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  • S.K shared a letter in the Group logo of Women's EmpowermentWomen's Empowerment group 9 months, 1 weeks ago

    Birthday Story

    “The two important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why”-Mark Twain.
    Life’s numerical milestones have changed .
    I view 46 as 30+ 16 rather than 50-4 Mathematically and philosophically.
    46 was a nameless nobody . Turning 46 just meant a step closer to the golden years and nothing more than that.
    But now , this previously insignificant number has a whole glamour quotient of its own. A modern day new kinda big deal .
    Feeling “ 45+1” or “almost 46” does sorta have a grounding undertone to it. A settling sense of self assuredness.
    Chances are at this juncture, you are where you shall be for the rest of your life..atleast in most aspects of your life.
    So it’s best to acknowledge all of it , embrace it, celebrate the done-its and get over the have-nots.
    My so-called big birthday beckons me in a few days. And I feel fine. In reality, I feel more than just fine.I feel feisty and fine. Each day bringing with it an epiphany of sorts. The realization that aging gracefully means learning to detach and step back . Ironically, learning the art of detachment is not a lesson in learning to let go.
    It actually involves quite the opposite. It involves recognizing and holding on to all that is relevant and enriching. And no , age is not just a number. How we wish it was! It is way more layered than that.
    Physically, the 45 year old body is not and organically should not be what it used to be . Aging naturally is the sign of a life well lived. Trying to reverse age, is trying to relive a life that wasn’t done right the first time.
    Mentally, growing older is freeing. With my absolute abandon and unapologetic arrogance , I sense and honestly quite like the new me emerging-subtle silver streaks, sagginess, striations , self love et all! I feel old enough to recognize my mistakes but young enough to make some more!
    So bring on my birthday baby, let the wisdom grow and show! On my face, on my cake!
    My dear age-Add those candles with each passing year as you wish, but you can never blow out the fire that gets fiercer every minute within me!

    Sarita

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    • Sarita, I love this so much! Your sense of humor is amazing and made me laugh out loud. As I continue to age, I hope to have such a confident outlook about the changes I experience. Just like you said, they are evidence of a life well-lived. Thank you for sharing!

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    • Sarita, this poem is incredible!! You are such a talented write with so many great, inspiring things to say. I cannot wait to hear more from you. This poem inspired me in so many ways!! Great, great work!!♥

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  • Katie Sharbaugh shared a letter in the Group logo of Women's EmpowermentWomen's Empowerment group 11 months ago

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    "i think you guys might be thinking about yourselves too much." - jemima kirke

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  • Finding my Power

    Dear Unsealers,
    I don’t ever want to be empowered. Please don’t.
    If you give me power, you can take it back.
    If you find me in a place where I can’t find my power, help me search.
    If you find me in a place where I lack courage, teach me something I couldn’t do before.
    If you find me in a place where I have more reasons why I can’t, help me discover why I can.
    If you see me sitting with boxes of self doubt, with bags of trauma, with a cart full of other’s opinions of me, don’t tell me what you think.
    If you stay along side me, ask me what I can do, ask me how I triumphed over my trauma, what I think of myself.
    If I understand what I think of myself, what I can do, and how experiences have created in me a richness of strength and emotion that is uniquely mine.
    I will know these things are the rich colors in the tapestry of my life.
    I will understand the knowledge of myself is far more accurate and important than the things i am told about me.
    I will exercise and give strength to knowledge and the skills, confidence to be myself, in every way.
    I will know the power that comes from within. I will give myself permission.
    When I know the power of myself it cannot be taken.
    Please don’t empower me.

    Chris Riddle

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    • Aww, I like this line, “I will know the power that comes from within.” It is so important that each of us knows our power instead of looking for other people to validate it. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren

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      • Lauren,
        Often When I have been given something it is taken away, or isn’t what it seems. All I have now I have achieved through my own work and diligence. I do realize that we are on our own journey and yet not alone. It is a function of loving myself that I accept and give gifts that inspire the kind of confidence that comes from self…read more

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  • "LIFE GOES ON, LIFE HAPPENSIN OUR LIVES AS WOMEN"

    Dear Unsealed,
    I think about the times in life that I struggled to get through life financially and physically. There are numerous events in my 74 years that have either changed my life for the better or set me back a bit before concluding that everything will be okay in a bit.
    Life is a survival of utmost importance to live my life according to my ideals and attitudes about my life experiences, people I meet on a day-to-day basis of reality. I have survived many relationships with men, friends, and acquaintances.
    I survived an 11-year relationship with a Texas cowboy. June 2016, he moved his younger girlfriend into his bungalow in Fulton, Texas. I had decorated the house in my boho style furnishings and was feeling comfortable. His brother called me to tell me his brother was two-timing me. The next day my ex told me he was moving his girlfriend into the bungalow, and I would have to move. So, I said, “Wow, seriously after 11 years?” He did not respond.
    I walked into my office, sat down to write a letter on my computer. I looked around at my cool new décor and almost cried. Then I heard him typing on his pc. I walked into the living room where he sat in front of his computer, chatting with his young girlfriend. They were exchanging love notes. So, I poured me a cup of coffee and walked back into my office. He had a doctor’s appointment that day. I waited for him to leave.
    Upon his leaving I sat down at his pc, disabled his security system and other goodies to keep him safe that I had paid for forever. I got in my car and drove to the internet office. I explained what happened to the secretary at the office. So, they disabled the internet. I used my hot spot with my AT&T cell phone.
    I drove home. He had returned home from his doctor’s appointment. He was desperately trying to start his pc. His pc was dead and so was the internet. He asked me, “Why did you do that? How will I chat with my girlfriend?” I told him, “Oh, maybe your new squeeze will fix it.” We did not talk much about anything after that moment.
    I packed my bags with as many clothes and belongings as I could squeeze into my luggage. I packed the XBOX in my luggage. He was watching me. I did not care. I was done with his lies and carousing.
    I had caught him in lies before but blew them off. We were never married. That was May 2016. I bought a ticket to LA. I sold my car. My friend picked me and my three suitcases up, my camera, my laptop to stay at her place before parting Rockport on a bus to Austin. I stayed with a friend in Austin who drove me to the train station. I rode the train over mountains, deserts, cities, towns to LA. Upon arriving in LA, I stepped off the train and bent down to kiss the ground.
    I had been away from LA 13 years except for the vacation trips I took to visit my family and friends.
    I was 66 years old. I sold my car, left half of my clothes, my family heirlooms, etc. in Fulton-Rockport, Texas. It was okay because I was home.
    I survived other events too after arriving because life happens.
    I stayed with my friends in LA awhile. I remember the day I left my friend’s apartment in North Hollywood to go to my son’s house in Irvine. Lyft dropped me off. I stepped out of the car to walk to my son’s front porch. I was towing three huge suitcases, a laptop, a camera, and my exhausted self into his house. I was 66 years old and humiliated that I was there in this manner of unfortunate circumstances. My son asked me, “Mom, hello. What did you do to Mike for him to kick you out?” I replied, “Nothing. He moved his girlfriend into the bungalow, so I had to leave, my name was not on the lease.” I ignored him. I asked him to help me with my luggage and show me to my room. So, he did that.
    My relationship with his father ended in 1989. We were 180 degrees opposite. It was a horrible divorce. My dad was by my side during my divorce. There were so many tears.
    So, after I arrived, I saw all my grandkids and concentrated on them, cherishing every minute I spent with each of them.
    My story unfolds into so many avenues and freeways of life of being in different relationships with different men. I now know I can survive without a man. I do not need a man to create with, hang with ever again until I find one who is creative, truthful, caring and accepting of my ghost encounters and movie dreams of life.
    The moral of the story is I do not want to go back to the 1950s when women were the property of their husbands. I refuse to go back. At 74 I survived two marriages and various relationships with people. Why go back now?
    She goes
    Where she strays
    Across the roads
    Of choices to take
    In the wake
    That she is older now
    Too many men
    Too many wrongdoing ones gone
    So long.
    She looks around her room as types away on her Lenovo laptop.
    For what
    To be alone to think about her life
    As continues as an older woman
    Of strife
    Of joy, pain, happy times
    As the clouds go away
    The sun shines so close and so far, away
    Surrounding her body
    The bells chime
    The music blares out of Alexa
    LIFE IS GOOD!
    A gypsy soul lives!

    Vicki Lawana Trusselli

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  • Comfy in my comfort Zone

    At one point in my life I lived in my safe comfort zone, it was a great space at lease I thought it was, it was a fortress it even came with guard that kept a vigilant watch over my thoughts that occupied my brain telling me constantly that failure would come to me if I tried anything new and my best bet was to stay within the confides of the comfort zone don’t dream don’t envision anything outside the zone.

    But I knew that I did not want to live a mediocre life but I wanted a life full of extraordinary things a purposeful life staying in the comfort zone became harder to do when there was much I wanted to do and become. Until one beautiful day I decided to take the leap of faith and drown out the voices that kept me bound stuck in time not moving forward at all. I enrolled in classes at an online university and took he leap to get my Bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, I first enrolled in classes not even having a working lap top computer, I knew I had time to figure that out later the classes were not going to start for another few weeks, but the first step was made I had left the comfort zone. I realized that nothing ventured nothing gained the first step is always the hardest. For the next two years I took my online classes toward my degree. It was an arduous journey faced with obstacles along the way so much happened in those two years, I learned many things about myself it tested my resolve and stretch me to capacity. I thank God for his grace I thanked God that he always sent me to help me with assignments when I have confused he sprinkled help along the way, I received support from family and friends that encouraged me when I wanted to quit and give up when the hills where to high and valleys were too low, they kept on track when I wanted to retreat and run back to the comfy zone closer to the shore, not out the middle where the tides and the currents where not always in my favor. Last year I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in healthcare management class of 2023,

    What I learned along my educational journey and leaving my comfort zone: is the first step is absolutely the hardest and that no matter what I have something that nobody can take from me, and that knowledge in myself knowing that I can be anything I want to be and move forward no matter how small the step that I can have a purposeful life where I can help other people along this journey and that the next chapter of my story will be better than my first. To God is the glory the author and finisher of my fate.

    Anita

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    • Anita! Congratulations!!!! I am so glad you left your comfort zone and got your desired degree. Taking the initiative is so hard, but you did it! I love this piece. I am going to feature it in our newsletter today. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family. <3 Lauren

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  • Samantha Sites shared a letter in the Group logo of Women's EmpowermentWomen's Empowerment group 11 months, 3 weeks ago

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    To my Neglected Self

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  • jasmine_v shared a letter in the Group logo of Women's EmpowermentWomen's Empowerment group 12 months ago

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    Don’t call me

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  • kimwrites submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the futureWrite a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 12 months ago

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    Lifeboat

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  • Cortney Valle shared a letter in the Group logo of Women's EmpowermentWomen's Empowerment group 1 years ago

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    She knew and she grew

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  • Dear Little Me

    I know you’re thinking about who you will become & what you will do.
    Little me, know that it’s all up to you.

    Know that sometimes things will get rough.
    People might tell you that you are not tough.
    Little me, know that you’re more than enough.

    I know that the future can make you worry.
    Life passes so quickly that it can be blurry.
    Little me, know that there’s no need to hurry.

    You have time to figure out your career, 
    so remember to always just let God steer.
    Little me, with Him, there’s no need to fear.

    There’s no need to fear the unknown,
    before you know it, you’ll be all grown. 
    Little me, you won’t have to do it alone.

    Life will be hard, but don’t be scared.
    You’re not alone, I am always right there.
    Little me, I promise I’m not going anywhere.

    Liz Medina

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    • Liz, thank you for sharing this beautiful poem. We’re all in a hurry to “be someone” but the best thing to do is have faith that it’s all unfolding the way it should rather than trying to control everything. You encapsulated these thoughts so poetically, and I’m sure so many people can relate to them as we navigate life’s unknowns.. and yes, in…read more

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      • Hi Juvi, thank you for your kind words. I definitely felt like a rush to be someone when I should’ve given myself some time & had faith. Grateful for you as well. <3

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    • Liz, this piece is so sweet. I feel the love and comfort and maturity in your voice. That little girl grew into a strong and kind woman. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren

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  • Dear little me...

    Dear little me,
    I am stopping by to say:
    “You no longer have to carry the heavy stuff; I am here now.”
    The things that concern you about the future, are being worked out and in favor of your purpose. Worry not! The character traits that you think are your weaknesses turn out to be your strengths and little lady you’ll develop quite a knack for playing to your strengths. Your uniqueness has been the most uncomfortable part of your childhood/adolescent years and yet will be the very thing that has a positive impact on every room you enter in your adult life. Even the parts of you that struggle with the complex nature of your emotions and being vulnerable with others, find a way to be so transparent that it’ll become your most powerful tool for growth and development. You lack the ability to see your inner beauty because you are not confident in your external appearance. However, this is soon to be counteracted by your love for individualism and fashion. Then enhanced by your spiritual practice of accepting yourself at every stage and season of your life. Falling in love with your mind will do wonders for your level of communication and understanding self. Therefore, understanding others better. The fear that you’ll be lazy or unproductive is a complete myth in the future. You hold the title of “Jill of all trades” and at a point in your life, you wear roughly three different hats a day. Every goal you set out to accomplish, you execute. Be not so hung up on deadlines. ALL happens in proper timing. No need to worry. In the future you find it in your heart to celebrate the life of your mother opposed to being consumed by the pain of her passing. You learn to be grateful for everything you have in advance and the balance of every season because you find acceptance of your favor. As the saying goes, “To whom much is given, much is required.” You grow into a conscious, accountable, wise, intentional and highly creative young woman. Worry not my love, you are a warrior!
    I Love You….
    Though you don’t always feel loved, know that I love you!

    Porsha O.M.George

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    • Porsha, what a moving letter to your younger self! I think we all could have used those encouraging words growing up, to let us know that it’s okay to be our unique selves and not to worry so much about the future. The love you give to your younger self is the grace we all need to move confidently as adults. Thank you for sharing and being a part…read more

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      • Thank you Juvi! Abundant gratitude! Encouragement truly does give light and perspective. I am so filled with so much warmth and appreciation being in this space!

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    • Wow. This is such an insightful and moving piece. Thank you for sharing.

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  • Dearest To 8 Year Old Ellie

    No one saw you stare out that window
    And lose yourself in the wind-
    They never noticed those blades for nails
    You replaced to survive while
    Replacing such horrors from your fairy tales
    It is your escape now, and you’ll understand soon
    Those birds that nest in your bed
    Are vultures and they tear you to shreds;
    Just because they are blood does not mean you owe them love,
    A myth that is destroying you,
    You have every right to be confused and to cry
    In the arms of yourself when Mom’s not around
    That animal breaks all your bones,
    And while she wastes time out the house,
    Your fear is his throne;

    And while he cries wolf
    You lick your own wounds
    That doctor who should’ve protected you
    Feeds on your pain-
    Lovely girl, people are refusing to see all those
    Horrors inside your world
    Like the monsters that hide under a child’s bed when they sleep
    Though it would always be a dream,
    For you this is different
    And people aren’t who they claim to be
    The one in your closet is real
    And it’s scary
    And you’re anything at all but the cage of a word “crazy”
    I know that your memory is hazy
    Just know that doing nothing to stop it
    Does not make you lazy
    Oh Ellie, it makes you stronger than diamonds
    And shinier than gold
    And brighter than the shooting stars you wish upon
    And a price that can never be sold;

    You pray every night that those monsters that
    People call blood are nothing but
    Swordsman with the kindest of words
    You make sure to name every name of these people-
    Who claim that they love you,
    And Baby Girl, I hate to break it to you-
    But love does not mean begging for forgiveness,
    And it doesn’t mean letting him have his way with you,
    And it doesn’t mean accepting that maybe you’re worthless,
    Because you are anything but this
    Ellie, your light is so much bigger than
    You dare to understand
    It makes sense that you throw it away
    Don’t blame yourself for feeling cold
    You lose yourself in the plaster above you
    Because it’s all you’ve ever known;

    Ellie my dearest,
    You’re a princess in shining armor
    Etched in perfection
    It’s not their business what lives beneath that skirt-
    And please do not blame yourself for
    Not knowing why this is happening
    And when they tear at your gowns
    Just know it is FAR from flattery
    You are beautiful and chosen
    The fabric of life that you’ve woven
    And the seams that they’re ripping with ease
    And with greed and while crying
    They destroy your castle of a body
    Ellie, you’re not a temptation at 8 years old
    You were also never asking for it
    You were just doing what you were told;

    And Ellie my love,
    Your lips were crafted to bring judgment
    Speak poetry
    Sing sonnets-
    Your hands were made to paint murals
    Build castles

    Change planets-
    Your mind has been gifted to hail justice
    Fight fire
    Love endless-
    Ellie I promise you this:
    It is going to be okay,
    Someday you’ll be safe,
    You’ll get it when you’re 20 years old,
    And you only have the animals to blame.

    Sincerely, You from The Future

    Eliana Montondon

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    • Elaina, I want to give you a big hug! You are so strong for reclaiming your experience and this prompt really allows you to fortify the young girl that needed protection and love. I’m sure sharing this wasn’t easy, so I thank you for your bravery. Shine on, Elaina <3 Juvi

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    • Ellie, I am so very sorry to read what happened to you. But wow you are so strong and I, too, want to give you a hug. This line is so powerful, “You are beautiful and chosen
      The fabric of life that you’ve woven.”

      Keep stepping into your life and away from the darkness. Sending hugs. Thank you for sharing and for being part of The Unsealed. <3 Lauren

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  • vhairstudio submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the futureWrite a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years ago

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    Dear Younger Me

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  • Growing Pains

    Hello, 
    Little girl with a dream & a hope for a better tomorrow:
    I see you sitting there on the porch steps crying as your parents seem to be crashing down behind you. 

    One thing that you don’t get told enough is that you are bright, you are smart & that you are beautiful but most importantly…. 
    You have the rest of your life ahead of you. 

    I understand that this life does seem like a strange dream indeed & that sometimes it feels like there are two strangers inside of that house fighting but I see you holding everything in your arms that you’ve held onto for all of these years so far… 

    A pink rabbit, well worn at the face with so much love that you’ve carried her with you & you named her Pinky many years ago. 

    When the screaming gets louder, just hold her tighter. Allow her to soak up your tears when you don’t have a shoulder to cry on. 

    As you go through life you’re going to face the turbulence between your parents & you will learn what it’s like to feel the room before even stepping into it. 

    Take everything for what it is but never identify with any of it because these are all just growing pains my love. 

    What doesn’t kill you tonight will make you stronger tomorrow, 
    I promise, Rocky. 

    The day will come when you put Pinky on the shelf for the final time & you will pull out your pen & you will bleed out everything on paper that this life has inflicted upon you through pain & agony, generational curses, but only you have the power to change your own outcome oh young eager mortal who just yearns to learn more about life, God & what it all even means. 

    One day, you will be able to walk through those same flames that are behind you right now & you’ll be able to acknowledge reality for what it truly is & you will look into the flaming eyes of those demons without backing down or feeling triggered.

    You will find your own fire within those flames & you will find your voice to speak your own truth. 🖤🔥

    Roxanne Barrett

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    • Roxanne, sometimes the people closest to us are the ones who hurt us the most. I can tell from your writing that that is what you’re reckoning with and I commend you for sharing what that must have been like for your younger self. I love how you reinforced the idea that you are smart and beautiful and have so much to offer the world. No matter…read more

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    • This line was my favorite! Take everything for what it is but never identify with any of it because these are all just growing pains my love. It reminded me of the Four Agreements-Don’t take anything personally. Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece

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    • Wow! I feel you are rising and your power is coming through at the end. I am sorry about your difficult childhood, but it really feels like you have become your own hero. And that is amazing! <3 Lauren

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  • ptactacan submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the futureWrite a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years ago

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    The Other Me

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  • Live without Guilt

    When you are young
    The main question is always 
    What do you want to be when you grow up?
    With much hope and optimism 
    We strive to become
    Who we very much envisioned 
    Along the way 
    We may get knocked down
    Or disappointed 
    That’s why it is truly important 
    To stay in the present 
    Committing ourselves to deadlines 
    And timelines as to when we think
    We should have accomplished 
    Something in particular 
    Is pure suicide
    Leading one to be drained mentally 
    Grow up they say
    Become an adult they say
    But they never say live
    Live in the moment 
    Be present in your youth
    So that you can have a future 
    A future that you don’t have to recover from
    ‘Cause trauma is real
    Healing can be a journey 
    Never worry about the future 
    Though your future 
    Is in your hands 
    Never feel the need to be pressured 
    Into planning it all out at once
    Forgive yourself along the way
    No one is perfect 
    Give yourself credit
    For always doing your best
    No matter the outcome 
    Again, never worry
    Your future will be the story you tell 
    The way it is supposed to be
    Without feeling guilty!

    Tracy Barnes

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    • Reading this felt like a hug and a pep talk all at once! I love how your poem said everything it needed to say, plain, clear, and simple. It also flowed well and had a lot of great nuggets of wisdom! It’s a great reminder that while going through life, we shouldn’t forget actually to LIVE it! Thank you for sharing <3 Juvi

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    • Whew!! This was Amazing! This line “But they never say live
      Live in the moment. WOW!!! I’ve had to unlearn and relearn so much of what this means in adulthood. Like you said “Cause trauma is real!” working through this too and I felt so seen by your words so thank you!

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      • Thank you Tiffany: Life is all about living and learning; sometimes when we least expect it we gain much understanding and see our perspective through the eyes of someone else so glad you felt seen 🤗

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  • My Precious One

    My precious one, do not fear

    If you only knew,

    The greater & greater that lies ahead.

    You wouldn’t take a second longer to dwell on the issues at hand

    My precious one, please understand

    I am protecting you

    I am providing for you

    I even factor in what you think you cannot do.

    My precious one,

    You are so much more beautiful than you realize

    Oh if you could see through My eyes.

    The forces trying to tear you down,

    It will not last,

    For there will come a day,

    When you will see what I see.

    That you are My masterpiece!

    I behold you as my exquisite pearl

    You are a rare beauty like no one else,

    You are not stupid or dumb,

    Those were lies wrongly spoken over you,

    Oh My precious one,

    One day the miry clay will be washed away,

    And what will then appear,

    Is the jewel, that I had hidden under My wings,

    Oh My beloved,

    All the lies and pain will be swept away

    For when you come to Me,

    And I hold you close,

    It is then, that you shall clearly see,

    I created you, in likeness of Me,

    Therefore, there is no mistake,

    Only beauty, strength and grace.

    Oh precious one,

    May all fear be abolished in the name of My Son,

    For in His death and resurrection,

    The battle was won

    So all worry, all fear, and every lie that was told,

    Has no power, no substance, and it can no longer have a hold

    Oh My precious one,

    Look ahead, and see what I see,

    All lies exposed, then fear must go!

    And when that happens,

    The landscape awaits,

    Endless opportunity before you,

    You shall live in freedom,

    No longer bound

    Your mind completely sound

    My precious one,

    This right now, will soon pass,

    For every facet of every day,

    Has intricate purpose in all I created you to be.

    These days of pain, soon will be nothing more than a memory.

    So, I say to you; Have no fear,

    Because I am greater than all this.

    None of this is in vain,

    And there will be purpose in every pain

    For the plan for your life,

    I know from beginning to end,

    And what is ahead,

    Is what I already planned.

    For I knew before you even were conceived

    That you are a delicate woman, yet strong and mighty,

    I knew you would be strong enough,

    To endure each level,

    For the places I will take you and teach you to fight,

    And then at the right time,

    You will be ready for flight.

    Higher and higher, more than you ever imagined,

    I will raise you up to the mountain top

    For you are My mighty warrior,

    My beautiful princess bride,

    Your beginnings were humble,

    You were lowly and meek,

    But as you passed every test,

    I saw you bloom and grow,

    I saw you strive and push,

    I knew that you would be,

    My beloved, faithful and true,

    Walking in surrender, heart full of love,

    My precious daughter,

    You conquered all fears in the strength I gave you

    I knew you would always push through,

    You brought all glory back to Me,

    You bowed at My feet.

    I smile My daughter as I look at you.

    You came through it all.

    My precious one.

    May 24, 2024

    Gail Rene Brashear

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    • Gail, what a touching testament to your faith! I loved how you wrote from God’s perspective. I can tell that leaning on your faith has brought you a lot of peace, strength, and hope through life’s trials and tribulations. Very clever piece and relatable to many Christians. Thank you for contributing to the community <3 Juvi

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  • The Future

    The Future, it’s just around the corner, it’s just beyond your reach, surely it’s something you’d very much like to breach. Though thoughts of it may cause some concern, attempt to address that with what you’ve already learned. Although the future is truly unknown, instead of fretting over it consider how well you’ve grown. You’ve reached the future many times before, and God willing you’ll reach it at least once more. Hopefully you’ll go into it with good health, genuine love and remarkable wealth, but The Future is not fully in your control, so worrying about it will only take its toll.

    Sara

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    • Sara, thank you for sharing this piece! I can totally relate to fretting over the future and how little that actually helps me. Sometimes I wish I could look into a crystal ball and know how my life plays out, but what’s the fun in that!? Life is a mystery and there’s beauty in the unknown. You’re right… why worry about what we can’t control? <3 Juvi

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  • Little Me, Worry-Free

    Here as I am, young as could be
    Naive to the world
    Still assuming good-heartedness in humanity
    Still a hopeful child supposed to be carefree
    Yet an emotional crutch is what’s seeken
    To be without guidance
    Facing, fighting turmoil without any alliance

    As I wanted to make my parents proud
    I wanted parents I could be proud of
    As much as I longed for true friends
    I felt loneliness in crowds
    As I searched for love & acceptance
    Real connections were experienced in bouts

    I looked for comfort
    in my providers, partners & past
    Only to realize the evolution
    I needed would project me fast
    Into thy future self, one unrecognizable
    But at the same time never more in tune with my predestined time table

    Little me, little would I know
    Blissful memories are but fleeting
    Relationships may exist for only a season
    & the happiness you feel could be so misleading
    But as you evolve & become your own
    This life you lead will be uplifting

    Purging all vices has proven worthy
    Practicing forgiveness for my misjudgment & worry
    But beware, processing emotions & confrontation will deem weary

    I feel just a tad depleted
    Giving more than receiving
    It’s being shown efforts are not being reciprocated freely
    It’s time to call power back to source
    Energy back to self
    Focusing on my mental, emotional, & spiritual health

    Trials and tribulations one’s come to know
    This new person has looked in the mirror & acknowledged all we’ve done to grow
    Alone but not lonely
    Grounded and safe
    No longer living life with the need to hesitate
    Now guided by my abilities, my angels, my faith

    It’s in the present moment
    & awareness of self that I will concentrate
    All in all, this life I live is simply just great
    If there was ever a need to worry
    Please let it dissipate

    Oh to my younger self
    Release all worry and attachment
    Let your family, friends, future go
    It’s not as if the future is even yours to know
    Everything will fall into place
    This life will be the most colorful story & Your younger self is just the preface

    Jiselle Marquez

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    • Jiselle, I loved how you weaved your story in this poem. It’s so true how we search for love from our parents, partners, etc. but sometimes we give more than we receive. I’m so glad you’re cultivating that love within yourself because we can’t pour from an empty cup! Learning to love yourself is a huge part of growing up, but it’s not without some…read more

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    • Jiselle, the end of your poems always has a mic-drop effect. They are just so clever and impactful. You have such a way with words and you are very thoughtful. Thank you for continuing to share your artistry with us. <3 Lauren

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    • I appreciate your poems, they are well put together and heart felt😊

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  • The Hourglass

    Counting down to proms and graduations,
    Students running to and fro–
    One question plagued my adolescent brain:
    How could I continue when there was so much I didn’t know?

    People told me I was smart,
    “Just like her siblings,” they’d say.
    But for all my potential and book smarts‐
    I was still stuck in my own way.

    Struggling to embrace myself in the present,
    Always trying to appear impressive,
    It felt like life was crushing me into the ground,
    And so I began to recede without making a sound.

    I withdrew inward, convinced no one would notice,
    To disappear would have been my only wish.
    I felt sure the world was swallowing me whole,
    And who would really care if I happened to go?

    How I wish I could put my arms around that 17 year old,
    And let her know that she could be bold.
    I’d tell her: the things that she worried about
    Were not a checklist of choices everyone else had all figured out.

    Her nerves were valid,
    her feelings allowed,
    And wanting to love herself
    Did not make her “too” proud.

    I’d hold her until she knew she didn’t have to simply survive,
    Until she felt‐ truly felt- that in this life she could thrive.
    That even though it seemed that she’d lost her drive,
    There were still so many reasons to stay alive.

    I wish I could give her a key
    Some magic word that would fill life with glee.
    But I think I would tell her the secret
    Isn’t in some lofty work position or college leaflet.

    That throughout her life it would be
    The people around her that would help her feel freed
    From the weight of expectations,
    Of turning into someone else’s “successful” creation.

    The people who would see her heart,
    Who would champion her softness and art,
    Who would be there for the steps between finish and start,
    And would help her believe in the path only she could chart.

    Time wasn’t running out, the world wasn’t ending
    But she could start anew to find herself and leave behind pretending
    That she had to live her life like anyone else,
    Suppressing her true desires like being under a spell.

    Eventually, she’ll discover a way to break the hourglass
    And know that the best moments of life
    Are when time stands still,
    And you let yourself BE.

    Lauran Hirschi

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    • Lauran, I LOVED reading this poem. I can relate to feeling the need to attain a certain level of outward success to be validated by others. I know what it feels like to hold the weight of other people’s expectations and how crushing it can be to your self-esteem. I’m SO glad you’re breaking free from that “hourglass”, creating YOUR version of…read more

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      • Juvi! Thank you so much for your kind words, I felt like I was getting a big hug as I read them! I appreciate you seeing where I’m coming from and encouraging me as I work to push ahead on my own path! I wish you all the best on your individual journey as well! 💗 xo, Lauran

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    • Lauran!!! You are so insanely talented with your words. This is so good and expresses your thoughts so well. I think so many of us, myself included, can relate to the way you felt at 17. I am so glad you are freeing yourself and allowing yourself to just be. You are so wonderful (and talented) just as you are. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren

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      • Thank you so much for your encouragement in my writing!! These challenges have helped encourage me to keep using my voice and finding the purpose. 💗🙏 I feel so seen, and I can hardly express how much that means to me!

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