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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Chasing Your Dreams group 1 years, 7 months ago
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 7 months ago
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db-cooper submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem about what you are grateful for in your life 1 years, 7 months ago
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 8 months ago
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Lauren Brill shared a letter in the
Current Events group 1 years, 8 months ago
I am scared and heartbroken
Last night, I didn’t sleep well, as I had several nightmares. I was haunted by the endless images I saw in the news: A young woman’s naked, lifeless, unconscious (possibly deceased) body being paraded around as a trophy after Hamas attacked young people at a music festival in Israel, a 25-year-old woman begging for her life as she was taken as a hostage and babies whose faces were covered in dust and blood from the bombs thrown near their homes.
When I awoke this morning, I immediately read the news to see the latest. And while the horror continues on the other side of the world, I was also disheartened to learn that hate was just outside my doorstep.
People at rallies down the street from where I slept last night are wearing, holding, and celebrating images of swastikas and promoting anti-semitic rhetoric. For the first time in my life, I was and am scared to be Jewish.
While I have been doing my best to educate myself through the news, friends, and online resources, I am not going to sit here and pretend I fully understand the conflict between Palestine and Israel – because I don’t. And I know that it’s natural and easy to see the world through the lens of my own experiences and identity.
However, we all, myself included, should see and feel our humanity reflected in every person on this planet. And act accordingly.
As I try to process these last few days, the violence happening in the Middle East is not just about me, or any one group of people or politics. This cruel attack on innocent people is about all of us. It is a threat to all of humanity.
No child, no person, whether they share my background or not, whether Palestinian or Israeli (or any other culture, race, or religion), deserves to live or die in such an inhumane way.
There are a lot of issues we can’t and won’t agree on in this world. But we universally should believe in and tirelessly advocate for love, compassion, and peace for all people.
And sadly, right now, that’s not the case.
I am scared and heartbroken as I pray for the victims of violence, our world, and humanity.
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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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bakerdeandrea94icloud-com submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter about leaving your comfort zone 1 years, 8 months ago
Buried or planted?
To be honest, right now in this very moment I am in a space or season of uncomfortableness in my life. All my life I’ve worn different masks to fit in and be accepted that I’ve lost sight of who I am and who I could be with growth. I hate to admit it because I was comfortable in places where I guess normal people would be uncomfortable. I used to be comfortable in my depression, anxiety, self pity and hatred. I was okay with being trash even though I wasn’t. I embarked on taking all aspects of my healing and writing seriously during the pandemic. But i wasn’t prepared at all for the distractions that i would face. So for the next 2 1/2 years. I undid almost all my progress by being in a relationship and having a baby with a narcissist who had done everything short of killing my spirit. I was extremely uncomfortable with him but out of fear and my abandonment issues. I stayed. I became comfortable with the abuse and toxicity. I believe all the lies he told me. To be hundred percent genuine and transparent, I knew he was no good for me. But I got stuck on a feeling and I am stubborn. He was the first and only guy to pretend that he valued me. He would by me flowers, take me on dates, buy me gifts, and write me little love letters. He even said he wanted to marry me. Being a woman with extremely complicated daddy issues and traumas experiences with men; I tried to hold on to him and change myself to keep him because I believed he would change. So long story short I got tired of everything he did and was doing to me. I had a come to Jesus meeting with myself because it was destroying my mental health and I could not adequately function as a mom like I needed to. So earlier this year before my son turned one. I left him and I have never looked back. If anyone has experience with a true narcissist nothing I did to free myself was easy. So I am rebuilding and recovering from that extremely toxic relationship, learning how to balance and raise two children alone instead of one and taking the leap of faith by finally sharing my talent in writing with the world and still trying to take care of my mental health and heal from all my current and past trauma and everyone I care about. I normally would have tucked my tail and run away by now to old familiar environments but I haven’t. I always found comfort in quitting and hiding within my negative emotions. I found comfort in thinking terrible things about myself and not loving and giving myself grace. I was comfortable with abuse mental, emotional, and sometimes physical because I believed that was all I deserved in life. The unknown has always terrified me so as a trauma response I would go back to or put myself in maladaptive situations that cause pain because I’m used to it. I was like the children of Israel after they were delivered from Egypt who wanted to go back because I couldn’t see my promised land. But I decided to be different and challenge myself to conquer my fears and worries so I can achieve success and that scares the living crap out of me. I see my changes and the blessings coming to me but I am internally scared shitless (excuse my language). I haven’t had time to process anything that has happened in my life for real in the past 3 years and I’m still pushing forward but I have a lot of unresolved emotions that I don’t know how to handle so I pretend they aren’t there until I go crazy or figure out how to express them.
I’m afraid of success. I am afraid of achieving my goals and being the best me. Yes, I know that sounds crazy. Even though I put in the work and it is what is to be expected. I’ve never experienced positive situations or at least for long. So I self sabotage because I don’t think I’m worthy all the time of goodness and happiness. I’m not used to actually having joy despite the chaos in my life. I’m used to feeling depression and sadness. I’m not used to being happy. And I’m so uncomfortable because I have to teach myself to accept all the things in life I’ve prayed for. I have to release maladaptive coping mechanisms that I thought were healthy but they aren’t. I have always watered others and never watered myself. I’ve shown people more love than I’ve ever shown myself ( and that is never okay). Taking time to breathe and feel positive emotions has been hard for me. It triggers my fight or flight response to be consistent in things and to show myself love. But I’m coming into my own power and learning to love myself and it’s so uncomfortable! (I’m literally dying or that’s how it feels) Sometimes I want to run back to the hell I am used to because that was the last time I felt comfortable. I had a routine and knew what to expect. I feel selfish and at times undeserving because I still beat myself up. I’ve been a certain way for so long that being in the newness and joys of life brings me deep anxiety. But being in this uncomfortable position has taught me so much. I’m uncomfortable because I’m growing out of all the terror, heartbreak and trauma I’ve experienced in my entire life all at once. Sometimes I don’t know how to process my positive emotions and I cry when I’m happy I get angry when I experience love. But it’s okay. I’m reaping the harvest from the tears I cried because of trauma and general lack. The tears I’ve cried are watering my seeds for my success.Everyday I wake up I am choosing to actively do something different. I refuse to let myself run back to the false comfort of being with my ex and having a fake family. I would much rather deal with the uncomfortableness of success than deal with the uncomfortableness of watering myself down and making myself small for a man who doesn’t love me and only wants to manipulate and control me. I am proud of myself but I can’t celebrate just yet because I still have a lot more work to do. I thought I was buried but this whole time I was planted.
Voting is closed
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DeAndrea, I am so damn proud of you. Walking away is so hard. But you do deserve better. You wrote: “I’m afraid of success. I am afraid of achieving my goals and being the best me.” Don’t be afraid. The world needs the best you. Your children need the best you. You have so much to offer the world. Do not let what other people did to you or t…read more
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Awwww thank you so much Lauren! I have missed you guys so much! My schedule is currently tied up because I start school next week. I’m ready but I’m scared at the same time! But I’m going into the unknown and expecting my great success and being the best version of myself
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You are a star. An absolute star. You will do amazing! Do not worry. You got this!
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 8 months ago
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 8 months ago
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db-cooper submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter to your ideal self 1 years, 8 months ago
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 1 years, 8 months ago
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 9 months ago
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Introductions, Icebreakers and Prompts group 1 years, 9 months ago
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bakerdeandrea94icloud-com submitted a contest entry to
Why Are You Worthy of the Utmost Respect? 1 years, 9 months ago
My Presence is a Present
My presence Is a Present
I’d say kiss my ass
But 9/10 times you probably already did
Or at least fantasized about itDon’t take my love for weakness
Or my heart for granted
because when I hit you
with the access denied
You gone panicI’m a prize
But I’m not a trophy
I’m a treasure
But I’m not just for your pleasureYou can’t pick me up
and put me down
When you don’t want meI promise you
I won’t sit around and collect dust
Waiting and debating
Should I stay or should I goBecause the difference
between me and a trophy
Is that I won’t be around
when the dust settles
Because I don’t settleI’ve wasted too much
Of my time
Trying to be patient
But you can lead a horse
To water
But that doesn’t mean it’s gone drink itLike what makes you think
You can play with me
I’m more than what you see
dope vibes
And energy
So don’t you dare
Come to me
Past your prime
I’m not sorry to say You’re out of timeYou should have been
On your knees
Worshipping me
I’m a QueenBetter yet a Goddess
I surpass the constraints
of the program
I know
who I am
and who I beSo nothing you do
Can phase me
You can’t even
Amaze meI’m priceless
So my presence
Is a blessing
And you’re ungrateful
I don’t have to be with you
To know you ain’t faithful
I can tell by your distasteful
Inconsistent lukewarm waysMy presence is valuable
And you missed outSomeone pour out
Libation for themFeel sorry for them
Because I don’t
Dust settles
But I won’tI will always be worthy
Of love
I don’t need them
To justify it
They knew it too
That’s why they sometimes
Treat me the way they doI’m the most
Precious thing
You could have ever
Held in your hand
A heart of gold
Love as endless as grains of sand
A pure soulA smile that’s a work of art
A body only the creator could designAnd if you don’t think I’m worthy
That’s perfectly fineVoting is closed
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Dee!!! This is great! So insightful. I love this part: I’m a prize
But I’m not a trophy
I’m a treasureYou are so creative and so powerful. Thank you for sharing thank you for being part of The Unsealed. I am grateful for you! <3 Lauren
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Thank you I appreciate you for providing a platform where I can be vulnerable and be my most authentic self. I’m finally being heard and I’m overjoyed that I get to be apart of this community.
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Whoah!!
I had trouble keeping track of every line and rhyme that moved me—truly! This is so, so rich.
I somehow feel as though I know you personally now. And if I had to explain it all in just one word, I’d call it magic <3
Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thank you so much Alisha I’m glad I moved you. And hey I’m going to request you to be a pen pal I love your energy! You just made me smile so hard I love your one word description. I felt magical writing this piece
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 1 years, 9 months ago
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db-cooper submitted a contest entry to
Why Are You Worthy of the Utmost Respect? 1 years, 9 months ago
This post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Pretty Dee shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 years, 9 months ago
I Love the Rain
I love the rain
To other people it might be a pain
But for me it’s joy
Like a kid with a new toy
I guess life prepared me to be
This wayCause I had to learn to
Find peace in my rain
And find my calm in the middle of my storm
And See the beauty in it
Cause I’ve learned that
storms not only come to ravage
But also to restore and to replenishHave you ever seen nature in it?
Some trees bend while others break
Some trees are unmoved
The colors on the leaves and flowers
are more vibrantThe clouds puff up
into beautiful shapes
The wind yells
And makes nature
Give a standing ovation
You hear a limb snap
But really a clap
Of gratitude
I love the rain
It helped me change my attitudeBecause sometimes the sun is a tyrant
We worship the sun
But the rays can be blinding
Scorching and burning
Drying you out
To where you can’t even shout
For helpWithout the rain
Flowers wilt and dry away
Nature begins to evanesce
And we’d all melt
Even if you are built for the desert
The desert still needs
The rains presenceI love the rain
Because it reminds me of my blessings
And the harvest to come
Because how can something
Grow without rain and only sun?Subscribe  or  log in to reply
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DeAndrea, This is so good and so true. Interestingly enough, my grandfather always told me rain was good luck. And as it turns out my boyfriend’s name means God of rain. This poem is thoughtfully and beautifully written. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren
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Thank you. That’s really cool because my grandma used to always say it was God showering blessings in the spiritual realm. Water in whatever state is always so inspirational to me.
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AWww I love that. I bet you somewhere up there your grandma and my grandpa were friends. My grandpa had quite the personality! Every time it rains, I think of him <3
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Dee,
I love this poem, the imagery, analogies to life. It paints a picture of life and how nature works. These are the poems that make you think about life and appreciate how rain is a good thing.Write me back Subscribe  or  log in to reply
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Pretty Dee, this is such a pretty and inspiring poem! I love how you share your love of the rain, as well as an alternative take on the sun. Rain is my favourite weather!
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Same I love the Rain in all forms it is so peaceful and relaxing. I literally listen to rain to go to sleep.
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db-cooper submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter about leaving your comfort zone 1 years, 10 months ago
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Lauren Brill shared a letter in the
Chasing Your Dreams group 1 years, 10 months ago
My first cover letter
Dear Mr. —
Did you know the NFL’s Ryan Grant also participated in basketball and track and field during his time at Don Bosco Prep School in New Jersey? Did you know the NBA’s Adonal Foyle still holds the record in New York for most points in a high school tournament game? Did you know former Suffern High School girls’ lacrosse star Crysti Foote is a member of the Canadian National Team and is recognized as one of the best female players in the world? Inspired by the commitment and passion all great athletes demonstrate, I know both the technicalities of sports and interesting facts about the athletes themselves, which is why I believe if I become a reporter for MSG Varsity I will be a powerful conduit between the athletes and the tri-state community. I will ask questions the viewers want to know and receive honest answers from athletes who respect my knowledge.
My confidence in my future success is based on the achievements of my past as well as my present occupation. As a young 21-year-old college graduate, I began writing for NBA.com and WNBA.com. With my own swagger, I entered NBA and WNBA locker rooms to interview athletes double my size among journalists twice my age. Publishing hundreds of articles and blogs on NBA.com, WNBA.com, D-league.com, NikeWomen.com, and WomensProSoccer.com, I have also had my fair share of on-air opportunities. Currently, I am a co-host for On the Mike With Mike Sherman, a weekly entertainment, lifestyle, and sports show that airs on a CBS affiliate (My33) in South Florida. Last season, when the 49ers took on the Giants in New Jersey, I was there to interview athletes and report back on the night’s events for CBS’ San Francisco affiliate. I have reported local news on Long Island and worked as a sports reporter for Artsis Media, where I shot, edited, wrote, and produced all my own stories.
Throughout my tenure at Columbia University, I majored in sociology and focused on the sociological impact of sports. Through my 40-plus page senior thesis, I discovered that to have longevity and acceptance as a female sports reporter, you must be a sports connoisseur yourself. Voted biggest jock in my high school senior superlatives, I have lived, breathed, and loved sports throughout my life. I believe if given a chance I will be recognized and respected by the sports world for telling compelling stories and conducting in-depth thought-provoking interviews. In other words, I’m a talented young recruit with an All-American future and would love to help the MSG Varsity team work its way to the top of the game.
Sincerely,
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Wow that’s awesome! You wrote for the NBA and WNBA!!This letter is a huge inspiration because I want to do podcasting and interview sports players and artists.
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Mental Health group 1 years, 10 months ago
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 1 years, 10 months ago
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