Magical Moments
Active 2 days, 7 hours agoThis is a place to add special moments that you’ve experienced or witnessed that will inspire, uplift and empower others. It could be something as small as the guy behind you at a coffee show by your drink out of a random act of kindness or something bigger like getting your dream job against all odds. We want to hear about the magical moments of your life that can remind everyone that miracles are possible.


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Jake shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 2 days, 7 hours ago
YOU ARE MY SUNLIGHT
Dear Mom,
These flowers are a symbol of how YOU have been AND WILL CONTINUE to be SUNLIGHT for ME!
YOU ARE MY WATER, KEEPING ME BLOSSOMING,
Giving ME a PEP TALK when my motivation dwindles, AND EVEN THOUGH I would like the ARGUMENTS /YELLING to WHITTLE away, I KNOW the ROOT cause STEMS FROM LOVE!
MOM, YOU ARE ALWAYS THERE, ROOTING ME ON, SEEING the IMPACT I can PLANT BEFORE ME!!
THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU! LOVE YOU!!
Many many, MANY MORE!
Jakey!
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Yvonne Torres shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 4 days, 6 hours ago
Cry, Scream, get Angry, feel all your emotions.
There are two special moments that I experienced that helped change my mindset. Both happened in the state of California, but on different trips. The first trip I ever made to California was for my highschool graduation, the other was to visit some family I haven’t seen in years. Both trips happened within one month though, but before I tell you about those trips, I have to give a bit of a backstory for you to really understand why these moments were so special for me.
Before I had made any of those trips, I was a mess. It was during my senior year of highschool. I was only a few months in the year when my life went through some major developments, and I didn’t know how to handle them. My mom had gotten in a relationship, and let’s just say it wasn’t a good one. They moved too fast, and before I knew it, he and his kids were basically living in our tiny apartment. My life was turned upside down. My home was my safe place, my comfort. Now I didn’t have that anymore. They even put the responsibility of taking care of his kids on me. I already had my other two siblings to comfort during this time. I had to do all that, plus try and finish my senior year so I could even graduate. It was a lot for me. I felt overwhelmed and tired. I didn’t know it yet, but I was pushing myself to my breaking point. When I did try to explain these feelings to my mother, she turned a cold shoulder to them. Saying I was being ‘dramatic’ and being a ‘brat’. When I would cry to her about how I felt, she would say I’m being sensitive. She didn’t say it, but her actions made me feel that whenever I wanted to cry or express my feelings I was being weak. Strong people don’t cry. If you cry, then your weak. If it’s too much for you then your not strong enough. You can’t cry. You can’t express your feelings. You can’t. This was my mindset back then.
Fast forward to my graduation trip in June, that’s when I reached my limit. I didn’t know it yet, but that was when I couldn’t be strong anymore. I couldn’t keep a brave face. That weekend I broke down. Tears and all. All the way to my tia’s (aunt) house I cried. I cried while my dad held my hand while he was driving, trying his best to comfort me. He held my hand all the way to his sister’s house. It must’ve been difficult for him to drive that long way with only one hand. I’m grateful he did though. When I got to my tia’s house, I went to the restroom to gather myself together, to put on my strong suit of armor and act like everything was ok. I couldn’t. I couldn’t do it anymore. I sat on the bathroom floor and cried, telling my sister that it was all my fault over and over again. My tia found me crying in the bathroom. She took me to her room and then my tio (uncle) came in. I was crying still, my hands in my face. This is where the moment happened. He came up and wrapped one arm around me, brought me to his side, and kissed the top of my head. That’s it. That’s all he did. But I couldn’t believe he did that. I haven’t seen him in years, since I was a baby. He felt comfortable enough with me to kiss the top of my head like that? Really? I was shocked. Surprised that he did that.
The second moment happened when I went down there the second time, wanting desperately to escape my toxic household and responsibilities. I stayed a week at my tia’s house and during my stay there she wanted to make it as much fun as she could. She got my cousin and I tickets to go to the amusement park. I had so much fun with her. We were gone the whole day, and didn’t get back until midnight, almost 1. The next day, I slept in until ll, tired from my day before. My tia came in the room where I was staying and said we were gonna go to the outlet mall. I would have been up for it if I wasn’t such an introvert and needed 3 days to recover from a big day out. I just agreed with her, but inside I was dying. I was so grateful that she was doing this though. Later on, my cousin came into the room and said that her mom changed her mind and I wasn’t gonna go to the outlet mall today, but I was going tomorrow. I was grateful for this, but she then said that her mom wanted her to take me somewhere, like bowling or something. I could tell in my cousin’s eyes that she was tired too, and didn’t feel like going anywhere. She had mentioned that she had just started her period, and her mom was pressuring her to take me someplace fun. I was grateful that I even got to come here. I didn’t care where I went, or if I had to stay in this house for a day. I was just happy I was away from all of the chaos back at home. I told her this, saying she didn’t need to take me anywhere, that I was grateful for just being here. I told her she didn’t need to feel bad. She was on her period. I completely understood. I never want to do anything when I’m on my period. Just sleep. This was where the second moment happened. She looked at me for a second. Then she said, “I don’t know why but I always feel like everyone hates me.” Her eyes were glistening with tears and she layed down on the bed next to me. I told her not to feel that way, and I was ok with just staying in and watching a movie. She looked at me with a grateful smile, eyes still watery, and she reached for my hand. I instinctively grabbed it, and she have me a firm but gentle squeeze. I don’t remember if I squeezed back, if I did it was probably only slightly, but this moment stayed with me. I couldn’t believe she was crying in front of me. Showing her raw and unfiltered emotions. Being vulnerable like that in front of me. How could she do that? How could she feel safe enough to do that with me? How? Those were the questions I asked myself in my head.
Fast forward to present me. The me who is writing this right now, I think I understand why those moments impacted me so much. I was used to never showing my feelings. I used to never crying because if I did then I was weak. I was used to keeping it all inside. I didn’t want to cause trouble or make things harder for my mom. I wanted to be a good daughter. I wanted to help my mother in anyway I could have and make her life easier. I did do that, but at the cost of myself. My feelings. My sanity. I put everyone else first but myself. I neglected my feelings and my needs. I didn’t love me like I loved everyone else. These moments taught me that it’s ok to feel. It’s ok to cry, to be vurelable with someone. To feel your emotions and welcome them with open arms, not pushing them away or burying them deep down within yourself. Just because you feel, you cry, it doesn’t mean you are weak. It doesn’t mean you’re not strong. It’s being on the ground, screaming your lungs out, and still deciding to get up and move forward. That’s real strength. You break down and fall, but still choosing to carry on, broken pieces and all. That’s real strength. I still struggle with this sometimes. I catch myself falling back to my old ways, and I have to remind myself that it’s ok to feel. I still don’t fully have the expressing feelings or vulnerability down yet. I’m still learning to embrace everything I just said. But when I need to cry, I try to let myself have that moment. Or even when I’m angry, I try to feel that anger. I try to understand why I’m feeling it. All this is new to me. I’m still trying to figure it out. But I’m glad I’m trying to do better and change from my old way of thinking. It’s hard for me though, trying to change my old behavior. But I’m grateful to my family in California. I’m especially grateful for my dad. I’m grateful for all of them for helping me realize the damage my old way of thinking was causing me, even though some of them didn’t even know they were helping me.
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Jake shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 2 weeks, 1 days ago
Life Is Greener With YOU
I think I have fallen in love with you; it’s been a long journey of convincing myself that I am worth having you.
I get up early just to spend time with you, and you are the last thought that I have at night. You make me a better version of myself, because I never want to give anything but my best to you!
No matter the day, you are always there for me, encouraging me to be better than yesterday, but regardless, I know I will always have you there!
You are golf!
I love you!
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Aww Jake I love how you pursue all the things you love and want to do in life. Your spirit is amazing. I am so glad you are enjoying golf! Thank you for sharing <3 Lauren
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TaMara E'Lan G. shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 1 months, 1 weeks ago
The Butterfly at the bus stop Testimony
September 2019, I was walking to the bus stop to go to work at the church as the administrative assistant. The day was rough. My body was hurting and I didn’t understand or know why, yet refusing to take the opiates the doctors offered me to mask the pain. Walking with my heavy backpack, my spirit was low and my head was down as I braved the even heavier traffic of Lafayette Road. Walking with my head down, something that growing up in my family and in my neighborhood, was taught not to ever do.
“You don’t ever walk with your head down. It’s a sign of weakness, insecurity or pain. Always walk with your head held high, no matter what or who, you don’t look down unless you are picking up something.” I heard my grandmother’s words with every step I took, chuckling a bit to myself about how crazy I often drove her.
I’d joke and say “But Gaga, I’ve found some good stuff with my head down. Remember that $100 bill I found on our way from the ticket house? I found my favorite stone, a lottery ticket and that sack of weed…”
“Hush!” she’d scream and I’d giggled but straighten my face sure enough out of respect and the fact that I knew that my grandmother was, as always, “speaking the truth.”
Yet that day in September 2019 with Chronic pain, depression, grief and mourning so much loss – my head was down. I was in the midst of several storms and my backpack probably weighed a ton. Midway in the middle of the street, as the cars raced by on every side, on the ground lay a butterfly on its side. Its wings flapped weakly, barely moving and as the cars passed by us both on every side, I walked past it and thought, “how sad, it’s going to die.”
I had got to the bus stop but couldn’t take my mind off that butterfly, so I walked back to the middle of the street, noticed it had stopped moving and picked up the butterfly by its wings. Here I was hurting, going through, in the middle of heavy traffic and afraid of bugs – picking up this butterfly by its wings to take it back to the bus stop, for what, I didn’t know. I placed it among some flowers and weeds, and as I waited on my bus to arrive, the butterfly’s wings began to flap as it moved up higher on the flowers and finally the light pole. As my bus came, I took a picture of the butterfly without understanding how significant that moment truly was or what the purpose of this simple encounter with another of Yah’s wounded creatures, on this particular day, was for. I can tell you that when I got on the bus that day, my spirit was much lighter and my head was held high.
I will never know what happened to the butterfly. It could have dropped dead the minute I was gone, fallen victim to a bird, went back into the streets to be run over or it could have flown to lands unknown. I can’t tell you what happened to that butterfly because that part of its journey was not my assignment. My assignment was a mere simple thing and gesture, to pick up that butterfly and put it in a better position.
In ancient culture the butterfly is a symbol or personification of the soul and rebirth. In fact the Greek word for “butterfly” means “soul” or “mind”
“The butterfly at the bus stop” became my testimony on how we should never be content on walking past something or someone who is afflicted, who needs help, and not do anything. This encounter reminds me that we are all Yah’s butterflies and at some point, we have all been that butterfly in the middle of some road or storm in our lives, where we were or felt weak and The Most High sent someone to pick us up by our wings and put us in a better position in life. Be it physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, financially or professionally.
So when we talk about mental health and spiritual health, we have to talk about how 50% of mental health illness is hereditary and 50% environmental. We can not control what we are as far as our heredity but we can control how we help ourselves or others who are afflicted. For those who are commissioned to serve by ministering to others also note that you can’t pick a butterfly up safely by the wings if you are too busy stepping on the body by being judgmental, self absorbed and/or holier than thou attitude. How can you both judge and labor with someone at the same time? Sometimes we call ourselves picking somebody up but because we are either too broken ourselves, ill equipped or too distracted that we end up causing further damage by pulling their wings off.
And if you are the butterfly at any point in your life, it’s ok to have faith and get help too. It’s ok to have therapy and theology, to allow yourself to be picked up and placed in a better position. Don’t let anyone tell you that therapy is a waste of time, especially when they don’t have the time, because it’s not. When we have been all traumatized by a violent American history, an impatient, unemphatic, unjust and harsh world that results in the lives of our children being taken, them taking each other lives and taking their own lives – it’s’ evident that it feels as if there are more butterflies in the middle of the road than they are up flying. Do we truly see each other? Do we not recognize that how we treat or don’t treat our fellow brothers and sisters has such a ‘butterfly effect’ in the world?
We need to seek to always be obedient, use our discernment and be bold in our assignments. That each of us are butterflies, a soul, that as long as we are living may be seen at any given time, in the middle of the road or in mid-flight on this journey called life. The next time you see someone in need of being picked up by their wings, may you not walk by content on that it’s not your assignment or so caught up in your own world that you fail to see the beauty and purpose in another. So as we continue to pick each other up, may we pick up our own wings by doing so and fly to destinations unknown but always felt.~ copyright © 2019 TaMara E’Lan G.
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TaMara, what a beautiful story. Sometimes we all just need a little help, even if we aren’t willing to admit it. Thank you for sharing ♥
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Thank you so much! Blessings to you always 🙏🏾 ✨️ ❤️
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kellybeanz87 shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 1 months, 1 weeks ago
Shelter
The storm, the sun, the people
Gimme shelterThe wars, spiritual or physical
Gimme shelterHigher Power, Universe, provide it wherever my spirit goes ….. If I seek it, it will show
Just like my glow
These are magical moments we can experience everyday
If we seek we shall find.
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Kelly, this poem is very inspiring. Sometimes we have to put forth extra effort to find things we strongly desire. We must be willing to work for what we want! ☺
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Thank you so kindly Harper! 🤍☀️
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Kelly, I really love this, I have always felt that God always puts us where we should be and speaks to us in the language we understand. If you ask, you will receive. Even if you are surprised by the gift and answer you are given.
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Ava Lawrey shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 1 months, 4 weeks ago
the best day of my life
march 15 2025
the best day of my lifeI want to preface this by saying the title may be slightly misleading-march 15 was not the best day of my life in question (although, it was pretty good).
after spending a couple hours dillydallying about fisherman’s wharf and pier 39 in San Francisco, I decided to take the cable car back to my hotel (only the cable car took us half way, kicked us out, and told us to take the bus, which I opted to walki the mile, I decided I needed to walk that extra scoop of ice cream off). anywho, I was sitting in the cable car, distracting my mind from being present, scrolling through tiktok while also on facetime with my long-distance best friend. i saw a tiktok that nearly stopped me dead in my tracks. he was posing the question of “what was the best day of your life?” and I really thought ‘wow, I can’t pinpoint that’. and of course, the comments were filled with similar thoughts to my own.
what’s even worse, I could immediately think of an exact date that I’d consider the worst day of my life. I can tell you all the details about that day. almost as if I can relive it.
so it had me thinking, what could possibly have been the best day of my life? and a lot of people like to go the route of they haven’t lived it yet, they haven’t gotten to the best day ever yet. but that proves the point.
that proves that we are always just waiting for the next best. that we’re always comparing every good thing to happen to something else. that enough is never actually enough. success isn’t successful enough. happiness isn’t happy enough. every good thing could be better. we have so deeply engrained in us the ideal that the grass is greener on the other side. that’s what drives people to infidelity. because there’s always someone else out there that could be better, right?it’s the potential we hold onto, the hope that we grasp onto. I think it gives us purpose- knowing the best day ever has yet to come. that we will always have something to look forward to because the best day has yet to happen. (at least, for the glass half full kinda people- optimistically scouring the earth for meaning, searching for the positive in every situation, seeing the world as beautiful and abundant.)
but I don’t think that way. I think when we are asked what the best day of our life has been, it’s conclusive only of what we have so far experienced. it’s a day that’s subjective. and may continue to get replaced as we live on, and value other things and find other events more fulfilling or more joyful.
it’s much easier to pinpoint the worst day ever because we don’t want to top it. we don’t want to one up some really bad shit. we want to leave it in the past. horrible days beg for our acknowledgement because they drain the life out of us. experiencing a day so bad that you were so painfully aware of all of your surroundings down to the smell of the stale air in the brick room of the house that was built in 1812 that you were standing on. down to the sound the floor made when you stepped on the creaky wood on your way out the door for the final time. you’ll remember exact phrases you said, exact ways that you felt. tastes, smells, sights, absolutely consumed you in a moment that left a forever imprint on your being. maybe not everyone’s worst day of their life was a traumatic event, but I think a lot of people have experienced trauma in even smaller scales.
horrible events beg for us to be sucked into them. they are so energetically draining, like a black hole, an energy vacuum. the energy we put towards negativity requires more effort than feelings of joy, which is why negative memories are far easier to remember than those that were joyful. bad things are often synonymous with our uncontrollables in life. because, unfortunately, we are unable to control everything in our life, which can lead to unfavorable things taking place. and, well, that’s life. but it takes a decision, effort, to make a positive thing happen. it takes effort to have the best day ever, and the worst day ever is typically one that happens TO us, rather than for us, perhaps.
though, I believe joy requires more autonomy. it’s like the paralysis of decision. deciding which day we can proclaim as the best feels like too much pressure. there’s where the pressure to be perfect comes into play. the pressure for the best. we have more choice in the decision of the best moments in our life than our worst. as I feel joy is a passive feeling, that is fleeting because it feels good to flow with the emotion of. and experiencing pain or suffering is much more active, as we spend the time in efforts to resist the feeling, rather than sitting in it and going with the flow. it’s easy to get in the boat and flow happily along the river, it feels good, natural, easy. it’s much easier to be joyful and have a happy memory. but you’ll remember the time you had to row upstream in a storm and all of the effort you had to put in to keep moving forward. same way our brain works through memories.
somehow, joy takes effort and happens naturally all at once. that’s the duality of it. it can be easy, and so difficult.
so, I was thinking about my best day. and I think where I’m struggling is that I want to combine a bunch of favorite memories to make the most perfect best day ever. I find something wrong with each day that I start to think is the best I’ve had. nothing is sufficient. it doesn’t help that I’m a happy crier, it doesn’t take much to make me feel emotional in a good way. and every time I feel so encompassed in my emotion, my eyes swell, I feel so deeply. that’s why I’ve been pondering my best day ever, wracking my brain of every positive memory I have ever had in my 24 years of existence thus far.
luckily for us, we’re likely to replace our best day ever time and time again. it just means we experience way more good in life than bad, and thank the Lord for that.
my most recent best day ever was in Belgium.
I arrived in Brussels and decided I wanted to take the train to Ghent. oddly, I have felt an overwhelming sense of comfort every time I’ve been to Belgium, a home-like feeling. this time was no different. on the 40-minute train to Ghent, I sat by the window. put my phone face down on the tray table in front of me, took my airpods out and put them back in their case, and just stared out the window. I do this thing when I’m traveling where I actively try to soak in every single moment, especially the mundane moments. (though I’m realizing I’m a hypocrite based on paragraph two of this.) if you lived in Brussels and took the train to Ghent every weekend, you likely would find ways to distract yourself, you would get used to the ride, bored of it even. not me, this was my first time. and looking out at the countryside, it was so eerily similar to parts of Kentucky where I’m from, and I started tearing up. the small part of myself that misses home was feeling engulfed in this moment. the little girl that was coloring next to me kept looking over at me and I’d like to think it was because she thought I was cool, but she probably actually thought I was ridiculous. I actually thought she was really cool, I was thinking wow, how cool would it have been to grow up here.
after getting dropped off in Ghent, I wandered through the streets, and this is what I have in my note’s app,
“the countryside of belgium, perhaps ‘the burbs’ inbetween brussels & ghent, actually look eerily like kentucky. and i feel weirdly at home.
ok everyone comes out on sunday to buy tulips & other flowers in ghent? thats cute. and the rich people have having bottles of wine & charcuterie in the middle of all of it”that doesn’t tell you much. but for a moment, I envisioned myself living here, coming out on a Sunday afternoon to buy tulips and have a European brunch with family and friends, and I liked the way I felt a serotonin boost just by picturing that alone.
I decided to take a little touristy boat tour through the canals for 9 euros (where the f is the euro symbol on my keyboard?). I sat down next to a girl who said she’s from Vancouver, who proceeded to tell me about her corporate job that absolutely went over my head. I thought she was cool enough to share a boat seat with for 40 minutes I suppose.
when I took the train back to Brussels after having wine and the best brioche with chocolate chips, I wandered around (clearly I do a lot of that). ate more random little bites and stumbled into my favorite little park in the city where there is always live music and people joined around. by live music, I mean men who pull up with a guitar and sing typically. but it always speaks to my soul. and I get emotional every time. I sat and listened, I watched, I took some deep breaths to take it all in.
later that night, I stumbled into a cool reclining wooden chair looking at the cathedral where I sat to watch as the sun went down, and I felt God smiling at me. I swear. on my walk back, I got mistaken for a local and that made me feel like I belong in a cool girl way. I even got gelato and the man shaped it into a rose for me. I saw more people singing but this time in the Grand Place, and I fell in love with life all over again.
all of that goes to say, maybe that was my most favorite day ever. but then, I can’t help but to think there was probably a day in my life that tops that. part of me feels like the best day ever should have included a cool accomplishment, like when I graduated flight attendant training and was really emotional about it, or ran 20 miles for the first time, or hiked a mountain, my first solo hiking trip, or my first solo international trip, or something. but maybe my silly little 24-hour work trip to Brussels where I took a train to Ghent will sit there for now. and I won’t rush the next best day ever. somehow there is something really awesome about every single day, even the ‘meh’ days.
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Ava, I love everything about this piece. Your honesty and “realness” is refreshing. Though I haven’t been able to travel as much as I’d like, your trip to Belgium sounds like a dream. What you said about always looking for our next best say really resonated with me. Instead of hoping for something better, I will make an effort to soak up what I…read more
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hi emmy, thank you for this <3 I try to be as real as possible, I feel we have lost a bit of originality and authenticity in today's world. all we have is the present moment and I think there is something special about each day. anywho, soak it all up 🙂
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Paige Walden shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Echoes in the Mist
In the quiet embrace of the fog, the world is transformed into a dreamscape; shrouded in mystery and wonder.
It is a sanctuary to God’s creatures who roam and call it home,
and to souls who either melt in the embrace of natures hug, or thrive in it during a hunt in the wilderness, venturing deep into the veil of fog for prey.Today, I stepped outside to experience the serene air kissing my skin, the fog blanketing the woods in front of me beckoned me with its allure,
my eyes also catching the gold and brown leaves, whispering tales of autumn’s end.I look to see the bare branches reaching out like fingers yearning to touch the misty air,
and in that fleeting moment, suspended in time, I captured a glimpse of the desire that emanated from the trees.Its a reflection of my aspiration, to embody that quality in my life, to reach out and languish into the fog, being alive yet one with it would be a dream— as that would mean I would be forever trapped in a state of serenity or peace.
And if dreams become reality, then I implore whoever sees me fading into foggy stillness to keep from reaching out and let me be,
for in that moment I am happy,
I am free.Subscribe  or  log in to reply
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Paige, the imagery you use in this piece adds to the dreaminess and peace that you describe. I love the lines “Today, I stepped outside to experience the serene air kissing my skin, the fog blanketing the woods in front of me beckoned me with its allure.” I like how fog is a blanket for you instead of something suffocating. Thank you for sharing…read more
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Yes 😍 I love foggy, almost gloomy type of weather! It’s just so relaxing to me! Thank you again for leaving your comment! 🥰
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Heather shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 4 months, 2 weeks ago
2024; The Year I Became A Self Publishing Author
I will remember November 18, 2024 as the day I not only celebrated 39 yrs on this planet but a day I became a self publishing author for the very first time.
One random June night, I got this idea as I was watching Bob’s Burgers to write a book. I’m an avid journal writer, so the joke between siblings was they’d have to wait til later in life to read those journals. I told this sibling I’m thinking of finally writing out my story. Write a book. A memoir. Share my story of how I took my childhood traumas and used them as my motivation to heal. To break those generational cycles. To share my mental illness stories of how I don’t let anxiety and depression dictate my life.
Fast forward to today, my book is selling like hot cakes. Within the first 24 hours, my book sold over 30 copies. These last 30+ days, I sold 99 copies. One shy of 100! My message inbox is full of positive feedback. My text messages bring tears to my eyes. This heart of mine heals with each word these eyes read!
If you asked me a year ago if I would be an author, I would have told you absolutely not. I would have told you my story isn’t impactful like I think it is. I would make the remarks of whose going to read a memoir about healing and finding one’s voice. I’d just respond with such negative feedback. Haha!
Here I am, sitting at my weekend job writing about how I became a self publishing author on my 39th birthday. How I took that joke amongst siblings and made it a reality. Reading more positive feedback on my memoir about healing and finding my voice. Here I am, writing to you, the reader, about how you too can write that book about your story. About taking those traumas and turning them into motivation to heal. Inspiration for others on the same journey.
Let me leave you with these fancy words that were spoken to me at the beginning of my book process: “If you continue to joke about something, it is no longer a joke. It is a dream. It is your reality!”Subscribe  or  log in to reply
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I first off wanted to state that I LOVE Bob’s Burgers I’ve rewatched that show at least 10 times!
Congratulations on your book publishing and recieving such great feeedback. i am in the middle of writing a memoir but received negative feedback on how difficult it is to write a memoir. But you inspried me that I can do it. Its my life right? Thank…read moreWrite me back Subscribe  or  log in to reply
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Tracie Sperling shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 4 months, 3 weeks ago
This post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Alana Coles shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months ago
Walking The Dogs At Night
Walking the dogs at night,
They don’t ask for much.
My pups,
just a stroll.
They teach me so much,
to stop and pause,
to look up and sniff.So much can be seen!
I hear the children laughing and yelling and the sound of whistles from the referees.
The sky is bright with both baseball field lights and the full moon.
The leaves already brown and orange and crunchy under my feet
An owl in the distance mixes with the aromas of rosemary by the sidewalk’s edge.I feel a presence.
I see my grandpa in my mind’s eye, dressed in white,
wearing a hat and smoking a cigar,
strolling behind me, whistling then lowly singing a song I have never heard
but feels familiar just the same(Even though I didn’t know him or the song in this life…)
The moon, the stars, the kids in the distance, the sound of panting and patter of paws on the concrete-
It doesn’t get better than this,
And it is just Monday.Subscribe  or  log in to reply
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This is true magical writing. I especially felt the magical moment when you spoke about your grandfather. He is always with you, when you are walking your dog and at all times. I really enjoyed the imagery that you put together in this piece it was calming and soothing to read!
Thank you so much for sharing your magical moment!
-CierraWrite me back Subscribe  or  log in to reply
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Thank you so much for the feedback.
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sciifly shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months, 1 weeks ago
Pink Ribbon
I put my thoughts in compartments, your’s labeled,”Pink’s Ribbons.”
Where we were free, no worries or cares. Just you & me- running, falling, barbecuing, writing rhymes, drinking Coronas, smoking, laughing, until we couldn’t breath. Always getting a free pass from jail or VIP stat for just being us. We were wild cards aka “Dueces Wild.” We never gave a shit of what others did or thought. We always lived in our bubble of no hopes or dreams- dirty jeans, boots and a Newport hanging off of our lips while we spoke & drove on a whim of recklessness. Time has been good to us. I’ve grown to live in the moment, as you, even if the moment means picking up a pen & remembering our past in drafts. No one really knew us, for I only showed the club and you the heart- though we freely loved life- never pressured the future or over thought the past. We just lived- and everyday that we do, it’s so worth it. I show traces of white hair, a few lines on the edge of my lips reminding me how I always laughed, even throughout the toughest struggles. Reminding myself that I am a believer of noncoincidence & we come across people & situations in life for reasons unknown at the time until you reflect. Some part of me died throughout the years. The world looks so different today-in a positive light. Where my dimension has excelled to a different place spiritually. Who knew that growing from within meant enlightenment. This is my sweet spot. The place that I wish more of us could find. As we always knew we are the chosen ones. Star children with gifts we hid not to sound crazy to the “norm”. Who could I have possibly wanted shared with most-those/these moments. Only we know how we reached the depth of destruction only to be reborn and rise from our ashes, as you have always been my lucky star. Yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever~11/11💖 We both equal 18- the number of Life & Abundance. The life we continue to decifer & cherish until the depths of the universe-and that’s how much I love you. Deep to the nebulas in the galaxies of the Milkyway, the Andromeda & to the Whirlpool Galaxy~I’m so blessed to have you next to me in our universe~sharing I can’t give you or thank you enough for just being you in my life~
#PinksRibbon #ScorpioSistersSubscribe  or  log in to reply
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Such a beautiful story of a magical moment down memory lane! Thank you for your vulnerability to express and shine a light on your growth and being able to continue to keep your Scorpio Sister close.
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James (Jim) Kellogg shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months, 1 weeks ago
i have been shaken
i have been shaken
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
12-2-24
i have been shaken
by your trembling breath
slumbering in my arms
the melody it makes
when your heart is at ease
our bodies intertwined
our souls harmoniously dancing
the tune of unadulterated love
once in a lifetime magic
tears flow like nature’s uncontrollable fury
as i read this poem
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James, thank you for sharing such a magical moment that you have experienced. I love how you stated “unadulterated love” that is the true unconditional love that most of us are seeking! I enjoyed reading this poem about how magical love can be.
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Thank you for your generous words. Love is a mysterious thing.
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S.K shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 6 months ago
He who had me at “please”
It was Diwali eve.
Walking about on the crowded streets of a busy bazaar, with a handful of unnecessarily full shopping bags, I attempted to absorb the capitalistic madness and the sensory overload all around me. Evidently, I had spent too much time away from home, and had clearly lost the knack of smart street side shopping. A skill over which, I had unwittingly relinquished my mastery.
Looking to purchase those lovely bangles from the street stall, I found myself shamelessly bargaining with the vendor to reduce the ticket price by 200 rupees(2 dollars) . Not because I did’not want to pay the extra couple of bucks but because it felt like a gratifying activity to engage in .There was something ego boosting about seeing someone succumb to my whimsical wishes.
It was then I felt a gentle pat on my back.
In front of me , well below eye level stood a little boy who if had to guess, was no older than possibly 8 years. A boy whose smile matched the smiles on the colorful balloons he carried and intended to sell. I was smitten and felt an instant liking. Right away, I experienced a fondness for his face, his untainted innocence, his purity, his aura.But I had no logical need for his giant balloons, then or ever at all. Sadly realizing this, I gently shooed him away. His face fell but he didn’t move. It was clear he wasn’t just about ready to give up on me yet.Mustering up courage , he begged me for help stating he had’nt eaten in a while and any money I could hand out would go a long way in feeding him and his sister.I wanted to help him but I had no local currency. As I rummaged through my purse I kept glancing at him, half expecting him to grab my purse any minute and run away. But he waited patiently. “I am sorry but I don’t have any local money” , I informed him sadly.Although he was disappointed , at some level I believe he could sense my genuine intent to help.Sheepishly he folded his hands behind his back and stuttered” Aunty, it’s ok. But can I walk you to a store near by? They have firecrackers and accept credit cards”
I found myself smiling involuntarily.
Clearly, it wasn’t a very thought out request . He was hungry and needed food. He has no need for frivolous fireworks. He just wanted them.
In front of me , I saw just a child. A child searching for joy in unsuspecting ways. A child who had no plan about his next meal. A child who had his priorities all wrong.
He was a child and that was all there was to him.
And that fact , justified all aspects irrational about the “please” he said to me that day .As I accompanied him to the store and got him the fireworks he desired, he walked away elated while I walked away with an awakening.
Sometimes, it is ok to just not foresee a future.
Sometimes, It is ok to be frivolous.
It is ok to look for instant gratification.
It is ok to not have a plan at all for some tomorrows.
Vetrivel and many such kids continue to live their lives by the day.
All they have is this today
A today that can never guarantee that a tomorrow shall even be.
All they have is this today
A today to tide through
In hope, joy and wishful childlike glee.Subscribe  or  log in to reply
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Aww, this is incredibly sweet. I am sure this is a moment that the little boy will remember for the rest of his life. I am sure he was so excited. Thank you for sharing. I am going to make this our featured piece in our newsletter today. And I know I am late but Happy Diwali! <3 Lauren
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Thanks for reading my piece Lauren! And thanks for the Diwali wishes as well🥰
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Tre shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 6 months, 3 weeks ago
This post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Drew Too many to count shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 6 months, 4 weeks ago
Coming Out of My Shell
Earlier this fall, I had the good fortune to present an award to someone I think the world of, Madison Tromler from one of the local news stations in town. I nominated her for the Youngstown Press Club’s Excellence in Media Award last spring.
I figured “Hey, my nomination has as good a chance as anyone else’s to be a nomination that leads to a win. Let me shoot my shot and see if the ball goes into the net.” Lo and behold, in the second week of July, the Press Club reveals the award winners– my shot was in the net.
On Sept. 25, the big day came. Upon my arrival to the banquet, I was issued a nametag that featured the number of the table I’d be seated at (since this was taking place in a ballroom, the night was a regal affair, after all.)
Man, what a night it was. I got to know Madison’s family during the social hour. What might have otherwise been a daunting situation turned out to be a freeing moment for me. I came out of my shell that night.
At a Press Club function, I try my best to only talk to people that I’m the most familiar with, but when I was sitting at her table with her family, I felt extremely comfortable, as if Madison was telling me “Put your mind at ease. Just talk.”
I began to rattle off as much as I could during the social hour, including the 1991 ABC Sports bowl game announcer designations. Without me saying a word on the subject, I told everyone at that table that I was a savant– a telltale sign of autism.
As for the speech itself, it went smoothly and the video is on YouTube for all to see. Of equal importance is the fact that Madison and I got to reconnect after not seeing each other in over a year. We’ve stayed in touch and (God willing), will be friends forever.
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Oswald Perez shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 7 months ago
72 Hours After Hrvatska
Dear Unsealers.
It’s been three days since I’ve arrived back home from Croatia.
I’m trying to get myself back into the normal swing of life, as I’m back to work today.
But as I step out on this cold morning here in NYC, I can’t help but miss where I’ve been. As my suntan still attests to today.
It was a magical ten day trip across the Atlantic, to the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Enough to make me forget that the trip didn’t get off to the best of starts, with a delayed departure out of NYC, a long line at passport control in Munich and missing my flight to Zagreb.
This trip is the one I take every year, joining an escorted tour group. Often, I do so as the only solo traveler on the bus and this time was no exception among 38 fellow travelers.
From Zagreb’s capital charm, to Split’s coastal wonder, Hvar’s serenity off the mainland and Dubrovnik’s independent streak, each place had it’s own distinctive identity. A new city every two days, with the opportunity of wanting to stick around in each place for longer than I did.
Then, there was the group itself. Everyone was so kind to me and willing to help me out given that my legs aren’t working as they should due to having cerebral palsy. And even, helping me fish one of my hiking sticks out of the Plitvice Lakes National Park waters.
There was our tour manager, Nikoleta. She took a bit of a liking to me, saying that I was an inspiration for traveling on my own given my difficulties. I wouldn’t call myself an inspiration, though. As I was in the midst of launching the paperback version of my first book of poems, “A Poetic Journey, Staying At Home”, I showed her my book and she was impressed with what I wrote. To the point that I read a poem during the farewell dinner last Friday night.
I had a great time in Croatia the last ten days. I miss everyone that I traveled with.
Who knows, maybe our paths will cross again someday.
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Lauren Brill shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 7 months, 1 weeks ago
This is why I believe in magic
Dear Unsealers,
When I was a little girl, my grandfather bounced me on his knee and sang “Three Little Fishes” as I giggled through the song. All he ever wanted was for me to feel joy in life. He died when I was 13. It was my first experience with overwhelming grief, and I was devastated. I coped by leaning into the idea that my grandfather was watching over me and cheering me on in all my pursuits.
He used to tell me that the rain was good luck. So, whenever it rained during big moments of my life, I believed it was my grandfather signaling to me, “Don’t worry, I am here.” It rained at my high school graduation. It rained when I scored big goals in soccer. It rained when I interviewed for my dream job as a sports anchor. It poured the day I was offered that job, which happened to be my late grandfather’s birthday. It seemed like it was always raining on the most important days of my life, which only cemented my belief that my grandfather was watching out for me.
However, on November 30, 2022, it was a clear night in Miami — not a cloud in the sky. I decided to attend a networking event for people in Miami who work in technology. There, I made eye contact with this tall, handsome man. He started talking to me, and after telling him about my company, The Unsealed, he told me that he had founded an online company when he was younger. He said his site received 20,000 organic hits daily (that’s a lot). And so, I started asking many questions — it was rapid-fire, one after the other. At some point, he stopped me and said, “Do you want to continue this conversation over tacos?” And so, we left and ate Mexican street corn and tacos on a picnic table outside a restaurant that doubles as a speakeasy.
It didn’t take me long to realize that this man was kind, intelligent, classy, funny, and thoughtful. From that day forward, we started spending a lot of time together: dinners, events, and even weekend trips. As I opened up to him about my past and my pain, he listened closely. He asked questions, and he never judged me. One time, we were watching a movie, and I had a flashback from my sexual assault. I put the pillow over my head and asked him to change the channel quickly. He turned off the TV, and as my eyes started to well up with tears, he said, “Come here, let me hold you.” When I shared my fears and insecurities about building a company, he said, “Lauren, think of the ten smartest people you’ve ever encountered, and I promise you at least nine of them couldn’t do what you’ve done.” To this day, he always follows through when he makes a promise to me, whether it be a trip to a foreign place or to my favorite restaurant. From the beginning, he has known when I am happy, anxious, frustrated, or hungry — just by the look on my face — and has responded accordingly. He is so in tune with who I am and how I feel that it seems as though my peace is his priority.
Even so, early in our relationship, I was afraid to trust the authenticity of his love. I had been disappointed so many times in love and relationships, and I was on edge, just waiting for the shoe to drop — just waiting for something to go wrong. I couldn’t live in the moment as I was too afraid it would soon end. One night, he was on his computer while I was resting on his couch, and I randomly asked him what his name meant in his culture. He was in the middle of working and responded, “I don’t know — something with water.” So I googled it. His name translates as “the God of rain.”
In disbelief, that was the moment I began to let myself love and be loved. That was the moment I started to trust my partner and the universe. It was the reassurance I needed to know I was safe. About a year later, he proposed to me on the boardwalk at Disney World. We are getting married in a few months, and I am so excited. Falling in love has enriched my life and made the present moment so special, so much so that it has made me believe that magic exists in all of our lives.
For years, the rain was a way for me to stay connected to the joy my grandfather brought me, but now, it’s what allowed me to embrace the joy right before me.With immense hope and gratitude,
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A beautiful story! Many rainy days ahead are wished for you {{{{Lauren}}}}.
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Thank you so much <3
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Oh my heart! This might be the most beautiful love story I’ve ever heard. I’m so happy you found someone who is such a safe place for you. This is the new standard I want to teach my daughter!! One of my favorite songs is “Your Hideaway” by Josh Groban. If you haven’t heard it give it a listen ❤️
P.S. I love making playlists for people (music is…read more
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Thank you for sharing your truth Lauren. I find it so inspiring to acknowledge the magic in our lives. Hearing how others are touched only reinforces magic itself. e hā`ule ka ua i kou pu`uwai me ka ha`alele `ole
Is Hawaiian May the rain fall upon your heart without abandonWrite me back Subscribe  or  log in to reply
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@johnnybear thank you for reading! And thank you so much for the kind words. It truly means so much to me! <3 Lauren
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@alyssa I just went and listened to the song. I love it. Thank you so much for the kind words and for cheering on my joy. I love that you are teaching your daughter to set the bar high. Sendings hugs. <3 Lauren
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Oh my gosh! This made me cry it’s so sweet. I truly believe you will always have your grandfather watching over you and he found your fiance before you did! You are amazing and I’m so happy you are able to embrace that joy and trust. You deserve the world. Congratulations on the engagement. 💜💜
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Aww thank you so much. I believe that too and YOU ARE AMAZING. You are so filled with love and kindness and it makes me feel so happy! Thank you for being a light in this world and thanks for the congrats! <3 Lauren
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Lauren, I loved your story!!! It is a beautiful love story. I am so glad you get to experience that:) My daughter and I both was brought to tears of how sweet and wonderful that story was. I wish you blessings on blessings on your continuous life of love!!!
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Aww Charmaine! Thank you! You are so sweet! Thank you for reading my story and rooting on my happiness. It means so much to me! <3 Lauren
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Of Course! You are so welcome!!!
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This story gave me the sweetest happy tears and like the good warm goosebumps! I’m such a believer in signs from our loved ones on the other side ❤️ so beautiful! Congratulations and wishing you both a lifetime of happiness!
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Sasha Poet shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Believe in Magic
Enchantment I can see, the world is full of possibilities…
The connection that I feel, to something POWERFUL, something greater than me
The feeling of heaven on earth,
The channeling of mystical energy
Feeling what I feel, receiving an inner knowing that magic is REAL
Believing what I see, signs in the universe make me believe, make me believe in magic
What I imagine, is what I see
Dream a little and you will see,
Dream BIG, and it will be!
When I believe, the POWER’S in me, then I will see!
If I BELIEVE in magicSubscribe  or  log in to reply
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“Dream a little and you will see,
Dream BIG, and it will be!” I love love love this line. It is so empowering and so true. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family.Write me back Subscribe  or  log in to reply
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Thank you so much!!! I appreciate the love and support. I am so grateful to be apart of the community 💚 thank you for accepting me
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Sasha, I love this!! The real magic has been within you all along! Your confidence and positive energy are what you need to realize that and bring it out of you!! Such a sweet idea, great work. ♥
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Thank you 💕 🫶 I appreciate your kind words! Thanks for seeing my positivity I came a long way.. CHANGE is the real power 💚
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I absolutely love this magic is everywhere💜
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Thank you 💜✨ yes.. the more I believe and escape from reality into my dreams the more I see the things I daydream and think about.. manifesting is power! Magic is amazing 💚
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I love this! its like an affirmation or mantra , when reading it out loud and feeling the words i got tingles in my crown and felt warmth in my heart. Thank you for the activation! 🙂
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You’re so welcome! 💚 I lovvvvvvveee affirmations 😊 always my go to when I need to recharge
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James (Jim) Kellogg shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 7 months, 2 weeks ago
running in slow motion
running in slow motion
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
9-30-24running in slow motion
at an exceptionally reduced pace
toward
away from
not content in the middle
looking back
with mixed emotions
hostility
satisfaction
looking forward
with mystery
a riddle
a question mark
creating a kaleidoscope
black and white
dazzling hues
unsteady
stable
mirrors and shards of broken glass
reflecting
challenging
creating madness
birthing sagenessrunning in slow motion
at an exceptionally reduced pace
closed doors
barriers and secrets
open doors
exploration and opportunitiesSubscribe  or  log in to reply
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James, uncertainty is a big part of life! That is the beauty of it! Nobody knows exactly what they’re doing, or has everything figured out. Life moves on and we just have to keep moving on with it. Everything will fall into place, don’t stress. We are here with you ♥
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Thank you so very much.
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S.K shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Safety net
I FEEL IT, I LOVE IT
IT’s THAT FEELING CALLED HOME.Kicking off my shoes, as I undo my hair
Hanging up the keys, as I climb up the stairs
I feel the same reassurance flooding my inside
As I peel off my pretenses, my ego, my pride.
Standing there exposed, leaving it all on the outside
There was no longer a need to cover
To fake , to pretend or hide.For I was finally home!
Kindling up the fires , I brew a comforting cup of tea
With no inhibitions or rules, my soul feels happy, peaceful and free.
This was my shelter , my no judgement zone
Unburdening the weight of opinions
I feel light as just me and me alone.For I was finally home!
Nudging me to step out,
To discover, conquer and explore,
But enticing me to return,
Today and everyday even more.
Quelling my fears while keeping me calm,
This is one place where I know no one can do me harm.As I shut the doors each day , I ask myself
Do I ever truly leave?
For though around me , the world and it’s people I see
In my pocket, I secretly carry that piece of home with me!Subscribe  or  log in to reply
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Omg, I love love love this piece! I will be including it in our newsletter today as our featured story. It’s true what they say, there is no place like home. It’s so powerful and important to have a place of peace to return to each day. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our Unsealed family <3 Lauren
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This means so much Lauren!!! Thanks for your kind words❤️❤️
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SK, this is amazing!! I am so glad that you have such a comfortable place to feel like yourself. I love this line: “This was my shelter, my no judgment zone.” I hope that everyone gets to feel like this and have a place this important to them at some point in their lives.
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Thanks harper! Yes having a “home”is not to be taken for granted.
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