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Kevin Lowe shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 1 weeks, 4 days agoSurreal Parallels: My Blindness. His Prison Sentence
Kevin LoweI recently had the privilege of speaking with Jon Antonucci on my podcast, “Grit, Grace, & Inspiration.” At 19, Jon was involved in a tragic arson attack that dramatically altered the course of his life. As he shared his story, I couldn’t help but find surreal parallels with my own life-altering experience.
I was only 17 when a life-saving surgery to remove a brain tumor left me completely blind. This was completely unexpected. Waking up to a world of darkness was like a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from. There was no possible way this could be my new reality. I held onto a thread of hope that it was all just temporary, that something would restore my sight. But as days turned into years, that hope faded, and I had to face the truth of my new reality, I was now blind.
Jon described being sentenced to 14 years in prison in much the same way. He recounted the surreal feeling as he was handed his sentence, and like me, he clung to the hope that his nightmare would be overturned—that he would wake up from this bad dream. But the years passed, and reality set in. Jon would serve the next 12 years behind bars, followed by two years on supervised release.
What strikes me the most about our conversation is not just the gravity of our trials, but the surreal acceptance we both had to come to terms with. There was no miraculous intervention, no sudden awakening from a bad dream. Instead, there was a slow, often painful acceptance and adaptation to our new realities.
Both Jon and I have found ways to see our adversities as formative, even integral, parts of our identities. For Jon, his years in prison became a time of intense personal growth and reflection. For me, blindness was not the end but a new beginning, shaping me into the person I am today.
This is the beauty of the conversations I get to have through my podcast. Despite the vastly different paths we all walk, there’s a thread of commonality that connects us. Each of us faces our own “unthinkable” at some point, and yet, it’s through these challenges that we often find our deepest growth and purpose.
It’s only when we take the time to understand one another that we come to realize that we’re not so different after all. We are all just trying to navigate the complex journey of life, finding purpose in the paths we least expected to walk.
You can listen to my conversation with Jon Antonucci inside of Episode 284 of Grit, Grace, & Inspiration:
This link will let you listen online:
https://GritGraceInspiration.com/Jon-Antonucci
Or this link will let you listen on your favorite podcast app:
https://GritGraceInspiration.com/ListenRemember, it’s not what happens to us in this life that defines us, but rather how we react to it that counts.
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Lexi Mae Edwards shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 4 weeks, 1 days agoThe Knight
Lexi MaeThe knight elevates the princess
tightening his grasp midair
while they are lost in the brown waves.
Shifting the thread of hair behind
to gain a surpass of what the wave has inside—
the knight elevates the princess.
Giddying as the knight’s veins come through
the heat in the room leaves them breathless:
while they are lost in the brown waves.
The beats sync
taking the space away
the knight elevates the princess.
The grin grows uncontrollably
the palms leaving a trace:
while they are lost in the brown waves.
Continuing to go steady
as they snuggle close.
The knight elevates the princess
while they are lost in the brown waves. -
beyondme submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem about what you are grateful for in your life 3 months, 2 weeks agoGrateful
BeyondMeIt’s easy — isn’t it
To look back on our life & remember all the worst
All the worst times of our life that always seem to come firstLike the first time — I experienced racism
The first time — I experienced bullyingThe first time — my love was used against me
Or the first time — my heart was brokenThere was a lot of first of “THE WORST”
But likewise — there were many first of the bestLike the first time — I got the job I really wanted
Or the first time — I graduatedOr the time I won my first real fight with ease
Or the first time a family member came home from jail surprising meThere’s been a lot of good moments
but I seem to have forgotten a lot of themI’m doing my best now — to live in the present moment
—To soak it all inCause I know there is so much to be grateful for
—There’s always beenLike my mom choosing peace & safety over toxicity — for her children
No matter what — she never let fear stop her
She was unbelievable
She was unstoppableShe did the best she could with the hand she was dealt
Like getting that job that not only paid the bills
but also provided us with a warm free houseOr that one time she pointed out to her lawyer — how she was wrong
That was only one of the many steps she took — to obtain our freedom
I still remember the first time she met my little boyfriend
She offered to give us some money
—then suggested we go to Barnes & Noble
to drink some coffeeAt the time it was so embarrassing—
But looking back now— She’s so funny
We were like 14 — Not 40I still remember — I tried to avoid repeating history
but somehow history didn’t escape meOne day — I had to text my mom discreetly
I asked her to please come save meI won’t go into detail — but that day she rescued me from hell
I remember the times my brother and I would go skating
Or this one time we decided to try out this game — where he had to try to make me pass out
& it actually worked — he did
Except I think he thought he killed me
I don’t know — but that shit is funnySome of them were good memories
& some were bittersweetI wish I could remember them all
but disassociation got the best of meSo here’s a few more that easily come to mind
Like when my first love never made me feel pressured
— Simply lovedOr when my second one spoke a prayer over me
That felt majestic & empowering
— Like freedomOr when my friends and I thought we were cute — walking around the east side
Just waiting on the cute boys to drive by and say hi
Haha— those sure were the good times.
Then there was that time an important figure in my life somehow ended up in jail
Managed to post bail & still make it back in time to my baby showerOr when that amazing teacher who quickly became family
Went out of her way to pick me up for school dailyOr when another amazing teacher who often went above and beyond
Was touched by some writing assignment I did
& surprised me with an unexpected giftSo yeah—
It is easy to remember all the worst — but there is also so much to be grateful for
I’m grateful for every glimpse of heaven I’ve ever received
I’m grateful for a badass mom & her vision to always
Push forward & succeedI’m grateful for the village that helped raise me
I’m grateful for any friend who served a purpose in my life
Even if at some point — our lives no longer alignedI’m still grateful for the good times & the memories left behind
I’m grateful for the short-lived respect & pure love I received —from my first love
My impossible babyI’m grateful for the amazing son — my second one gave me
There is so much more to be grateful for
even from all the worst that were followed by the bestOr I don’t know — maybe fue al revés
Either way— I thank you God — My best friend
May I always be able to shine the light on the better side of perspective
May I continue to be able to see all the good that still lives within the broken world we currently live in
May we not only see the trauma we’ve endured through our struggling
But the perseverance & resilience we received simultaneously
So for both the good & the bad
I gotta be grateful for it all — and I am
Voting is closed
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You have been through so much in your life, and yet your heart is still so warm and loving. That is a gift to yourself and to those around you. While you are grateful for the good and bad, always be most grateful for you. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our family. <3 Lauren
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Thank you so much Lauren ! 🥹💙
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Hey! are you getting my email?
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Dear Beyond Me,
Your words are so powerful. You have had a challenging yet good life and your Mom sounds amazing. Continue to be blessed and grateful!Shelley
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Dear Beyond Me,
Bravo! This poem reminded me of Faiz “My heart, my traveler” and especially of the line “I would gladly welcome death if it were to come but once,” You’re so talented ! Can’t wait to see mroe of your work!
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Ishaa Dhamne shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 4 months, 3 weeks agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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poeticaddiction_365 shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoHappy Birthday
Tracy B.Happy Birthday Lauren thank you for this amazing platform and community of like minded individuals wishing you continuous years of greatness and happiness🤗🫶🏾✨
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aliciaw shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoThe Opportunity of a Lifetime
Alicia Sophia MarieDear Lauren,
I always hoped that clicking around on social media would lead me to a community that was authentic and motivated, but safe spaces like that aren’t too common like that on the internet… Luckily, one fateful day in 2022 I saw an ad for The Unsealed. An invitation to share my story and a community to share and grow with was like a dream come true. My confidence and connection with writing has grown so much in such a short amount of time and I have to give major credit to this community. A community that wouldn’t be possible without the remarkable and inspiring expertise and humanity you, Lauren, offer to all of us.
It will take me years and novels to truly express my gratitude for this opportunity of a lifetime. The opportunity to be connected to enlightened writers and led by such a exceptional soul.
Lauren, I hope your birthday feels as special as you have made The Unsealed community feel.
Best Wishes. I can’t wait to see why you do next. ❤️
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Jamie Ellifritz shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoHAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!!
Jamie EllifritzWishing an awesome birthday to the founder of a community that has brought joy and connection to people who need it. Thank you Lauren for being that very person that chooses to help inspire others to share their stories to gain healing and strengthen others through community care. Enjoy your day! You deserve it!
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Victoria Makanjuola shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Marissa Maddox shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoThank You
Marissa MaddoxDear Lauren,
Thank you for creating this community and in turn giving us a safe space to share our stories and find strength in one another. I am new here, but I already feel so grateful for this community of people who can come together to share their experiences, their fears, and their dreams. There is something so beautiful about that level of vulnerability and connection in a community. Thank you and happy birthday! 💛
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ala shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoA Letter to Lauren 🙂
AlaTo the one who took a passion,
aligned with her soul mission,
and birthed an entire community.You are deeply appreciated.
My journey as a poet and intuitive writer started just two short years ago and I’ve officially been a member here for 1/2 of that 🙂
I’m not sure how I found my way,
but that magic moment unlocked
a source of Brilliance
that I never dreamed possible.That Brilliance is you
That Brilliance is this community
That Brilliance is The Unsealed
and every single action you take
to encourage new artists
to keep going.I don’t think we take enough time to pour into you as much as you have for each of us,
so when Rick reached out for ideas
of something we could collectively give as a token of our gratitude,
all I could think is how you deserve your flowers, too 🌸Thank you so very much for all you do.
Thank you for giving me a safe place
to express my deepest feelings with
compassion and love.Thank you for publishing these sacred pieces of my story in not one,
but two books!
Typing that out feel like a lie
that imposter syndrome tries so hard
to force me to not believe
but it is true,
and that is all because of YOU 🙂May this next chapter of your life
be the one where abundance comes to you with ease
where grace saturates all of your darkest days
as the angels bless you with the love and gaiety needed to stay grounded through each breakthrough.Something tells me you are going to have a wonderful year 🙂
Happy Happy Birthday!!!!
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Ala, I am in tears reading this. Your words are so beautiful. Thank you so much. I am glad this community has been so meaningful to you! And you are never an imposter. You are a talented writer, with a good heart, and you have so much greatness inside of you. I am so proud of all that you are! Never change. <3 Lauren
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Macy shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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iambrizei shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoThank you Lauren
Brizeida ChapetonMy description of a delightful conversation that is open-minded and nonjudgmental. You can see each other’s point of view because you listen intending to listen. When starting off the dialogue, others refrain from interrupting you, allowing you to get to the point. I understand why it’s so difficult to have it with most people. The reason for that is simple: you appreciate it more when you have that delightful conversation.
I used to love reading and writing, how much emotion they expressed with the power of the written word. What’s more powerful than the written word? That would be the words that we speak; the spoken word. Words have the power to build or destroy you. When you have ill intention, then the words hurt and create chaos for the person receiving it. A delightful conversation has the power to bring in positivity and possibly people together. Some people can agree to disagree and continue on with the conversation. While others stand firm that there is only one way. There is nothing magical about having a conversation that is only one-sided.
My magical moment was joining The Unsealed, knowing that I can also transform my pain into a superpower. It inspired me to express my thoughts the only way that I knew it would be best. I had a zoom meeting with Lauren, which went amazing. She is so kindhearted, empathetic, and compassionate. I believe I cried during that zoom call. A pile of emotion from my story & to how she just listened, intending to listen, providing me with that safe space. I wanted to just pull her from the screen and give her the biggest hug.
I know everything happens for a reason and sometimes we don’t always understand why it happens. I know the reason I am writing this today and that is because it is a very special someone’s birthday 12/11. The founder of The Unsealed, who has given people a voice to be heard and listened to. To have the weekly zoom meeting and writing contest. The way you genuinely reach out to every single member. It really is a community so much so that you published books with our pieces in it! You provided a safe space for us to express ourselves and we are so grateful for that. I wish you nothing but the best for you on your special day because you deserve that and so much more. Thank you for everything you do and for allowing us to be a part of your journey. You have gathered like-minded people together and allowed us to express ourselves with the written word. You truly are one of a kind Lauren, happy solar return!
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Bri! This is absolutely beautiful. I love reading your writing! You have so much power and greatness within you. I really appreciate your kind words. They inspire me more than I can ever express. I am so happy The Unsealed has had such a positive impact on you. I wish I could jump through the screen and hug you right back. Love you and thank you…read more
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Antonio De'mon Robinson shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months ago11:11
Antonio De'mon RobinsonWhen I stumbled upon The Unsealed, my life was in a dark place. In private, I could hardly muster a smile upon my saddened face. Writing is all I wanted to do, but a few poor decisions turned my dream into a nightmare. What this world is capable of, yet rarely do people embrace, I was about to enter a writing space where miracles are made possible; a chance to erase my past mistakes. Little did I know, the miraculous woman who orchestrates miracles by encouraging people to believe in themselves, shares the same birthday as my one and only baby girl. As fate would see fit, my daughter was born on December 11, too. Isn’t this the kind of miracle that strikes you! Shocks you! Fills your heart with magic? What if told you, the day after my grandmother passed four years ago, the number I couldn’t escape was 11:11. From that day forth, I imagined my grandmother taking on the form of an angel, guiding me on my new path as a writer. To this day, I’m confidently convinced that my grandmother led me to a living angel, my dear friend, Lauren Brill. I wish you a wonderful birthday Lauren, and I hope your special day is filled with magical moments 🌷🎂🎈🎁🎉
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1111 is one of the most powerful angel numbers. A sweet little message letting you know that all of your spirit guides are right there with you. ever so close that it feels like you just want to hug them as tight as you can by listening to love they speak into your intuition. it is no doubt that a magical moment led you both together 🙂
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Omg your daughter has the same birthday! How amazing?!?! Happy Birthday to your daughter. She is lucky to have a sweet, thoughtful, kind, and caring father like you! I am so glad your grandmother led you to me and The Unsealed. You inspire me and you encourage me to believe in myself and The Unsealed. I love you and I am so grateful for you and…read more
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rickwrites shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoHappy birthday!
RickwritesLauren I went through our first book, page by page and reached out to everyone that I could find.
I went through all of your tags to see everyone that was associated with the unsealed, and I got to say everyone that I was able to reach was on board with doing this.
I had a small glimpse in everyone’s lives, and your impact was always a shining moment at the epicenter. It was always something like “I can’t believe I see my name in a book!” or “I can’t believe I’m on a billboard!”
All these people who are writing your messages today they all said the same thing: that it was a wonderful idea and that they would be happy to help surprise you.
I can not thank you enough for you and the community that you lead with love.
This is me as your friend showing you my gratitude for giving us a space to share the things that we share here, you curated an environment for strangers to become friends.
I’m so proud of you and I look forward to further collaborations and I really hope that you take this to the highest level that you can. Happy birthday!-
THIS IS AMAZING! I cried when I saw. And now I made it easier. You can add people as friends on The Unsealed. And whoever you are friends with you can direct message. But anyways, this is the absolute best birthday present ever. It is so kind and so motivating. I love it. Thank you. You are so kind and amazing. I love this gift and I love you.…read more
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Lindsey Dawn shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoHappy Solar Return, Lauren!
Lindsey DawnDear Lauren,
Happy Solar Return! May this new year bring you more life, more love, more joy and more happiness! You’re a real life super heroine spreading love and encouragement for writers to keep their dreams alive.
I use the words Solar Return instead of birthday for two reasons:
1. Technically your mother birthed you. So please tell her Happy Birthday from me. 😁
2. You’re experiencing another trip around the sun in real time. I don’t know about you but for me my birthday is always an emotional time. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what I did with my time over the course of the last year. It’s also a magical time because it gives me the chance to dream a new set of memories, adventures and stories that I hope to create. I hope that in this new chapter you dare to dream bigger and louder than ever. See you soon. -
Valencia B shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoLauren, Happy Birthday!
ValenciaLauren, I hope that this wish (prayer) finds you well… Happiest Birthday!!! May your day be filled with pure joy & warmth!
I am honored to celebrate this special day for the amazing impact that your light is contributing within this world, just by being YOU.
I am so blessed to have found this platform last year… it has truly helped revive a part of myself that the world needs to hear and for that I THANK YOU!!!
Btw, I loveee how compassionate and such a great effective listener/ communicator you are. That goes so unnoticed.All the best & Cheers to more life!!!
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Danielle @DsEnlightenedEdits shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoFor Lauren…
Danielle @DsEnlightenedEditsBlessed Birthday to the women who has turned tragedy into triumph, compassion into community, and passions into realities, for herself and so many others!
Truly thank you for bringing so many people and opportunities together.
May your dreams keep unfolding; and keep coming true in the most magical and optimal of ways!
With Love and Appreciation…
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Catherine Burford shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoSwinging your cares away
Catherine BurfordI remember years ago when I visited an art gallery for extra credit. I saw a door with a note telling me to take off my shoes after I enter and before I proceed down the dark passageway. It also told me to do whatever felt natural. I followed the light to an enclosed space with dirt and leaves all over the floor. A swing was hanging from the ceiling in front of a projection of a girl swinging in and out of the darkness. At first, I hesitated and just watched the girl dip in and out of existence. Finally, I gave in and sat on the swing. My bare feet brushed against the leaves and dirt as I worked up some momentum. As I swung back and forth, childhood memories swung back into my brain. I saw myself swinging in my neighbor’s backyard because I didn’t have my own swing set. I’d try to touch the sky with my toes. That little girl didn’t have a care in the world.
May you always find the time to swing your cares away, Lauren. Happy Day of Birth!
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sarita shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoInspire
SarahFor Lauren
Dancing across the stage of Life
The Real Goal is to start a flame of Passion
To Ignite another’s Soul to move the mountains
You wished you could
To Inspire is the greatest gift
You will ever be given.
Real Beauty and Wisdom that come with Age
Should always be celebrated and cherished
by the World
Thank you Lauren! Happy Birthday!
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Gie Santana shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoHi,my name is Blue Zircon
Diamonds aren't always a girl's best friend, GieLauren, I’ve always referred to you as a gem because from the beginning that is exactly what you have been to Me.
Bright, empowering and solid.
You have pushed us all here in the Unsealed community to reach new potentials within ourselves and do things even when we are scared.
You have pushed past so much self adversity, harsh character traits in people and career let downs that strengthened you so much that you’ve used said strength to encourage everyone around you.
You are abundantly patient.
You allow others to bare their souls and feed yours while showing some of the highest forms of empathy and compassion I’ve ever seen.
You love the core of a person. And cast no judgment, even virtually I can feel your sincerity.
You are not afraid to admit your flaws and learn how to shape up better for the future.
The sparkle in your eyes that illuminates when you have an idea you just can’t wait to share is legit!
I love that about you.
You are you.
Blue Zircon.
A December gem, representing spiritual growth, beauty, peace and wisdom.
You are the embodiment of such.
I thank you for simply being you.
Gem, I am wishing you all the continued love, peace, and joy on this birthday and cheers to many many more to come.
You deserve all the candles to come true.
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Gie! This is so beautiful. I am crying. I am so glad I have had such a positive impact on your life. But I hope you know that you have equally inspired me. Thank you for believe in my and encouraging me to continue on this wild and crazy entrepreneurial journey. I love you and am so grateful for you. Not sure if you read Ala’s post about my…read more
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I love you!!! Thank you for ALWAYS sharing a sacred place for Me, my craft and even my fears! Wishing you well. <3
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