured in 2023. Grief and any type of healing do take time, so keep giving yourself grace. You are wonderful! Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren

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  • thedatingdaysofmartao submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024 6 months, 1 weeks ago

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    The Annual Pass

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  • Isaac is me 2024 recap

    2024 has been such a blessing to me both creatively and personally. I have been performing poetry since January 2023 and its been such a fun ride. 2024 has been such a rewarding year due to the growth I’ve seen in myself. I am naturally a reversed and socially awkward person but this year I’ve learned to be more social. Networking with artist and platforms created alot of opportunities with featuring in open mics. One of my favorite memory of the year was doing my first video shoot (acting /extra role) which was because i reached out to peer that was looking for extras. Another memory was participating a podcast called first date questions which i was vulnerable about my dating life. I am so proud of myself because i have met so many cool people and people i’ve been fans of for such a long time and its really incredible that they appreciate my work as much as i appreciate their work. Not sure what 2025 has for me but i am very excited in what paths open up to me.

    Isaac is me

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    • Aww, Isaac, I really love this. It sounds like you truly put yourself out there in 2024, and it led to fulfilling and exciting relationships and connections. I hope you keep that energy in 2025, and I hope the positive energy and experiences keep coming your way. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren

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  • The Glimmer Is Blue

    Dear Unsealers,

    My 2024 was a whirlwind of life events.

    Losing friends, though keeping a few close.

    Turning 40 years old while at the psych hospital.

    Losing my favorite cat – my reason for living.

    Getting denied for long-term disability pay a second time.

    Continuously struggling to survive.

    Finding a new reason to live.

    It is so easy to lose sight of the good things in my life.

    There is, however, one process I began this year that overshadowed this seemingly never-ending shitstorm –

    Changing my identity.

    I realized that I am nonbinary in 2022.

    I discovered a new name for myself – Blue Sky – in 2023.

    I started stepping into that identity in 2024.

    I got a new haircut.

    Adopted a new aesthetic.

    Became more true to myself.

    In August, I petitioned the Superior Court of California to have my name and gender identifier changed.

    In November, I legally became Blue N Sky and nonbinary.

    I get to change my birth certificate.

    And now I realize that I have always been Blue Sky.

    My parents gave me my previous name.

    Society gave me my previous identity.

    I broke out of societal expectations of me.

    I feel more authentic.

    Living closer to my values.

    Blue Sky is a beautiful extension of my creativity.

    Blue Sky is a reminder that no matter how stormy my life gets –

    Blue skies are always on the horizon.

    And now I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

    Still far away.

    But the glimmer is blue.

    The glimmer is me.

    Blue Sky

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    • Aww Blue, I am so happy that you have been able to step into the identity of your true self, and live your life in a way that is authentic and makes you happy. I am sorry for the hard times and the challenges, but it sounds like 2024 was a transitional year for you in a very wonderful way. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The…read more

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  • hereonplanetmarz submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024 6 months, 2 weeks ago

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    right now

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