In this chapter of my life
I love that I am learning to dance in the rain
In this chapter of my life
I love that I am learning myself again
In this chapter of my life
I love that I’m realizing I’m still fiercely brave
In this chapter of my life
I love that each day reveals to me that I am truly, uniquely and wonderfully made
In this chapter of my life
I take each day as it comes
In this chapter of my life
The chest crushing stress, I’m learning not to succumb
In this chapter of my life
I love that I let myself cry
In this chapter of my life
I love that I spend less time wondering why
In this chapter of my life
I love how God is loving and keeping me
In this chapter of my life
I love that I am free
Free to be me authentically
Free to explore
Freedom–ahhh–freedom
I’m free indeed
In this chapter of my life
I love discovering that I can and will win again
In this chapter of my life
I love re-realizing that each new beginning starts with a necessary end
In this chapter of my life
I love that I’m taking care of me
In this chapter of my life
I love the way I continue to conquer the inner-me
In this chapter of life
I love my mindset, daily habits, and surroundings
In this chapter of my life
I’m so glad that happiness has found me
In this chapter of my life
Hope and faith greets me with each new day
In this new chapter of my life
I love that I’m finding my way
Look at you go, man. You know, it wasn’t all that long ago that the only thing you could thin about was drugs and how miserable life was. You blamed everything on others, and couldn’t figure out why nothing ever seemed to go your way. Then, when things wouldn’t go your way, or you faced an instance of adversity, or even just a new experience, you would hide from it, and seek temporary pleasure.
On a much brighter note, throughout all of this, you kept the best attitude you could, and still made it a point to do your best to be a giver to those around you. Hey, we live and we learn.
I’m not writing this to you to beat you down or shame you (you used to do that to the extent of causing yourself to completely shutdown), in fact, it’s quite the opposite. I want to write to you about what I’m loving about this current chapter of my life.
Every now and again, you get a little overwhelmed, and that’s okay. You get overwhelmed with the seemingly daunting tasks you’re taking on while telling nobody. You’re courageously advancing yourself toward crushing all these new experiences as they come. You’ve been doing this for quite some time now, helping you incrementally build your self confidence. I’m here to tell you that you may feel overwhelmed because you have everything you’ve ever wanted and you’re just unsure as to handle it. Nonetheless, you’re handling it.
You’ve built yourself to the point you’re miles above where you first started this journey. I say this with humility and seriousness all at once: I’m beyond proud of you.
You’ve met and partnered with a young lady who believes in you (maybe even more than you believe in yourself, which is quite a bit) and pushes you to succeed. She enjoys the small things you do. She enjoys the way you make her laugh. She admires you for the things you’ve been through and came out on top. Best of all, you enjoy these very same things, as she does them for you also.
You are way less sad than you have been in a long, long time. You’re able to just be yourself, more so than ever, and she loves this about you. It’s also good for you. She actually cares to understand all the ideas you run by her. She doesn’t mind the noise you make when you fill the air with your words. She doesn’t even mind it when you practice your guitar or drums. You gotta admit, that’s pretty cool.
Anyway, I can’t discuss in full detail all the great things you’re doing and continue to accomplish. You’re happier in this chapter because you’ve finally made it a point to push yourself and those around you to do great things, and it feels RIGHT. You love yourself again, and you’ve realized that even though you may be alone, you’re not ALONE.
I hope as the chapters continue for you, you’ll find your way closer and closer to where you’re headed. Keep moving with love. It looks good on you.
8 years ago today I defended my Master’s Thesis at the University of Kentucky, titled:
Healthy Reintegration: The Effectiveness of Military Teen Adventure Camp Participation of Adolescent Perceptions of Self-efficacy
I remember the day vividly, I was a nervous wreck, standing in front of a room full of people with my insecurities—believing that somehow everyone witnessing was somehow smarter or better than me.
If I could speak to that version of me at 25, I would tell her that you are enough today and you will only continue to get better. You will go on to complete a PhD at a R1 institution (Florida State University) defending one on many Goliath’s in your life (dissertation) during the onset of covid—against all odds. Ignore the disempowerment and doubt including, the words from your thesis advisor, “If you keep writing like this, Florida State will never accept you into their PhD program”. (Academia really has a unique way of shattering any bit of confidence you have).
I would tell her that being from the south or from a perceived “less than” background won’t hold you back—it is your perceived lack that will fuel your drive to finish whatever you start. It will fuel you to put yourself out there. It will fuel you to leave your comfort zone. It will fuel you to never quit. It will empower your relationship and reliance on God. So run your race boldly and well — you lack nothing and God is always with you (Deut. 31:8)
The maze of life, we wander, we strive,
Through twists and turns, where paths collide,
Each step a dance of pain and joy,
As we chase dreams that hope employ.
Through valleys deep and mountains high,
We journey on, beneath the sky,
With hearts that ache and souls that yearn,
For the lessons learned at every turn.
In the darkest of times,
We stumble, we fall,
Sometimes we even lose our sight,
But from the shadows, once more we emerge,
With newfound strength,
After every storm, comes a surge.
For in the depths of despair we find, The resilience of humankind.
We rise from ashes, refusing to fold,
A testament to faith and resilience—cheers to the courageous and bold
For growth is not a straight-lined path,
It’s up and downs, twists, and turns
But we find our way, becoming free at last
So let us cherish the journey we choose,
For they remind us who we are and what happens if you refuse to lose,
A testament to our strength and grace
Yes, we rise and fall, yet rise again and again…
Knowing that trouble won’t last always and if you don’t give up, you will win.
So ride life’s wave, in God’s embrace.
Trust your path—you’ve got what it takes.
Greetings, your poem beautifully captures the ups and downs of life’s journey, offering encouragement and hope to readers. Your use of vivid imagery and a rhythmic flow convey themes of perseverance and resilience, bravo! Overall, it’s an inspiring ode to the human spirit.
Hurt and broken
I could not see.
No more taking
only giving.
I’m now the king
loved and adored.
Patient, obscured.
Like a driftwood
Now found ashore.
I’ve left behind
bad parts of me.
Rising above
so found and free.
At a stalemate
I fought myself
at rock bottom.
Now, at the top
we always say,
“Don’t you worry,
yeah we got ’em”.
Experience
built, never bought.
lessons they’ve taught.
From good to bad
and bad to good.
On second thought
although I should,
a favorite
experience
I have not got.
Learn from them all,
That’s what I’s taught.
The flow is so excellent! I love the lines “I’m now the king
loved and adored.
Patient, obscured.
Like a driftwood
Now found ashore.”
It was so simple, yet I can imagine the imagery so clearly in my head. I love the way the words sway like a dance on the screen. Thank you for sharing 🙂
You never forget how someone treated you when you were weak, vulnerable, and afraid.
You never forget how someone treated you…
You never forget the one time that you wanted to be acknowledged and you weren’t
You never forget when you went the extra mile and they didn’t
You never forget…
You never forget all the times you stressed and struggled a lone—but with God you kept taking steps forward and saw your way through your storm to brighter days.
You never forget the moment that you realized you were loving others more than they loved you.
You never forget the day you realized it was never team us—but you were always about team you.
You never forget…
You never forget…
Some things you just never forget…
I so agree. But then when you meet someone who steps up to the plate, you will always appreciate them because you never forgot what you experienced before. <3 Lauren
Every once in a while your heart is awakened
Someone or something makes it smile
For a moment it feels brave & comes out to play
It abandons all of its armor
Embracing the euphoria of deep meaningful
human connection
Time goes on & it gives with no restriction
Its warm and free
Grateful and happy
Then one day you change
You treat my heart differently
My heart shuts off
It loses its luster and warmth
It fades its red vibrant color into a cold, gloomy, black, and blue ball
It walks and walks until it can find shelter…alone
Away from the pain and sadness
“Im just looking for shelter, relief, and protection” it murmurs to itself as it saunters away from the glowing light/life it once knew
It keeps walking…wandering around for a safe place to go
It finds a cave
A private cave
“No one will look here”
It diverts from its wandering path into the cave
The cave is dark and isolated
But there’s a bolder in front of its entrance that permits light to come in once removed
The heart takes a rest on the cave’s walls
It strikes a match on the wall and holds it
Sobbing uncontrollably
For hours and hours and hours
It does think
It doesn’t speak
It just releases
Everything
The heart blows out the match, falling to its side it falls asleep
At 5am the heart wakes, greets the morning
Sun-rays are peaking past the large bolder blocking the entrance…protecting the heart
The heart embraces the traces of light but refuses to go out and play
Day in and day out
Every night the heart prays for guidance, release, and peace
The heart focuses on self control and not speaking
The heart spends hours dreaming, planning, visualizing and investing in a better future
The heart is in isolation so it begins to heal
Tiny pieces of it…day by day
The heart is focused on protecting itself
Day in and day out the sun shine creeps its way into the cave
Comforting the cold heart with its warmth
Then one day the heart says….
Dr. Cortnie , your heartfelt letter captures the pain of a heart that has been hurt and seeks solace in isolation. It reminds us of the power of human connection and the need for protection. May your heart find healing, guidance, and peace as it embraces self-control and envisions a brighter future.
When the world goes to sleep
And I am left awake
With my lonely thoughts
And subtle, soft heartbreak
I can only breathe
And readjust myself
To the passing of time
A picture on a shelf
Non sum qualis eram
Maybe something more
Who I left behind
Is running out the door
Nothing lasts forever
A former life was I
Not solid on the ground
Nor between the earth and sky
In this newfound skin
Is a person I’m not yet
A new soul has been given
But my blood has not been let
Hope, it takes a hold
Persistence is the key
Of learning my new world
And everything in me
So with these hands I pray
For a new life to begin
There’s nothing I can do
But to love myself within
Kirsten, your heartfelt words reflect the beauty of self-discovery and the resilience of the human spirit. Embrace the journey of embracing your new self and loving yourself from within. May hope and persistence guide you towards a new and fulfilling life.
I am not a lazy girl
So I’m working on me
This person that I can be
Is much better than before
I feel like a winner
Because I try and try
To let life not pass me by
I am always wanting more
I am wanting happiness
I admit when I am wrong
And I know it won’t be long
Until I am filled with glee
I live an honest life
Filled with love and hope
I know that I can cope
So now I’m much more free
I have skills at my disposal
I have learned so many things
I’ve earned grace and wings
To do with as I please
I help others that are in need
And I feel good inside
I don’t try to hide
My emotions are at ease
But what I love the most
Is the feeling that I get
When I’m myself and yet
This person that I know
Has changed before my eyes
I don’t know where I am going
But I know that I am growing
I follow my own flow
Let’s toast to HAPPINESS, ever true, In every moment, a treasure anew.
In love’s warm glow and faith’s steady cue,
We celebrate the beauty in me and you.
With glasses raised to skies of blue,
Where dreams take flight and hopes renew.
In every smile, a rainbow’s hue,
We find the magic in me and you.
In laughter shared and tears embraced,
In tender whispers and souls so brave.
In every challenge, a chance to chase,
The joy of living, in every space.
So here’s to HAPPINESS, let it bloom,
In every heart, dispelling gloom.
In love’s embrace, we find our groove,
To dance in joy, amidst life’s tune.
With gratitude, we lift our voice,
To celebrate life’s freedom of choice.
In every heartbeat, we soak up life,
For in each other, we find our strength to fly.
Kristen, you express yourself so well! This is a super powerful piece. I can really feel the emotion! I am going to showcase this piece in our newsletter today <3 Lauren
Kirsten, Your words paint a vivid picture of a time-traveling journey filled with longing and uncertainty. It’s fascinating to imagine the possibilities and the impact of your travels. I hope that in your quest for understanding and change, you find the answers you seek and discover a world that feels new and full of promise. Remember, even in…read more
Thank you Kayjah! I couldn’t agree more, that there is always the potential for connection and understanding. Very eloquently put! I have often wondered what it would be like to either time travel myself, or have a friend who time travels. I can only imagine the adventures I/they would go on!
Even if they say it can’t be done
I know that I’ve already won
God gave me a vision to carry out
He will make provision without a doubt
No matter if the support is scarce
Remember why God put you here
To do what only you can do
To be yourself and let your light shine through
Shine through the clouds of negativity and defeat
Shine through the hopeless propaganda that they choose as their feast
Feed your mind with “yes you can” mentors, books, podcasts, and motivational speeches
Don’t be discouraged by the acid of those who criticize your efforts from the bleachers
Exercise your body, lift weights often
The mind-body connection is important
Strength in your body will influence strength in your mind, which will benefit you when motivation gets lost in the grind
Discipline and commitment are your very best friend
Your best friends that will guarantee your win
Give praises to God in advance for your victory
Never give up, never give in, and success will belong to you—they’ll see.
Thank you so much Dr. Cortnie and God Bless, that was very beautiful ♥ The part that hit me the most was when you said to give God praise 🙏 in advance… That’s an Awesome attitude and good expectation!!!
“Never give up, never give in, and success will belong to you—they’ll see.” Love This! Your heart is so beautiful and so strong. I love the message in this piece. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family <3 Lauren
Hey Lauren! Happy Sunday! Thank you for your kindness and for having me as a part of this beautiful community! I tell every writer I come across how awesome it is and encourage them to join!
In a city I adore, the morning sun’s kiss,
A perfect day unfolds, free of worry and pure bliss.
Awakening with gratitude, a heart full of grace. In God’s presence, I find my tranquil place.
A gym’s vibrant energy or a fitness class so bright, invigorating my body, an uplifting morning delight.
Professional goals embraced with an open heart and mind. A purposeful journey, building dreams and maximizing time.
Shared some laughter and wisdom with a good friend. These moments so dear. In her company, hope whispers, dispelling loneliness and fear.
Through inspiring streets, I take a thoughtful stroll, a world-class neighborhood, empowering my soul.
With a loyal puppy,
Abundance Love is her name, a playful bond, so sweet.
With her, there is never a dull moment, no emotional need she cannot meet.
For me and the world, an abundance of love and joy she spreads, she is so friendly, there is not a person or pup that she has not already met in her head (lol.
As the hours of my day quickly march on,
it is afternoon already and much work has been done.
It is time for some well deserved self-care. Perhaps I will read a devotional and say a prayer or two, brief yet sincere.
I will remind myself that I worked hard to be here. I deserve this. I belong.
Maybe I will listen to a good book or a few of my favorite songs.
I will end my perfect day, with tasty dinner delights. Perhaps, I will cook myself dinner, hmmm, I just might.
A feast for the senses, a culinary endeavor.
My home fills with aromatics of a meal I will savor.
As the sun sets, peace wraps its arms around me.
I’m so grateful for this day and night full of life, hope, and serenity.
Sitting on my balcony, underneath the stars, I find a tranquil reprieve, reflecting on the day, I am grateful: there is still some good in this life for me, I believe.
Perfect in simplicity, this day I hold dear, thank you God for this alignment.
With God all things are possible. With Him, whom shall I fear.
Dr. Cortnie S. Baity, Your letter beautifully depicts a day filled with gratitude, purpose, and moments of joy. The imagery and language suggestive, creating a sense of peace and serenity.
I’m fifteen days into the new year.
I’ve taken no more than twelve steps,
My eyes blink, and in a flash I am here.
My ’empty’ falls, I stand. In God’s light, at my best.
An astral curtain, I’ve just phased through.
Sheer focus aimed ahead; No more playing dead.
Side not with the wicked; rather, the justly shrewd.
Most haven’t seen what hell has to offer. I have, and I’m through.
I’ll march forward. Alone, or with a few.
Nevermind those shadows, we walk in truth.
You’ve got me, and I’ve got you.
P.S. I understand this is quite vague/cryptic. I don’t wanna give too much away on my goals just yet. Still in the process of organizing/compiling 🙂
I agree with @dommamomma This is sooooo good! And the picture matches the poem so perfectly. I love this line “Sheer focus aimed ahead; No more playing dead.” And the ending was amazing. This is a really good piece Jonathan! It’s art! Thank you for sharing and thank you for being you! <3 Lauren
We can suffer a loss and fall.
We can pick ourselves up and stand tall.
We can let others make us feel small.
We can let their words have no effect on us at all.
We can choose to do nothing.
We can choose to be something.
We can live life unclean.
We can even pursue our dreams.
We can do things alone.
We can be part of a team.
We can walk beside hate.
We can run, full of love.
We can live our lives restrained.
We can fly free, like a dove.
We can drown in sadness.
We can sing and rejoice.
What am I most grateful for?
The power that lies inside of every choice.
Wow, Jonathan, I love this! It is so insightful! The power of choice is a gift. but sometimes a scary one. Thank you for sharing! And thank you for being part of our family. I absolutely love this piece. <3 Lauren
Do you remember when I loved you?
I often think of the hell that we went through.
How many times did we almost die?
How many times did we whisper dirty lies?
Do you remember all the things we would see?
I often think of the affects you left with me.
I’d be lying if I were to say
maybe we could love again one day.
In the past, so many things you took.
When I was with you
My voice, oh how it shook.
You dimmed my light with all you kept from me.
I roamed the darkness for years, unable to see.
You let me go first.
You told me that I was the worst.
We both knew it had to end, for what it’s worth.
Now, I’m truly free.
For I used the pain to build a better me.
Jonathan, Your journey of growth and resilience is inspiring. Through the pain, you have found strength and transformed into a better version of yourself. Embrace your freedom and continue to build a life that brings you joy and fulfillment. The past may have been difficult, but it has shaped you into the resilient person you are today. Keep…read more
Thank you so much, Rebecca!! I’m sorry it took so long to see your response. I’m so happy you added me as a friend! I’m still trying to figure out how to use this website. I’ll be sure to read your writings as well. Have a blessed day!
Hi there, Kristen. Aiša here. Thank you so much for sharing a little bit about the life you live—the one you never knew <3
Everything you can imagine is real. I’m glad you saw a life in which you were grateful that you choose yourself and grateful for your growing health. Because look at you now!
Wow, Kristen! This is amazing! It’s funny how when you make decisions that are good for you, the universe brings the best relationships and people to you. Congrats on sobriety and congrats on finding a once-in-a-lifetime love. This piece is wonderful. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our family. <3 Lauren
A letter to the person that has inspired me the most
You have no idea what you have done. I cannot begin to describe the significance that your actions have had on myself, as well as my life. As a child, I vividly remember how you were there for me any time necessary. Every time I wrecked my bicycle, you were there. You would pick me up off the hard, extremely coarse pavement and dust me off. You would spin me around as you scanned my entire body for damages done, and signs of hurt. Once you finished your assessments (regardless as to how intensely I would be crying) of my damages, you would pick my chin up, look me dead in the eyes and assure me of the fact that I would be okay. Although during those times, my body would ache tremendously, and bleed profusely, I would gain a sudden confidence in myself, because of your words. I knew (even at that young age) that you always meant what you said. Truth always formed in your heart and traveled through you until it’s departure from your lips. To this day, I still don’t know if you’ll quite understand just how much that means to me. No matter how I articulate it to you.
In my early years, you were very stern, however now that I have two sons of my own years later, I know now that your sternness comes from a place of love. It takes more courage and strength to do or say what is necessary as a parent, as opposed to letting a child do or say what they want. This is how you taught me many things. In doing so, you taught me the difference between right and wrong. You did the absolute best you could in ensuring that you instilled manners in me. It worked. I recall being roughly five years old, walking inside of our town Wal-Mart around Christmas time. The man dressed as Santa Clause offered a piece of candy to me. I happily took his offering and responded to him with a “thank you”. We made it roughly ten paces from him as we walked into the various aisles of the store when you took the time to tell me “Thank you, for saying thank you to him”. Your compliment was a reward in my eyes for communicating my appreciation to the man for his offering of candy. This is something that has stuck with me forever.
You were a police officer for ten years. During that time, you remained humble, as well as kept an altruistic nature in your serving of the public. You were genuinely there to help people, and you did just that. You did so with the honest intentions of helping whenever, and wherever needed. Any time we were in a group setting, your presence was welcomed, and respected by the others. They would look to you for advice on any given subject. During conversations, they patiently and understandingly awaited your responses.
When you would take me to your weightlifting sessions with your fellow officers, you kept a positive attitude. You would all laugh and encourage each other to do more. You would all talk about things and laugh deeply. You weren’t the biggest or the strongest of the lot, however you were still able to lift the same amount of weight with ease. I remember listening to the music you would play over the stereo in the field house weight room, while you all strengthened your minds and bodies. I remember singing along to “Fly” by Sugar Ray while you all took turns bench pressing at least two hundred and twenty-five pounds.
You took me everywhere with you. whether it be a trip to the local convenience store, or for a peaceful trip to the lake to do some fishing. Regardless of the destination, the memories made on the journeys have stuck within me throughout all these years. I like to believe there’s a good reason for this. We listened to music everywhere we went. We would sing along to our favorite songs, while flying down the highway at all hours of the day or night. Sometimes to the scene of a crime in your police care, sometimes to grab a new video game from the local store in your Chevy s-10. Either way, we jammed. Always.
Alongside these core values you instilled in me, are also some of the best memories I behold. These core beliefs and memories, in conjunction with my imagination, have had a tremendous impact on the person I’ve become today. I spent many years making bad choices. I felt the weight of the consequences (I would say more-so than your average person) every time. I would hear your voice saying things to me. This also occurred through-out the duration of my addiction. Most people get high and feel like God himself. Not me. I felt miserable. Shameful. Guilty. For years.
Now that I’m sober, I still hear your voice sometimes. Whether it be while debating on which choice to make, or when I experience something that reminds me of you, and your loving spirit. I will admit that I hear it less and less, seeing as how I’m now able to make choices that are good for me, as well as those around me, hence the lessoning amount and frequency of your guiding words in my mind. I believe it’s because you taught me which kinds of choices I should make, and for a long time I didn’t make those choices. Now I am.
I’m now bettering myself in every way that I’m capable of doing so. I’m now working on things that bring me peace. I’m now working on things for a reason much bigger, and greater than myself. I’m now able to give and show love to others. For so long I wasn’t truly able to that, due to the battle that was going on within me. My want to give and show love to others was always in me, and I tried to do so, I was unable to properly actualize doing it. Things are much better now for me, and to be honest, my circumstances as a whole are not considered “great” by any means. However, the values and virtues within me are now able to externalize themselves as kind acts for others, regardless of the amount of adversity I currently face daily, as I continue trying to make a better life for myself simultaneously.
I’m now able to face my problems with a level, clear head effectively. I take pride in that. Although I am starting fresh in the opportunity that I’ve been given, and I can’t help but to feel beyond grateful for these bold, love encompassed choices I now make. You taught me everything I needed to know about how to successfully navigate these open waters that I call life. I know I wasn’t an easy child to raise by any means (nor was I the most compliant of adults) yet you consistently did and said what you believed was necessary, and I’m here today to tell you that it paid off. I find myself becoming more like you day by day. I used to despise that fact (especially when others would point out the obvious similarities we share) that we were a lot alike, however I’m now grateful beyond belief. I have you to thank for that.
I’m not sure that you’ll ever read this, and that’s okay. You don’t need to, because I know that my actions have been, and will continue to ring true of my words in this arrangement, and you will see for yourself. I look forward to that day. You didn’t just positively impact my life, you laid the foundational values and virtues by which I would ultimately live my life by. Again, I am beyond grateful to say that to me, you are the one person in this universe that inspired me the most, Dad.