Lisa O.
What burned
My family treated me in a way, that I thought I was evil. I tried so hard to change myself for them that it almost killed me.
What glows
Knowing that whatever life throws at you, your soul remains intact
Track
The Purge
435 stories from 52 countries, 1978 kudos given in total.
Stories
Page 11 of 18, newest stories first.
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Cristina M.
What burned
Not being taken seriously by my loved ones. I want to take care of my parents, they don't let me because they don't want to be a burden. I want to make my own choices, they let me do that but not without some lectures of "oh my what will happen to you if you do this I am so worried about your choice". I just wish they would trust me more and treat me more like a grown up.
What glows
It will sound cheesy if I say you, but honestly? You. To put it simply, I had a moment years ago when it was either listening to The Howling on full volume or ending things for good. And I am still here and still yapping about you guys every chance I get, so yeah. I chose well. And what I said above, about wanting to have my own path? There's a reason why She'd My Skin is my favorite song, like maybe not sound wise but lyrics wise? I never had any other song getting me more
Track
The Purge
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Joan C.
What burned
I got heavily bullied at high school every single day and I was very close to finish it all the wrong way because I thought there was no way out.
What glows
There was a way out. There is always a way out. I asked for help and I was helped. I realised as I kept growing up that I am surrounded by the most amazing people in Earth and I am enjoying every single minute with them.
Track
Raise Your Banner
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Manon A.
What burned
In 2016 I lost my grandfather, and in 2019 I lost my grandmother. Losing them has left a space in my heart that will always be there. Saying goodbye to two people who meant so much to me taught me how precious life is and how important it is to cherish the people you love. Their memories will always be a part of me.
What glows
What still glows in my life is love. I have been together with my boyfriend for over six years, and I am grateful for everything we have built together. On December 1st, we will take a beautiful new step: moving into our very own purchased home. A place we can call ours, where we can create memories, grow together and work towards our future. After the difficult moments in life, I am grateful for the happiness, love and new beginnings that lie ahead.
Track
Raise Your Banner
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Cory G.
What burned
My daughter has a shitty illness that means she isn't allowed to do sports anymore, and she's hardly allowed to do anything that's fun anymore, no cinema, no concerts, nothing that gets her excited in any way. She's still a teenager. Seeing this breaks my heart every day.
What glows
My love for my children... that will always remain and give me strength.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Cory G.
What burned (original)
Meine Tochter hat eine beschissene Krankheit, wegen der sie keinen Sport mehr machen darf, und eigentlich kaum noch etwas machen darf, was Spaß macht, kein Kino, keine Konzerte mehr, nichts was sie irgendwie aufregt. Sie ist noch ein Teenager. Das zu sehen, bricht mir jeden Tag das Herz.
What glows (original)
Meine Liebe zu meinen Kindern...die wird immer bleiben und mir Stärke geben.
Track
Ice Queen
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Alefe C.
What burned
I was sexually molested by classmates in school. It was humiliating and made me feel like there was something wrong with me.
What glows
I write music, I grew strong so I can speak up for people who can’t.
Track
Raise Your Banner
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Victor M.
What burned
In these last few years I have been going through problems with anxiety, sadness, melancholy and depression, typical of the times we live in, intrusive thoughts that sometimes suffocate me and scare me.
What glows
But I feel very grateful that, despite everything that has happened, I still have my family, my friends and the hope that everything will get better, not only for me but for everyone in the world.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Victor M.
What burned (original)
En estos últimos años eh estado atravesando por problemas de ansiedad, tristeza, melancolía y depresión propios de los tiempos que corren, pensamientos intrusivos que aveces me sofocan y me asustan.
What glows (original)
Pero me siento muy agradecido de que a pesar de todo lo que ha pasado aún tengo a mi familia, mis amigos y la esperanza de que todo va a mejorar no solo para mí sino para todo el mundo.
Track
Ice Queen
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Yslander S.
What burned
I lost my little dog and it affected me in ways I didn't expect. After 15 years being part of my life, she left in a sad way, sick and weak.
What glows
What gave me strength was having my wife close by, helping me deal with this moment that shook my soul.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Yslander S.
What burned (original)
Eu perdi minha cachorrinha e isso me afetou de formas que eu não imaginava, depois de 15 anos fazendo parte de minha vida ela se foi de uma forma triste, doente e fraca.
What glows (original)
O que me deu força foi ter minha esposa próximo, me ajudando a lidar com esse momento que abalou minha alma
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Kjell I H.
What burned
I had been sober for a year, and ready to finally leave my old life of alcoholism and drug abuse behind. I moved across the globe to study fine art in Australia and I was so ready for it. When I arrived, the covid cases started to report on the news and a shut down of my university and the rest of the city came along. I spent 4,5 years clinging desperately to my dream but eventually gave in, and had to leave back to my old city and life when my visa ran out. I was devastated and crushed. Stuck.
What glows
I never gave up on my will to live, creativity and my adventorous side. My friendships from Australia and around the world keeps me going. As soon as I arrived in Norway, I started to plan my way back out of Norway. To a more diverse and fulfilling community. I found a space to work on my art and went back to rehab with clear intentions only for myself. Plotting my way out from this hellhole. I found communities that I already know that they will do me good.
Track
Don't Pray for Me
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Ana C.
What burned
I've been bullied from a very young age, both by my peers and by some members of my own family, and that's shaped my life for far too long. Being constantly made to feel that everything about you is wrong, and that you'll never be good enough takes its toll and slowly crushes your self esteem. The betrayal of the people I trusted the most certainly didn't help matters.
What glows
What still glows is my stubbornness, I don't quit fighting easily. I've learned to stand up for myself, even though it's still harder when it comes to family. I still sometimes make myself smaller just to keep others comfortable, but far less than I used to. The older I get, the more true to myself I become. I find joy in the things I love and music has always been something that keeps me going. It reminds me who I am and makes me feel alive.
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Ellen G.
What burned
Had two postnatal depressions. Still present after 7 years. Recently received a diagnosis of cervical cancer.
What glows
A great partner. My support and anchor. Watching the children grow and learn.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Ellen G.
What burned (original)
Twee postnatale depressies gehad. Na 7 jaren nog steeds aanwezig. Onlangs diagnose van baarmoederhalskanker gekregen.
What glows (original)
Een top partner. Mijn steun en toeverlaat. Kinderen zien groeien en leren.
Track
Don't Pray for Me
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Pixiey D.
What burned
1995 I was in a car hit by a freight train. I was 25, my child, 4. I had arteries severed in my neck and wrist, shattered wrist. Never had a day without pain. I am now 56. I have CRPS and other things. It’s not easy having invisible pain. I lost my mom at 36. I miss her. Anyone dealing with chronic pain, remember to be gentle with yourself!!
What glows
My child now 35 helps me every day. They are such an inspiration and their spouse also. Love them both very much. Music like Within Temptation have helped me through some of the hardest times. “My Solemn Hour” and “Bleed Out” have got me through the tears and rocky paths that come my way. So many songs are just dear to me.
Track
The Reckoning
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Lisa M.
What burned
My father's death 9 years ago. It shattered me to pieces... I am Still putting myself together..
What glows
My closest friends, the people I care most about... I trust with my life... Especially the one, who stood by my side in the darkest hours this year...
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Joana S.
What burned
About 5 years ago I was harassed at my workplace by a customer who was old enough to be my father. Everything he said and the way he touched me changed my life completely. The anxiety got worse, the depression came, and only today did I feel that this really still interferes with my day-to-day life. It took getting really far down before I started treatment with medication, because therapy alone was not enough. The worst loss is the loss of ourselves. But I will fight to heal! Girls, we are strong 🫂❤️
What glows
Music has always been what never stopped making me feel, whether good or bad, and I am so grateful to be a music lover, and to be able to have it as a source of strength, inspiration and courage. You, Within Temptation, were one of the best discoveries in my life, and I am grateful that you are part of my life when I feel empty; the melody shows me that there is still a lot to be lived. I love you so much, and thank you to myself for not giving up on fighting, because that is also a form of self-love ❤️
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Joana S.
What burned (original)
Ha cerca de 5 anos fui assediada no local de trabalho por um cliente com idade de ser meu pai. Tudo o que ele disse e o toque mudou a minha vida por completo A ansiedade piorou, a depressão veio, e só hoje senti que isso realmente ainda está a interferir no meu dia a dia. Foi preciso chegar bem no fundo para inicar tratamento com medicação porque só terapia não estava a ser suficiente. A pior perda é a de nós mesmos. Mas vou lutar para me curar! Girls, we are strong 🫂❤️
What glows (original)
Música foi sempre aquilo que nunca deixou de me fazer sentir, seja bom ou mau, e sou tão grata por ser amante de música, e poder ter ela como fonte de força, inspiração e coragem. Vocês, Within Temptation, foram umas das melhores descobertas na minha vida e sou grata que façam parte da minha vida quando sinto que estou vazia, a melodia mostra-me que ainda há muito para ser vivido. Amo-vos muito, e obrigada a mim que não desisto de lutar pois isso também é uma forma de amor próprio ❤️
Track
Ritual
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Paweł Obitus P.
What burned
I have been through the hell of childhood violence, loneliness, rejection and a burden that has weighed on me since I was very young. I have to face invisibility, chronic pain in my own body (for over 20 years), depression, and the daily care of my beloved wife, whom multiple sclerosis has affected. Drowning in a silence where no one asks whether I am still breathing.
What glows
The strength to keep going comes to me from an unyielding love, which is a choice and not a reward. It comes from the presence of my tricolor cat Cookie, from the raw power of metal music that screams what I cannot say, and from the awareness that although the world is silent, my story exists – and so I exist too. I am not a hero or a victim; I am a person who chose presence and endures in the abyss, because the deepest darkness has become my truth.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Paweł Obitus P.
What burned (original)
Przeszedłem przez piekło dziecięcej przemocy, samotności, odrzucenia i ciężaru, który przygniata od najmłodszych lat. Muszę mierzyć się z niewidzialnością, przewlekłym bólem własnego ciała (od ponad 20 lat), depresją i codzienną opieką nad ukochaną żoną, którą dotknęło stwardnienie rozsiane. Tonąc w ciszy, w której nikt nie pyta, czy jeszcze oddycham.
What glows (original)
Siłę do ciągłego trwania daje mi nieugięta miłość, która jest wyborem, a nie nagrodą. Daje mi ją obecność mojej tricolorki Cookie, surowa moc metalowej muzyki, która wykrzykuje to, czego nie potrafię powiedzieć, oraz świadomość, że choć świat milczy, to moja historia istnieje – a więc ja też istnieję. Nie jestem bohaterem ani ofiarą; jestem człowiekiem, który wybrał obecność i trwa w otchłani, bo najgłębsza ciemność stała się moją prawdą.
Track
Ice Queen
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Elliot S.
What burned
My grandmother died in May. She passed away as we were on our way to see her in the hospital. I never got to say goodbye or tell her that I loved her one last time.
What glows
I know that through music and through laughter, I am able to live my life as she lived hers.
Track
Ice Queen
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Anna S.
What burned
The people I've lost in live. But not only due to death but because they couldn't apologize or see what they did to me. The hardest one was losing my grandpa this year. He was like a dad to me. I encountered so many bad moments in my life but nothing got me like his death.
What glows
Music and all the good things happening around all the bad ones. Traveling, meeting people around the world, learning new things and about myself. Having my dog and partner by my side. And the greatest friends. With whom I can enjoy concerts and all those little big moments in life. There's always a light sparking somewhere.
Track
The Reckoning
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Emily L.
What burned
I have several failed suicide attempts behind me. I am glad that they did not work.
What glows
The music and my friends give me hope and strength.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Emily L.
What burned (original)
Ich habe mehrere gescheiterte Suizidversuche hinter mir. Ich bin froh, dass diese nicht geklappt haben.
What glows (original)
Die Musik und meine Freunde geben mir Hoffnung und Kraft.
Track
Raise Your Banner
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Alberto M.
What burned
Being gay in a world where difference is starting to seem dangerous, where the ideals of some want to be imposed as a universal rule, forgetting that it is precisely in our diversity and in our ability to embrace it that our true richness lies.
What glows
The light of a new dawn, because each new day brings us the hope that if we are still here, it is because not everything is lost, we can still fight for our ideals. Raise Our Banners, look at ourselves in the 'Mercy Mirror' and know that "Our Solemn Hour" has not yet arrived, and that our spirit can remain "Unbroken" as long as we remain faithful to our dreams and ideals.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Alberto M.
What burned (original)
Ser gay en un mundo donde la diferencia empieza a parecer peligrosa, donde los ideales de unos quieren ser impuestos como regla universal, desconociendo que es precisamente en nuestra diversidad y en la capacidad de abrazarla que radica nuestra verdadera riqueza.
What glows (original)
La luz de un nuevo amanecer, porque cada nuevo dia nos trae la esperanza de que si seguimos aquí es porque no todo está perdido, aún podemos luchar por nuestros ideales Alzar Nuestras Banderas, Mirarnos en el 'Mercy Mirror' y saber que aún no llega "Our Solemn Hour" y que nuestro espíritu puede permanecer "Unbroken" mientras nos seamos fieles a nuestros sueños e ideales.
Track
Don't Pray for Me
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Drake B.
What burned
Disowned by my dad for being myself. Kicked out of my home when I wasnt ready.
What glows
My wife who supported me through it all, and didnt give up on me
Track
Wireless
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Cristina G.
What burned
My family seeks Justice. For 25 years it has continued with a copyright lawsuit.
What glows
The Law does not always bring Justice. The truth prevails and strength keeps the inner fire burning.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Cristina G.
What burned (original)
Mi familia busca Justicia. En 25 años continúa con un juicio de derechos de autor.
What glows (original)
La Ley no siempre brinda Justicia. La verdad prevalece y la fortaleza mantiene el fuego interior.
Track
Sing Like A Siren
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Chris D.
What burned
I suffer with my mental health and a few years ago things got too difficult for me. But I got help and i fight everyday.
What glows
A song called Ise I Foni gave me strength through the power of music. I know I'm never alone and have help there if I ever need it. Never forget that you are Enough!
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Julia I.
What burned
Since february 2022 my heart bleeds and cries because of the war that the country I live in has unleashed on Ukraine. Because of what the authorities in this country are doing to our lives and future and to the lives of Ukrainians. My hope fades a little more with each passing day. I know that most likely there's no more future for us...
What glows
I try to hold on to the light, to the hope that one day things will get right. I admire the strength and the resilience of the Ukranian people, and I know they will stand strong.
Track
Don't Pray for Me
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Richard H.
What burned
How do I even start? You know, I think our society is full of so many prejudices... We meet with hostility or contempt before we even get a chance to explain things. Most people let themselves be carried away by their first thought. The problem is that we have basically come to see this as a human trait. That frightens me the most. This phenomenon spreads faster than ever in the age of social networks, and I feel quite alone. Not directly in terms of lifestyle, but in terms of how I think the world should work and how we should respect one another.
What glows
What gives me strength is the awareness that, despite prejudice and division, there are still people who prefer kindness, understanding and respect. I still believe that empathy, compassion and genuine human connection can make the world a better place. The thought of Václav Havel is close to me: "Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred." I do not see it only as beautiful words, but as a reminder of the direction we should take and that we should share our world much more than we do now.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Richard H.
What burned (original)
Jak jen začít? Víte, myslím, že naše společnost je plná tolika předsudků... Setkáváme se s odporem či opovržením, ještě než věci máme možnost vysvětlit. Většina lidí se nechává strhnout první myšlenkou. Problém je, že jsme to začali v podstatě považovat za lidskou vlastnost. To mě děsí nejvíce. Tento jev se v době sociálních síťí šíří rychleji než kdy dřív a já si přijdu dost opuštěný. Ne přímo stylem života, ale myšlením o tom, jak by měl svět fungovat a jak bychom se měli vzájemně respektovat.
What glows (original)
Sílu mi dodává vědomí, že navzdory předsudkům a rozdělení stále existují lidé, kteří dávají přednost laskavosti, pochopení a respektu. Stále věřím, že empatie, soucit a opravdové lidské spojení mohou udělat svět lepším místem. Je mi blízká myšlenka Václava Havla: „Pravda a láska musí zvítězit nad lží a nenávistí.“ Nevnímám ji pouze jako krásná slova, ale jako připomínku toho, jakým směrem bychom se měli ubírat a že o náš svět bychom se měli dělit mnohem více, než jak činíme nyní.
Track
Raise Your Banner
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Linda M.
What burned
The loss of my parents and the break with my brother and sisters that followed in the years after, caused by the mean tricks of my oldest sister.
What glows
My family, my husband, son and daughter. They are my everything. I love them and they are -always- my light in the darkness, the ones I draw energy from! ❤️
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Linda M.
What burned (original)
Het verlies van mijn ouders en de breuk met mijn broer en zussen die in de jaren daarop volgde door gemene streken van mijn oudste zus.
What glows (original)
Mijn gezin, mijn echtgenoot, zoon en dochter. Zij zijn mijn alles. Ik hou van ze en zij zijn -altijd- mijn licht in de duisternis, degenen waar ik energie van krijg! ❤️
Track
Raise Your Banner
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