Topic Leaders
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Jillian Padgett shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 1 months, 1 weeks agoTo: My Inner Child “I Love You”
JillianLook at you so filled with joy
With so many around you to annoy
Not a care in the world seeking new adventures
You’re lucky Mama’s not filled with lectures
Even though she yells “GO PLAY”
You always make the best of your day
I’m here to put it to you clear
You are loved and there’s nothing to fear
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Heather shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 1 months, 2 weeks agoStaircase
HeatherI sit with my internal child outside on the stairs, because I know she wants me to.
She giggles so softly.
Her dimples shine so brightly.
She tells me about her day on the playground swing.
We share a bowl of cheetos, the puffs kind.
We make pictures out of the clouds in the sky.
She sees a puppy. I see a pig.
We even forget about the thing of time.
We get lost in the freshness of Spring air.
Dreaming of what the fields of life has in store for us.
I sit with my inner child outside on the stairs because all she wants is individual love.
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Heather shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 1 months, 2 weeks agoFrozen Yogurt Date
HeatherIf we’re playing a game of “I believe,”
I’d like to believe there are past versions of me that get together for frozen yogurt.
They all talk about who I once was
And how I’ve hit all those curveballs of life out of the park.
They don’t “boo” the swings.
Yell rude comments.
Or bring up some of the strikes I’ve received.
They meet for frozen yogurt and cheer me on every single day.
During every single game of life played.
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Heather shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 2 months, 1 weeks agoChurch Parking Lot
HeatherI met my younger self on a Sunday morning in a church parking lot.
She looked as if she just saw God.
Hair golden blonde.
Eyes piercing blue.
Sun beaming on her young face.
She ran up to my car and jumped in the passenger seat.
Touching every button.
Opening every compartment.
Smiling.
Dimples radiating so big.
She looks over at me and with a smile as big as a car tire, she tells me, “We did it!”
She gives me such a huge hug, one that felt as if it was building up for years.
Smiles at me with such accomplishment.
Opens the car door and gradually skips away to the beat of her own drum.
As I watch that little girl skip away, I acknowledge her happiness.
Her joy. Her fulfillment.
I acknowledge the fear that once guarded her.
As I watch that little girl skip away, I remind myself that every achievement is not just for me, but for her as well.
She deserves the world.
She deserves achievements.
She deserves this moment right now.
Right here in the church parking lot.
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Heather, being able to look back and “see” yourself as a child gives you a glimpse of the innocence and uninhibited happiness that you possessed before life taught you to fear. While we all become disillusioned as we see the reality of the world, it is important to remember and appreciate the beauty in the journey. I am glad that you continue to…read more
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Anita Williams shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 2 months, 2 weeks agoA Letter to My Younger Self: A Journey Through Love, Hurt, and Spiritual Awakening
Anita A WilliamsDear Young Anita,
I just want to tell you that this life you are about to walk into—it won’t be easy. It will be shaped by your search for love, by your desire to be seen, understood, and cherished. From the very beginning, you will long for a love that feels safe, a love that feels like home. And because of that longing, you will make mistakes.
When you step out of high school, the first boy who tells you that you’re beautiful will catch your heart. Not because he is meant for you, but because you’ve never had that kind of attention. Your father loves you, yes, but you never truly understood what love meant outside of him. You didn’t know that real love doesn’t make you question. It doesn’t make you chase. It doesn’t make you prove your worth.
You will go through life choosing wrong, thinking that love comes with sacrifice, with giving too much, with buying things, overextending yourself—just to feel wanted. You will bend, you will break, you will carry the weight of others who never deserved to hold you.
But God sees you.
God will hear your prayers, even when you don’t know what you’re asking for. And when He answers, it won’t come in the way you expect.
Your first child will be a boy. You always wanted a girl, but God said no. He needed you to experience unconditional love, not the kind of love that left you wondering. He needed you to feel a love that is pure, unshaken, and constant. A son’s love for his mother.
And when you still don’t get it, He will give you another boy. Because you still haven’t learned what love truly is. You were still searching for it in people, in places, in relationships that were never meant to last. But these two boys? They will teach you what love looks like—what it means to be cherished without conditions, without proving yourself.
Even through the heartache, the rejection, the loneliness, you will always have them. They will remind you of your strength when you feel weak, of your worth when the world tries to dim your light.
But Anita, here’s the truth that will set you free: The love you’ve been searching for has always been within you.
You are love.
You are enough.
You are worthy.No man, no relationship, no outside validation will ever define you. You define yourself. And when you finally align with the right energy—the right love, the right peace, the right abundance—it will all come to you effortlessly. Because it was always meant for you.
You got this, Anita. Even in your darkest moments, you got this.
With the deepest love,
Future You
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Anita, this is such a beautiful and inspiring letter to yourself. I feel like so many of us go through life without fully understanding that in order to feel love from someone else, we first must love ourselves. The love you share with your sons is so special and will never waver. I hope that you continue to define yourself and cultivate your own…read more
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Heather shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 2 months, 3 weeks agoPark Visit
HeatherHaving your inner child meet you at a park bench with tears in her eyes only means one thing & one thing only, she needs guidance. She needs love. She needs you to tell her things get better from here. You be honest with her & tell her it may not seem like it now, but everything eventually gets better. You let her know that her pain is valid. You will accept her tears. You tell her if it’s one thing you’ve learned, it’s having hope. Have faith. Find the positive amongst the hurt. Find gratitude amongst the moment. Find acceptance amongst the ugly.
Hearing your inner child tell you she wants happiness. She wants beautiful moments. She wants laughter. She wants her days to be filled with clarity. You look her in those little blue eyes with hair in her face & you give her the hug she needs. She deserves. She’s craved for so long. You let her know that in this moment, right now, everything needs to be felt.
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Heather, it is beautiful and amazing that you can tell your inner child that everything will work out in the end. When we are in the middle of a crisis or uncertainty, simply knowing that we will make it through is often enough to motivate us to move forward. You are right that you deserve to feel that kind of support and love. Thank you for…read more
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Danyelle "Nikki" Minter shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 3 months, 1 weeks agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Anita Williams shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 5 months, 3 weeks agoDear Younger Anita,
Anita A WilliamsHey girl,
I wanted to take a moment to talk to you. First, let me tell you—it’s okay to not speak like everyone else. You don’t have to fit into anyone else’s mold. There are so many people just like you, navigating attention struggles, dealing with depression, and feeling different. You are not alone. And you are not defined by the wrong touch you experienced at a young age—that was not your fault.
You can be yourself, unapologetically. You are not ugly—you are beautiful. You are love. You don’t have to carry the weight of your mother’s trauma or live out your parents’ dreams. You deserve to live for you. There will be people who like you just as you are. That smile of yours? It’s radiant, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
It’s okay to learn differently, to move at your own pace. It’s okay to let go of the things and people that don’t serve you. Anita, it’s okay to live. It’s okay to live your life and forgive the past.
And Anita, about your dad—I know he was a protector and a provider, and you admired him for the way he took care of things. But you don’t need to look for men who remind you of him, especially the parts of him that don’t align with your heart. You don’t need a man who carries the same wildness or chaos. What fits your soul is peace, patience, and understanding.
Be patient, baby girl. Everything God has for you is coming. You don’t need to carry the world on your shoulders or save everyone around you. Focus on saving and loving yourself.
You’re worthy of every good thing this life has to offer. I love you, boo.
With love and belief in you,
Your Older Self
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bloom shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 5 months, 3 weeks agoTo be young and brave
EMDear me,
You may be younger and think you are wiser but think again. Life will humble you quicker than quick sand. You are not mature or grown and life didn’t make you have thick skin, but rather it made you dull and hide pieces of yourself. It made it harder to try in finding who you were but deep down you already knew. You are young, vibrant, funny and full of life. You care too much and that is okay. You knew who you were and others hated seeing you shine. As you grew, your star got duller and duller but when it was the darkest, it still managed to brighten everything and everyone around them. When you were at your lowest the tides grew high but you always managed to swim to shore. You may be young now but you are brave. Don’t loose sight and always keep shinning because you are my north star. Love you deeply, always your older self.
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Aww Em, I am so glad you see that you are and always have been light for yourself and the world around you. Keep shining bright, and keep that brave and full-of-life energy going. It’s clearly at the core of who you are. Thank you for sharing and being part of The Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
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katoblue shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 6 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Amia shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 9 months, 2 weeks agoLove Always
A.M.A.Dear Inner Child,
So few memories of you, the remnants tarnished with your father’s anger or your cousin’s unwanted touch. It is so difficult to remember who we once were. I know your young soul grew tired too quickly; yet here you are. Persevering. Eight years past your first wish for death- an eternal sleep that could finally satisfy your weary soul. How inspiring you are to have kept going- kept fighting for the joy you know is out there.
I know you are tired. I know you don’t want to fight anymore, and I am ecstatic to tell you that all your hard work has finally paid off. You have built a community that nourishes your soul. Even on the sad days and throughout the disappointing moments of life, you have a collective around you ready to wrap you in their arms and shower you with affection until your smile once again lights up the room. Because you do. You light up every room you walk into. Your energy is so bright and magnetic. You draw people in with your glee. You have created a welcoming, loving, joyful environment that you so desperately wanted growing up. You are the peace you so desperately sought. You are the warmth and love your growing soul craved.
I am so proud of the independent, resilient, loving young woman you have grown into. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for holding on even if it wasn’t always for you. Thank you for giving yourself- for giving present me and future us- a chance at the happiness you dreamed of every night. If not for you- for the hope burning within you, we would not have this community. We would not be creating our own home. We would not be able to fall asleep in his arms, steal the covers in the morning, and come home to a kiss on the cheek and dinner on the table.
I know you are so sad that you had to fight so long and so hard for this unconditional love. I realize a part of you still wishes that you felt this love growing up. I know a part of you is still angry that you had to love yourself and drag yourself through the harsh hurdles of life because the parents who were supposed to be there to cushion the blows turned their backs on you, too busy with their petty bickering. I know a part of you is guilty of the anger you feel inside because you recognize the hurt inner child within them that was not as strong as you- not strong enough to cherish their happiness or love every part of themselves as I love you.
Most days you might not think so, but that is my favorite thing about you. No matter what feelings of disdain you may hold for another seemingly shitty person, you see their wounds. You see the inner child within throwing a tantrum and you know the pain they face whether they tell you or not. You are so emotionally intelligent. I understand you may be angry that you cannot be as cold-blooded and petty as your sisters, but you are the warmth that melts the icy exterior. You are the gentle helping hand that allows the angry inner children around you to open up and heal what they have bottled up and hidden away from themselves for so long. Without your emotional intelligence, without the unconditional love you have to offer, this world would be so much crueler. Why would you want to contribute to the pain when you can heal it? You may not have a green thumb or magical healing food, but you have a warm heart and listening ears. You have a way with words and with people that can open their eyes to new perspectives and happier endings. You are the guiding light in such a dark world. I could not be prouder to be anyone else but you.Love always,
Your Healing Self
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Dana N. shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 10 months agoLove Yourself
Dana A NanniDearest Little One,
You were always full of wonder, asking questions with depth beyond your years. Why was I born a girl at this exact place in time in this exact spot on Earth? How does reincarnation work? Why do some people discriminate based on age, orientation, financial status, religion, and/or faith? Certainly love is the answer, knowing no bounds, waiting patiently for us if we only have the courage to look.
You always spoke your mind even if you didn’t know it was impolite according to societal norms or expectations. Even if you did, I know you would have been fearless and persistent in your self-expression. You have always been deeply spiritual and never questioned the beauty of your soul. Blessed with the freedom to find deity all around, you found your own moral compass that suited you as a dedicated truth seeker and lifelong learner. This has led you on a quest for growth that is never ending.
You’ve always been a dreamer, seeking solace in your books. But you also had your own creativity, always citing your imagination whenever someone questioned where you got those ideas from. You never lose sight of the value that comes with playing pretend. Keep dreaming of how the world can be a better place and never stop using that to craft your goals in life.
Your natural resilience pulled you through so many obstacles, even when you faltered in the darkest of times. But don’t worry little one, that’s waiting for you in your teens and beyond. Just know that I am waiting for you, and all will be well.
If only you could see us now, I have every confidence you would be as proud of us as I am of you. Nourishing you is what pulls me through and keeps me going. In seeking all the love and light and happiness you were robbed of in those formative years, I find that I am reclaiming the self-love that always came so naturally to you. Yes, I have no doubt that I have made you proud.
Love, Your Whole Self
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Sherry Noble shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 11 months, 1 weeks agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Sara Kumar shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 11 months, 2 weeks agoTo My Twenty-Five Year Old Self and To Me Now
Sara KumarDear Sara,
I am now forty-two years old, and I’ve traveled. I went to the Vatican, and I saw the Sistine Chapel, and I thought of painting with words and maps.
I want you to know that this journey was difficult, and it’s not apparent here in the writing. You were not always happy awn this journey, and you cried, because you wanted to be married to someone who was not the right man.
“And now you are happy,” says Papa. “And now you’re at peace,” says Papa.
So read what you have written here, and believe that God was forming you even then. And you dedicated your trip to a saint who loved you and loved the theatre also, and who loved to help couples find their way.
And now, read this, what you have written awn July 8th, 2007. Here is an excerpt:
“Of all the Renaissance artists, I find Michaelangelo the most fascinating. He was not liked by his contemporaries (Leonardo da Vinci, Bramante, etc.), probably because he was better than everyone else. Mich. was primarily a sculptor. Probably the best the world has ever seen. His Statue of David in Florence and the Peter at the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican are spectacular. So when Pope Julius II asked Bramante who should paint the Sistine Chapel, he replied “Mich,” for he knew Mich was not a painter, so he was setting him up to fail. Mich. proposed the Pope a series of panels depicting scenes in the book of Genesis. He hired 4 workers from outside Rome to help him. Later, he fired these helpers, because he discovered that he did indeed know how to paint. Mich’s masterpiece is so interesting because in it, you see the development of a painter. The first panels were too detailed, too small, not as stylized. Later panels are larger and you can see the mastery of the artform that Mich. obtained during this 4 year project.”
Do you think it is a masterpiece though?
Let’s go again with St. Valentine and ask this question in the etherBecause the detail may be beautiful now
And let’s not call anything a masterpiece, and that will be brave
Because here are temporary things, even the planets
They are God’s handiwork, and they are spectacular, yes
And now the scene with me is after the flood and the people are awn a rock, and some are not awn the rock, and thank God we are safe now.
I think I need to see St. Peter again, quite frankly, because it’s David awn my mind, but St. Peter would be lovely to see, and would you like to see Florence again with a dear friend who loves St. Valentine?
I’ll continue when I can, and know that so many times, you were rescued awn this trip, and so many times you acted bravely, and your backpack is still with you, and so are these words in your journal
Be well, and love well
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luckyjen13 shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 11 months, 3 weeks agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Chuckeia Parker-Dickson shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 11 months, 3 weeks agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Alexis Gavin shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 1 years agoAlexis Gavin
LexileggoI know you stress,
Because I put you to the test.
I know you’re scared of the unknown,
But I’m here and I’m grown.
You’ll hurt yourself along the way,
But you’ll live to see a sober day.
Almost 33 now,
I know…we’re both asking how???
The pain is strong,
But come along!!!
You’re clinging to music,
That’s good. We’re going to use it!!!
Those artists will know your name,
I’m still working hard and we haven’t hit Fame.
Not yet, at least,
keep going. It’s no doubt you’re a beast.
Some call you Savage
you desire a life of lavish.
You’re not wrong… The mission is bigger than you think.
But come along and I’ll take you where we belong.
You’ll cry and ocean’s worth of tears,
I mean literally for years…
But don’t ever forget that song
We’ll take every shot you got
I don’t know it all,
but your phone they will call.
I’m trying to close some deals,
prepare us some meals.
To be eat like a queen
by your idols you will be seen.
We’re making a difference
Stay positive in your Deliverance
It’s time for me to go
I can’t wait to watch you grow
I love you the most
That I need you to know…
Breathe deep
Cuz your future I keep!!!
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Lexi Mae Edwards shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 1 years, 1 months agoHer
Lexi MaeHave I ever told you how proud I am?
Of each of the battles you have overcome
She thinks that her life is not up to par.
She’s a writer now
While her sport history is no more
Have I ever told you how proud I am?
Living with the mind battles
Due from the moments God throws her way:
She thinks that her life is not up to par.
Still waking up
Pushing past the hardships
have I ever told you how proud I am?
Have you seen how far you have grown
moments you thought would never surpass
She thinks that her life is not up to par.
If she only knew how great she’s doing
Which I think we’re finally within the place
Have I ever told you how proud I am?
She thinks that her life is not up to par.
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Timothy T. Willett shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 1 years, 1 months agoDear Timothy...
Hey, you, old man.
This is a letter to yourself and from yourself.
You know all those things you’ve done wrong,
Regardless of who’s fault, or who’s right or wrong.
But this is not of that my friend…
Yeah, it’s amazing.You can call yourself friend now, but you are! ♥
I know those things I put myself and others through.
I remember the dreams and aspirations.All the good things I had for you.
Looking back is confusing and God it just makes me cry.
But I’m gonna try to leave You out too.Because this is a letter to myself. To maybe find out why.
But God I can’t, I can’t look back Because it hurts too much…
I can’t go to the beach, I can’t go to school, I can’t go to church, Sitting bereaved, I feel a fool.
But Lord, I can’t do it, I cannot watch.
Cannot go to Toledo. Cannot go to Cleveland cannot go back to jail, God what am I believing?
Cannot run to West Virginia, cannot hospital trend…
All along.I hated myself, yet all the while was a good friend. ☺
I can’t even write.I’m sorry I can’t do this.
All along my life, it was my own mark I missed.
But that’s a good thing because i’m not in hell…
Only I could see my place where ever if I made, could never get bail.
I’m sorry, no can do.
God thank you for saving me from me.
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Aww Timothy everything you have been through has led you where you are today, and it’s exactly where you are supposed to be. You have a beautiful heart. Never forget that! Your past does not define your whole being. <3 Lauren
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Thank you so much Lauren, nobody has ever told me that before ♥
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Jake shared a letter in the
To my younger self group 1 years, 2 months agoTAGGING ALONG - Despite the scars
JakeDear You,
Never in a million years did I think I would be so connected with you, but at the same time disconnected.
The thought of ever thinking of you as a POSITIVE mainstay (I use mainstay literally), in my life is like finding a person who does not know what an iPhone is.
The bane of your existence on another person would literally freeze me.
I could not talk at the mere sight of seeing what felt like a drowning impact you had and sometimes still have, on the lives of innocent humans.
Prematurely punishing them with the ability to not talk!
This confinement… well, it just seems like the prison sentence of Jeffrey Deskovic, a man who spent 16 years innocently behind bars. A person who missed 16 years of freedom, family events, friends, and much, much more, for being wrongfully accused.
This powerful story can be read in the new book – “Unseal Your Superpowers: Letters To Inspire The Hero Within You” by Lauren Brill.
(See bottom for link to book).So much of my life with you I let myself die inside by not behaving as my authentic self.
I was in a stranglehold with you that even the Hulk would not be strong enough to combat your grasp.
Despite you letting go of that fiercely tight grip, I have the scars to show for it.
After years of healing, the scar’s are still there. All but so faint, no amount of scar cream can make it evaporate.
The pain of you will always be there, nagging me like a tag on the back of a shirt.
I realize that tag is not meant to be ripped off or even taken off as a whole, it’s there as a reminder that sometimes a tag or label will never die, but if you don’t like it you can always use tie dye.
Despite the tag or label still there, this time, I am going to exchange it for one that fits me! Only me — the authentic me! After all, no one can be me!
So, I thank you for the lessons you have taught me, cerebral palsy. Now, I’m going to live life authentically and OWN you, tag and all!
Love your once enemy and now friend,
Jake
Here Is the link to the story mentioned above, and much more.
We are currently donating a portion of our proceeds (10%) to two charities:
Lift Our Voices, which aims to transform the American workplace, making it safer and more equitable for everyone, and Team LeGrand, a fundraising arm of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation dedicated to supporting quality-of-life initiatives and treatments for spinal cord injuries.
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