Activity
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jlodle11 submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to yourself about what you love about this chapter of your life 1 months agoNow vs. Then
Jonathan OdleLook 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.
Voting starts July 1, 2024 12:00am
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jlodle11 submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem or letter to the world about an experience that changed you or your life for the better 1 months agoThe Power of a Learning Soul
Jonathan Lee OdleHurt 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.Voting starts June 17, 2024 12:00am
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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 🙂
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jsapril submitted a contest entry to
Write about a time you didn’t give up 2 months agoBe PROUD of YOURSELF
Dear Youth Me,
When people are asked to describe you, your no-quit attitude is the lead of your story. You almost quit writing this. Why?
You did not know what to write about and you have felt for the longest time that anything you do academically has to make up for the things you can’t do physically.
You have not quit countless of other times — and as much as you do NOT want to say this… this most DEFINITELY WILL NOT be the LAST.
So, before I move any further, CONGRATULATIONS to YOU for taking the time to look back and see what you have accomplished; writing this piece is TRULY a PRIME example of YOU NOT quitting!
Another example can be seen where you are right now, what ground are your feet hitting?
The ground of YOUR home; the place where YOU are staying by YOURSELF!
I do NOT really comprehend when someone says you have a NO-QUIT attitude because EVERY goal you set for yourself has one ending, SUCCESS (or at least a lot of them).
After graduating with your masters degree in Sports Journalism, it took you nine months to find a job and as much as you wanted one, you are lucky enough that you did NOT NEED one.
But you made a DEAL with your parents that a job equaled moving out.
As much as your PARENTS MOTIVATED YOU and still do, you found that job YOURSELF… congrats!
Keep on being you!
Your Youth Self.
Love,
Jake
Voting is open!
Voting ends June 17, 2024 11:59pm
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Jake shared a letter in the
Women's Empowerment group 2 months agoSporting Authenticity
Dear Tay,
Two disclaimers about this piece before I shoot my shot: actually, three. This is not a letter to Taylor Swift, not a ploy to be your man, and I am not calling you Tay to embarrass you!
So, who am I talking about? Two people, Taylor Rooks and Joy Taylor, both of whom are Black women in sports.
When thinking of these women, I won’t lie, they are very physically attractive and some may claim that this is why they are on TV.
They recently collaborated, co-hosting their podcast called Two Personal. Rooks and Taylor do a great job at their “daily job”(talking about sports) and giving a voice to others to express themselves.
In this joint venture, the duo are unfiltered, authentically highlighting the ups and downs of being a minority, especially in the sports world where being judged for superficial characteristics is the norm.
In the first few episodes, they have discussed topics that are, well… personal.
The episodes have included subjects such as pregnancy.
The theme of each episode is not why I am attracted to it, it’s that my personal takeaway is:
No matter what sport they are covering, the leading story about Tayx2 is not about the work the women do in the sports arena, to me, they portray that being a proud Black woman is what they want people to talk about when the conversation about them starts.
I’ve stated this before: sports was a way for me to hold my emotions in, and yes, you would be pretty hard-pressed to convince me that the final seconds of a game where the 16 seed has a chance to push off the 1 seed from “the dance floor” (March Madness pun) is not more heart-throbbing than when the final rose is given out in the Bachelor series.
But the two can co-exist.
So, thank you Joy and Taylor for showing that talking about the final few seconds of the game does not have to be substituted for talking about the first few seconds of my life. They can be on the same team “dancing” together!
Much Love & Respect,
Jake April
Photo credit: Two Personal Instagram Page
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Jake, your admiration and appreciation for Taylor Rooks and Joy Taylor is evident in your letter. You recognize their talent and skills in the sports industry, but more importantly, you value their ability to use their platform to shed light on important issues and give a voice to others. It’s refreshing to see them embrace their identity as proud…read more
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@kayjahlorde, thank you for the kind words; it is nice to hear feedback like yours! You ALWAYS make sure to cover ALL aspects of the piece and how it Positively affected you!!
I appreciate YOU taking the TIME to READ & COMMENT on ALL pieces!
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Jake shared a letter in the
Health, Wellness and Chronic Conditions group 2 months, 1 weeks agoTHE TERRAIN OF LIFE - A True Friend
JakeFriends: you know you made a good one when you don’t have to conceal your insecurities with makeup
If you’re like me maybe you are fortunate enough to ski but not conventionally
As you sit in a wheelchair you are prepared to take in the the stare of all stare’s
Stare’s that are even tougher than walking up a hill in a pile of snow
Friends of yours move to your left and right ends of your body to strangle hold your hands
The mountain of fear that you might fall ends
You know that even if you slip on your right or left side the last thing you’ll do is fall
Their cheetah-like reflexes compensates for my turtle-like reflexes (no offense to the turtle fans and others with slower reaction time)
The way I ski doesn’t matter to them
In fact they are fascinated with the technology and my ability to go down the hill
No matter what your challenge is does not matter even if you are insecure about your cerebral palsy
All that matters to them is the person they are working with has fun and does not hit their head
Life is a challenge you don’t know what lies ahead
But you know you will ALWAYS have that friend that will always support you
No matter if you are mentally falling or physically falling-
⚠️ This letter has been reported
Jake, your words beautifully capture the power of true friendship. Your friend’s determined support and acceptance of who you are, regardless of your challenges, is truly inspiring. They see beyond the physical and embrace the joy and adventure you bring into their lives. Keep cherishing those friendships that lift you up.
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@kayjahlorde, “your words beautifully capture the power of true friendship. Your friend’s determined support and acceptance of who you are, regardless of your challenges.” These words very much touch my HEART! Thank YOU for BEING a FRIEND!
Much love,
Jake
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Jake shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 2 months, 1 weeks agoTAGGING ALONG - Despite the scars
JakeDear You,
Never in a million years did I think I would be so connected with you, but at the same time disconnected.
The thought of ever thinking of you as a POSITIVE mainstay (I use mainstay literally), in my life is like finding a person who does not know what an iPhone is.
The bane of your existence on another person would literally freeze me.
I could not talk at the mere sight of seeing what felt like a drowning impact you had and sometimes still have, on the lives of innocent humans.
Prematurely punishing them with the ability to not talk!
This confinement… well, it just seems like the prison sentence of Jeffrey Deskovic, a man who spent 16 years innocently behind bars. A person who missed 16 years of freedom, family events, friends, and much, much more, for being wrongfully accused.
This powerful story can be read in the new book – “Unseal Your Superpowers: Letters To Inspire The Hero Within You” by Lauren Brill.
(See bottom for link to book).So much of my life with you I let myself die inside by not behaving as my authentic self.
I was in a stranglehold with you that even the Hulk would not be strong enough to combat your grasp.
Despite you letting go of that fiercely tight grip, I have the scars to show for it.
After years of healing, the scar’s are still there. All but so faint, no amount of scar cream can make it evaporate.
The pain of you will always be there, nagging me like a tag on the back of a shirt.
I realize that tag is not meant to be ripped off or even taken off as a whole, it’s there as a reminder that sometimes a tag or label will never die, but if you don’t like it you can always use tie dye.
Despite the tag or label still there, this time, I am going to exchange it for one that fits me! Only me — the authentic me! After all, no one can be me!
So, I thank you for the lessons you have taught me, cerebral palsy. Now, I’m going to live life authentically and OWN you, tag and all!
Love your once enemy and now friend,
Jake
Here Is the link to the story mentioned above, and much more.
We are currently donating a portion of our proceeds (10%) to two charities:
Lift Our Voices, which aims to transform the American workplace, making it safer and more equitable for everyone, and Team LeGrand, a fundraising arm of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation dedicated to supporting quality-of-life initiatives and treatments for spinal cord injuries.
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ashraymondjames submitted a contest entry to
What is your ”perfect day?” 2 months, 2 weeks agoAn Ode To The Little Things
Ash Raymond JamesI stayed in bed
until I reached
the outskirts of morning.The birds gave pep talks
instead of songs.I got changed
and found ten dollars
in my pocket.It’s summer but it rained
and I wonder why nobody
has made laundry powder
that smells exactly like this.I make the perfect eggs.
The toaster
that loves to burns the edges
leaves them edible.
I thank it for its kindness.I go outside and jump in a puddle.
There is still that childhood dream
that it will be a portal
to an alternative dimension.
One where Netflix didn’t cancel the OA.
One where we could trade
our sadness for money.
Gosh, would I be filthy rich.Me and the neighbour
do our awkward dance.
The small talk jive.
We bow and say
‘have a nice day!’
We really mean it.I walk to the coffee shop
and the sky is still
rubbing sleep from its eyes.The wind is playing solos
on telephone wires.I hold the door for a stranger
and we share a smile.I tell the barista a joke
and we both laugh
at how unfunny it is.I take the ten dollars
and order a flat white, one sugar.
I say keep the change.I find a bench, and I ruminate.
I realise
Happiness is right here –
why are we crying
like it is so far away?Voting is closed
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I’m obsessed with your writing style. This is such a wonderful reminder to appreciate the little things.
Also: i, too, wish that Netflix hadn’t cancelled the OA.-
Thank you so much. I cannot actually express how mad I am about the OA. I did it in such a calm and casual way in this piece but honestly, once a week I remember they cancelled it and I have to make myself a cup of tea and go listen to the birds. Such a cliffhanger. Netflix are savages.
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Greetings,
Your ode is stunning, shows the magic in living in the little moments and to cherish them. You never know when you’ll be mourning an old favorite. My condolences.-
I haven’t figured out the laugh emoji yet.
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Jake shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 2 months, 2 weeks agoMLT I 💜 you!
💜Mikaela Lauren Tick,
March 7th is your birthday. I was planning to post this on the 6th, as it would fit the theme… premature, or just because this is so hard to get through that I wanted to do it early.
Then again, it is the 6th in California, where my sister lives – who is due to give birth on the 9th.
So, who knows, she can be getting contractions as I write this! .
Hello future Weber,
For future comparison, please note: the line below details what time this sentence was written:
Sentence was completed at 9:33 pm 3.6.24 (PST)I will see you soon!
Love,
Uncle Jakey💜
Anyway, back to the premature thing.
MLT YOU💜 ME because I was born prematurely at 1lbs 13 oz, giving me cerebral palsy – It feels really weird to be talking about myself in YOUR bday card, CONVENIENTLY weird!
Your favorite thing to do was to ASK me how I was doing and there to share all the moments with me🥲
Alright, let us get back to MYSELF🤔 I think that would make everyone happy😂
In all seriousness, you ARE at your HAPPIEST when the attention is on others. I’ll take it and run!
Our relationship iS STILL as close as ever!
I may not be able to physically hug you, but I know YOU ARE STILL HERE because I see the signs:
Whether it’s with family or things that I do, I do NOT doubt that you did not have anything to do with Lexi, finding a Jeffrey, Ryan finding a Pamela (I’m a little upset with that one because there is only one Pamela Tick, but that’s ok, Pamela’s maiden name is Katz (like Nanny Sheila’s)!
Me:
The Unsealed with LAUREN, my psychologist —who has a disability, and lost a cousin, my best friend, Mack, who I met at a special Olympics event!In these ways, YOU ARE IMPACTING EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY ME, SHOWING ME, that love can be experienced by ANYONE, ANYWHERE, disability or not!
I would say, until we see each other next time, but I see you EVERYDAY!
Until I can give you a PHYSICAL HUG, sending all of them up into HEAVEN! That and a Black & White Cookie for Papa Donald!
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Ash Raymond James shared a letter in the
Mental Health group 2 months, 3 weeks agoUnveiling the truth about taking chances
Ash Raymond JamesAs a writer, I often find myself discovering scraps of writing I have jotted down somewhere, or suddenly, a line will appear in my head that doesn’t fit anywhere or doesn’t feel good enough. Sometimes, I foolishly let it fly away because it wasn’t what I was looking for at that moment. I have pondered how we do this with so many things. We set expectations and order and refuse anything that breaks the pattern, even if the thing we are shooing away isn’t harmful but is healing. We become so strict within ourselves that we become the cause of our discomfort. We search for relief in one way and refuse to accept that anything other than that specific thing will help. There is a calming effect that comes with the familiar, but only because one thing helps us, it doesn’t mean something else won’t. Here is a little silly analogy. Only because you love fries doesn’t mean you can’t like mash. It doesn’t mean mash isn’t satisfying, even if fries are your favorite. The same goes for everything in life. Are you feeling sad? Then you probably know something that can help, but if you are being entirely honest, can you say you are open-minded and open-hearted to other options? We tend to dismiss things before attempting them and convince ourselves that something else won’t work until it stands no chance. I was against exercising for so long. Told myself that I hated it and did so with such intensity I couldn’t let myself feel how I genuinely felt. There was no benefit because I refused there to be one. I was determined for it to fail, so it failed; however, when I let go, gave it a chance, and approached it with openness, I learned it does a lot for my mental health. This is one example of many. It is strange how this links with my writing and how I have started writing down the notes I would abandon before, and the results have been incredible. Instead of telling myself they are awful and brushing them out the door, I let them stay a while. I give them room in my notepad and let them ruminate.
In summary, I am saying we are terrible at giving things chances, and we should open ourselves to everything. It is okay if you give something a genuine attempt and it doesn’t work out for you, but please try it. Download the running app, try those HIIT workouts, make that recipe you’ve been unsure about, and write the poetry you are sure will suck. In celebration of this, here is an ending of a poem my brain created that doesn’t have a body yet. Hopefully, one day, it will.
“Please call back later
I’m trying to sleep off the silence
And if you don’t understand
what I’m saying
Congratulations
You’re cured.”
(If you like this letter, I write these weekly on my website. I will post more here also, so make sure we’re friends.)-
Ash, your letter is amazing. It’s true that we often ignore or overlook the potential healing and growth that can come from surprising sources. We become so set in our ways, clinging to what is familiar and comfortable, that we miss out on new possibilities. It takes courage to step outside our comfort zones and give things a genuine chance. Your…read more
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jsapril submitted a contest entry to
Why do you love yourself? 3 months agoChanging Reservations About SELF-LOVE
As I write this, it’s February 14th, Valentine’s Day, a day to celebrate love.
The phrase that comes to mind when pondering what love is – is “others,” aka being generous to someone else, as in NOT me. It is about making others happy.
When it comes to me, associating SELF with the word LOVE is as common as someone who doesn’t like Chinese food – very, very, VERY uncommon.
When the number reads 14, and the month reads February, for me, being single, the day is reserved for images of dark clouds and drooping flowers, instead of a rainbow perfectly expressing your range of beautiful emotions, whoever you are romantically attached to.
Reserving a table at your favorite restaurant, celebrating the day reserved to enjoy your significant others company is my personal definition of this day.
So, you can see why, as a single person, MY viewpoint of this day is filled with clouds and drooping flowers instead of the voraciously vibrant red roses.
I could point out a list of adjectives as large as jumbo popcorn: envy and sadness are a couple of kernels to explain how I feel about not having someone I am smitten over sitting on the other side of the table, making me feel that I’m with the only one and everyone at the same time.
Skewed and as untrue as it might be, having the one would make me feel whole. That said, as I am writing this, I am learning a very important lesson… there is a reason we have both iced and hot coffee.
So, with that, I’ll stop bringing out the appetizers and get to the main course: the reservation might be for two, just remember, adding a +1 does not mean you stop loving you, and self-love is love that NO person can give to you except ONE.. YOU!
And by the way, to my future Valentine (girlfriend) – since we love both of ourselves equally, we are splitting the cup because your self-love and my self-love is equally important to me and you.
Voting is closed
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Jake, this piece is incredibly beautiful, and honest. It truly was a piece written from the heart. Being single on valentine’s day can sting, but I am so glad you a recognizing the importance of loving yourself and treating yourself well. And when you do find that very special lady, having that self-love will allow you to love your partner in a…read more
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ashraymondjames submitted a contest entry to
Why do you love yourself? 3 months agoAn Open Letter To Anybody Ready To Accept Me
Ash Raymond JamesHello, my name is Ash Raymond James.
Count the rings around my eyes;
they will tell you I’m infinite.
Thirty-three but endless.I am six feet tall,
but I have sixty-foot confidence.I am not capable of being embarrassed,
but have you seen the way I dance?
I look like I’m on fire
and I probably should be ashamed
but I often end up setting the night ablaze
because I have the sort of joy
that is contagious.My favourite song is my own laughter.
I laugh at my own jokes until it rains.
The sky has a secret addiction
to dad jokes and other people’s happiness.It cries out of pure elation.
Finds it insulting when people
don’t throw down in its puddles
so I shimmy a little
and I don’t care who’s watching.I am the sort of person
who could accidentally start a flash mob.People have the audacity
to tell me I have no rhythm
but I move to a melody
only a few can comprehend.
I think I am a little ahead of my time.
There is a chance I am from the future
or I could have just watched too many sci-fi movies.It’s been said that my head is in the clouds
but I am actually wiping stardust
from my moustache, often
as I have always believed
if you aren’t going to pay attention
you may as well discover planets.It took some work, but I finally understand self-gentleness.
My heart makes my mind breakfast in bed,
and my mind sings lullabies to my heart
whenever it can’t sleep and throws itself around my chest.I learnt the secret to breathing
is realising you deserve every breath
and now I swim with the fishes
in my spare time.The kindest thing I ever did was love myself;
the bravest thing I am ever going to do
is never stop
even when my every atom
is trying to convince me I should.Voting is closed
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Hi, Ash! Aiša here 🙂 Thank you for sharing your work of he(art) with us <3
Surely, anyone who reads this letter will find that they are ready and more than willing to accept you! But guess what? You don’t need them to.
You’ve got YOU!
I’m absolutely gushing over the radical self-acceptance this piece embodies.
“[…] but I move to a melody
o…read more-
Thank you for reading this and for your kind words.
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Hi Ash, I love this… the humor, gentleness and unique touches put into it… seems like it reflects the really dope individual that you are! Plus, I LOVE dancing lol it’s extremely joyful 😎
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Heck yeah. Lovely to connect with you
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Ash! This is good! Never stop dancing. Never stop laughing at your own jokes. And if you start a flash mob, can you please make sure I am around? This piece made me smile on a gloomy Saturday. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
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Laura, thank you so much, I’ll do my best to only start flash mobs when you’re close by haha.
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Ash Raymond James shared a letter in the
Poetry group 3 months, 2 weeks agoA Condensed Guide On Making Social Plans
Say yes immediately!
Do not check your schedule,
do not consider
the consequences
until it’s too late.Lose sleep
constructing
escape plans.Remember:
anxiety is a loan shark
and it will find you!Write the text and delete it
a few hundred times.Google ‘how to safely
poison yourself’Decide against it
Cancel last minute
and repeat.
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Starting with “say yes immediately!” is such a bold and inviting way to start a poem; I love it! This poem kind of sounds like the instability of anxiety in someone’s mind. I love the way you showed rather than told. Thank you for sharing 🙂
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I love that you want the seize the day. Keep up the positivity.
Shelley
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Ash Raymond James shared a letter in the
Poetry group 3 months, 2 weeks agoGet Up
Ash Raymond JamesGet up
the day has been
asking about you.Shake off the dust
of your wallowing.Unhibernate your
state of belonging.I have seen skeletons
rediscover their heartbeats
so I have no doubt that you can, too.Realign your bones.
Wash off the sins that your
sadness left behind.Become fierce again
because the sky
Is toothless mouth
without you.The sun lies awake
worried that he will never
get the chance
to cast your shadow again.The wind has a scripture of things
it wants to whisper to you.Turn your door mats around
so the world welcomes you.Introduce yourself
like this world
owes you something.It has left you breathless
for far too long.
You earned its oxygen.
Claim it!This world is yours
for the taking
if you want it.So get up!
The world
has been asking about youit would be rude for you
not to answer.-
WOW!!!
Great poem, Really inspiring too. Clear and powerful message, to inspire us to take action and make the most of every opportunity.-
I am still learning how to use this platform, so this delay comes with an apology. Thank you so much.. Please check out my other work and I will be sure to check out yours.
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Wow… I LOVE the way you speak. The verbiage really paints a picture. I feel like the words you used dance together in a very moving way. I absolutely love the use of personification. You really animate the story you’re telling with the way you string words together. “ I have seen skeletons rediscover their heartbeats” is an amazing line. Keep it up!
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I hope you will forgive my late reply; I am still getting used to this platform. Your words truly mean a lot, and I just sent a friend request. I would love to read your work and connect more.
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Dear Ash,
You words give me the motivation to get up and go. I love your positivity. Yes take whats your and own it!Shelley
Shelley
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Thank you! Let’s get up and go!
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Jake shared a letter in the
Poetry group 3 months, 3 weeks agoInside vs. Outside
JakeThe feelings I have inside are not easy ones to let out BUT THIS IS ME!
If you asked ME what is the FIRST THING people notice when I MYSELF enter a room it would and IS my LIMB and FISTED hand because of my cerebral palsy a physical disability
Often NOT ALWAYS the FIRST THING JAKE SEES is being treated DIFFERENTLY, but THIS IS ME I do not know any differently!!!
It’s easy for me to say I should be treated the SAME as others whose differences you can NOT SEE
Unfortunately oftenbNOT ALWAYS the WORLD does NOT teach enough about SOCIETY and how WE are ALL BORN DIFFERENTLY!!!
mine is just one you SEE!
I hope that WE can keep the MAIN thing the MAIN thing and that is we ALL have a heart
So I ask ALL to please let that be the MOST IMPORTANT thing WE SEE
With Utmost LOVE & GRATITUDE
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Jake, I love how honest this piece is, and how you really take ownership of your story and your feelings. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being such a huge part of our community. <3 Lauren
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Hello Lauren,
Thank you so much for the kind words! The Unsealed —- and writing writing in general, has played a HUGE part in my ability to be vulnerable!
Thank you for being a fan!
Best,Jake
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This is such a beautiful story. All too often we judge people superficially. This is a soulful reminder that we are not our bodies, but rather our hearts. Thank you for putting your love into this poem. Keep it up 🙂
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“we are not our bodies, but rather our hearts.” THIS is BEAUTIFUL and could NOT have said it BETTER MYSELF!
I’m glad you found a message!
As always, thank YOU for being a fan! YOUR WORDS are IMMEASURABLE TOUCHING
ONE of YOUR FANS,
Jake
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jsapril submitted a contest entry to
What are your goals for the new year? 4 months agoAir
Thinking about my goals for the new year makes me crouch in my seat when I should sit up straight proud because I got there
my brain BURSTS mulling over ANY AND EVERY GOAL so I take this time to look at them as a WHOLE
What do I have to do to complete this puzzle piece that is comprised of EVERY SINGLE GOAL
Being CONFIDENT and PROUD of what I have done should give me all the reason to continue to strive for SUCCESS this season
There is truly no reason why 2024 can NOT be a BREAKTHROUGH season
As I invision proceeding and SUCCEEDING in life the reason I haven’t had my break through moment is easy
My potential is like the AIR you can NEVER have too much to spare
I don’t dare to prepare to jump into the limit-LESS air BUT I am AFRAID of that STARE or smile that will inevitably be there (at least according to ME) to COMPARE
If I dare to run the race that is LIFE and I WIN I will FOREVER WONDER if crossing that finish line FIRST was FAIR
I think about EVERYONE ELSE who CAN be there
Most certainly the guy with the limp is NOT supposed to be there (or so MYSELF thinks)
But I tell myself if I do NOT run the race (LIFE) like I BELONG it will only be UN-used air and WASTED air just means in the end I did NOT care and I MYSELF CARE
So in 2024 I DARE to jump INTO MY limit-LESS AIR!
Voting is closed
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Wow Jake! This is a fantastic and insightful piece. You are right! Your potential is limitless. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being such a wonderful and special part of our community.
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Thank YOU for the REMINDER, kind words, and being a fan
Best,
Jake
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ralph_inoa submitted a contest entry to
What are your goals for the new year? 4 months agoIt All Starts This Year
Raphael InoaThis is it Ralph
You’ve been gone for a while but it’s time to reappear
The pressure is all around you
Are you going to give in to the doubt?
Let the fear interfere?
Make excuses for yourself like you’ve done so for years,
As you sit back and watch your inner demons steer
Or are you finally going to take back wheel,
Show the world and make things clear
Of Ralph’s resilience, who he really is, and why he’s here
The choices you’ve made and the choices in sight,
Are the two factors in the equation that you call your life
What have you done,
And what will you do with this story you write?
What visions do you see? Any pinnacles you’ll reach?
What mountains will you climb? What goals do you strive,
To accomplish in the physical as well as ones that are deep inside?
A year from today, what achievements do you hope to provide?I’d have learned to break the shackles I’m confined,
To within the cage of my mind
To stop looking at the past and start paving a new path,
Of leaving an impact
To use my God given talent, and not stand on the sidelines
To walk outside the lines,
Of my comfort where I often reside
I will find a way to better coexist,
With the inner demons that lie,
Within me
I’d have learned to break the shackles I’m confined,
To within the cage of my mind
To stop looking at the past and start paving a new path,
Of leaving an impact
To use my God given talent, and not stand on the sidelines
To walk outside the lines,
Of my comfort where I often reside
I will find a way to better coexist,
With the inner demons that lie,
Within me
I will learn new things
Learn new places
Learn new limits, and exceed old ones
This year
I will keep my eyes set on the big dream
I will keep it alive
The blinding lights
The deafening rumble of the speakers all around the venue
Roaring out the words I’ve woven together
Looking out at hundreds,
Thousands,
Simultaneously doing the same
Simultaneously healing any pain,
We may have been going through
But for now
For this year,
I’ll release the music that hundreds,
Thousands,
Will choose to overlook
With words that will roar out speakers,
of the most most humble venue
My room
Knowing all this,
I will still release the music
Solely,
Because I want to
Because I need to.
This year
I’ll learn hope
I’ll learn perseverance
I’ll learn discipline
I’ll learn growth
I’ll learn patience
I’ll learn success
I’ll learn those,
And I’ll learn meI’ve seen your fight, and you’ve fought well
This next one is a little different
But I can tell,
You have what it takes
You must get out your shell
Do everything you said you will
Dust yourself off, get out that imaginary cell
Stick to your gut, and you will prevail
Make the tears worth it
Make the world see
Go ahead and put the work in,
And the people will soon enough believeThank you for having this talk with me
Or rather, with yourself
Afterall,
You are me, and I am you
The thing is, you know me
But I can’t know you unless I live the rest of my life,
The same exact way you haveYou’re right
But unfortunately,
I’m unable to give you more, and our time is up
Don’t worry
You just proved to me you have everything you need
I hope that one day you can come back,
And view these words as me
If you can do that,
That’s when you’ll knowKnow what?
You’ll see
Farewell Ralph,
From here on out you’ll need to turn it up a few gears
Everything you want:
It all,
Starts,
This,
Year.Voting is closed
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Raphael!!!! This is so so good and extremely powerful. It sounds like there is so much greatness inside of you that is eager to come out. Let go of what hurt you and use that fire inside of you to propel you forward.
I love this part:
I’ll learn hope
I’ll learn perseverance
I’ll learn discipline
I’ll learn growth
I’ll learn patience…read more-
I appreciate the feedback Lauren, thank you very much. I remember spending literally the whole day working on this whole piece but that little part is definitely one of my favorite parts of it as well.
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jlodle11 submitted a contest entry to
What are your goals for the new year? 4 months ago2024: Crushing Goals and Walking in the Lightt.
Jonathan Lee OdleI’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 🙂
Voting is closed
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I love this one! You have a great writing voice!
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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
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Hey, thank you! I appreciate your words!
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Jake shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months, 1 weeks agoThank YOU!!!
Dear Lauren,
Happy Birthday!!
Today is YOUR day to receive gifts; I hope these letters are ones that you can open at any present moment, and feel LOVED AND APPRECIATED!
With that being said, and I say this with NO EXAGGERATION, THE UNSEALED IS, and will ALWAYS BE, one of the BEST PRESENTS EVER given to ME (even if I purchased it myself)🤣
As you probably know, words, phrases, etc, mean the world to me!
The IMPACT that this phrase:
“TURN YOUR SECRETS INTO SUPERPOWERS – Lauren Brill has on me is one that is on top of the standings for me!
Through YOUR STORY AND the creation of THE UNSEALED, YOU HAVE taught me not only to talk with pride about my difference to literary WALK with PRIDE, and do NOT let ANYONE step on your toes, PREVENTING you to go after your dreams and GOALS!
Much ❤️
Jake
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Aww Jake, this is so sweet. I am so glad The Unsealed has had such a positive impact on you! You have so much greatness inside of you. And you have every reason to walk with your head held high. YOU ARE AMAZING. Never stop pursuing your dreams. They will happen. I am grateful for you and your friendship. Love you. <3 Lauren!
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jsapril submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem about what you are grateful for in your life 5 months, 2 weeks agoWhy He Chose Me?
What am I grateful for?
Often I feel shameful for not feeling more grateful for my disability
I am grateful to the Higher Power
For instilling the motivation and strength
Recognizing how I can use my disability
Sometimes I make myself feel dizzy
Trying to figure out why me
he chose to be looked at differently
I never think I will fully love my disability
Because I do wish my disability wasn’t something you can see
But when I look at my life now
I am trying to see something new
The good in why he chose me
Being one of the people whose disability you can see
So you see
There is a responsibility
To encourage others to see
We all have a “disability”
I don’t want self-pity
I just want people to understand that
“Your disability” just maybe
Your greatest ability
Thank you higher power
And everyone that supports me!Voting is closed
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“There is a responsibility
To encourage others to see
We all have a “disability””Wow.
With these words, you’ve captured exactly how I’ve come to feel about my own [invisible] disabilities.
I feel the need to both thank and congratulate you, for putting words to the feeling—something I’ve long struggled to do.
Happy New Year pal 🙂
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Aiša, this response LITERALLY makes me TEAR UP!!! I am glad with these words, “There is a responsibility
To encourage others to see
We all have a “disability” captured what you were feeling!! YOUR WORDS CAPTURED what I NEEDED to hear about this piece and for MYSELF!! A SENTENCE goes a LONG WAY!! Keep BEING YOU!!-
Thank you, Lauren!!! This response will stick with me!!!
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Jake!!!!! This piece is fantastic! Your best piece yet. Embrace yourself. You inspire so many. You are thoughtful and have such a wonderful spirit. You are perfect the way you are! Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our family <3 Lauren
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AND ESPECIALLY using YOUR WORDS!!! YOU TRULY HAVE A GIFT!! I am HUMBLED AND HONORED to be a PAL of YOURS! I took a screenshot of your response, so it’s there for me not just when I NEED IT, BUT TO START MY DAY!! This is MY COFFEE!!!
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Thank YOU for the kind words!! I certainly appreciate them and appreciate YOU!! Thanks for being a fan!!
Best,
Jake
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Your words show that you are strong minded ,wise beyond your years and determined to succeed. I know you will!
Shelley
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jlodle11 submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem about what you are grateful for in your life 5 months, 2 weeks agoA Short Poem About What I'm Most Grateful For.
Jonathan OdleWe 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.Voting is closed
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Really needed this—
“We can let others make us feel small.
We can let their words have no effect on us at all”—thanks for sharing, Jonathan 🙂
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Of course. Glad I’m able to share 🙂 Thank you for your response.
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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
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Thank you for allowing me a space to share. Thank you once more for your kind words.
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