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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 3 days, 10 hours ago

    Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day

    Dear Unsealers,

    The 25th of March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. And the month of March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in the United States.

    It hasn’t been easy to say that I have cerebral palsy. As it was so present in the years that I grew up, it almost became the whole story of who I was. But I’ve come around and accepted the fact that CP is a part of my life. Yet, it’s only one part of the larger story that’s still being written to this very day.

    I’m more than the challenges present, and the same goes for everyone in the community in their own ways.

    I’ve written something in honor of the day:

    National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day

    On the 25th of March
    An underserved community’s turn in the spotlight

    I’ve had my fair share of challenges
    From my eyes, my speech to my feet
    But I’ve risen above all of it
    To be me, a writer and traveler

    CP used to be the entire story
    Defined by all the limitations
    Now it’s just part of the plot
    Of a larger story that’s still being told

    On this day and every day
    A reminder to everyone…

    People with Cerebral Palsy
    Live lives of joy and wonder
    Unbowed by the impossible

    Even if things take more time to do
    After all, we bring our full selves to the forefron

    Oswald Perez

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    • CP used to be the entire story
      Defined by all the limitations
      Now it’s just part of the plot
      Of a larger story that’s still being told

      Oswald this is a beautiful line and piece. CP does not define your whole identity! There is so much more to you! you are wonderful. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our family. <3 Lau…read more

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  • jayybb shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 5 days, 1 hour ago

    This post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.

    Healing

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

  • Kevin Lowe shared a letter in the Group logo of Chasing Your DreamsChasing Your Dreams group 6 days, 23 hours ago

    Entrepreneurship: It's like Surfing!

    Have you ever tried surfing before? Or let’s just be honest, attempted to surf before?

    Whether or not you’ve actually squeezed into a skin-tight wetsuit and waxed up your surfboard, if you’re an entrepreneur, then you’re surfing every day!

    The dream of catching that perfect wave is what drives us to do better, work harder, and get up earlier. We’d rather fight for every inch than be given a mile.

    I embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship 10 years after becoming completely blind. At 17 years old, I unexpectedly lost my eyesight. By 27, I didn’t feel much like being put in a mold of what a “blind person” should do. No, I said screw that… I’m launching my very own travel agency!

    Better Days Travel was my pride and joy, my perfect wave for 7 years! Now, that perfect wave took work, a ridiculous amount of work indeed, but I loved every minute of it! Well, sort of.

    Like a surfer just beginning to paddle out into the waves, my journey as a travel agent was one wave after another, constantly crashing, pushing me back towards shore. Just as soon as I’d come up for air out of the thick whitewater caused by the crashing wave, another one would hit.

    Yeah, eventually I’d make it out to the break, catch a sweet wave, but soon that wave would crash, and I’d be right back fighting to catch another.

    But I realized something vitally important about choosing to be an entrepreneur…

    You don’t choose this path because you’re looking for a shortcut. You didn’t choose this path because you had no other option. Hell no! You chose this because this is part of living! It’s not about a paycheck on Friday; it’s about a company built, a brand established, a customer made happy, and the satisfaction at the end of the day that you get to wake up and do it all over again tomorrow!

    I may no longer be a travel agent, but I sure still am an entrepreneur, surfing every single day!

    Kevin

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  • Rebecca Engle shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 1 week ago

    Phases

    Birds still chirp their fucking hearts out on crap days,
    Like a karaoke star who’s totally lost his way.
    And flowers? They’re gatecrashing funerals with sass,
    Whispering, “Was it our fucking fragrance, perhaps?”

    People scatter when shit really starts to hit the fan,
    Quicker than I say “fuck it” to my diet plan.
    But the ride-or-dies? They stick like fucking glue,
    Like that piece of gum on your shoe, never bidding adieu.

    The moon’s up there, changing her damn mind,
    Like me in front of the fridge, a late-night find.
    So hey, give yourself a break, don’t stress the fucking phase,
    We’re all just bumbling through life’s mad, crazy maze.

    In the cracks and crevices, we find our fucking groove,
    Dodging life’s big-ass feet, we move and we improve.
    Escaping the drizzle, dodging the damn pee,
    We’re the fucking misfits, making it, wild and free.

    So when life feels as tough as a week-old fucking baguette,
    Remember, we’re rocking this shit, no need to fret.
    In this grand ol’ mess, we might seem fucking small,
    But we’re damn well blooming, giving it our fucking all.

    Rebecca Engle

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    • Rebecca , your letter is filled with raw and honest emotion. Life may be chaotic, but remember, you’re resilient. Embrace your uniqueness and keep pushing forward. You’re blooming and giving it your all, no matter how tough things get.

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  • Rebecca Engle shared a letter in the Group logo of Chasing Your DreamsChasing Your Dreams group 1 week ago

    Handouts

    In a town where promises are plenty and the government hands out aid,
    A question echoes softly, under the shade.
    “Why try hard, why aim high, when help is just a call away?
    Why bother with the struggle, if you’re okay day by day?”

    The government says, “We’ll help you, keep you safe and fed,
    You won’t need to worry, we’ve got your back,” they said.
    But this kindness has a shadow, a kind of hidden chain,
    It keeps you in your place, with not much to gain.

    “Why go for the mountain,” some wonder, “when the valley’s just fine?
    Why face the storm, when you can just recline?”
    Because in that easy comfort, there’s a trap so sly,
    It tells you, “Don’t bother,” and time just passes by.

    But some folks aren’t buying, they want to chase their own dream,
    Not just live on handouts, or so it would seem.
    They talk about doing things, making their own way,
    Not just taking what’s given, but having their say.

    They gather in the streets, their voices loud and brave,
    “We want to earn our keep, not just quietly behave.”
    For freedom and the chance to chase what they deem sweet,
    To work hard for their wins, and not just take a seat.

    So why aim for something bigger, why try to break free?
    It’s about making your own path, as far as I can see.
    Not just going with the flow, but steering your own boat,
    And in that hard-earned journey, you’ll have your own note.

    So let’s not be fooled by an easy ride, bought and sold,
    But aim for the horizon, with courage bold.
    The road might be rougher, and the climb can be steep,
    But in that effort, you’ll find a joy so deep.

    Rebecca Engle

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  • Moxx shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 1 week, 1 day ago

    The Traveler

    Where have you been?
    My time traveling friend
    You’re here in the present again

    You were stuck in the past
    Confused and aghast
    Back then and forever in when

    You are never here
    Through these months and years
    When is it that you go?

    Sometimes it’s a loss
    But my hope I won’t toss
    From spring blooms to the fallen snow

    But if truth should be told
    And if the story unfolds
    Did you change everything that you could?

    For now it is now
    And I don’t know how
    You’d claim it to be as you would

    Because the trouble with time
    It only can wind
    To a future that is not yet

    However, with you
    To the future you flew
    Because time for you isn’t set

    So lonely you go
    A sad, sorry soul
    And no one can understand you

    We will meet again
    My time traveling friend
    In a world that to me seems so new

    Kristen Moxley

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    • Kristen, you express yourself so well! This is a super powerful piece. I can really feel the emotion! I am going to showcase this piece in our newsletter today <3 Lauren

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    • Kirsten, Your words paint a vivid picture of a time-traveling journey filled with longing and uncertainty. It’s fascinating to imagine the possibilities and the impact of your travels. I hope that in your quest for understanding and change, you find the answers you seek and discover a world that feels new and full of promise. Remember, even in…read more

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      • Moxx replied 1 week ago

        Thank you Kayjah! I couldn’t agree more, that there is always the potential for connection and understanding. Very eloquently put! I have often wondered what it would be like to either time travel myself, or have a friend who time travels. I can only imagine the adventures I/they would go on!

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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 1 week, 4 days ago

    Happy St. Patrick's Day!

    Dear Unsealers,

    It’s the 17th day of March.

    After years of searching for Irish blessings to post on this day, I began to write my own.

    With the luck of the Irish, comes this year’s version:

    On this, the 17th day of March
    A blessing from me to you

    May your days be filled with joy
    And all the craic spent in good company

    For the peace to ease weary times
    As the rainbows fill the skies
    Under bright blue, sunny daylight

    With sweet songs sung in tune
    Carrying this message far and wide

    In this moment of Céad Míle Fáilte
    From the Emerald Isle with love, sent across the world

    Happy St Patrick’s Day!
    Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!

    Oswald Perez

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  • Shandi Henley shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental HealthMental Health group 1 week, 4 days ago

    CRASH

    It’s like I’ve been trying to get somewhere my whole entire life, but
    hitting every red light along the way.
    ITS Like my brakes go out
    thousands miles too soon.
    And like I burn
    thru way too much gas after filling,
    and I can’t even trryyy to justify
    the wear n tear of the motor.
    I have Been spinning my wheel
    and getting nowhere
    for as long as I can remember.
    I’m running on fumes.
    My tires are bald.
    I’m one blow out away from
    swerving into oncoming traffic.
    My dreams are in the passenger seat
    with a broken seat belt, a drunken smile,
    and an empty bottle of vodka
    that I haven’t gotten the courage
    to throw away.
    I have a green valley
    of possibility in front of me.
    And a mountain of regret
    in my rear view mirror!
    I’m hoping there is just enough
    in the tank to make it to the end of this road. CRASH

    Shandi Lynn #SadGirlChronicles

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    • Shandi, your letter beautifully expresses the frustrations and challenges you’ve been facing. Keep pushing forward and don’t let the setbacks define you. You have the strength to overcome and reach your dreams. Stay determined and believe in yourself.

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  • Dear Grandpa

    Dear Grandpa,
    It’s been 11 years snice you’ve gone. I can still remember the night being so peaceful, so still, and so cold. I remember the day we laid you to rest. The snowflakes that fell that day were the biggest ones I’ve ever seen. I wanted to be one of the few who go to carry you to your final resting place, but I watched instead as my brother, cousin, brother in law, and a few others carried you instead.

    I’ll never forget when my 18th birthday rolled around and I eagerly went to the gas station and bought a can of your grizzly wintergreen chewing tobacco. I took it to you grave and had lunch with you. The sun was shining and I was happy enough even though you weren’t with me anymore.

    You were my best friend. The amount of days I skipped school just to hang out with you nearly cost me my graduation. The people at school frowned upon the week I missed when you passed. Said I shouldn’t have been gone that long and that I needed to be there from then on. What was I supposed to say? Grief has no time limit and I wasn’t capable of dragging myself out of bed to go be around people who never understood me. You always did though.

    I wonder what you would think of me now. Would you still be proud of me? Would you still be able to sit in silence with me and just watch the tv? Would you still be able to look me in the eyes and tell me everything was going to be ok? You were my safe place in this world and even though it has been 11 years my heart still hurts. I yearn to hear your laugh, see your smile, and feel the warmth of your hugs.

    I love and miss you so much, Grandpa.

    Courtney

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    • Awww Courtney! This is so sweet. Your grandpa is definitely proud of you and definitely still watching over you.

      My grandpa died when I was 13. We have the same personality and we are the only two people in our family that are very athletic – so I know I got it from him. When I was younger he would tell me rain was good luck. So after he died,…read more

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  • Jake shared a letter in the Group logo of Women's EmpowermentWomen's Empowerment group 1 week, 6 days ago

    Sporting 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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  • Shandi Henley shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 1 week, 6 days ago

    Unrequited L💔VE

    Why do I cling to love?
    A love that was never mine.
    Why would I dream of a future?
    A future that ain’t for me to picture.
    Why would I create a fantasy?
    A fantasy that was never born.
    It leaves my heart aching
    for something intangible.
    Why do I cling to love,
    a love that was never mine?
    Time and distance can have an effect on the mind yet be completely irrelevant to the heart. The heart knows what it knows
    and loves what it loves
    like it has a mind of its very own.
    It takes bravery to break old habits.
    It takes courage to sit with your own mistakes. Growth is uncomfortable.
    Why do I cling to love,
    a love that was never mine?
    Maybe it’s time to break the hold
    on a love that was never meant
    to unfold 💔

    Shandi Lynn #SadGirlChronicles

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    • The heart knows what it knows
      and loves what it loves
      like it has a mind of its very own

      That is so true! But its so not worth loving something that doesn’t love you back. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family. <3 Lauren

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  • Vicki Trusselli shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 1 week, 6 days ago

    "MEMORIES OF FRIENDS FOR A MOMENT IN TIME"

    Dear Unsealed,

    We walk through our lifetime,
    On planet Earth
    To walk
    To run
    For fun
    Of rebirth
    Of bonds of friends that intertwine
    With our everyday smiles and laughter
    Of new friendships formed as we capture
    Photographs of play and nature and all things
    Friends share experiences of human beings,
    Of life and living each day
    Along the way.
    Hear every word that I say.
    What happens when tears and heartache appear
    Among the two friends of a New Year,
    As the two friends were young and free
    As they grow up to be
    Other people as careers?
    Who will win?
    The two friends took different life paths.
    One girl goes to college to satisfy her thirsty curiosity to expand her mind.
    As she steps into the classroom of professors to combine
    Knowledge and critical thinking skills.
    In the progressive way
    Of slipping into the 21st century time
    Of creating a stream of consciousness of rhythm and rhyme.
    The other girl
    Chose another path,
    To travel
    Of motorcycles and army and other avenues
    Of life, laughter, destruction of venues
    Of sporadic adventures as the girl walks into
    The wild blue
    Of what she chooses to do
    The two friends lose touch,
    But still think about each other so much,
    Not realizing when they meet up as adults,
    They no longer have anything in common,
    As the roads they chose were different as night and day
    No reason,
    No rhyme,
    Just in time
    They go their separate ways again,
    In time they each count the actual number of true friends
    On their one hand of five fingers of expression of when
    They each discover people come into our lives,
    To stay or teach a lesson,
    And that one friend was there to care,
    At a certain point in time to bear
    A burden of friendship then flies away.
    So, I have learned that some friends go away,
    Because they were there for that time in our lives
    Then to walk a different life path of hope, despair, or strife
    And to remember it is okay.
    Bless the time
    And move forward with rhythm, rhyme, and song of space and time,
    To live.

    We accept the adventures of different roads taken,
    Of yesterday and today
    As we awaken
    To a new dawn
    A sun
    A star
    A moon,
    To you my long-ago friend of my childhood
    No worries,
    Take care,
    Live,
    Laugh,
    Care,
    Despair,
    Hope,
    And love and peace to you
    In the matrix of time and theater of life
    I choose life and creative endeavors of strife,
    Turned into light energy,
    Of the Earth
    The stars, the moon
    I will not see you soon,
    As we can no longer communicate
    About politics or life
    As we are 180 degrees away from
    Compromise or love.
    You are my past friend.
    And in the end
    I am okay.
    You are okay.
    We were meant for only childhood play.
    Sincerely,
    Vicki Lawana Trusselli

    Vicki Lawana Trusselli

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  • Jenn Moore shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 1 week, 6 days ago

    Pure Heart

    There was a time in my life I never thought I would make it but my heart is so pure, so true it just can’t be broken. You told me Ii was nothing that I’d never make it. But all along you were the one who was faking even though my poor heart was breaking. If you only knew It was yours for the taking. So many years I longed for a place I belonged, who would have thought I was wrong from the start. It started with just one little kiss but how did we end up like this? I wish we could go back to when we were kids. That is the time I have missed. Life was so easy like one two threesy. People were happy even when you got skinned knees. We played in woods, we built forts, made shadow puppets on the wall and back then we thought we knew it all. Who knew the good times we had would fall so hard. Find your heart broken to shards. There was a time when I was young, when life had only just begun, but the older that you get and time keeps on ticking by. Life hands you the gun. Will you run or pull the trigger? Be put down or stand tall and rise up bigger. This is your life at least that’s what you figure. So you keep on searching and hoping to your fragile heart from aching. Even when you feel the earth is shaking. Please don’t fool me when I am jaded. The world is so full of anger and hatred. So take my heart and please don’t break it. Why can’t we go back to the time when life was so simple. All it takes is one small ripple. Like the ocean and the tide I see much clearer now with open eyes. I won’t ever hide the person hidden deep inside. For my heart is pure I will always shine!

    Jennifer Moore

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    • Jennifer, your words resonate deeply with me. There are times when life feels overwhelming, but it’s our pure and true hearts that keep us going. Don’t let anyone’s negativity break you. Remember the joy of your childhood, and hold onto that. Remember your strength and shine brightly. Keep searching, hoping, and standing tall. You deserve…read more

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  • Jenn Moore shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 1 week, 6 days ago

    Unsinkable

    Climb aboard this sinking ship.
    Come sail across the deep blue sea.
    Help to find what was left behind.
    The treasure hidden inside my chest.
    Locked away from my duress.
    Could you be the one who holds the key.
    To set my soul and spirit free.
    Guided by the dim lit moon.
    The waves sing a lovely tune.
    The stars shine oh so bright.
    Gliding across the sea at night.
    The tides have turned.
    Its home I yearn.
    The time has come to reach within.
    I fall upon my weakened knees.
    As you slowly turn the key.
    A solemn tear runs down my cheek.
    For you have found what was left behind. The way to free my soul, spirit and mind
    As I whisper in the dark “free at last.”

    Jennifer Moore

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  • Tiffany Wyatt shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 2 weeks ago

    This post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.

    Love Shall Reign

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

  • 55

    I’m hot but I like it mild
    Sometimes needy, labeled the wild child.
    Lucid Dreamer like the Pisces I am.
    Born on the only day that’s not always there….got me questioning LIFE from the day it began! Thank you.
    If you do the math I equal 55.
    But I failed that subject.
    Words over numbers that’s where I thrive. Trouble maker Too cool for school
    but finished that shit cuz I wasn’t no fool. Babies having babies so quick to be grown. Took on that roll
    I still proudly chill on that thrown.
    Thank you.
    My reasons to grind, a whole new light.
    My Pride n joys and Proof
    That I can do something right! Thank you. Welcomes more lost identity.
    Still Shandi but constantly morphed,
    searching for real serenity.
    Somedays up somedays down,
    sociable emotional, ready to get devotional. Thank you.
    Spread love n laughter
    maybe a people pleaser.
    Make plans to break plans,
    but follow thru with promises.
    I write to write about all these feelings just to read them at my own leisure.
    If you took a test about YOU
    would you pass or fail?
    Do you know what make ur own boat sail?
    I won’t answer my own questions…
    What if everything you have been told was wrong with you is actually everything that is right? Ok here comes the rabbit hole it’s time to say good night. Thank you!

    Shandi Lynn #SadGirlChronicles

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    • If you took a test about YOU
      would you pass or fail?
      Do you know what make ur own boat sail?

      I love that part of your piece. So many of us don’t know ourselves, or think we know ourselves and we don’t until we really take a pause. Thank you for sharing this insightful piece. <3 Lauren

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  • Shandi Henley shared a letter in the Group logo of Chasing Your DreamsChasing Your Dreams group 2 weeks ago

    Left

    I wrote this about my most recent battle of surviving and healing physically/mentally after my car accident. It took me LEFT
    “with nothing” to realize I already have everything I need and I can say I am Thankful my God continues to prove his love for me!!

    Left. Starving.
    Tryin to keep my head up…while being fed up. Hard to stay UP when all you feel is down. Pushed down. All the way down.
    To the Mf ground. Stuck on a marry go round. Left. Spinning. Where we stop nobody knows. Can’t afford to take no more blows. Left.
    Down where the stream flows.
    Saying goodbye to all my belongings.
    Saying goodbye to dreams
    Suddenly
    Saying good riddance to the negativity. Watching my stuff float out of sight.
    Still starving but can’t get fed a bite.
    Left. Freezing cold with no warmth in sight.
    This is where strength kicks in ready to fight. Move how you are forced to move. Wedged. Jammed. Left. Scared. Worried.
    Made to believe you have luck.
    How, when all I feel is stuck.
    Still searching for my belongings
    floating in the muck.
    Maybe I wasn’t looking for my stuff after all wtf… I was left looking for more outta life.
    Left. Just So I can get RIGHT.

    Shandi Lynn #SadGirlChronicles

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    • I am so sorry to hear about the car accident. When your body aches it can be so hard to put a smile on your face. Keep pushing through. This is a heartfelt beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our Unsealed family. <3 Lauren

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    • Shandi your raw and honest expression of the aftermath of your car accident is incredibly powerful. It speaks of strength, finding strength in hardship, and the realization that true wealth lies within. Thank you for sharing your journey of survival and healing.

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  • Jake shared a letter in the Group logo of To my younger selfTo my younger self group 2 weeks ago

    TAGGING ALONG - Despite the scars

    Dear 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.

    Jake

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  • "If I Miss a Star then I Grab a handful of Clouds."

    15 and pregnant to a monster all because I was trying to escape the pain of my horrific childhood of emotional, mental, and sexual abuse. I allowed myself to get manipulated and trapped time and time again. Even though I was the last person everyone thought would get pregnant including myself, it happened and everyone told me I was messing up my life but I tell you what. Having my kid was my saving grace and likely changed my path for the better. Yes, I continued to make many terrible and embarrassing mistakes along the way but I would come out strong and rise above all that attempted to pull me down into the trenches. I moved from house to house and tried to date after leaving his biological father to find myself with the wrong types over and over again and creating situations for myself that would only destroy me and my son if I allowed it to. I got accepted to modeling and I couldn’t afford my portfolio. I considered joining the Air Force and couldn’t imagine leaving my son that long for training. I worked dead-end jobs over and over and then I gave up, again. I felt defeated. I started thinking, maybe they were right. I worked in a pizzeria with a pedophile boss who would later make the news. But then finally, I would meet a group of people who would help me see my true and worthy self. They didn’t see me as a person young and dumb but encouraged me to keep going and to fight for my future; our future (with my son). So, I did just that. I no longer entertained the idea of needing a man to make my family complete. Instead, I worked full-time as a bartender, went to college full-time, received public assistance, and was a mom full-time while juggling my personal life. I would meet my husband in college, get pregnant twice, then get married. That’s 3 boys and a husband with a college degree! Now I am an office manager of 13 years, and I own my home. I never thought this would ever be my life. Our oldest (27) is getting married to his high school sweetheart of the 9th grade in August (no kids), our middle son (20) is graduated and figuring out his path in life (no kids) and our baby son (17) is a senior in high school, no kids. My point is, I have had more trauma, pain, and disappointment than anyone should have so young. It started in my mother’s womb and carried on for far too long and then I allowed more along the way until I snapped out of the cycle and said no more. I will not allow this to be my life. I deserve and want better. I had a support system and I had dreams. While some of my dreams didn’t happen ultimately my big dream did. All because I didn’t give up and continued chasing my dreams. Mike Tyson said “I’m a dreamer. I have to dream and reach for the stars, and if I miss a star then I grab a handful of clouds.” My dream, my ultimate dream; health, family, success, love, support, respect, compassion, and understanding. I may have not been able to grab one star and I know I reached for the handful of clouds but boy I tell ya. I have all the stars in the universe right here with me!

    Stephanie Messecar

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  • Lakisha Hamilton shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 2 weeks, 1 day ago

    Overcoming adversity and achieving success

    In the darkness of doubt and despair,
    I carried the weight of judgment unfair.
    Bipolar, depression, schizophrenia’s shadow,
    Teachers’ words piercing like a sharp arrow.

    “You’ll never be anything, just a lost cause.”
    Echoes of doubt, reinforcing flaws.
    But deep within, a flame flickered bright,
    A spirit unbroken, ready for the fight.

    Through the storms of mental strife,
    I embraced the challenges of life.
    Rising above the cruel words spoken,
    I refused to let my spirit be broken.

    Amidst the chaos, I found my way,
    Striving for a brighter day.
    First in my family to reach that height,
    A beacon of hope, shining so bright.

    I walked the path less traveled by,
    Defying odds reaching for the sky.
    People’s eyes now filled with surprise,
    Seeing the truth behind their lies.

    I confess the pain that once held me down,
    The weight of expectations, a heavy crown.
    But in spite of it all, I stand tall and strong,
    A testament to resilience all along.

    So here I am, a survivor, a warrior true,
    Proving wrong every naysayer’s view.
    I am not defined by my past’s dark spree,
    I am here, I am free, I am me.

    Lakisha Hamilton

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    • Lakisha, This is an awesome piece. You Should use this piece for our contest that is due today. I love it. You are a warrior. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren

      Write me back 

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