Through Fire & Ashes

Stories

Page 8 of 18, newest stories first.

• Mar N.

  Ciudad de México, Mexico · Instagram: marwaii.95 (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  15 years ago, when I was 17, I made the worst decision of my life: I moved in with my boyfriend at the time, and it was hell. The worst part is that months later I became aware of that hell, but the shame of always putting him first, of defying everyone, even my own family, forced me to stay there until I asked for help. I think the song "The Cross" helped me a lot in those days, because I only wanted his support, a beautiful love, and I had to carry my cross alone.

  What glows

  I honestly don't know if there is anything in me that still shines. I keep trying to find it, because there are days when I don't feel like myself, I don't feel fulfilled, not even happy. I hope that someday I'll become the person I used to be again...

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  What burned (original)

  Hace 15 años, cuando tenía 17 cometí la peor decisión de mi vida, vivir con mi novio de ese entonces y fue un infierno. Lo peor es que meses después fui consciente de ese infierno pero la vergüenza de ponerlo siempre primero, de desafiar a todos incluso a mi propia familia me obligó a quedarme ahí hasta que pedí ayuda. Creo que la canción "The Cross" me ayudó bastante en esos días, porque yo solo quería su apoyo, un amor bonito y tuve que cargar con mi cruz yo sola.

  What glows (original)

  Realmente no sé si hay algo que brille en mí aún, sigo tratando de encontrarlo ya que hay días que no me siento yo, no me siento plena, ni siquiera feliz. Espero algún día volver a ser esa persona que solía ser...

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  Don't Pray for Me

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• María G.

  Benito Juarez, Mexico · TikTok: Marguizar (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  When my father past away, and the way that my aunt told me 😒, she only said "your father is dead, see you later"

  What glows

  The love of family and friends give me the stregnth

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• Hermes P.

  Santa Cruz, Bolivia · Instagram: sirhermes (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  I went through a long period where I had to suppress my feelings & sexuality because I was still feeling guilty about it in a way. And that cost me to also suppress pleasure and the permission of fall in love with somebody.

  What glows

  My sensitivity. I work as an astrologer and Tarot reader and the way I am connected to my feelings, intuition and spirituality that people always books me. I glow a lot in there.

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  The Reckoning

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• Pranav P.

  Hyderabad, India · Instagram: im_ortap (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  i was forcibly cut off from my closest friends by my parents to pull up my grades. In the quest for perfection I lost what made me myself the most

  What glows

  I became a host onto myself. I befriended the demons that set out to kill me. I'm imperfect, but I'm satisfied

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  Don't Pray for Me

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• Ariel N.

  Indaiatuba, Brazil · Instagram: Arielnolasco_ (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  Being a trans woman has brought me many challenges. Living in a society full of transphobia, where we see more and more laws and politicians rising up against our existence, makes me afraid of the future. We are 2% of the world's population, we have a life expectancy of 35 years, and it is terrifying to think about that.

  What glows

  Still, even with all these difficulties, with the transphobia and with politicians and laws rising against my existence, I resist. In difficult times, together with my friends and family, I find comfort, courage and hope, just as I have done many, many times before in moments of difficulty.

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  What burned (original)

  Ser uma mulher trans me trouxe muitos desafios. Viver numa sociedade cheia de transfobia, onde vemos cada vez mais leis e políticos se erguendo contra a nossa existência, me faz ter medo do futuro. Somos 2% da população mundial, temos uma expectativa de vida de 35 anos, e é aterrorizante pensar nisso.

  What glows (original)

  Porém mesmo com todas essas dificuldades, com a transfobia e com políticos e leis surgindo contra a minha existência, eu resisto. Nas dificuldades, junto aos meus amigos e familiares, eu encontro conforto, coragem e esperança, assim como eu já fiz muitas e muitas vezes antes em momentos de dificuldade.

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  Raise Your Banner

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• Ylva A.

  Karlstad, Sweden · Instagram: Supernova (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  The thought that I would never make it to 18 because of suicidal thoughts after 10+ years of bullying and harassment.

  What glows

  When I started high school and got a completely new class and environment to be in. There I feel that I can dress how I want and look how I want without the others screaming or throwing things at me. I turned 18 about a month ago and have found strategies not to let the harassment that is still going on take over how I feel about myself 🫶

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  What burned (original)

  Tanken om att jag aldrig skulle göra det till 18 års åldern på grund av suicidtankar efter 10+ år av mobbning och trakasserier.

  What glows (original)

  När jag började gymnasiet och fick en helt ny klass och miljö att vara i. Där känner jag att jag kan klä mig hur jag vill och se ut hur jag vill utan att de andra skriker eller kastar saker på mig. Fyllde 18 för ungefär en månad sen och har hittat strategier för att inte låta fortfarande pågående trakasserier ta över hur jag känner om mig själv 🫶

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  Raise Your Banner

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• Enrique David G.

  Metepec, Mexico · Instagram: belekh (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  My father died of cancer. A while later we returned from a community clinic. I wish I could have paid for something better; I barely had enough for bus fare and food. I was taking money out at the ATM, and he said to me with great amazement, "How is that possible, son?" That memory brings me tears. I was worried about financial hardship, and he was surprised by things I already took for granted. He made me understand how wonderful things are. I still cry when I remember that moment.

  What glows

  I haven't suffered great misfortunes, the deaths of loved ones, and maybe one romantic relationship that hurt me, but nothing tragic. Still, I know there are cruel people and adversities. Metal music gives me strength. It taught me things and strengthened the education my parents gave me. I can fall, yes, but down there on the floor, songs come to my mind and I hum them, no matter what. I always get up singing.

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  What burned (original)

  Mi padre murió de Cancer, una ovación regresamos de una clínica comunitaria, ojalá hubiera podido pagar algo mejor, apenas tenía para pasajes y comida, sacaba dinero del cajero, y me dijo con un gran asombro “como es eso posible hijo” me trae lágrimas ese recuerdo, yo preocupado por penurias financieras, el sorprendido por cosas que yo ya daba por simples, me hizo entender lo maravilloso de las cosas, aún lloro al recordar ese momento.

  What glows (original)

  No he sufrido grandes desgracias, muertes de seres queridos y quizá alguna relación amorosa que me dolió, pero nada trágico, pero sé que hay personas crueles, adversidades. La música metal me da fuerza, me enseñó cosas y afianzo la educación de mis padres, puedo caer si, pero ahí en el piso hay canciones que vienen a mi mente y las tarareo, no importa que, me levanto siempre cantando.

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  Don't Pray for Me

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• Eran V.

  Manchester, United Kingdom

  What burned

  Growing up to feel like you have to be quiet and sensible and unassuming just to make your way in this world where you never feel free to just be yourself no matter how much it makes you hurt and feel small.

  What glows

  Holding on to that weirdo child inside and slowly but surely letting the true inner self shine.

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  Sing Like A Siren

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• Charles T.

  Mount Warren Park, Australia

  What burned

  Grew up with a guy, that was pretty much a brother. We drifted apart as he got a job interstate, we still spoke but never got to see each other. One day i got surprised when he had moved back. We went out to have a night out and laughed told stories, was a great day. Later that evening after going our separate ways i got a phone call from his sister, about 2 hours after we parted he had taken his own life. Still haunts me to this day and its been 15 years. Why couldn't i see it coming.

  What glows

  My family. Loving wife, 3 boys. My love of Music and Tabletop gaming.

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• Miguel L.

  Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · Instagram: _minguel_3 (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  I had a lot of anxiety about taking the first step to make friends with a person I admired and really wanted to be in contact with. I always watched from afar and never tried to expose myself and leave my comfort zone, because of a lot of anxiety and chest pain, afraid of how I would be seen. Although I see beauty in simple things, I complicate the way of getting to them, making them complex.

  What glows

  Thinking that I will die and that after some time no one will remember me anymore. Living so that I do not have the harsh pain of regret for not having tried to take the first step, and realizing that reality is much simpler than the mind keeps projecting it into a thousand flawed scenarios. It is very good to learn these lessons in practice and to realize that it is possible to live being yourself and channeling your own energy and anxiety toward your own peace of mind.

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  What burned (original)

  Tive muita ansiedade de dar o primeiro passo para fazer uma amizade com uma pessoa a qual eu admirava e queria muito ter contato, sempre observava de longe e nunca tentava me expor e sair da minha zona de conforto por muita ansiedade e dor no peito com medo de como seria visto. Apesar de ver beleza nas coisas simples, eu complico a forma como chegar nelas, deixando-as complexas.

  What glows (original)

  Pensar que morrerei e daqui a algum tempo ninguém mais vai se lembrar de mim, viver para não ter a dura dor do arrependimento de não ter tentado dar o primeiro passo, e percebendo que a realidade é muito mais simples do que a mente fica projetando em mil cenários falhos. É muito bom aprender essas lições na prática e perceber que dá para viver sendo você mesmo e canalizando a própria energia e ansiedade para a própria paz de espírito.

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  Raise Your Banner

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• Deloris M.

  Church hill, United States

  What burned

  I had twovstrokes this year just turned 38. Lost my job my independence. Was always a go go person.

  What glows

  Taking pride in slowing down in life. Learning how to navigate the life with my injuries watching my milestones I though I would never get t to-do after my stroke

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  Raise Your Banner

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• Katherine C.

  Falmouth, United States · Instagram: kconleydrums (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  My mom and I got evicted from our apartment due to her possibly having dementia. I didn’t know she was experiencing it, I noticed right after that something was really wrong with her. I was angry at her for letting it happen. When I found out she had cancer months later, I reached out to her. I’m so glad I did because I was able to forgive her for all that she put me through before she passed away.

  What glows

  I come from a generation of musicians, I’d watch concert films when I was a child and I was mesmerized. All those years later, I started playing the drums. It has helped me through my grief, it saved my life. I don’t know what my life would be like today if I didn’t have the inspiration to pick up an instrument.

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  Raise Your Banner

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• Kevin M.

  Paris, France

  What burned

  My first love had a tough and difficult life, her father was abusive and I was her only light, the one week I couldn't be with her was the worst of her life and she committed suicide, this broke me and since then only music can help me stay alive, thank you within temptation you keep me alive

  What glows

  Music, my favortie songs, my favorite bands, going to shows and listen to new album is my reason to live. My top 5 songs include our solemn hour, paradise (what about us) and Ritual

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  Ritual

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• Rachel M.

  Hastings, New Zealand · Facebook: Rachel_NZ (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  I have ended a 14 year marriage that had turned toxic, I lost all respect for who I was during this time.

  What glows

  I am now planning my new beginnings, rediscovering who I am and learning to love myself again

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  Don't Pray for Me

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• Ashley H.

  Modesto, United States · Instagram: Shewiththeface (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  I've never been wanted by anyone. Even my own family forgets about me.

  What glows

  I became a psychologist to help keep kids from making my mistakes.

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  Don't Pray for Me

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• Nate R.

  Jacksonville Beach, United States

  What burned

  I never felt safe, not in my entire life. My family was abusive and I got picked on in school and in life because I was different - I have ASD (autism).

  What glows

  Even if Im alone, I've made sure no one else that I know has to feel alone or forgotten.

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• Suzanne W.

  Apple Valley, United States · Instagram: Suzanne.Wood.Kayser (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  The loss of my father during Covid and other family and friends in a short span of time

  What glows

  Reignited connections with loved ones and newfound friendships that help me realize the value and beauty of time. My first child born this year.

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  Sing Like A Siren

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• Ana A.

  Karlstad, Sweden

  What burned

  I was abused as a child, pretty much in every sense of the word. Physically, emotionally, psychologically and sexually. This is what I believe allowed me get stuck in an abusive relationship as an adult. Among other things.

  What glows

  It made me strong. It didn’t break me. I struggle sometimes, but I always get back up.

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• Mariano S.

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

  What burned

  I have epilepsy and this year has been chaos. Ive been nonstop through hospitals by different things.

  What glows

  I met someone who likes me the way I am. We've been together for 3 months now. Also, my friends and family have been with me this whole time. Im from Mexico City and your music has been a very important in my steps to recovery. I thank you all a lot

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  Ice Queen

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• Anne J.

  Hopkins, United States

  What burned

  I was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. I beat it, but it was a very difficult time to go through.

  What glows

  Because of the cancer, I learned what strength I truly have within me. I fought and found a new type of freedom within myself after I beat cancer.

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  The Reckoning

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• Zey F.

  Istanbul, Turkey

  What burned

  My father's sudden passing still isn't real to me.

  What glows

  Life is its own answer. It has no inherent meaning, but that only means it's a blank slate for us to write on it as we see fit.

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  Don't Pray for Me

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• Raja S.

  Giessen, Germany · Instagram: gedankenseglerin (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  I have Post Covid and ME/CFS. For 3 years I have been mostly confined to my apartment and almost only in bed. It took 3 years until it was recognized, and it will be almost four before I am examined by a doctor. And although I have hardly any strength to manage my own daily life, I care for my mother on the side.

  What glows

  The hope that I will get well again. That I get my life back. The inexplicable inner "knowing" that everything will be all right again and that I will become completely healthy. It has been there from the very beginning and will remain until that happens.

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  What burned (original)

  Ich habe Post Covid und ME/CFS. Bin seit 3 Jahren größtenteils an die Wohnung gefesselt und fast nur im Bett. Es hat 3 Jahre gedauert, bis es erkannt wurde, und es werden fast vier, bis ich ärztlich untersucht werde. Und obwohl ich kaum Kraft habe, meinen eigenen Alltag zu bewältigen, pflege ich nebenbei meine Mutter.

  What glows (original)

  Die Hoffnung, dass ich wieder gesund werde. Mein Leben zurückkriege. Das unerklärliche innere "Wissen", dass alles wieder gut wird und ich wieder ganz gesund werde. Das war von Anfang an da und wird bleiben, bis es soweit ist.

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  The Purge

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• Sam L.

  Veghel, Netherlands

  What burned

  In the middle of 2025 I found myself stuck in an almost unbreakable cycle of stress, absence and illness at my studies and work

  What glows

  Still, despite everything, I passed last year!

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  What burned (original)

  Kwam midden 2025 vast te zitten in een bijna ondoorbreekbare cirkel van stress, absentie en ziekte bij mijn studie en werk

  What glows (original)

  Toch, ondanks alles, vorig jaar geslaagd!

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• Anonymous ..

  Frankfurt, Germany

  What burned

  Went through a hard time in school when I had to face mobbing and people take advantage of me but never gave something back. Had to exclude myself to protect me from that. Also had to hide my true self or was too afraid to show it which took me a long time to even know what I want to do and who I am.

  What glows

  Lately I discovered that this experience made me really sensitive to things like that so I am maybe more aware if a person goes trough something like that, can maybe help and I hope to also have the strength some time to speak up against it. What really helps is music, especially from Within Temptation, but also music in general.

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• Steven P.

  Stockport, United Kingdom · Facebook: Steveplant (opens in a new tab)

  What burned

  I was on the verge of ending my life due to my very bad depression and illness on top of other illness One of my friend pop around to see me and he asked ne if i would like to go to a show with hom as is wife did not want to go yes i say no at first but he talked me around the show in london to see a band who was playing they first show in UK It was painfull for me as i havet been out for such along time so after a long trainride we booked in the hotel where i such wanted to take my life

  What glows

  We goy to the place wgere the vabd was playing there first show in the Uk as the vabd was playing and sharon was singung i felt like something heavy and dark was being removed from ne and it was being replaced with a nice warm glow and thing just got better and the feeling of want to kill my self went so WT save my life which i thank them so much and i seen WT evertime they tour the Uk THANK YOU WT xxx so after that i got all the bands albums and still do to this day

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  Don't Pray for Me

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