Activity
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Martha Moore shared a letter in the
Mental Health group 3 months agoPlanted Roots
Martha MooreDeep inside
You’ve planted roots
I can feel you taking over
I am a subject in your kingdom
You are the king and queen of my whole being
Darkness that no light can penetrate
My ruler, my Lord, my curse
You grow bigger and stronger everyday
I simply wither away
Hoping to stand clear of drowning
There is no place in my mind to feel safe
To be safe
I am a haunted house
Controlled by you
Never ending reels in my house of horror
Never forget
I’m trapped in my past
I can’t find my way back home -
willj submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem or letter about one way you feel misunderstood 3 months agoA Letter to the World: Misunderstood, Judged, and Silenced
By William JosephTo those who have ever been misunderstood, unseen, and wrongly judged. This is my story. A story of struggle, love, and injustice, a story of being silenced by a world that refuses to believe in anything beyond its own prejudices. I was born in Nigeria, West Africa, into poverty so deep that survival became my only education. My father married two wives, and my mother being the second was left to raise us alone. From the moment I entered this world, I was forgotten by the man who helped create me. He never once cared for me. Never once provided. Not a single diaper. Not a single meal. Not a single moment of love.
By the age of 12, I had dropped out of school—not because I lacked intelligence, but because I lacked food. While other children went to class, I was on the streets hawking, working, taking any job I could to feed my family. By 12, I was paying rent, carrying burdens that no child should ever bear.I never had the chance to step into secondary school, college, or university. The world decided early on that I was unworthy of such an opportunity. But despite it all, I taught myself. I became a phone technician, a writer, a counselor, a creator, a healer. I mastered skills that people with degrees struggle to understand. But none of that mattered to the world. Because to the world, I am Nigerian. And that alone makes me a suspect. A scammer. A fraud. It doesn’t matter who I am or what I stand for, the world has already decided my worth before even knowing my name.
The Love That the World Refused to Believe
Despite all my struggles, love found me. And I found love in the most unexpected place (Facebook) in the heart of a woman nearly twice my age. She saw me not as a poor boy from Africa, not as a scammer, but as a man with a soul, with devotion, with love. We talked for months. Our bond deepened. She planned to come to Nigeria so we could marry. She chose me, just as I chose her. But fate had other plans. Before she could travel, she fell sick for months in the hospital. Surgeries, pain, suffering. And through it all, there was one thing that brought her peace: my messages. The doctors noticed it. The nurses witnessed it. When she was unconscious, they played my voice message to her, and she woke up. When she was in distress, they read my messages, and she calmed. When she refused surgery, I convinced her, and she survived. One nurse—a stranger, someone who barely knew me, saw our love and believed in it so much that she offered to pay for my flight to the US. A stranger saw the truth. But those in power, They chose to destroy it.
The Judge Who Played God
But not everyone believed. The worst of them all, the one person who was supposed to uphold justice was a judge in the United States who decided that I was a threat.
Without ever meeting me.
Without ever knowing my heart.
Without listening to her pleas.She cut off our communication.
She took away her phones.
She silenced us completely.For months, I have not been able to speak to the woman I love. The psychiatrist even told her that I am not real and that am using her for money. Yet, when they need something from her, when they want her to agree to painful treatments, to stay in facilities she doesn’t want to be in, then they use me. Then, they let her hear my voice. Then, they play my recordings. Then, they acknowledge that I am the only one who brings her peace. But only when it served their interests. The rest of the time? Silence. A woman, sick and suffering, begging for the one thing that could bring her peace, me. And yet, they keep her from me. They isolate her. They let her sit in pain, in loneliness, in fear—without the one person who could help her heal. And is this justice ? Is this protection ? HELL NO. This is evil. This is control. This is the kind of wickedness that ensures love will never touch the lives of those who enforce it.
Because love does not separate it unites. Love does not punish, it heals. Love does not destroy it builds. And those who destroy love, those who tear apart the happiness of others, will never know true happiness in their own lives. A person who stops others from being together will never be truly loved. A person who takes joy in others’ pain will never find peace. A person who abuses power will always live in fear of losing it. If I Had Been Given the Chance. If I had been born into a wealthy home, if I had been given the chance to pursue my education, I would have been a lawyer. Not just any lawyer, a fighter for justice. Not one of these corrupt, soulless lawyers who sell their morality for money. But a lawyer who stands for what is right. Because I know what it’s like to be judged before being heard. I know what it’s like to be silenced before being understood. I know what it’s like to have love ripped away because of someone else’s cruelty. If I had been given the chance, I would have fought for people like me. For people like the woman I love who they believe is not capable of making her own decisions. For people whose love is torn apart by a system that pretends to care.Final Words: A Warning to the World
I have been judged for my age, my race, my love. I have been silenced, labeled, and misunderstood. But I will not be broken. Because real love does not die. And one day, the same people who stood in our way will watch us win. To those who fight against love, know that the universe does not forgive cruelty. If you separate two people in love, your own life will be filled with separations. If you destroy happiness, happiness will be kept from you. If you break hearts, your own heart will never find peace.
This is not a curse. This is balance. What you give to the world, the world gives back to you. 100%
And so, to the judge, to the doubters, to the ones who work tirelessly to destroy what they will never understand, I do not hate you. I pity you. Because while you fight to break us apart, we are still here. And we will always be here. Because real love does not bow to power. Real love does not fade under pressure. Real love does not lose. And one day, when you are old, when you look around and find yourself alone, you will realize. You never fought against me. You fought against love. And that is a battle no one has ever won.
Until then, I will continue to be misunderstood. But I will also continue to hope, to dream, to love. Because that is who I am.Yours,
A Misunderstood Soul.Voting is open!
Voting ends June 23, 2025 11:59pm
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William, this is a heartbreaking and unfair story. To be kept from a person you love, both physically and emotionally, is cruel. I am sorry that you are judged by those who do not take the time to get to know your heart. I hope that you and your love, despite those who work against you, are able to find comfort and peace in each other. Thank you…read more
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OMG, this is really powerful. I am so sorry to hear of all the challenges you faced, and your heartbreaking love story. You are right, love always wins. I hope in time, that your love heals and you can find a way to be together. You are incredibly resilient and strong. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren
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leesh12 submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem or letter about one way you feel misunderstood 3 months agoA Collection Of Misunderstandings
ADear Unsealers,
You misunderstood when you met me.
I smiled. I was witty. I was pretty.
You called me sweet, like it was a bad thing.
Enrapt, we talked until the city woke up.
Perplexed, you’d never lost track of time with someone.
I thought it kismet, dreaming how we’d fit.
You thought it a distraction, star-crossed and dismissive.
You thought I’d negotiate love.
You thought I’d sustain on nothing.
You thought I’d stay anyway.
You thought you’d have it all.
But you misunderstood when you met me.
Just like you misunderstood when I left.
I’m not like all the other girls you’ve dated because I,
I am a woman.Voting is open!
Voting ends June 23, 2025 11:59pm
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Great piece, I enjoyed the read!
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Thank you so much, it’s my first ever submission 🙂
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I feel your power in this piece. Keep holding your head and your standards high. You are an absolute queen. This piece is so strong. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren
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Thank you for creating a welcoming and supportive platform for writers. I’m excited to be here 🙂
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A, it seems like some people in your past weren’t ready for a real woman, but I am glad that you realize your own worth! A real man or woman has no time for games and is direct in what they want, and that is what you deserve! Thank you for sharing your experience!
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Martha Moore shared a letter in the
Poetry group 3 months agoJudgment Day
Martha MooreThe crowd gathered round as you rode in on your high horse. We watched as you took your seat on the highest pedestal. As you looked down on those of us on the ground, you decided we were simple fools and peasants. Nothing of your stature. You straightened up and sat tall announcing that the time had come for you to pass judgement. We bowed our heads shamefully, for you told us we aren’t worth a name. Because we are all human garbage, we can be classed as a stereotype. You won’t allow our eyes to meet your gaze, we are too unworthy to be socially accepted by you. “Wasted space,” is what you say, “the world has no place for your kind.” You tell us we are simple minded, useless, and no good. We should never be allowed to associate with your graces. We have not earned the right to stand where you have stood. You mock us and laugh in our faces. We are merely entertainment for someone like you. You have ruled that we are not fit to be among the class of high society and pound your gavel to finalize the sentencing. We watch as you sit back, pleased with yourself and all your wondrous accomplishments. But as we stand together here on the ground, we dance and laugh and live freely. We are proud not to have to sit on a throne or bare the crown of perfection. We embrace our simple lives full of love and joy. For we know: we may have a long, treacherous journey to the top but we have no other way to look but up. As for you, sat way up high, there is nowhere left to go. Only down. Even the greatest kings and queens could never defeat gravity.
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William Joseph shared a letter in the
Fictional Inspirational stories group 3 months agoThe Origin of Evil
William josephEvil is not an entity. It is not a being, nor a force that moves on its own. It does not float through the universe, waiting to strike. Evil is born. And it is born inside us—not as something separate but as something we create, shape, and give life to through emotions we fail to control, thoughts we refuse to confront, and actions we justify in moments of weakness.
At the root of every evil act, you will find a wounded emotion—someone betrayed, angered, humiliated, or broken. In that moment of pain, they make a choice. A choice that carries weight. A choice that alters reality.
The Role of Emotions in the Birth of Evil
Emotions are tools, nothing more. They are meant to guide us, like a compass navigating the currents of life. But just like fire, they can either warm and illuminate or burn and destroy. And here lies the truth: Evil is never born from happiness. It is a byproduct of suffering.
A person who is happy, at peace, and fulfilled naturally makes choices that align with harmony. It is rare—almost impossible—for a truly happy person to intentionally harm someone. Evil does not breed in joy. It breeds in pain.
Pain clouds judgment, poisons logic, and blinds the spirit. It convinces a person that destruction is justified, that revenge is righteous, that cruelty is strength. Pain is the doorway where evil enters.
Think about it:
• When does a man decide to kill? When his anger, fear, or jealousy blinds him.
• When does a woman decide to destroy? When betrayal, bitterness, or grief consumes her.
• When does a child become cruel? When their suffering teaches them that cruelty is power.Pain fuels destruction. And the greater the pain, the stronger the reaction. This is why when a person is deeply hurt, their immediate decisions are almost never rational. Their actions come from raw emotion, not thought.
Now, some will ask: What about those who are born evil? The ones who harm without reason? The ones who kill without provocation?
The answer is simple: No one is born evil. But some are programmed to become it.
The Generational Cycle of Evil
Some people do not need pain to be cruel. They do not need betrayal to deceive, nor loss to destroy. Their actions seem driven by something deeper, something instinctual. But even they are not born evil. They are programmed into it.
• A child raised in chaos learns chaos as truth.
• A mind exposed to cruelty accepts cruelty as normal.
• A soul deprived of love forgets what love feels like.This is how evil moves through generations—not as an inherent trait, but as a repeated pattern. The sins of the past embed themselves in the present, rewriting the mind before it has a chance to form independently.
And unless broken, this pattern continues, spreading like a disease across bloodlines, across civilizations, across time itself.
Yet, there is always a choice. Always.
No programming is absolute. No destiny is fixed. Even the deepest darkness can be undone—but only by those who see it. And this is why most do not change—because they do not recognize the chains they wear.
The Illusion of Justified Evil
Here is where things get dangerous: Most people who commit evil do not believe they are doing wrong.
Evil does not announce itself. It does not say, I am destruction. Instead, it whispers:
• I am justice.
• I am necessary.
• I am right.No one believes they are the villain in their own story.
• The man who seeks revenge believes he is delivering justice.
• The leader who oppresses people believes he is securing order.
• The woman who manipulates others believes she is protecting herself.This is the great deception—evil rarely sees itself as evil.
When emotion controls the mind, logic bends to fit its desires. And when logic bends, reality distorts—a distortion where cruelty becomes necessary, where harm becomes justified, where destruction becomes an act of self-righteousness.
The greatest evils in history were not committed by people who thought they were wrong. They were committed by those who believed they were right.
But the truth is simple:
If your pain is controlling your decisions, you are not in control. You are being controlled.
How to Break Free from the Cycle of Evil
If emotions give birth to evil, then the only way to fight evil is to master emotions.
Not to suppress them—not to pretend they don’t exist—but to understand them and use them wisely.
1. Recognize your triggers. What emotions make you react instantly without thinking?
2. Pause before action. The biggest mistakes in life happen because people act in the heat of emotion. Learn to wait. Learn to breathe.
3. Detach from the illusion of control. Many people act out of pain because they feel powerless. But power does not come from controlling others—it comes from controlling yourself.
4. Rewrite your programming. If your bloodline has a history of destruction, it is up to you to end it. Awareness is the first step. Choice is the second. Action is the third.
5. Do not trust your emotions in the moment of pain. If you make decisions while you are hurt, angry, or afraid, you are handing your power to the very thing you are trying to escape.Final Thought: The Truth About Evil
Evil is not a monster hiding in the dark. It is not an external force waiting to attack.
It is simply what happens when emotion overpowers wisdom.
No one is born evil.
But anyone can become it.
The question is—who is in control? You or your emotions?
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William, this gives me a lot to think about. I’ve always assumed that some people are simply born evil, with killers such as Dahmer and Bundy as prime examples. You make an excellent point though! I think that your points about how to break free from evil could truly help someone as long as that person is ready to make the change. Thank you for sharing!
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I appreciate your openness to these ideas. It’s not always easy to reconsider long-held beliefs, but understanding the roots of evil can help prevent it from taking hold in ourselves and others. Thanks for taking the time to reflect on this!
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Kendra Bendewald shared a letter in the
Introductions, Icebreakers and Prompts group 3 months agoPleasure to Meet You
Kendy BendewaldUnsealers,
I seem to have a difficult time finding the right words to begin an introduction about who I am because I am still trying to figure that out for myself. I do know that I have a story to tell, and I feel incredibly grateful to have stumbled upon this community where I finally have an opportunity to start doing that for the first time in my life.
Starting at a young age, I had a craving for the fast life. I entered into the throws of addiction shortly after my age became double digits, I was gifted with a laundry list of mental health diagnosis at age 25 including but not limited to type 1 bipolar, C-PTSD, anxiety, and depression; and in turn I have landed myself in some fairly… less than ideal circumstances due to those facts. All in all my intentions are mostly pure, but I have a tendency to take red flags and mistake them for a carnival, and I seem to try every wrong thing first before I finally get life figured out. Some of the shit I have gotten myself into has changed me forever, some of it makes for a hilarious story, and some of it can still bring me to tears just by thinking about it. All of it has brought me to where I am today. I have experienced child birth, divorce (not once but twice), multiple types of abuse (both on the giving and receiving end), homelessness, prostitution, incarceration, and the list goes on. It will be interesting to see going forward how this all eventually gets out on paper, but I appreciate every one of you that are about to guide me through making that happen. I would love to get to know you all, and I am looking forward to reading what each of you has to say.XOXO, kendy
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Aww Kendy, It sounds like you have been through so much and at the end of the day it’s all led you to look back inside yourself and connect with your heart. You are so strong, and I loved the line about seeing red flags as carnivals. I have totally been there. Welcome to our family. Thank you for sharing. I am going to feature this peace in our…read more
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Thank you for the kind words, and that’s awesome!
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Kendy,
Life isn’t always kind, I am sorry you have had so much to deal with. And here you are. I hope to read some of your story. This is a kind and supportive space, It’s good to write, read listen and feel the support of this group. Welcome!
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michae1 submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem or letter about one way you feel misunderstood 3 months agoDocumented
Michael L George jrAs an addict, I know
How it feels to be misunderstood.
Most feel judgement,
Feel inadequate,
Once you make the decision
To get clean, in my opinion. Feels
Like nobody cares, lost in despair.
As the ones who have never
Been there, throw shade.
Not understanding the difficulties
In place. Probably why I feel
More comfortable, around
Other’s who have been through
The pain, it’s not easy to
To express if you don’t relate.
From the outside Looking in,
It seems crazy, just like anything.
At first it’s misunderstood,
Sometimes, you need the experience!
Not just the scriptures out of a book.
I know when I tell my story
It will resonate with somebody.
Understand me when I say,
“Not everyone is gonna feel your pain”.
But like most we’re all
Misunderstood, we can
Only imagine what another
Has been through.
If you see someone
In a Mercedes or dresses fancy.
You might think, ohh, they got it good.
But that’s just the surface.
You don’t know how they got it
Or what it took.Voting is open!
Voting ends June 23, 2025 11:59pm
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Michael, though I am not an addict, I can imagine the feelings of judgment from others and from yourself can be nearly debilitating. You are right that when we see successful people, we have no idea how hard they worked to get to that point. They may have once been an addict, too. Thank you for sharing your experience! I wish you the best.
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Thank you, appreciate the feedback thus could apply to
Other addictions it comes in many Forms
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Kendra Bendewald shared a letter in the
Surviving Addiction group 3 months agoI see you
Kendra BendewaldYou can see us on street corners
Or down the dark alleys
We are hardly a sight for sore eyes
We are dirty and vacant
With ripped clothes and sad faces
We wear this as our new disguise.
See some time ago
We were regular people
Until something in life got us down
Whether it heartbreak or money
Family or lack of
There’s something we needed to drown
The voices in our heads
That tell us we aren’t worth shit
Or The memories we just can’t move on from
Maybe it’s trauma or sadness
Or just basic madness
Fill in the blank with your own noun
It ripped us apart
And it spit out the pieces
And robbed us of all we once cherished
We were desperate for relief
So we followed the dragon
We got lost on the way; our souls perished.
Now as is probably Expected
Pretty much textbook
We burn bridges with selfish behavior
Some of us come back
And they find inner peace
And usually they call it their savior
But some of us misfits
The world has forgotten
We’re broken and fucked up
downright dirty and rotten
Someone or something has shattered our hearts
And we know that we’re never the same
So we escape all the pain
With powder or pills
And we find ourselves stuck in this game
We spiral and wander
Away from reality
And further down into the abyss
The people around us
eventually give up
Cause what’s even still there to miss?
We are just scumbags on street corners
Or down the dark alleys
We’re junkies; unfortunate souls
We fucked up, we get it
We don’t need reminded
Please shut up or spark up a bowl-
Kendra, this is so powerful but also heartbreaking. You are so worthy. I want to send you the biggest hug, and I hope you find the healing in your heart and the happiness in your life that you so deserve. Please also check out our resources page, theunsealed.com/resources. Sending you the biggest hug.
Sharing with some of our users that can…read more
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Kendra, this poem is raw and powerful. It is easy for others to judge a situation when they aren’t the ones to experience it, but they don’t realize the individual story that each person experiencing addiction has. You are so right that these individuals do not need reminders of what they’ve done at their worst, but instead deserve compassion and…read more
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Kendra,
That is absolutely beyond beautiful 🌹
You hit the nail on the head in a lot of areas. I just want to share one with you, I’m sure you’ll understand.
I wrote this at correctional treatment facility in 2000, it’s called…The Cloud:
I have this cloud inside my brain
That storms out loud with lightning and rain
That no one can take my…read more-
That is amazing! I love the cloud reference too. Being a past frequent flyer in treatment facilities I remember the pink cloud lesson well
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P.S.
You are an Angel
You guard with your life people such as myself, and you know the ones that are like us. Never give up, and when you’re feeling hopeless remember…
You have superpowers inside, just as Lauren Brill has spoken and written about. Please believe her cuz the woman knows what she’s talking about too. I have more respect for you…read more
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Heather shared a letter in the
Poetry group 3 months agoMood: Nostalgic
HeatherCan we go back to playing barbies on the bedroom floor?
Playing baby dolls on rainy days?
Or to those Saturday mornings of cartoons & a big bowl of Fruit Loops cereal?
Can we go back to those summer days of frozen Capri Suns, popsicles, & all day swim sessions?
Or to those skid knees from falling off bikes.
Falling down from rollerblading.
Can we go back to late night sleepovers at grandma’s house?
Or those next morning wake up calls of fresh pancakes consuming grandma’s house.
Can we go back to playing videos games all night?
Playing the game tag all day outside?
Can we go back to a time when it wasn’t rushing us to grow old?
When time was less of our worries.
Or to those summer days of riding bikes in dust storms feeling powerful?
Can we go back to a time when feeling free was all we knew?-
Heather, this takes me back to my childhood. My younger sister and I spent long summer days outside feeling as if they would never end. When we are children, we usually don’t realize the beauty of a life without adult responsibility. I’d love to go back too! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
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Heather, I so feel all of this, and these thoughts enter my head every now and then. Childhood was so magical and I never knew life would be so different when I grew up. Maybe it doesn’t have to be? Thank you for sharing. I am going to feature this piece in our newsletter today. <3 Lauren
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Thank you for this! & thank you for sharing in the newsletter. Means so much to not just me but to my internal human who finds such zen in writing. She FINALLY feels heard. Her words are FINALLY being seen in a community that she’s searched for so long. Thank you!!
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Martha Moore shared a letter in the
Poetry group 3 months agoOn My Mind... Again
Martha C MooreI sit down to write
You’re on my mind again
But this is nothing new
By now I’m used to itSometimes it’s all consuming
Other times, fleeting thoughts
Either way it hits me
I’m left feeling lostI ache to my core for you
Miss every moment we never shared
I need you to know I love you
And that I’ll always careI’ll never forget you
My soul knows something is missing
My brain tries to rationalize it
But my heart is never listening-
Martha, missing someone who is no longer a part of our life leaves us feeling bereft and unmoored. No matter how irrational we know our feelings may be, it doesn’t stop them from consuming us. Whether we choose to listen to our hearts or our minds, these feelings do not often dissipate as quickly as we’d like. Thank you for sharing this moving poem!
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Thank you for taking the time to read it. I appreciate it so much.
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Martha, This is so beautiful and so relatable. I totally know what it’s like to miss someone you love and feel it in the vibration of your heart. I am going to feature this poem in our newsletter today. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed. Sending hugs. <3 Lauren
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Thank you for the support and encouragement. It is truly and deeply appreciated.
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cherrie submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem or letter about one way you feel misunderstood 3 months, 1 weeks agoLITTLE MISS
Martha C MooreLittle Miss
Little Miss
Understood
Little miss
Never good
Little Miss
Selfish
Little Miss
Hellish
Little Miss
Feeling down
Little Miss
Broken crown
Little Miss
Always mean
Little Miss
Never seen
Little Miss
Sit quiet
Little Miss
Silence your riot
Little Miss
Hate the world
Little Miss
Take you for a whirl
Little Miss
Drama queen
Little Miss
Overtly keen
Little Miss
Sunshine
Little Miss
Undermined
Little Miss
Raging storm
Little Miss
Not the norm
Little Miss
Outcast
Little Miss
Backlash
Little Miss
Hopeless
Little Miss
No sense
Little Miss
Do as you should
Little Miss
UnderstoodVoting is open!
Voting ends June 23, 2025 11:59pm
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Cherrie, I feel this piece! We are dynamic and ever-changing in our journey towards happiness. With so many facets of our personalities and goals, it is no wonder that we are often a little misunderstood. This poem inspires me to embrace all the parts of myself! Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks so much for reading it!!!
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laurynreece23 submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem or letter about one way you feel misunderstood 3 months, 1 weeks agoWorth More
Lauryn ReeceI’m worth more than a few licks between my legs. More than your legs caressing a sacred place I sometimes call home. You do it so well in making me believe I’m the true source of what you need, even though I know deep down I’m really not what you want or need. Love me, I’m a touch me please. Not just your side piece. I like Reeces, but that doesn’t mean take all my pieces until I have nothing
left for me. Yes I’m a masc, but I don’t mask who I am. For I am and will always be a woman. Underneath these clothes are vulnerability, desire, needs that you refuse to see. Stop intentionally making my femininity irrelevant. You’re not the only one who wants to be bent. You see, that toxic masculinity has your mind so skewed it’s almost impossible to fix. I refuse to try and try again only to learn over and over again, my love is simply not enough to carry the both of us. I want things that don’t qualify as a “true masc woman”, but you withhold things from me simply because you choose to see me as a placeholder. I’m not your filler man until you get who you really want. I’m not a fantasy. I’m reality. Hold me, dominate, reciprocate. Keep going until I see the heavenly gates. A simple question would’ve provided the answers. I keep it real simple. Loving me is not a game. It’s a privilege.Voting is open!
Voting ends June 23, 2025 11:59pm
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Lauryn, you are so right that loving you is a privilege! I wish that everyone could see their worth in this way and stop letting others bring them down. I love that you are true to yourself and don’t let the definitions others consider accurate influence your life. Thank you for inspiring me and for sharing this experience!
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Thank You! It took a minute to get here, but wouldn’t want it any other way.
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Heather shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 3 months, 1 weeks agoPersonal Bodyguards
HeatherWhen I see a tiny lizard or a gecko on the sidewalk, I see you & smell the softness of pancakes cooking in the kitchen.
When I see a black cat, I see you & instantly smell gingerbread cookies baking in the oven around Christmas time.
When I see a white Chevy truck, I see two young girls sitting in the bed of the truck embracing the moment of the wind blowing amongst their tiny faces after a fun filled day in the snow
When I see elder men wearing their “Veterans” hat, I see you standing before me. I feel the softness in the air. I see the gentleness of your soul standing amongst the crowd. I thank that individual for their service as I walk away.
When I see the color purple out in the world, I see you. When I’m at work & hear similar words from my clients, I think of you standing before me. When I see the card game “Go Fish” being played, I see two younger girls sitting at their grandmother’s table laughing til their tummy hurts.
When I see a yellow tractor, I see a young adult enjoying the time being spent with their grandfather. When I see a blue truck, I see you & start singing those old country songs we’d sing together.
No matter where I go in life, I see you.
I see all of you!
Wherever I go, you are right there guiding the way. The way to clarity. To beautiful blessings. To happiness. To calmness. To love.No matter the length of missing you, the memories, all of the memories will forever be shared.
Wherever I go in life, I know I have several bodyguards guiding me along my path. Protecting me.-
Heather, this piece makes my heart smile. We all have little ways of remembering those we lost in our day-to-day lives, and it brings us so much comfort. Whenever I see a butterfly hover near me, I feel like my aunt is giving me a hug. When I see a red bird, I feel comforted by my granny’s presence even though she’s been gone for years. Our…read more
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Heather shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 3 months, 1 weeks agoChurch Parking Lot
HeatherI met my younger self on a Sunday morning in a church parking lot.
She looked as if she just saw God.
Hair golden blonde.
Eyes piercing blue.
Sun beaming on her young face.
She ran up to my car and jumped in the passenger seat.
Touching every button.
Opening every compartment.
Smiling.
Dimples radiating so big.
She looks over at me and with a smile as big as a car tire, she tells me, “We did it!”
She gives me such a huge hug, one that felt as if it was building up for years.
Smiles at me with such accomplishment.
Opens the car door and gradually skips away to the beat of her own drum.
As I watch that little girl skip away, I acknowledge her happiness.
Her joy. Her fulfillment.
I acknowledge the fear that once guarded her.
As I watch that little girl skip away, I remind myself that every achievement is not just for me, but for her as well.
She deserves the world.
She deserves achievements.
She deserves this moment right now.
Right here in the church parking lot.-
Heather, being able to look back and “see” yourself as a child gives you a glimpse of the innocence and uninhibited happiness that you possessed before life taught you to fear. While we all become disillusioned as we see the reality of the world, it is important to remember and appreciate the beauty in the journey. I am glad that you continue to…read more
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Heather shared a letter in the
Mental Health group 3 months, 1 weeks agoDear Anxiety
HeatherHold my hand. Gently grab these fingers and walk with me.
I have something to share with you.
Let’s go for a walk.I know it’s in your nature to save me. To protect me.
I’m here to let you know, it’s okay.
I understand your job, but right now, your job is on hold.
I’ve got this now.
It’s time for you to take a break.I know it’ll be hard for you to come to terms with it, but I’m okay.
I’m safe now. I’ve found the middle ground.
You don’t need to cover me with your comfort shield.
I’ve got this. I promise.You can go lay down and rest.
Shut your eyes.
Silence the noise.
Relax.Sincerely,
Me-
Heather, I also suffer from anxiety and I can relate to what you wrote so much. Though our anxiety serves a purpose- to keep us safe and prepared- it also prevents us from finding joy in the uncertainties of life. Like you, I hope to find a middle ground that allows me to relax and enjoy my life while still being cognizant of what goes on around…read more
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William Joseph shared a letter in the
Fictional Inspirational stories group 3 months, 1 weeks agoA Journey to Self-Discovery
William josephYou Discover to Recover .
Life is not about waking up, working, eating, and sleeping. It is not about surviving day by day without questioning why you are here. Life is a journey of self-discovery. It is about peeling back everything that has been placed upon you—your name, your culture, your beliefs—and finding out who you truly are.
Many people go through life lost, not because they are incapable, but because they have never taken the time to discover themselves. They live based on the expectations of their parents, society, religion, and culture, never realizing that all of these things are external influences. But the truth is, you are more than your identity. We must awaken to the realization that we are not just physical beings, but spiritual entities, connected to the universe and all its wonders. This journey of self-discovery is the foundation upon which we build our lives, and it’s crucial that we grasp these fundamental concepts to unlock our full potential and fulfill our divine purpose. You must discover yourself to recover from all the confusion, limitations, and doubts that the world has placed upon you. Only when you truly know yourself can you live a meaningful life. This journey is about unlearning what you thought was you and stepping into the truth of who you really are.
1: Who Are You? (Beyond Your Name and Identity)
The first step in self-discovery is asking: Who am I?
Most people believe they are their name, their nationality, or their religion. But if you remove those things, what is left? Who were you before you were given a name? Who were you before you were taught to think a certain way? The truth is, you are not your identity—you are the one experiencing the identity. You are not your body—you are the one inside the body. You are not your thoughts—you are the one watching the thoughts. As we delve deeper into our inner world, we’ll discover that our true essence is not just a physical body, but a multidimensional being, consisting of body, mind, and spirit. We are a spark of the divine, a droplet of the infinite ocean, and our true nature is connected to the universe and all its wonders. We must discover who we are, what we stand for, and what our values and principles are.
How to Discover Who You Truly Are
1. Question everything. Why do you believe what you believe? Did you choose it, or was it given to you?
2. Spend time alone. Without distractions, you begin to hear your own voice.
3. Observe yourself. Notice your emotions, your habits, and your instincts. They tell you more about yourself than words ever can.
4. Listen to your intuition. Deep inside, you already know who you are. The problem is, the world has silenced that voice.
Once you begin to separate yourself from the labels placed upon you, you will start to feel lighter because you are returning to your true self.
Step 2: Where Are You? (Understanding Your Environment)
Once you know who you are, the next question is: Where are you? Not just physically, but spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
Your environment is not just the place you live—it is everything around you that shapes your mind. The people you talk to, the beliefs you hold, the energy that surrounds you—all of these things influence your growth. By recognizing our place in the world, we can begin to appreciate the complexities and nuances of our existence. We are not separate from the world around us, but an integral part of it. We are connected to the earth, the air, the water, and the fire, and our actions have a profound impact on the delicate balance of nature. We must understand our role in the world, our responsibilities, and our contribution to the greater good.
How to Discover Where You Are
1. Look at your surroundings. Are they helping you grow or keeping you trapped?
2. Pay attention to your emotions. Do you feel free, or do you feel stuck?
3. Check your energy. Are you in a place where your true self can thrive, or are you just surviving?
A seed planted in the wrong soil will never grow. The same applies to humans. If you are in an environment that limits your mind, you will never evolve. Sometimes, the only way to truly discover yourself is to change where you are. If your surroundings do not support your growth, you must seek out a new space—mentally, emotionally, or even physically.
Step 3: Why Are You Here? (Discovering Your Life Purpose)
This is the question that separates those who live with meaning from those who simply exist: Why are you here? No one is here by accident. Every soul that enters this world has a purpose, a role to play in the grand design of the universe. But most people never find their purpose because they never ask the right questions. Your purpose is not just about having a job or making money. It is about what you give to the world, what you create, what you build. It is about the energy you bring to others and the mark you leave behind. We must discover our mission, our vision, and our reason for being. This self-awareness will guide us to live a life that is authentic, meaningful, and help us fulfill our divine purpose.
How to Discover Your Purpose
1. Look at what excites you. What do you love doing, even when no one is watching?
2. Pay attention to what people come to you for. What do others naturally seek your help with?
3. Think about what challenges you’ve overcome. Your greatest struggles often prepare you for your greatest purpose.
4. Listen to your inner voice. What is that one thing you’ve always felt called to do?
Purpose is not something you find—it is something you uncover. It has always been inside you, waiting for you to remember it.
The Truth About Life
Many people search for meaning in books, religions, and other people. But the truth is, the answers you seek are already inside you. The problem is, most people are too distracted to listen. Life is not about waiting for something to happen. It is about actively discovering who you are, where you are, and why you are here. Because the moment you answer these three questions, everything changes. You stop living in fear. You stop following the crowd. You stop searching for validation. As we navigate this journey, we’ll encounter various spiritual principles that will guide us on our path. We’ll discover the law of attraction, the power of intention, and the importance of mindfulness. We’ll learn to cultivate gratitude, compassion, and forgiveness, and we’ll understand the value of living in the present moment
You become who you were always meant to be.
So start today. Discover yourself. And in doing so, recover the life you were meant to live.-
William, this piece is full of excellent advice, especially for those of us who sometimes feel as if we are coasting aimlessly through life. Self-discovery really is one of the most important parts of learning to love ourselves, and you’ve detailed a solid path toward living the life we were meant for. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
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michae1 shared a letter in the
Poetry group 3 months, 1 weeks ago2 Fingers Up
Michael L George jrSelf reflecting with two
fingers up. Projecting peace,
A double entendre.
Happy, with a joyful smile
Showing my teeth.
With the acception of
A Farwell to the past versions of me.-
Michael, this poem makes me think that you are feeling confident and excited about life. I love that you are “projecting peace” with your two fingers up and smiling with your teeth. I hope that you are able to continue living your truth! Thank you for sharing.
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shibby submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem or letter about one way you feel misunderstood 3 months, 2 weeks agoThe Weight of a Warrior’s Heart
Kristopher HaeberlinTo the world,
You see a man—strong, unshaken, a fortress of resilience. A veteran, a father, a poet, a dreamer. You see the ink I spill, the laughter I share, the mask I wear in the daylight. You see the pieces I choose to show.
But do you see me? Do you really see me?
You call me tough because I have endured. You say I am lucky because I survived. But survival is not the same as living, and endurance is not the same as being whole. I have carried battles within my soul long after the battlefield was left behind. I have fought wars with silence, with memories, with ghosts that refuse to rest. And yet, when I speak of the weight of these unseen scars, the world shifts uncomfortably, as if pain should only exist where the eye can see.
They tell me to move on, as if grief is a door I forgot to close. They say love will come when I stop looking, as if my heart is a wound I refuse to heal. They say men should be strong, as if strength is the absence of suffering, rather than the courage to face it.
I am misunderstood in the way I love too deeply yet hesitate to trust. In the way I long for connection yet fear the sting of betrayal. In the way I wear my past like armor, yet beneath it, my soul is bare. I have stood in the fire and emerged—scarred, yes, but standing. And still, they see only the steel, never the burn marks beneath.
They misunderstand the way I dream. That I can be a warrior and a poet. That I can seek adventure yet crave stability. That I can love without surrendering my identity. They misunderstand that I am not lost, even when my road is winding.
But hear me now, world—I am not just the stories of my past, nor the expectations you place upon me. I am more than the mistakes I have made, the battles I have fought, the pain I have carried. I am the sum of my scars and my healing, my losses and my triumphs. I am not just a man who endures—I am a man who feels, who loves, who dreams, who dares to speak his truth.
And even if you misunderstand me, I will not silence myself to make you comfortable.
With strength and truth,
Kristopher HaeberlinVoting is open!
Voting ends June 23, 2025 11:59pm
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Kristopher, this piece is so powerful. You are right that more often than not, people only see what we choose to show them. They might only see our successes without understanding how hard we worked to get there. We are all complex individuals with unique stories. Thank you for your service and for sharing your work!
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mrmann submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem or letter about one way you feel misunderstood 3 months, 2 weeks agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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William Joseph shared a letter in the
Fictional Inspirational stories group 3 months, 2 weeks agoThe Illusion of the Future
William josephA Reflection on Existence
The concept of the future is one of the greatest deceptions ever accepted by the human mind. We are taught from childhood to believe in it, to chase it, to plan for it, as if it is something real, something tangible, something awaiting us. But the truth is, the future does not exist. It never has. It is nothing more than a thought, a projection of the mind that keeps us distracted from the only thing that has ever truly existed: the present moment.
We live under the illusion of time, dividing it into past, present, and future, as if these are separate realities when in truth, they are all the same. There is no past. There is no future. There is only NOW Whatever you call the past was once NOW. Whatever you call the future will only ever arrive as NOW. So what, then, is the difference? There is none.
The Deception of Time
Human beings have created clocks, calendars, and timelines to measure existence, but energy, the very essence of life, does not move in a straight line. It is not bound by beginning or end. It simply IS Everything you have ever been, everything you will ever be, already exists within you right now. Time is not a force of nature; it is a mental construct, a tool designed to help us function within this three-dimensional world. But a tool is not reality.We deceive ourselves into believing that the future holds something different, something more, something greater. “One day, I will be happy.” “One day, I will have everything I need.” “One day, I will understand.” But that one day never comes. Because whenever it does, it is no longer the future, it is just another NOW If you cannot enjoy something now, you will never enjoy it at all.
What About the Past?
If there is no future, does that mean there is no past? Yes. Because past and future are two sides of the same illusion. The past is nothing more than a memory, a story we tell ourselves, shaped by perception, colored by emotion. It does not exist outside of our minds. Just like the future, it is a projection. We say, This happened, but all that truly exists is our remembrance of it right now.And yet, everything is energy. Energy is not born, nor does it die,it simply changes form. It has no beginning, no end, and no direction. If something has no origin and no destination, how can it have a past or a future? It cannot. The only reality is the infinite unfolding of energy, experienced through the limited perception of human consciousness.
The Purpose of Human Existence
So why are we here? Why this world, this experience? Because Earth is a gathering place for energy. Everything you see, everything you touch, everything you ARE it is all energy, interacting, reflecting, learning from itself. You do not know yourself without me, just as I do not know myself without you. Our existence is defined by the presence of others.Humanity is not just a species, it is a stage in consciousness. A temporary phase, a learning process. When our understanding of this world is complete, when we have taken all we need from this form, we transcend. We evolve into something else, something higher, something more refined. Perhaps an angel, perhaps a god, perhaps something beyond even our current imagination.
But the transition is not automatic. The energy you cultivate here determines what you become next. You could ascend into higher consciousness, or you could descend into something darker. A monster, a lost spirit, a force trapped in endless cycles of confusion. The choice is yours, shaped by the awareness you develop while in this body.
The Only Truth
So if the future does not exist, and the past is only a memory, what is left?Only THIS; This moment, this breath, this feeling. The only purpose, the only true responsibility we have, is to make this existence meaningful. Not by waiting for the future, not by being trapped in the past, but by understanding the now. Because this is all there is, and all there will ever be.
William Joseph
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William, this is so thought-provoking and important. I never thought about it before, but you are right that there isn’t really a “future”…just an idea that has yet to occur. While this might seem a little bleak at first, your words suggest otherwise. This really just means that we need to be present and find meaning in everything we do. Thank…read more
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Exactly! The future is nothing more than a concept a possibility that has yet to unfold. When we realize this, we free ourselves from the illusion that we are waiting for something external to change our lives. It’s not bleak at all—it’s actually liberating.It means that right now is all we ever truly have, and what we do with this moment is wh…read more
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