Aww Autumn, This is such a beautiful and creative piece. I love it. I really felt some compassion and connection to the flower, as it could represent different cycles in our lives. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren

Ashley, You are so much stronger than you think. Keep trying to change the narrative in your head towards a positive one. Minute by minute, day by day, you will start to feel better. Your strength is fighting for you! You got this! We are cheering you on. <3 Lauren

‘Resilience allowed us to rise up and reign supreme regardless of the lashes endured on our minds, spirits, and backs.”

This is so real. You are right. Resilience and strength are in your dna.

<3 Lauren

I love the analogy and I love how you ended it “Sometimes the journey is longer than we expect it to be.
As long as we are able to keep driving the car,
Staying focused will allow us to embark on a long journey to greatness.” I fell like at some point or another we have all felt this and needed to hear this message. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren

Writing is so healing. After my assault, I had “stomach problems ” every day. I don’t anymore. The more I wrote, the better I felt. Writing frees your soul and empowers your mind. It’s magical medicine with zero negative side effects. Sending love and hugs. <3 Lauren

Aww so happy to hear that. Thank you for being a part of The Unsealed. If you ever have any thoughts on how to make it better, please let me know. <3 Lauren

Rashan, This is very well-written and very wise, Each piece of advice you give to your younger self is something that we all need to hear and be reminded of from time to time. My favorite line of your piece comes at the end.

” Remember that life is a journey, and it’s important to take care of yourself along the way.”

It is so true, so real a…read more

Lima, ALways remember to smile. Say that over and over and over to yourself every day. Always remember to smile. You are so strong and beautiful soul. Keep being you. Find your peace and your happiness. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren

Ashley, I truly believe the difficult things we go through in the moment can feel overwhelming, but in the end that leads us to who we are meant to be and what we are meant to do. You are so strong and resilient. Never change. I admire you. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our Unsealed family. <3 Lauren

Amanda, I am so glad you are chasing your dreams, and I am even happier that you have rekindled lost relationships. You sound very driven and strong. I am excited to see you in a play or movie one day. Great things are ahead. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren

Aww, I am so glad you have such a loving and beautiful family. Your babies are lucky to have a mom who is doing whatever she can to be her best self and the best mother she can be. As a fellow sexual assault survivor, I agree that it is NOT your fault. You are never responsible for someone else’s predatory behavior. Period. I, too, had an eating…read more

Taryn, Too bad there is no cafe, you really put me in the mood for some coffee. Anyway, I am sorry you struggled so much as a kid, but I think there is a lot of wisdom in this piece. By the way, I also was the one in the group who didn’t drink or get high. I am really thankful now I was that way. I am glad you are loving yourself these days and…read more

Daniellas – There is so much wisdom in this piece. You are so right. When people are mean, it’s cause they see something great in you that they don’t see in themselves. I am so glad you are telling yourself to love yourself and make all your dreams come true. You are tough and you are resilient. As a result, you certainly can do and achieve…read more

Liz – I am so sorry sorry that your childhood was not what you deserved. But you are incredibly strong to make the choice to find people who make you happy and find peace within your life. You are so perseverant to decide to take life into your own hands. You should be so proud of yourself. I know I am proud of you. Thank you for sharing and thank…read more

Valeria, This is so real and authentic. Sometimes life has plans that surprise as, and you just have to go with it and do your best. Clearly, that is what you have done. You sound so strong, and your daughter, Amirah, is super lucky to have you as her mom and her example. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family.…read more

Ravien – You are an incredible person and writer. This piece is so powerful and inspiring. I love all of it.

This part stuck out to me:
Do not let the voice of doubt drown out the whispers of your dreams. You have the power to make them a reality.

And this part:
You have a voice that deserves to be heard, ideas that deserve to be shared, and a…read more

Sarah, this is so great and so relatable. I also tried to smile through the pain and push things down. It didn’t work. I needed to face what happened to me, and I didn’t do so until years later. But when I did, I felt more powerful than ever.

You are so right. You are magic. And I agree with you that time just softens the blow and you just got…read more

Javarr I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I know she is smiling down on you and is so proud of the person that you are. I love this piece of advice, “Sometimes not having an answer is the answer” It is so true! Sometimes you just have to let life figure itself out. There is so much in this piece that shows your resilience, perseverance, and…read more

Ria, this is great advice for us all. Living up to someone else’s expectations is a waste of time. Also, give yourself grace when setting your own expectations. Thank you for sharing <3 Lauren

Rox, This is extremely well-written and very powerful. I am so sorry that you grew up feeling like you couldn’t be your true self or that something was wrong with you. You are clearly an incredibly strong person and a beautiful person. I am so glad you courageously are living your life true to who you are and what you feel. And I am even happier…read more