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  • Jamie Ellifritz shared a letter in the Group logo of Current EventsCurrent Events group 4 weeks, 1 day ago

    This post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.

    Post meeting - Gratitude

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

  • HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!!

    Wishing an awesome birthday to the founder of a community that has brought joy and connection to people who need it. Thank you Lauren for being that very person that chooses to help inspire others to share their stories to gain healing and strengthen others through community care. Enjoy your day! You deserve it!

    Jamie Ellifritz

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  • Jamie Ellifritz responded to a letter in topic Current Events 5 months, 2 weeks ago

    I’m at a loss for words to describe the depths of evil for these murders of innocent people. I can’t comprehend humans committing these acts against other humans. Why with all the prayers that happen worldwide daily do things like this even happen? Please stay safe from these protests and God help the Middle East with everything you have.

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  • Jamie Ellifritz responded to a letter in topic Current Events 10 months, 3 weeks ago

    Thank you Mavis for your kind words this evening. I’m thankful you read my letter and it had a positive effect on your day. Thank you for being an active member of this community.

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  • Jamie Ellifritz responded to a letter in topic Women’s Empowerment 1 year ago

    I didn’t know Twitch at all to be honest. I stay in touch with current pop culture as much as possible. I’ve learned as much as people say you get older and out of touch. I say no you get busier and have different priorities or other things absorbing your attention. So I didn’t know the impact he had on others but respect that he maximized the gifts he was blessed with but possibly sacrificed mental health for career greatness. I think American culture has us feeling we need to get more out of our minutes, hours, and days. Efficiency is to be maximized in the business world but also kids now are managed that way at such a young age. I hope his work load was not a main reason for his breakdown of his well being. Even the ones that do what they love can get burned out. We all need that nothing on the schedule and some you time. I hope that his wife can find peace knowing that what he must have went through to make the choice he did can’t bother him anymore. Victoria, thank you for sharing how his life and impacted yours.

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    • Thank you so much for these touching words Jamie. Writing this letter makes me think of Cheslie Kryst, the former Miss USA who also died by suicide. She had my dream career and I’d have loved to be in her position, but some of us are carrying invisible weights. I wish I could do more than write a letter to be honest but I hope she reads this one…read more

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  • Kanani, Thank you for taking time to read my letter and respond. I appreciate your kind words. All life events have value and for me it was important to share this with our community because if my story helps even one person by making them think then it’s totally worthy. Perspective is such a great tool to have. Thank you again!

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  • Sokolowski family letter

    Kris,

    I heard that your battle has become more challenging recently. That’s all I needed to hear to take the time to let you know that as part of your Unsealed family, we got your back Kris! This means as you and your family are in need of added strength I’d like to offer you even more prayers for your body to WIN THE FIGHT! More positive thoughts and vibes for you and everyone who supports you because they need it too. More blessings for the medical treatments provided to help defeat the opponent of your health.

    I’m thankful I was able to hear you tell your story in our Unsealed meeting. Just know that your message was heard loud and clear. I have since made changes in my own life to improve my health because I felt inspired to do so. As great as your meeting was it would be even better to hear you tell your story again of your incredible comeback! Keep fighting and we’ll fight with you!!!!

    Be blessed,

    Jamie Ellifritz
    Massillon, Ohio
    Member – The Unsealed – November 2020

    Jamie Ellifritz

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    • Beautiful, and I’m not sure what battle this person maybe fighting, but I know all too well about fighting. I fought cancer twice, and afterwards, I was diagnosed with diabetes, later Afib, then Kidney disease and other related illnesses like Lymphedema, chronic pain, as well as arthritis. So I continue to I’m still fight and probably will for the…read more

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  • Jamie Ellifritz shared a letter in the Group logo of Current EventsCurrent Events group 1 year, 2 months ago

    Post meeting - 1/25/2023

    Hey community!

    Tonight’s meeting was about getting to know other community members and their stories of struggle and their inspiration of overcoming these difficult times. I felt a sense of togetherness even though our paths are different that we all face events to where we can either give up and just accept what happened us or are we going to build off a low and use this event to show how strong our spirits are! If we harvest all this inspiration and encouragement that we heard tonight then you ‘ll use this positive energy to not only expect to have a great day tomorrow but to share it to make someone else’s day better too. We are meant to be there for each other. Almost no one lives on their own island avoiding the world even though those people who isolate deserve their peace too.

    The Unsealed though, we’re a community of broken people who have found their way, their voice and their story. Your story adds value to yourself and to the eyes of others who respect you. I want to thank everyone who shared a piece of their lives tonight as you proved that your brave and you have purpose. I appreciate you as a fellow member and may you have a blessed rest of your week. #KindnessMatters #Bringafriend #GrowTheUnsealed #LoveWins

    Jamie Ellifritz

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  • Welcome Hannah!

    I’m glad you’ve chosen to join The Unsealed to be a part of of this special community of people. I want to personally thank you for trusting Lauren and our group with your story. That’s the immediate thing you’ll notice is trust throughly genuinely caring and respecting what you share with us. The more I hear and read from others the more welcome I feel because you feel inclusion by understanding many of us have been through a lot in our lives and how we handled our individual situations. There’s a lot to learn here so my advice is to keep writing and attend the Zoom meetings. If you’re not comfortable on camera then just be a fly on the wall in listen. It’s worth it, I promise! Everybody starts somewhere and that’s perfectly ok. I offer you my support and let me know what I can do to help. Take care and I look forward to getting to know more of your story.

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  • Jamie Ellifritz shared a letter in the Group logo of Current EventsCurrent Events group 1 year, 2 months ago

    Post Meeting - Joel Cox

    Tonight’s extended meeting with Joel Cox was very informative to what it takes to become someone who wants to enter the world of media. I appreciate Joel’s realistic mindset and personality towards his experiences of interviewing talent in order to find good people with great values. I was thankful to ask Joel a question regarding the amount of people in the industry that throw journalistic integrity to the side to gain viewership and followers for economic gains. His responses validated my thoughts that going about the business the right way by showing respect and being yourself has even more value than just a salary. How your peers view you is so important as there are enough great people in the industry that will notice how you’ve handled yourself with professionalism and treated people with kindness. There are several ways to climb the ladder and I’d like to thank you Joel for letting me know that if you do things the right way then you can still get to where you want to be without shortcuts. His conversation tonight only has me more intrigued about the industry than ever but most importantly is how can I live my purpose in life and reach the most amount of people through love, truth and kindness in my lifetime.

    Jamie Ellifritz

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    • awww I Love this! And I love that you are podcasting and sharing your voice! You are awesome! I love seeing you chase all of your dreams! Keep going! Lauren

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  • Jamie Ellifritz shared a letter in the Group logo of Current EventsCurrent Events group 1 year, 2 months ago

    Post meeting - Jon Vaughn

    Tonight’s guest Jon Vaughn was one where you reflect back on the reason why any of us join The Unsealed. Lauren’s message when you become a member is “share your truth” and tonight’s truth that Jon shared tonight was a lot of depth into the dark side of being a sexual assault victim. I personally had learned of his story while watching Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel in 2021. Tonight I learned so much more of the troubles he had as a youth of having to survive sexual assaulted prior to his time at the University of Michigan. All I kept thinking is please world can we create an atmosphere of home life of safety and where a kid can just be a kid. Why is this such a difficult environment to provide for so many. He escaped that abusive situation in order to feel free only to be taken advantage of by more adults that you’d think could be trusted. I’m thankful and proud to see how he’s managed the entire list of events of by the flaws of humanity and he’s had not only the courage to stand up to the school for what they covered up but also representing many other voices like his. I believe through listening to Jon’s story tonight we can all take with us that for who we knew as a Jon Vaughn the football player before the meeting we can leave understanding that Jonathan Vaughn the youngster, that still lives in inside of him deserves our love and respect too. Thank you Jon for getting out of bed today. You made it worth it for us and I hope we made it worth it for you. The Unsealed community has your back. Yes, even here where Buckeye Nation exists in Ohio. Life is greater than football. Humanity is one team.

    Jamie Ellifritz

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  • Jamie Ellifritz shared a letter in the Group logo of Current EventsCurrent Events group 1 year, 2 months ago

    Post meeting - 1/5/2023

    Good evening,

    Tonight’s meeting had great insight by a medical professional and former NFL athletes and former Browns head coach Hue Jackson regarding the traumatic heart event that happened Monday night to Bills defensive player Damar Hamlin. Before tonight’s meeting it was outstanding to hear the news released from the hospital today that Damar was improving by opening his eyes and being responsive and even wrote asking, “who won the game”? As I shared in the meeting that once I heard on Monday night of the procedure they were taking with Damar in the ICU it took me back to my father’s heart attack in 2016. This was both positive and negative to flashback on. I shared details of my personal story in a letter to Lauren and The Unsealed community so if you haven’t read it please check it out. As the world continued to pray with concern for Damar and everyone affected by the event on the field I felt a little more optimistic having a good idea knowing his recovery ahead thanks to my father’s journey. As Damar still sits in ICU I’ll continue to pray all these positive thoughts to him and his family (including his teammates) that his survival is the ultimate blessing. Regardless of what he does the rest of his life I’m sure Damar will truly feel blessed and loved beyond words. Just wait until he hears about the donations for his Go Fund Me account! I can’t wait to see him welcomed by his teammates maybe even at a home playoff game in front of the very fans that love him the most. I remember that feeling of seeing my dad outside the hospital again post surgery. It was amazing. Head shaking. Almost unreal but thankfully I was in the position to help save my father. The real heroes are the EMS and all medical personal that handle those kind of pressures everyday as a career. I’m confident Damar will have some awesome moments ahead. I don’t care if he ever plays football again but if he ever does I’ll be watching in support.

    CPR certified medical professionals helped save Damar’s life. My CPR training as a former coach, former youth leader and most importantly just being a son who loves his father is why i can say that i’ll get to celebrate his 73rd birthday this month on the 25th. Please, get CPR training. Someone’s life may count on it one day.

    See you next week everyone and thank you for being a part of this special community. Let’s grow it with love one story at a time. Have a blessed rest of your week!

    Jamie Ellifritz

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  • Jamie Ellifritz shared a letter in the Group logo of Current EventsCurrent Events group 1 year, 3 months ago

    Post meeting thoughts - 12/28/22

    I just wanted to say that while part of tonight’s discussion was about New Year’s resolutions I heard many good points and ideas by our professional guests in the mental health field. I wanted to speak in depth more about goal setting and making plans for your own personal improvements. I agree than having a goal with a plan in place is the way to go however its the contingency plan that is the insurance policy for if you fail or temporarily lose focus. Here’s my advice. If you decide to broadcast it to the world through social media have one person that you can absolutely count on to kick you in your ass for when you lose your way. You’re going to need them. Pick the person you trust most to tell you what you need to hear not what you want to hear. We all have that someone that will keep it real with us. Let’s face it, these resolutions that our now goals with a plan you probably already tried them before right? How did you do? If you have more than one thing on your list you know you have some returning Jeopardy champions that beat you last time don’t you? Damn right you do and you’re not alone. It will be challenging as hell because if it were easy then you wouldn’t have waited until January 1st now would you? Hell no you would’ve of!

    So what do we do now? We’ve got our goal, we’ve got our plan, we’ve got our backup motivational ass kicking truth teller ready to help hold you accountable. Now what? Now we ready our mindset. We believe in ourselves. We rid our minds and bodies of all the negativity junk food that is out there in the world and on social media for our ears and eyes to absorb. You surround yourself with good people. Start becoming the person you expect to be not who you want to be. A lot of people want and how does that usually go? Sounds like the path of least resistance where you hope to get lucky to hit your goal. That’s why someone’s response to your want is usually, “good luck with that” followed by an eye roll. I think you see my point. If you want to be difference choose different. If you expect that change then you must make change. If you back down that same road without change you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. that’s not enough. Not this time!

    These are my words and my letter to you our community here at The Unsealed. This community is going to grow and one of the main reasons is because us as members are going to grow too as individuals and as a community. If you want special then let’s be special. We going to come in here week after week writing letters or interacting in the meetings and say how you are now better equipped to handles the situations that will be presented to us in 2023 because our mindsets became more positive, more focused so we achieved more goals which led to my increased confidence to overcome the obstacles put in front of me. I did this because I believed. I survived because when i needed it someone else believed in me to because they saw the changes I made in my life. It’s all there for us if we expect it to become our own realities.

    Together we can become stronger both physically and mentally. We can and will become a better version of ourselves. The changes you’re going to make can and will become permanent. Lock in the positive mindset have your go to for support and be the amazing person your meant to be and share your talented gifts with the world. Life is short so not only get the most out of it but give to other’s lives as well. That’s what a community is meant to do.

    Forget the New Year’s resolutions and create and solidify the New Me resolutions! The New Me doesn’t require a date, time or year. Your commitment to the New Me starts now! Go get it and remember to love and forgive yourself in the process. Share your success.

    From the bottom of my heart

    Thank you

    Jamie Ellifritz

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    • Awww I love this. We are definitely growing together and I am beyond grateful for your positivity and encouragement. It so means the world to me. Happy New year! I appreciate you so much! – Lauren

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  • Jamie Ellifritz shared a letter in the Group logo of Current EventsCurrent Events group 1 year, 3 months ago

    To The Unsealed family

    I wanted to take some time to share my thoughts on this community. In 2020 Lauren reached out to me and talked about her business and what it represented. I immediately could feel that she’s taking a chance by leaving sportscasting but she’s found her purpose and motivation for a much greater cause. I felt that she was very brave to 1) tell her own very personal story of overcoming adversity but 2) to turn something from an idea into a business that people will buy in on. She went all in. She bet on herself. She puts in countless hours of effort towards making sure that her idea, her creation, her purpose is stainable long term. Why? Because a business needs to be financial successful? Sure. But that’s true for any business to survive and grow. I personally believe in fact I know this and know this for sure and that’s because this community that was once an idea that was hers is now a reality for all of us. I believe the biggest driver of that is because she genuinely cares for people, their lives, and protecting their stories of meaningful life events. We as members put our trust in her by sharing what we’ve experienced and how we’ve adjusted so she can share this with all of you. How great is this opportunity? To help others through what we’ve learned. Is that a new concept, no but what separates Lauren and this Unsealed community is how we go about respecting each other during this experience. It takes a lot for many people to just freely open up about their troubling past, your current challenging situation or what your afraid of about your future. We’re also having these conversations with what started as complete strangers. Maybe that makes it easier for each of us. It is in fact that safe space that’s needed. Non judgmental. Just freely speaking with a reason for positivity to be the result behind the end of every sentence. Whether your writing letters and joining us in the weekly meetings of a writing workshop or with a guest there’s always something to gain that can affect your life in a way where you carry that positivity out into the world. Kindness is a great thing to share, always. I’ve never once left a meeting where I didn’t feel better about what i learned and how i could apply that back into the world. That is purpose. That is value. We should all value our time we spend doing whatever it is that is consuming our attention at that moment. We can’t get it back so we might as well enjoy it.

    To all the members that I’ve had the pleasure to get to know through our meetings to writing letters and giving feedback to messaging on other platforms I want to say thank you. I hope that in some way that our interaction has had meaning to you to help you get through this thing called life. We’re all broken people learning from each other to teach each other how we can heal one another and to fix ourselves to become the best version that we want to be. We heard so many great stories from our guests/ members on how they’ve overcame what was put in front of them. Some have to battle each and every day to stay on top of their adversity. That teaches us to never give up. Our bodies our designed to fail but our spirits are not. Even when the energy doesn’t seem to be there we rely on one another to be recharged, to be sparked by the spirit of someone else. That is humanity at its peak. At its finest being there for one another. That’s what this Unsealed community means to me.

    For new members during this next calendar I say welcome. You’ve come to an amazing place. We’re glad your here and I believe you’re here for a reason. There’s so much to gain by just coming in and absorbing the knowledge from the letters, the speeches from the guests even if you’re just a spectator that’s ok. That was me when I first signed up. What I learned though in time was that I had too much to offer than to just sit back. I was encouraged to participate and I’m so thankful I did. I had too much love to not be giving back to this group. There’s so many special people in here with a variety of talents that I want them to maximize their gifts to this world. Genuinely caring is my gift. It’s not unique but I’m so glad it’s not because I know others have this gift too. This community and its creator Lauren will help bring that out of you if you let it happen. Thank you for your trust. I look forward to getting to know you and your story.

    As we all face our challenges let’s remember to stick together. Support each other. There’s no boos and only cheers. If you have negative thoughts have a short memory of them and move on. Be accountable through self accountability first. It’ll change your life. Most importantly if you need my help, just ask. It’s why I love this community so much. My door will always be open to my Unsealed family because you’ve helped me more than you know.

    Thank you

    Jamie Ellifritz

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    • OMG, this is sooo incredibly kind and sweet. You don’t know how saying something like this motivates me. It makes me realize that we are making a difference and The Unsealed does matter. Your kindness has changed and inspired many lives including mine. I am so thankful our paths crossed and you are a part of The Unsealed. You are blessing to in my…read more

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  • Alicia,

    I definitely felt that struggle in your words in your letter. Your story hits home more than you know and has challenged me to think which I appreciate. You mentioned feeling selfish at that time. If you look at any great person they’ve separated themselves from being average because of the sacrifices they’ve made. That’s why you’ve heard the saying it’s lonely at the top. You have to be a little selfish to get there. There’s nothing wrong with that. You bet on you and won. The person of your future will need to accept that part of you and back you to allow you to grow on your own too. Some people are meant to be lead singers and some are meant to play in a band. You’re designed with the mindset to do both. May your future music be nothing but harmony when you finally sing that duet of your dreams. 🎵 🎤

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  • Alicia,

    I applaud you for making not the right decision, not the wrong decision but the best decision for YOUR life. You analyzed the level of depth that was lacking in your relationship that wasn’t there. You knew what makes you happy and you found yourself still searching. The power and courage it takes to let go of someone rather than to hold on to someone that might change is very brave. I’d say a majority of people stay together to avoid being alone because it’s better than the alternative but you took control of your future because you believe that whole love exists and it damn sure does. Don’t settle for less. Deep connections are the best and most authentic connections you’ll ever have. You’ll find your prince and then your fantasy will become your reality. You will get there! #Believe 🙏🏻

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    • Jamie, I absolutely loved that you positioned my decision outside of the terms wrong/right because I struggled with that for a while. Prioritizing myself over my relationship made me feel selfish, but it was truly about me taking control of my future. Thank you for speaking such kind words into my life!

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      • Alicia,

        I definitely felt that struggle in your words in your letter. Your story hits home more than you know and has challenged me to think which I appreciate. You mentioned feeling selfish at that time. If you look at any great person they’ve separated themselves from being average because of the sacrifices they’ve made. That’s why you’v…read more

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  • Super kind of you to say Kayjah. I would like to say that my sister didn’t get to finish her goal of graduating from Xavier University. Knowing that you our working on your own college courses towards your degree brings great joy. Appreciate each day you wake and go out there and get want you want out of life. I’m proud to know you and look forward to watching your professional journey grow!

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  • September 25th 1997 - 25 years ago

    This was the morning that my mother’s body finally gave out from battling multiple forms of cancer since her diagnosis. Cancer never took her smile, sense of humor or her positive attitude even while battling this disease at the same time as my 16 year old sister from 1996 until my mom’s passing in 97. Having my sister in my life made figuring out how to adapt to life without being her son a less challenging journey. I had hoped we’d have more time to figure this out together but unfortunately my sister’s cancer journey was leading her closer to being with my mom again instead of the path I was learning to navigate. God’s plan was greater than ours when my sister passed from her battle in April of 2000. What I’ve learned over the years since then is that so many of us with our families, friends, and other loved ones have had their own unique stories of how this disease has altered their lives. I’m always very deeply touched when I hear the success stories of those who are or have battled their own battles and have came out the other side as survivors! Hearing that gives me hope for the present and future. As millions of dollars continue to go into cancer research for treatments I pray for a cure for all cancers in my lifetime. What I feel is as important if not more is that I want much more effort to be done to find the actual causes to this disease especially for what is approved by the FDA for what’s in the food we eat and what we drink. I feel this would be a major step forward in minimizing the amount of causes by eliminating some of their sources to begin with. All I wish is that we’d attack the cause as much as we do the cure. If this would save even one more person It’d be worth it.

    I’m thankful to choose to celebrate my mom’s life today as I have in many year’s past. I spent 23 years with her influencing my life by being here and now 25 years remembering her memories and lessons that she taught me. I’ve adjusted away from grief years ago because it’s better for your mental health to let it go if you’re ready too. Choose to be happy because that’s what time was like with them so why would they want me to be any different without them? I’d hope if you’ve read this far down that the sharing of this story can help you move past your own loss. At some point you have to be willing to put the heavy weight of grief down behind you and move forward. I think the greatest gift we can give the one’s we’ve lost is to honor them with appreciation of our own lives that we’re blessed to wake up with today. Our reason to exist today is to simply make a positive impact on each other’s lives in community. If you can do that very thing then we are truly getting value out of our purpose for living. With that being said, have fun doing it!

    Jamie

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    • Jamie, I’m so sorry for your loss, but I’m also happy for your gain. Your mom was truly inspiring. You were able to follow in her footsteps and smile just like her. Keep that positive attitude. She surely is keeping hers.

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      • Super kind of you to say Kayjah. I would like to say that my sister didn’t get to finish her goal of graduating from Xavier University. Knowing that you our working on your own college courses towards your degree brings great joy. Appreciate each day you wake and go out there and get want you want out of life. I’m proud to know you and look for…read more

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    • Dear Jamie, I’m so sorry for your loss, but grateful that you remember that through her battle with cancer, she was not only courageous, but had a wonderful smile, sense of humor and a positive attitude. I am glad that you celebrate her life with this in mind. Going forward, it’s what we all should do. Thank you so much for sharing.

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      • Kanani, Thank you for taking time to read my letter and respond. I appreciate your kind words. All life events have value and for me it was important to share this with our community because if my story helps even one person by making them think then it’s totally worthy. Perspective is such a great tool to have. Thank you again!

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    • I’m so sorry for your loss. Cancer sucks but I am grateful for the research that gets put into it to help find a cure. Thank you for sharing

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  • Catherine, your story was impressive. It’s not surprising that if the examples of your life experiences aren’t on tv how that would make your challenges harder and more lonely. I can’t imagine that feeling of isolation. Thank you for sharing this with us. I hope your career can lead you in the path to allow you to shed more light for more people who are the younger versions of yourself and can be more comfortable in their own skin. 🙏🏻

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  • Jamie Ellifritz shared a letter in the Group logo of Current EventsCurrent Events group 1 year, 6 months ago

    The Tournament of Life

    As we are here at the US Open Finals weekend, I can’t help but see the similarities of the path through the bracket as it pertains to life in general. When you are born into this world where you land isn’t up to you. You could be seeded anywhere in life. Few are placed in top seeded environments while some others do get seeded but they’re somewhere in the middle while the vast majority of us go unseeded but you’re still in the game of life. Where we start in life can predetermine our odds but with that comes no guarantees that success is in your future. Each day can be a match where your expectations and the expectations of others might feel like today should be very successful with limited challenges to face. There are days where everything does work out for you and easy feels like a great day. Your next day may be projected the same way but you’re presented with unexpected roadblocks where you’re just not on point and life feels like you should be in play but your best efforts are landing out of bounds. Yet somehow you made it through even though in your mind you know your day should’ve felt like a walk over. Then as you advance on there’s a very significant test staring you right in your face and you know the night before you must be prepared or you may not win the day. The day is now here and you wake up ready to go full of confidence. I got this. I can do it. I believe in myself and my abilities. I’m going to win. Nothing and no one’s going to stop me from achieving my goal today. My clothes fit just right and look great. My shoe game is on point. My racquet grip is perfectly wrapped. Let’s play! Your start to this match is holding serve like the champion you are. Then you play on only to have your opponent give you that resistance. You planned for it. Here we go except this challenge turns out to bigger, faster and stronger than expected and now you find yourself down 2 sets. You battle back. The match is tied and momentum is behind you. You’ve fought to be points away from winning your game, your set, your match, your championship, your day but so has your opponent. You’re right where you want to be, where you expected to be and you can see the trophy being placed in your hands. Unfortunately, life hits you with an immediate back hand. You’re stunned. It’s now set point for your opposition. How can I recover? Oh, wait they’re ready to serve. I’m not ready and here comes the ball. I swing and…..
    How do you want this match to end? An ending that you hit the return on the serve and you won the point? You battled back. YOU WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP!!! What if they hit an ace and now the match is over. They outlasted you best effort. THEY won the championship!

    The point of my story is no matter where your seeded in life the journey is ultimately yours. You control the things you can control and let go of the things you can’t. Learn from your lessons that the game of life presents to you every day no matter if the path seems smooth or if the struggle is real. Everybody has a player’s box to looks towards for support through passion, inspiration, and the greatest support of all, Love. Some player’s boxes are bigger than others with all different members representing family, friends, and coaches. They’re behind you win or lose because they see all the work you put in and how much you care for your success, your sport, and for your loved ones but today maybe it wasn’t enough to declare victory on a scoreboard but you won your match in the game of life. Do you know why? Because while your journey started with a player’s box adding people along the way your daily performance has now established a following where your box now fits in a stadium. Within that stadium you now have an extension of your support system called fans. Fans of you because they too see a light within you that they want to be a part of even if it’s from a distance farther away than the ones closest to you. This is the part where I tie in the very platform to where this stadium stands and that’s The Unsealed. This community of fans are sitting in those very seats just outside your player’s box. We’re here in attendance to cheer you on through the ups and downs of your point, your set, your match of life. When you’ve fell to the court whether it be in defeat or in celebration, you’ll feel the energy of positive support here. There are no stories that can’t be told. There are no losers, only champions. Alone doesn’t exist here if you allow acceptance into your heart, mind and spirit. The tournament director, she’s very accommodating. No matter what round of your tournament you’re in there’s an open bracket for you and your seeding doesn’t matter. The tournament invites are unlimited and so is the seating. I feel I can speak for everyone and say that she can serve and volley kindness with anyone.

    As champions prepare to get crowned just remember there’s great stories to be told on both sides of the net. One trophy won’t define an entire lifetime but will be one of their most memorable days of their life. Treat people like the champions that they are. Like no scoreboard exists. We all can drop a game or a set but we also can be that fan in the seats giving a standing ovation. Let’s root for each other.

    If you need me, I’ll be there to meet you at the net to shake your hand.
    Have a great match today everyone!

    Your fan,

    Jamie Ellifritz

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    • I love that you used a tennis match in comparison to life. You are totally right about being in contact of your life. Some people have the ball in their court and others are waiting to receive the informing ball. Thank you for sharing.

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