Through Fire & Ashes

Stories

Page 10 of 18, newest stories first.

• Lisa B.

  Cuijk, Netherlands · Instagram: liesje_creabea (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  When my grandfather passed away, I was lost. He was the father figure in my life with whom I could be myself and was allowed to be myself. He saw me for who I am. I still think of him every day. I could always go to him; for fun and cozy things, but certainly also when things weren't going well. Saying goodbye was truly heartbreaking! The last thing he said, I will never forget: 'Keep loving each other!'

  What glows

  My dear children (now 6 and 4 years old) who still talk about my grandfather (their great-grandfather) with so much love. That they miss him and find it especially sad for me. I then give them a hug and place a hand on their hearts, telling them that he will always be there, close to us. The intense hug I get back and a truly sincere 'I love you' are priceless.

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  What burned (original)

  Toen mijn opa overleed, was ik verloren. Hij was het vaderfiguur in mijn leven waarbij ik mezelf kon en mocht zijn. Hij zag mij dan ook voor wie ik ben. Ik denk nog dagelijks aan hem. Ik kon altijd bij hem terecht; voor leuke en gezellige dingen, maar ook zeker als het even niet goed gaat. Het afscheid nemen was echt hartverschurend! Het laatste wat hij zei vergeet ik nooit 'Blijf van elkaar houden!'.

  What glows (original)

  Mijn lieve kinderen (nu 6 en 4 jaar) die nog met veel liefde over mijn opa (hun overgrootvader) praten. Dat ze hem missen en het vooral verdrietig vinden voor mij. Ik geef ze dan een knuffel en leg dan een hand op hun hart vertellend dat hij daar altijd zal zijn, dicht bij ons. De intense knuffel die ik dan terug krijg en een echt gemeende 'ik hou van jou'zijn onbetaalbaar.

  Track

  Sing Like A Siren

  2 kudos

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• Anne L.

  Plovan, France

  What burned

  I have lost my spark. For the past 5 years depression and loneliness have been creeping up on me . I cry a lot when I come home after work. I am struggling. Everyone seems to be fulfilling their dreams. And I am stuck. I feel stupid, ugly, disgusting….i feel ashamed complaining when some have it worse than me. So I never talk about my depression with anyone

  What glows

  I have friends whom I truly cherish and my soul cat who always climb close to my heart when I start crying. There is always music and concerts to cheer me up. And crossing paths with the wild life around my house

  Track

  Sing Like A Siren

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• Tales C.

  São Paulo, Brazil · Instagram: talesrcapucho (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  I fight depression for 5 years, they said religion would save me, but It is still trying to come back. So much noise inside my mind and sometimes bad thoughts are louder than good ones.

  What glows

  I won't let my scars decide who and where I can be and go. And I will never allow religion dictate what I should do or what I should be. WT songs helps me get through all of this.

  Track

  Don't Pray for Me

  2 kudos

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• Arien G.

  Guayaquil, Ecuador · Instagram: Ariene616 (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  My worst episode, I think, was when my brother got into the world of drugs. First soft ones like anyone, little by little he kept taking more things that led him to lose his mind. A partner did me a lot of mental harm. I currently live with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. It is very hard to live like this, especially because so many people don't understand and judge our feelings as exaggeration when it is extreme suffering.

  What glows

  God. My mother. I don't feel that many things shine anymore, but the happiness of those around me helps me recover a little energy. Look for your own happiness, not anyone else's 🖤

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  What burned (original)

  Mi peor episodio creo que ha sido cuando mi hermano entró en el mundo de las drogas, primero suaves como cualquier persona, poco a poco fue consumiendo más cosas que lo llevaron a perder la razón. Una pareja me hizo muchísimo daño mental, actualmente padezco bipolaridad y trastorno límite de la personalidad. Es muy difícil vivir así, más por tantas personas que no lo comprenden y juzgan nuestros sentimientos como exageración cuando es un sufrimiento extremo.

  What glows (original)

  Dios. Mi madre. No siento que muchas cosas más brillen, pero la felicidad de quienes me rodean me logra recobrar un poco la energía busquen su felicidad, no la de nadie más 🖤

  Track

  The Reckoning

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• Lauren H.

  New Holland, United States

  What burned

  I lost my father in my early 20s. It was hard not to have them there to see me graduate college.

  What glows

  I have my friends and family, even when life is hard. I have music to help soothe the soul. I have books to escape to when everything is too much. It helps me keep dreaming.

  Track

  Sing Like A Siren

  3 kudos

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• Christopher S.

  Köln, Germany · Instagram: chris_cologne27 (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  What was very hard for me was my coming out to my family and friends. Many friends turned away from me, and my father still wants nothing to do with me to this day, which hit me very hard and still hurts me a lot.

  What glows

  What gives me strength is my boyfriend. He is always there for me, gives me support and strength no matter what, and he supports me in everything I plan to do.

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  What burned (original)

  Was sehr hart für mich war ist mein outing vor meiner Familie und Freunden viele Freunde hatten sich abgewandt und auch mein Vater will bis heute auch nichts mehr von mir wissen was mich so hart getroffen hat und bis bis heute sehr verletzt

  What glows (original)

  Was mir Stärke gibt ist mein Freund er ist immer für mich da gibt mir Halt und stärke egal bei was und er unterstützt mich bei allem was ich vorhabe

  Track

  The Purge

  3 kudos

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• Chantal H.

  Zoetermeer, Netherlands

  What burned

  As an emergency response worker I've seen some horrific things and got ptsd.

  What glows

  Through help I nearly got rid of my ptsd and can help others now, which I'm greatful for. Ofcourse my family and friends give my biggest positive sparks. Music helps a lot too.

  Track

  The Reckoning

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• Ruth V.

  Los Angeles, United States

  What burned

  Had to take a break from grad school due to cultural norm where the eldest has the majority of the familial responsibilities. Seeing my Hispanic community undergo great fear with this current administration.

  What glows

  My resiliency that one day I will return & finish my grad program & be the first in my Mexican family to hold a Masters degree & hold a voice for my students with disabilities.

  Track

  Raise Your Banner

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• Maarten D.

  Scherpenheuvel, Belgium · Instagram: Maartendefossez (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  After beïng bullied my entire childhood i had dificulties showing what i like, love, am. The fear of being judged was always there. When i started studying art i was able to open up a bit more. I discovered more, it opened doors that aren’t easy to find. At the age of 31 i had a brain stroke. It opened up my eyes and fought the fear of being judged. I spread love and kindness but easily wash off negative judgements.

  What glows

  Nature, friends, art and music. I love to embrace emotions. I think its my big connection with within temptation. The emotions, the feeling, the soul and spirit it every song

  Track

  Ritual

  4 kudos

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• Pablo S.

  Lima, Peru · Instagram: Pablo.amasifuen (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  When I was 6 years old, my stepbrother and one of his friends abused me. For many years I thought it was just a nightmare in my mind. Until I was mature enough and, thanks to therapy, I was able to accept it. Almost 25 years later, my family still doesn't know. My parents are older and life has given them many challenges, I don't want to be one more cause of pain. I will keep my story to myself. I only needed to heal myself, and I already achieved it.

  What glows

  Therapy helped me accept that it was not my fault, I was a child. It helped me accept who I am, and to fight depression for that boy who could not defend himself. I have to keep going for him and show him that his life matters.

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  What burned (original)

  Cuando tenía 6 años mi hermanastro y uno de sus amigos abusaron de mi. Por muchos años pensé que era simplemente una pesadilla en mi mente. Hasta que fui suficientemente maduro y gracias a la terapia lo pude aceptar. Casi 25 años después, mi familia aún no lo sabe, mis padres son mayores y la vida les ha puesto muchos retos, no quiero ser yo un causante más de dolor. Me guardaré mi historia. Solo necesitaba sanar yo y ya lo conseguí.

  What glows (original)

  La terapia me ayudó a aceptar que no fue mi culpa, yo era un niño. Me ayudó a aceptar como soy, a luchar contra la depresión por ese niño que no se pudo defender. Tengo que seguir adelante por él y demostrarle que su vida es importante.

  Track

  The Purge

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• Daniels G.

  Bydgoszcz, Poland

  What burned

  I think I've lost my overall positivity and easygoingness in my life. There was a time when there was nothing I was afraid of - not in a reckless way, rather that I can manage it. And even if I didn't, I was still happy I experienced it and made my best. But at some point I snapped - started to double question everything, was looking for worst case scenarios, and started to resign from my ideas and things I wanted to accomplish. Started to see people as the one doubting me and having ill intent.

  What glows

  People who noticed I distanced myself - they were able to shorten the distance on their own, yet leaving me space to breath. They were patient enough to repeat, again and again, that nothing is lost from the start, and that they mean no harm for me. That they're here and they are going to help and support me. Again and again, until I started to regain my trust, and this flicker of hope, that at least something will go on and lead me to some kind of light.

  Track

  Ritual

  4 kudos

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• Bart V.

  Utrecht, Netherlands

  What burned

  I used to get bullied alot in primary and high school. I've always felt like the outcast, like I don't belong in a group.

  What glows

  Discovering metal music changed my life. I've always felt understood by the lyrics and carried by the community.

  Track

  The Purge

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• Crow T.

  Québec, Canada

  What burned

  Had to cut contact with my family earlier this year, as they would not respect my boundaries. Ended my marriage this summer for similar reasons. This year has been rough ngl

  What glows

  I'm slowly finding myself again. It's taking longer than I'd like, but I'm still making progress. Not all is lost !

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• Jack G.

  Exeter, United Kingdom · Instagram: _jackfrom93_ (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  Lost the man that was my father. He turned into someone I didn’t know anymore and walked away from us all.

  What glows

  I realised that forever without him was what I needed and it’s been good for me. Life is better. Wireless got me through it. As well as telling Sharon at the launch party for Bleed Out in London that’s she got me through a lot and then she gave me a hug

  Track

  Wireless

  3 kudos

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• Ard V.

  Pijnacker, Netherlands · Instagram: Kiprich67 (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  My father was never there for us, he left when i was 11 and needed guidance the most.

  What glows

  The promise to myself I would be the best dad I could be.

  Track

  Raise Your Banner

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• Martin M.

  Wolfsburg, Germany · Instagram: Martinus_xy (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  There was a time when I lost myself in sadness. I became quieter and could no longer take part in conversations with friends. And I used to like telling stories. But I just sat at the table, listened to everyone talking, and wanted to join in, but I couldn't. This happened several times. I had buried several traumas from childhood and youth, thinking I had gotten through them without caring whether I had really processed them.

  What glows

  I recognized that I couldn't get out of this alone. So I sought help. It was the best decision of my life. I learned so much about myself, noticed and found out what hurt me the most. With this therapy I made myself a promise to separate myself from the toxic people who contributed to it. I am redefining the concept of family for myself. Since then I am no longer afraid and my inner strength has returned.

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  What burned (original)

  Es gab eine Zeit wo ich mich in Traurigkeit verloren habe. Ich wurde stiller und konnte mich nicht mehr an Gesprächen mit Freunden beteiligen. Und ich habe sonst gerne erzählt. Aber ich saß einfach am Tisch hörte wie sich alle unterhielten und wollte mich auch beteiligen aber ich konnte nicht. Das passierte mehrfach. Ich hätte mehrere Traumata aus Kindheit und Jugend vergrabenen,gedacht das ich es überstanden habe ohne mich darum zu kümmern ob ich es wirklich verarbeitet habe.

  What glows (original)

  Ich habe eine erkannt das ich alleine nicht rauskomme. Also habe ich mir Hilfe gesucht. Es war die beste Entscheidung meines Lebens. Ich habe so viel über mich selber gelernt, und gemerkt und herausgefunden was mich am meisten verletzt hat. Mit dieser Therapie gab ich mir ein Versprechen mich von den toxischen Menschen zu trennen die dazu beigetragen haben. Ich definiere mir den Begriff Familie neu. Seitdem habe ich keine Angst mehr und meine innere Stärke kehrte zurück.

  Track

  Raise Your Banner

  3 kudos

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• Enrique B.

  Mexico City, Mexico · Instagram: alecbetancourt001 (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  I've been dealing with Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder since I was 14 (I'm 35 now), and I was just diagnosed Autism Lvl 1. It has torn friendships and relationships I valued, and I've been hospitalized in psych wards around 9 times in the past 20 years, plus had ECT (Electro Convulsive Therapy). I've been on the edge of darkness, sometimes surrounded by too much madness, medicated too much sometimes to function. Under a storm too strong in my heart to keep standing.

  What glows

  Even through it all, I've learned to stay strong, and even inf my worst times, I've learned that the storm never lasts. It always passes. I've learned to enjoy the moments I have of light and treasure them because the storm will return and they will help me as an anchor. I still glow even when the world becomes too much. Even when the future looks scary, I still have that spark in my chest of optimism that happiness is out there, so I keep my song and sing like a siren.

  Track

  Sing Like A Siren

  3 kudos

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• Amandine M.

  La Rochelle, France · Facebook: AmandineDidou17 (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  I went through a huge depression after my father's death and after the birth of my son, whom I raised on my own. Coping with the absence of one and the presence of a being to whom I must give and love everything! My son has been my strength. And I have to say that every time I felt empty, exhausted by everything... I listened to your music, and it recharged me. Within Temptation, it's surely crazy to say this, but your music helped me, even saved me, I would say. Music is a real medicine ♡

  What glows

  What makes me shine is the strength I had to get back up. I took too long to see only the negative, and now I always try to be positive, to take life as it comes and accept whatever happens. I felt alone for a long time... now I believe in the beautiful things that can happen, and in meeting good people who make us feel important.

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  What burned (original)

  J ai vécu une énorme dépression après le décès de mon père et après la naissance de mon fils que j ai élevé seule. supporter l absence de l un et la présence d un etre a qui je dois tout donner et aimer! Mon fils a été ma force Et je dois dire qu a chaque moment où je me sentais vide, épuisé de tout....j écoutais vos musiques, ca me requinqué. Within Temptation, cest sûrement dingue de dire ca mais vos musiques m ont aidé , meme sauvé je dirais . La musique est un vrai médicament ♡

  What glows (original)

  Ce qui me fait briller, la force que j ai eu pour me relever. J ai pris trop de temps à voir que du negatif et maintenant j'essaie toujours de positivé, prendre la vie comme elle vient et accepter tout ce qui arrive. je me suis sentie longtemps seule ..maintenant je crois aux belles choses qui peuvent arriver et rencontrer de belles personnes qui nous font sentir importante .

  Track

  Wireless

  4 kudos

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• Julia B.

  Algermissen, Germany · Instagram: julia.8308 (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  When my dad died when I was just 6 years old. It left me feeling empty and lonely all my childhood until now. I now am 18 years old and often still feel empty without him.

  What glows

  Music! I’ve been a huge music fan even before my dad passed, and it only grew after I got older. Today, music always fills that emptiness in me and makes me the happiest version of myself I’ve ever been. Being at a concert gives me the strength to know, that I can accomplish anything, even if I’m scared.

  Track

  Wireless

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• METJOEWW V.

  Veurne, Belgium · Instagram: Metjoewwofficial (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  When you work at a job which you don’t like (anymore), you inform the boss about this feeling and the response is: “well then you’ll just come and have to fake it…”

  What glows

  Music healed me through this dark time. One way it led me to fall in love again with music I grew up with (silent force) and gave me an escapisme of drama. On the other hand it led me to write down my own words and help me craft my own music, which I hope I can sing with my idols one day. Full circle moment when your idols would sing the song that actually helped you through. This song because Amy got to sing it w Sharon! ❤️ singing w both = bucket list material

  Track

  The Reckoning

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• Marcel C.

  Enschede, Netherlands · Facebook: Marcel (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  I have had difficult periods because of work. And a few years ago I was in a black hole where things were not going well either.

  What glows

  Your music. And the voice of Sharon den Adel gave me peace again and helped me through the difficult periods. When I am not feeling well in my skin for a moment or things are not going well, your music and the voice of Sharon den Adel calm me down again within 5 minutes. Because of that I also had the band name and logo tattooed this year.

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  What burned (original)

  Ik heb moeilijke periodes gehad wegens werk. En ik zat een paar jaar geleden in een zwart gat waar door het ook niet goed ging

  What glows (original)

  De muziek van jullie. En de stem van sharon den adel gaf mij weer rust en heeft mij in de moeilijke periodes geholpen. Als ik even niet lekker in mijn vel zit of het even niet goed gaat. Krijgt jullie muziek en de stem van sharon den adel mij binnen 5 minuten weer rustig. Ik heb daar door ook de band naam en logo dit jaar als tattoo laten zetten.

  Track

  Ice Queen

  3 kudos

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• Zsófia L.

  Szentendre, Hungary · Instagram: lorinczizsofi (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  As a child and a young adult, I thought very little of myself and was not aware of my own worth, so I let people get close to me and take advantage of my trust…

  What glows

  In recent years I have grown a lot, and it is starting to fall into place for me who I really am. I owe a great deal in this regard to one person in particular. I don't think they even know how much. ⚜️

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  What burned (original)

  Tiniként és fiatal felnőttként nagyon keveset gondoltam magamról, nem voltam tisztában a saját értékeimmel, ezért hagytam embereknek, hogy közel kerüljenek hozzám és visszaéljenek a bizalmammal…

  What glows (original)

  Az elmúlt években sokat erősödtem, kezd a helyére kerülni számomra, ki is vagyok valójában. Egy személynek különösen sokat köszönhetek e tekintetben. Szerintem nem is tudja, milyen sokat. ⚜️

  Track

  Ice Queen

  2 kudos

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• Suzi T.

  Pontefract, United Kingdom

  What burned

  My dad passed away years ago in 2012, but I lost my mum to COVID in 2021 and my sister just a year later. I'm the youngest of 4 children, but losing the two female influences in my life hit me hard. You don't realise how much someone means to you till they are gone.

  What glows

  I still have my brothers, and though we are not in each other's pockets, I know they are there any time I need them. But what glows the most is knowing my own three daughters are the female influence in their own little families. I marvel every day at their wonder and thank the gods they are who they are.... and my mum and sister had a hand in that.

  Track

  Raise Your Banner

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• Philip H.

  London, United Kingdom

  What burned

  Addiction which i over came after a number of years in the late 90s

  What glows

  My sense people are good at heart and want to build a better world despite what others publish

  Track

  Raise Your Banner

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• Joan Albert P.

  Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain · Instagram: joanalbertpf (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  My father's death and the loss of my job more than eight years ago. It was sudden, unexpected and traumatic. My relationship with my parents had always been close and intimate and, unfortunately, life left me an orphan and with many difficulties to face.

  What glows

  Life in all its splendor, which helps me keep going. A faith that helps me not lose hope; a mother to take care of, who loves me, supports me and is strong; friendships; travel and my work in the cultural world. And especially music and, specifically, you, Within Temptation, who have been the soundtrack of my life for more than 20 years. Especially the song Supernova was and still is a turning point that helps me overcome things and keep following the path of life.

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  What burned (original)

  La mort del meu pare i la successiva pèrdua de la feina fa més de vuit anys. Va ser de cop, inesperada i traumàtica. La relació amb els meus pares sempre havia estat propera i íntima i, malauradament, la vida em va deixar orfe i amb moltes dificultats que afrontar.

  What glows (original)

  La vida en tot el seu esplendor que m'ajuda a seguir endavant. Una fe que m'ajuda a no perdre l'esperança; una mare a la que cuidar i que m'estima i em dóna suport i és forta; les amistats; viatjar i la meva feina en el món cultural. I en especial la música i, en concret, vosaltres, Within Temptation, que des de fa més de 20 anys sou la banda sonora de la meva vida. Especialment la cançó Supernova va ser i segueix sent un punt d'inflexió que m'ajuda a superar i a seguir el camí de la vida.

  Track

  The Purge

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