Every ember is someone who made it through. This is the text-only version of the interactive experience: read stories from people around the world, give kudos, or add your own.
433 stories from 52 countries, 1971 kudos given in total.
I used to have some friends who shared same hobbies or ideas. After that everyone had works. We lost connection. And I feel so hard to build connections with others. I feel kind lonely sometimes. 30 years old, no friends, no lovers. Everytime I think of these things, I feel there's burden on my shoulders.
What glows
I can control my own life without caring others' opinions. I also find peace in music and books. When playing video games. I feel happy to play with others. I'm also looking forward to my favorite bands and singers hold concert in my country. Everytime I think of these things. I wish to live longer so that I can still enjoy my life.感谢Within Temptation提供的这次机会能够说出自己的所思所想🥰
Well, my start in life was not very easy... several surgeries because of hydrocephalus.
What glows
Singing gives me energy to keep smiling!
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of PATRICIA B.
What burned (original)
Bom, meu início de vida não foi muito facil... várias cirurgias por causa da hidrocefalia.
What glows (original)
Cantar, me dá energia pra seguir sorrindo!
Track
Don't Pray for Me
Jen D.
Norwich, United Kingdom
What burned
Our dream home and next chapter being snatched from under us at the last minute, the day before we were due to cement our plans to move there.
What glows
Family, friends and loved ones. My fiance and I’s love for another carried us through some of the darkest times and reminded us why we are getting married next year and spending eternity together
Her will to live and go through pain until the end gave me hope that she loved me from the beginning to the end of times. She is always with me, watching over me like always.
The loss that hurt me most was my favorite aunt, and my dad, who died two days after her. I couldn't even go to the funerals because I had chickenpox. It was hard to lie alone in the room, with only my own thoughts for company. My whole family took it very hard, so I became the person who kept them going. I felt that this was what had to be done, and I couldn't watch them suffer. So even though inside I was falling apart, I was strong for my loved ones.
What glows
My strength in these difficult moments was music. It was my medicine. It helped me get through this period of isolation and grief. Music is something that has helped me my whole life, and especially your music and Halestorm. Within Temptation and Halestorm are my two favorite bands. The second thing that helps me get through life is Star Wars and Anakin Skywalker, who is my favorite character of all time. In Anakin's character and his story I find myself. I understand him and his struggle.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Monika B.
What burned (original)
Najbardziej zabolała mnie strata mojej ulubionej ciotki i taty, który zmarł dwa dni po niej. Nie mogłam nawet pójść na pogrzeby, ponieważ dostałam ospy. Ciężko było leżeć samej w pokoju, mając za towarzysza tylko swoje myśli. Cała moja rodzina bardzo ciężko to przeżywała, więc ja stałam się osobą, która podtrzymywała ich na duchu. Czułam, że tak trzeba i nie mogłam patrzeć, jak cierpią. Także mimo że sama w środku byłam w rozsypce, dla moich bliskich byłam silna.
What glows (original)
Moją siłą w tych trudnych chwilach była muzyka. Było to moje lekarstwo. Pomogła mi przejść przez ten okres izolacji i żałoby. Muzyka to coś, co pomaga mi przez całe życie, a w szczególności wasza muzyka i Halestorm. Within Temptation i Halestorm to dwa moje ulubione zespoły. Drugą rzeczą, która pomaga mi przechodzić przez życie, są Gwiezdne Wojny i Anakin Skywalker, który jest moją ulubioną postacią wszech czasów. W postaci Anakina i jego historii odnajduję siebie. Rozumiem go i jego walkę.
Track
Raise Your Banner
Tommy W.
Byron, United States
What burned
We lost our cat JB (Juniper Boo) this summer when he was struck and killed by a car. He was only five years old. Born feral, he learned to trust us enough to come into our home and allow us to hold him. I buried JB where he was born. I miss him in all those little moments that once made his presence so special.
What glows
JB taught me that trust is one of the greatest gifts one creature can give another. He lived freely and found companionship in a world that isn’t always kind. His life reminds me that the value of our time together isn’t measured by its length, but by the love and trust we share along the way. We couldn’t protect JB from everything, but we gave him a place where he belonged. And he gave us something that will remain long after his passing.
During my adolescence I always felt isolated from the rest. People only came close to me out of interest and then abandoned me, something that got much worse when I discovered I was gay. It made me go from being a cheerful and affectionate person to sinking into a dark pit of resentment and hatred toward other people, but also toward myself, leading me into a self-destructive spiral in which I gradually found myself trapped.
What glows
When I got to university I met a guy who helped me get out of there. He was very patient, and he helped me accept myself in the first place and open up to the world again and climb out of the hole I was in. Thanks to him I met the man who is now my husband, who accepted me from the very beginning despite my emotional wounds that were still unhealed.
During all that time I was lucky enough to find Within Temptation, who was the lifeline I held on to in my worst moments and who saved me.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Iván P.
What burned (original)
Durante mi adolescencia siempre me sentí aislado del resto, la gente solo se acercaba a mi por interes y me abandonaba después, algo que se agravó mucho al descubrir que era gay, lo que hizo que pasara de ser alguien alegre y cariñoso a hundirme en un pozo oscuro de resentimiento y odio hacia el resto de la gente, pero también hacia mi mismo, llevandome a entrar en una espiral autodestructiva en la que me fui viendo atrapado poco a poco
What glows (original)
Al llegar a la universidad conocí a un chico que me ayudó a salir de ahí, siendo muy paciente y que me ayudó a aceptarme a mi mismo en primer lugar y a volver a abrirme al mundo y salir del agujero en el que me encotraba. Gracias a él conocí al que hoy es mi marido, que me aceptó desde el principio a pesar de mis heridas emocionales aun sin sanar.
Durante todo ese tiempo tuve la suerte de encontrar a Within temptation, que fue el sañvavidas al que me agarré en mis peores momentos y me salvó.
Track
Don't Pray for Me
Femke M.
Groningen, Netherlands
What burned
Ten years ago, I had my first encounter with depression. Ever since then, I have had ups and downs. The feeling of numbness towards everything that once brought me joy is terrifying. But I have learned to trust that eventually, through work and patience, it is possible for that joy to return.
What glows
I am very lucky to have met kind, loving people who care for me, inspire me, and encourage me to stand up for myself. I am grateful that I feel love for the people who matter most to me. That love truly glows.
Lies from one of my parents and losing contact with my brother because of it
What glows
Love for my kids and music that keeps me going
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Maurice V.
What burned (original)
Leugens van een van de ouders en daardoor contact verliezen met broer
What glows (original)
Love for my kids and music that leeps me going
Track
The Reckoning
Andrew W.
Milton keynes, United Kingdom
What burned
I lost my mother when I was 14 years old and it still hurts after 20 years
What glows
I had to cope with it but I got a therapist eventually
Track
Ritual
Jason V.
Culemborg, Netherlands
What burned
Losing 3 people in my family circle in one school year in secondary school
What glows
Listening to music and going to concerts
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Jason V.
What burned (original)
Het verliezen van 3 mensen in me familie kring in een schooljaar op de middelbare
What glows (original)
Naar muziek luisteren en naar concerten gaan
Nicole N.
Nijverdal, Netherlands
What burned
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of 2025, which led to amputation of my breast. Because of a genetic defect, I also had my other breast removed. In 2026 I had a major reconstruction operation, and I am slowly recovering. Now I am thankfully cancer-free.
What glows
The will to keep going! Every day there is one, and I enjoy it despite the setbacks! My motto is also: Never give up!!
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Nicole N.
What burned (original)
Begin 2025 de diagnose borstkanker gekregen wat heeft geleid tot amputatie van mijn borst. Door een genetische afwijking ook mijn andere borst laten amputeren. 2026 zware reconstructie operatie waarvan ik langzaam aan het herstellen ben. Nu gelukkig kanker vrij.
What glows (original)
De wil om door te gaan! Elke dag is er een en daarvan genieten ondanks de tegenslagen! Mijn slogan is ook: Never give up!!
I was part of a religious cult as a teenager, and I was cut off from my loved ones. When I got out, I wanted to rebuild my relationship with my aunt, who taught me to move from coldness to being more sensitive and expressive, an artist. She passed away in 2023, and I can't recover from the pain of having lost her twice.
What glows
I am a more sensitive and affectionate person. And my wisdom and artistic expression are my greatest weapon. I have more self-esteem, and I believe I have the ability to transform people's lives into art.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Lautaro R.
What burned (original)
Fui parte de una secta religiosa en la adolescencia, fui alejado de mis seres queridos, cuando salí, quise reconstruir mi relación con mi tía quien me enseñó a pasar de la frialdad a ser más sensible y expresivo, un artista. Falleció en 2023 y no puedo recuperarme de semejante dolor de haberla perdido dos veces.
What glows (original)
Soy una persona más sensible y afectuosa. Y mi sabiduría y expresión artística son mi arma más grande. Tengo más autoestima y creo que tengo la capacidad de transformar la vida de las personas en el arte.
Track
The Purge
Marcel F.
Vienna, Austria
What burned
I have been struggling with depression and anxiety for about 5 years
What glows
My boyfriend, my light in the darkness
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Marcel F.
What burned (original)
Ich kämpfe mit Depressionen und Anxiety seit ungefähr 5 Jahren
I had a colleague for twenty years. We were good together, but somehow she always tried to keep me behind her. It grew more and more over the years, but I never really noticed it. Until a few years ago... Then I noticed how she kept me small, how she manipulated me. How she let me do her work and became more and more lazy and arrogant herself. I started to get quieter and sicker. She made me think I was worthless. She kept trampling me. And at some point I just gave up. I lost myself...
What glows
I have my life back! This colleague is gone! She was fired. Since then I have been able to be myself again. I can live again and my self-confidence is slowly coming back. My gitlfriend, my family and my cats helped me. And lots of music too!
Track
The Purge
Tim M.
Lutterworth, United Kingdom
What burned
Too often I’ve held on to people past the point where holding could save them. A friend I tried to keep afloat until the choice was to go under or cut the rope. A relationship buckling under expectations, and a voice telling me I’d failed at everything. My father, lost, then lost again as the memories faded. Each time, love alone couldn’t stop the rising water, and it left me frozen, unable to write.
What glows
The relationship behind Flood survived, and we found a better understanding on the other side. And I can still turn fire into songs. Singing other people’s words on Winter thawed me, and Flood poured out: the most honest songs I’ve written. The gap between what I hear and what I capture no longer feels like failure; it’s what keeps me reaching. Sad songs make me happy. It’s how I’ve survived the burning.
I’m deeply affected by everything happening in the world. It hurts to see how we’re going backwards in terms of social rights, equality and basic human values. Racism, sexism, unjust wars and a society where appearance and money sometimes seem more important than education, healthcare or basic needs make me feel frustrated and sad. I’m also deeply affected when my loved ones are going through difficult times or serious illnesses. Life is beautiful, but it can be incredibly hard.
What glows
Being a very empathetic person, seeing others happy fills me with joy. Despite everything happening in the world, I believe there are still many people fighting for their rights and caring about others rather than just themselves. That gives me hope. But what truly makes me shine is seeing my loved ones happy, overcoming difficulties, recovering from illnesses and enjoying life. We only get one life, and even though it can be tough sometimes, I believe we should live it to the fullest.
The death of my first cat, it really shattered my world last year. Also some personal problems and some health issues in the family, that thankfully now are over.
What glows
Music always comforts my soul. My favourite artists have always been there for me. Also my other cat Loki helps a lot and makes me see the bright side of life.
In 2025 I gave up my career, plans and dreams to devote myself fully to caring for my father, who was diagnosed with cancer, and also to caring for my grandmother. My father is recovering from the cancer treatment, but in August this year my grandmother passed away at 93 years old, and I miss her every day, in every detail of my everyday life, and often I cry alone, because life has to go on and the world doesn't stop just because something is making your heart bleed.
What glows
My father went through all the surgery and cancer treatment over the last year, and today he lives an almost normal life, and he has come to live with me. And I find strength in my grandmother's memory to keep moving forward with my dreams and projects of contributing my art to bands I am passionate about, because she always encouraged and supported me in all my decisions, cheering with me at every achievement, however "small" it was, and saying that nothing is impossible if we want something with all our heart.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Rafael S.
What burned (original)
Em 2025 abandonei carreira, planos e sonhos para me dedicar totalmente a cuidar do meu pai, que foi diagnosticado com câncer, e também cuidar da minha avó. Meu pai se recupera do tratamento contra com o câncer, mas em agosto desse ano minha avó faleceu aos 93 anos e sinto a falta dela todos os dias, em cada detalhe do meu cotidiano e muitas vezes choro sozinho, pois a vida precisa continuar e o mundo não para só porque tem algo fazendo seu coração sangrar.
What glows (original)
Meu pai passou por toda a cirurgia e tratamento contra o câncer no último ano e hoje ele leva uma vida quase normal, e passou a morar comigo. E encontro forças na memória da minha avó para seguir adiante com meus sonhos e projetos em contribuir com minha arte para bandas que sou apaixonado, pois ela sempre me incentivou e me apoiou em todas as minhas decisões, vibrando comigo em cada conquista, por "menor" que fosse, e dizendo que não existe nada impossível se desejamos algo de coração.
Track
Sing Like A Siren
Irene C.
Trieste, Italy
What burned
There are so many things that burned throughout the years, especially in the last ones, it's not been easy to raise through ashes after having your heart broke in million pieces. Keep smiling and keep loving who caused that breaking. I worked a lot on that in the last two years. It still burns from time to time but I have a new awareness.
What glows
The awareness that I have always been loyal and I never faked my feelings because when I love I do it with every single cell of my body. It might sound naive or way too romantic but I truly believe that love is the purest feeling ever and that to me is not over.
Track
Don't Pray for Me
Jagoda S.
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
What burned
I'm in a dark place right now, and I don't feel well. I've been bullied and had to step away from the situation.
What glows
I have support from my friends and I'm starting a therapy, so things will hopefully get better in a time. I'm giving myself time to heal.
Not being taken seriously by doctors and the pain I deal with every day
What glows
That there are people who support me and do everything they can so that I feel better
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Megan V.
What burned (original)
Het niet serieus genomen worden door artsen en de pijn waar ik dagelijks mee te maken heb
What glows (original)
Dat er mensen zijn die me steunen en er alles aan doen dat ik me beter voel
Track
The Reckoning
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