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
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
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!
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 , 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.
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.
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
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
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!
The devil showed up today.
Begging for me to slip.
Begging for an invite to myyy show.
Then I thought well shiit
Maybe we should make friends with not only him but our skeletons as well!
You know….the ones inside our closet
We could dance with them, learn their names, perhaps become friends!?
Then we might build the courage
to ask them to leave But at that point
We can’t ignore the demons.
Yea the ones deep inside.
In Matter of fact
Let’s invite them to coffee or even cocktails. We can discuss hard questions
liike what keeps them here!?
In the mean time we can play hide n seek with the ghosts or jahooties that like to play supernatural jokes on us!?
We can’t let them miss out on the fun
Let’s not forget the boogie man cuz you know he’s probably the most well known
and he might be the one
to call out everyone’s insecurities
Fk it we gotta call up the monsters
whether they’re hiding under our bed
or in the depths of the shadows around you.
We can maybe admit our fears or possibly conquer them by convincing ourselves we aren’t even scared in the first place.
What does a monster look like to you ?!
Is it a thing or an illusion is it human form
or animal like or maybe it’s just a concept
or a feeling?
Sounds like We gonna have a whole damn party after all these invites.
The devil himself, the skeletons, the demons, the ghosts n jahooties and the boogie man pluuuus the monsters.
Or maybe….
that’s not even a party worth hosting.
I heard of a better party
it’s thrown by joy and happiness
and their friends cheer and bliss
I bet that party has better company
we better be cautious of what invites we send out and choose wisely to what party we gonna show up to and host!!
Your fanfiction story is captivating. It’s a reminder to choose our company wisely and strive for joy and happiness. Well done, Shandi! Your creativity shines through. Keep writing and sharing your stories.
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, 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.
When you feel that you’re at the end of your rope. The one thing you do is hold onto that hope. Sometimes in your life things get tough and deep inside you feel its too much. Just keep on fighting because you’re a diamond in the rough. The one thing you have that no one can take is a heart so kind, so rare and pure. For all you endure we will find a cure. Please don’t give up, just keep on living. For you are the one in the end that will be winning.
Jennifer, your heartfelt poem is a beautiful tribute to your sister’s strength and resilience. Your words of encouragement and love will surely uplift her spirit during this challenging time. Keep supporting and believing in her.
Aww Jenn I am so sorry your sister is battling cancer. I will be praying for her. We are going to include this beautiful piece in our newsletter. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren
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.
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
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!
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
@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!
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 💔
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
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
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, 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
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.”
Wow! Jenn! This is amazing! Your spirit is so strong. Thank you for sharing. I will be including this piece in our newsletter today! keep a look out for it! <3 Lauren
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!
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
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.
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
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.
Jake, your words beautifully capture the power of true friendship. Your friend’s determined support and acceptance of who you are, regardless of your challenges, is truly inspiring. They see beyond the physical and embrace the joy and adventure you bring into their lives. Keep cherishing those friendships that lift you up.
@kayjahlorde, “your words beautifully capture the power of true friendship. Your friend’s determined support and acceptance of who you are, regardless of your challenges.” These words very much touch my HEART! Thank YOU for BEING a FRIEND!