Do you remember those decorative clay antique angels that lived under grandma’s window pain? There was an entire community of them that existed behind the golden metal frame of her bed. Being immersed in the foam cushioning of her mattress is what I imagine frolicking in heaven’s clouds would be like. God would heave our eye…read more
I love love love this part, “For yesterday is only to be reflected on, not examined to the point of regret. For tomorrow is to only be hoped for, not worried about…tomorrow will worry for itself. ” I think everyone can take something away from that. It’s interesting how the simplest moments can teach us the most. Keep being present. Keep being y…read more
I love how you say that the past is the past and the future is the future. No since in dwelling on the past and no since one anticipating an I promised future. Focus on the present. Thank you for sharing.
This is a beautiful entry draped with a complex level of imagery. Reading it is like reliving it through your words. This is an amazing letter and thank you for sharing.
You’re in excruciating pain, scared and confused. That’s due to the multiple skull fractures. You will always be reminded of what happened because of the lifetime of pain you will endure, but you heal. Better than anyone could ever have imagined. Despite the amnesia, God will allow you to keep the memories you have made with your children. For thi…read more
I am so very sorry to read what you went through. I am a survivor too. Your strength is incredible. He hurt your body but he didn’t damage your soul. Your kids are so lucky to have a mommy like you. You are not just a survivor you are fighter. The future you is so thankful the present you is so resilient. Keep healing. Keep loving yourself and…read more
Thank you for your kind words. I’m sorry this happened to you as well. It’s been a long journey, the healing process. It took me a long time to make sense of my writing. The head injury set me back in so many ways. I submitted this as a entry because I may have read the contest topic in error. It was to my understanding that I could write to…read more
Aww, the way you wrote it works! We did give multiple options on how to write it! Keep opening up and sharing your story. One day at a time. You’ll keep getting better. Thank you for being so brave. <3 Lauren
You captured my attention instantly as a woman from abuse and of rape. My body bruised my insides torn and the shame that swallowed my being. You are an inspiration, an earth angel and yes you will heal because you have gratitude for every new day with your children. Goddess speed for you beauty.
Thank you sweetheart,
It’s a shame an experience as such is the reason we cross paths, however I’m glad you took the time to read my letter. I appreciate you saying I’m an inspiration, as are you. It’s important to know this is something society experiences more than we care to speak of. Shame also suffocates me at times, so understand where you…read more
You are so strong. I’m so sorry that you went through that. Never let that define who you are. Your kids are so lucky to have a mother like you. Your strength is unwavering. Thank you for sharing.
Oh. My heart is with you. I to am a survivor. The words of your pain stuck my soul. You are so strong. You are so brave. You are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your deepest feelings here, in this very safe group. We are all here to help build one another up. To hold one another and to bring back the light for one another. 💜
You’ve gone through so much. Physical pain and emotional trauma is such a hard thing to come to terms with. You are so strong and is a powerful role model. Thank you for sharing
I don’t know why she’s in my arms now.
She’s just as rigid as she ever was.
Not even blood pools out her private body,
She thought she’d save it for her wedding day.
The rocking chair creaks like a mourning dove,
The mourning doves are gone.
I wanted to write you before she was gone,
But the shotgun smokes black, but I’ve done it now,
but I’ve…read more
This is such an interesting take on purity being stripped away. You have an artist touch in your words. Thank you so much for sharing such an interesting piece of you.
Your bloom is just around the corner so don’t lose your footing now. The load is much lighter here, after learning to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Elevation is right there. I see you spending days cuddled up in bed with God’s Word because you think the entire world doesn’t understand depth…read more
Clarisse – I love this! You already know how amazing you are. I don’t even have to tell you, but I will anyway. You are AMAZING. I love love love this part: “Now, I protect myself by going where I’m celebrated and resting where peace greets me; speaking in spaces where my language flows freely and is reciprocated with flowers while I’m bre…read more
Lauren, your kind and encouraging words are always very much appreciated. I’ve spent too much time shying away from the resilient and string parts of me simply due to exhaustion and fear that if I exhibited those traits, I’d keep attracting things and situations I’d have to be resilient and strong for. However, I now realize these chara…read more
Aww yes, it is so true. There is a quote I once saw and loved. I am not sure who said it but it says, “I want to inspire people. ‘I want someone to look at me and say, because of you. I didn’t give up.'”
Your journey will be someone else’s roadmap. Be proud of all that you are. You are right, they are gifts. You are a wonderful and beautiful…read more
“Your journey will be someone else’s roadmap.” Wow. That just lit a fire in me that I cannot yet describe to its fullest extent but that just gave me a reminder that this life we live isn’t just for us; it is to inspire and touch those around us too. Thank you so so much 🙏🏽
Wow. You are an amazing person. This is such an inspiration. You already know who you are. Thank you for sharing your story. Your journey in someone else roadmap. <3
Mavis, your compliment to who am I as a human being is truly an honor to receive. My journey recognizes yours and to connect is beyond fate! Thank you so much!
What a touching and beautiful letter. It’s an honor to read this! You are inspiring and powerful, it really shines through in your written words! Cheering you on and I voted for you as well! 🙌
Clarisse, this was beautiful. There was a depth and lyrical-ness in your letter that was very moving. I loved so many thoughts and it resonated deeply with my own experiences and feelings.
Your words are so beautiful and encouraging and I’m sure that when the future you reads this they will be filled with comfort. Your imagery is very powerful. Thank you for sharing
you’re a forced to be reckoned with,
a showstopper – no doubt.
don’t let your ego fool you,
no matter how much money you make, God is still the one controlling your route.
remember to make gratitude the attitude,
and affirm yourself in moments of creeping doubt.
you’ll still get triggered but now you’ll be able to retreat before you feel th…read more
Kourtney it truly sounds like you have figured out how to live your life with strength and courage, with vulnerability and healthy boundaries. I can feel your power through this piece. Keep being all that you are. You know exactly how to be your best self and to pursue your greatness. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren
You are so strong and inspiring. I often refer women to lionesses for how courageous and fearless we are. You see to have those traits embedded in you. Thank you for sharing.
Affirming yourself and having a brave face while being courageous during intense challenges is both strong and very inspiring. Also maintaining a grateful attitude in moments of doubt is very crucial. Thank you for sharing
We’re in our thirties now and you know what it means to feel calm. You’ll grow in and out of many pairs of jeans, and with a sigh and a smile you’ll put them in a pile of things to get rid of. You know how good it feels to let go of what squeezes you too tightly. You’ll learn how to chop an onion without crying, how to preserv…read more
Love this Rachel! I feel like it so accurately embodies MY 30s. It’s so funny with boys. The boys who broke my heart in my late teens and 20s – the ones that I cried about and felt physical pain from the heartbreak they caused – they are just a distant memory now. No emotions, no feelings, no anger connected to them at all… I just don’t care. You…read more
I say this often but every thing will pass. I heard a quote once that said “in hard times. This too shall pass in good times. This too shall pass. Opened my eyes to not sit helplessly in a hard time but to also be so grateful for the good times. Nothing last forever. Emotions are temporary. They ebb and flow.
It’s so inspiring to see these words of wisdom. Letting go of what squeezes us so tightly is such a powerful metaphor for releasing the things that are no longer important to us. Thank you for sharing
Hannah, The future you is going to be soooo thankful for the present you. You are doing everything in your power to the lay the foundation to live your best life. And for that (among other reasons) you should be so very proud. Your heart, your strength, your willingness to be vulnerable and the effort you put into live your best life are all what…read more
I often look back on my past self and thank myself for being strong enough to stick around. My younger self would be proud of who we are no. Might not be happy where we are but proud of who we are. Thank you for sharing.
It’s so clear that you have been laying down the foundation to success for your future self and it’s wonderful that you’re doing so and I’m sure that your future self will be very proud of you. Thank you for sharing
My dear friend,
Time is a gift. Every year you get to celebrate your birthday and choose how to celebrate it: with those you love, doing something fun, going to a nice restaurant, or lounging in sweatpants watching Netflix. Choose to live every day as if it is your birthday because every day is a new day, a new beginning – being born…read more
Melanie – This is great. YOU are very wise, as is your mom and Papa. I love love love this line, “Your time is finite, but the actions you take may be boundless and have an infinite impact. ” It is soo true, and you are clearly on the path to bring all of the greatness inside of you to life. Your journey is just beginning, and your mentality and…read more
Thank you so much Lauren, it means a great deal. I feel very grateful for the love and wisdom I learned from my Mom and Papa and for the safe space to be able to share with this community. I sincerely appreciate your kind words of support and encouragement. Thank you for creating this community <3 Melanie