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.
431 stories from 52 countries, 1956 kudos given in total.
Stories
Page 4 of 18, newest stories first.
KASSIDY P.
Wilsonville, United States
What burned
My husband and I experienced homelessness because of autistic discrimination. For a year and a half we were homeless with our two cats, working despite both of us having disabilties outside of autism as well. All of our things, friends, family, all gone the moment we weren't helpful to them. Everything we had, gone. Stolen from us because of hatred, ableism, and fear mongering. Our cat Curtis even passed this August.
What glows
In March of this year, 2026, we escaped homelessness 2800ish us miles from anyone and anything we knew. We not only survived, but now we are healing. Despite all our loss, we are continuing to grow and learn and heal. Im so thankful for a warm place in the cold winter this year and food we can store and cook.
I've been through quite a lot of shit in my life, but nothing has hurt as much as seeing my own child suffer. Feeling helpless and lost when you try to find out how you can help her/him. In that moment your heart shatters in million peaces.
What glows
To see this little girl growing older, becoming wiser and stronger. Finding her own voice by listening to your music.
We have made many amazing trips to many European countries to see you guys play at the festivals and tours. May many more to come!
In short: "She's in my blood, from the cradle to the grave ❤️"
I almost died. Had to re-learn how to walk. Had to struggle to become strong enough to live independently. I still have flashbacks, still have daily mental and physical pain. Endless medical appointments. A life of disability ahead of me
What glows
I got a first class honours degree despite everything. I have people who love me, and I love them. I have a godson who I promised to care for, who was christened on the first day I was able to sit up after my injury. I’ve learned what’s important- love, creativity, and passion
When my beloved grandmother died, who was my soulmate, and the tragic loss of my rescued and tamed little sparrow Pepíček, who was more than just a pet.
What glows
My great emotional closeness with Mom, also thanks to the loss of my grandmother, and a new friendship and lots of trips and experiences that I would not have had because of the grief.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Flora S.
What burned (original)
Když mi zemřela moje milovaná babička, která byla mojí spřízněnou duší a tragická ztráta mého zachráněného a ochočeného vrabečka Pepíčka, který byl více než jen zvířátko.
What glows (original)
Moje velké emocionální sblížení s mamkou, i díky ztrátě babičky a nové přátelství a spousta výletů a zážitků, které bych díky smutku nezažila.
Track
Sing Like A Siren
Nameless E.
Unnamed, Norway
What burned
I incarnated from the Angelic realm to help Gaia and its people. We incarnate at strategic locations around the globe to raise the energetic frequency and help people become aware of who they really are. You are so much more than you think.
On the flip side we rarely meet compatible beings and become terribly lonely and lost, 95% of us commit suicide. I've spent decades on the floor crying in terrible terrible pain wanting to die. We just can't fit into this current paradigm.
What glows
Even after a nightmarish life I still love humanity and want to help everyone, you are all so beautiful to me and I can't help but to giggle at your behaviours and habits.
Know that everything you do matters, it ripples out more than you think, so make good calls, help when you can, it raises your and others energetic frequency. High frequency makes negative situations not able to exist, it is a universal law built into our reality. It is an honor to witness humanitys awakening.
Hizar W.
Ranau, Malaysia
What burned
I lost my chance at having the life I wanted when I got sick. My life now is just going to the hospital and I feel like I'm getting emptier with each passing day.
What glows
My family, my favorite songs and the occasional trips to the outside world. It's good enough for me and I'm grateful for all of it.
Breast cancer diagnosed in 2024. I can't forget it, but I want to get past it.
What glows
The strength of my faith, my family, and a curiosity. One month after my surgery I was at the concert in Lisbon watching Within Temptation... And it was so good!!!!
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Cristina B.
What burned (original)
Cancro de mama diagnosticado em 2024. Não consigo esquecer, mas quero ultrapassar.
What glows (original)
A força da minha fé, da minha família e uma curiosidade. Um mês depois da minha operação estava no concerto em Lisboa a ver Whithin Temptation... E foi tão bom!!!!
Track
Raise Your Banner
Wesley T.
Pelt, Belgium
What burned
My life so far has been filled with a lot of loss. Innocence, dreams and love. Around my 21st year I got to know my first love, and it later turned out, after 2 years, that he would take my innocence through abuse and rape.
Just after I turned 30, I fell into a severe burn-out, and I was diagnosed with ADHD and fibromyalgia.
3 years ago I got to know my love Kenny, everything fell into place. Then an operation followed. It failed, 3 weeks of complications, 2 emergency operations, and on 01/02/2026 I lost him.
What glows
I believe my experiences, however hard they were, have taught me a lot about strength, empathy and intuition. I am here because I can help other people, because I refuse to let my past make me bitter and make me give up. Because there are people who supported me unconditionally, there is always a point of light shining in the darkness. Since the rape I have also become a great advocate for standing up for yourself and never letting yourself be manipulated and oppressed.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Wesley T.
What burned (original)
Mijn leven is tot nu toe gevuld met veel verlies. Onschuld, dromen en liefde. Rond mijn 21ste leerde ik mijn eerste liefde kennen, later zou blijken na 2 jaar dat hij mijn onschuld zou nemen door mishandeling en verkrachting.
Eenmaal ik net 30 ben val ik in een zware burn out, diagnose ADHD en fybromyalgie.
3 jaar geleden leer ik mijn liefde Kenny kennen, alles valt op zijn plekje. Dan volgt een operatie. Deze mislukte, 3 weken van complicaties, 2 spoedoperaties, verlies ik hem op 01/02/2026.
What glows (original)
Ik geloof dat mijn ervaringen, hoe zwaar ook, me veel geleerd hebben over kracht, empathie en intuïtie. Ik ben er omdat ik andere mensen kan helpen, omdat ik weiger mijn verleden mij te laten verbitteren en het te laten opgeven. Omdat er mensen zijn die me onvoorwaardelijk gesteund hebben, in het duister schijnt altijd een lichtpunt. Sinds de verkrachting ben ik ook een grote voorvechter om op te komen voor jezelf en nooit te laten manipuleren en onderdrukken.
For having loved and been faithful and loyal to a damned RosicrucianSpiritist: + For over 7 years I have been left not knowing if a last possible Common Daughter: Is still alive or not. Before & After That Complicated Part of My Life: (Between 2018-2019) I used to look after properties, offspring, belongings, places, etc: belonging to others. It did not matter whether there would be money as a reward. But doing it: Meant Losing in Death, To the Few pure beings I protected, loved & cared for with all of me.
What glows
29, 30, 31/12/2017: The Day I knew/remembered/had returned to me From My Own InnerRealmNess: What Would Come, How T.0.D.0 Will End & My Role In It. I Don't Need Anyone's Validation. Darkness Fears Me. Thieves Don't Come Near Me: they know I will kill them without hesitation. I Have No Record Nor Badge: But Letting Live Those Who Exist only to Harm Others: WAS NEVER MY THING. Only The Executioner Prevails.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Nahuel Rodolfo D.
What burned (original)
Por Haber Amado & ido Fiel & Leal A 1na Maldita RosaCrucista Epiritista: + De 7 Años Llevo sin saber si 1na última Poible Hija En Común: Aún Vive O No. Antes & Depués De Esa Complicada Parte De Mi Vida: (Entre 2018-2019) solía cuidar propiedades, prole, pertenencias, lugares, etc: ajenos. No Importaba si habría o no dinero como recompensa. Pero Hacerlo: Implicó Perder En La Muerte, A Lo Pocos seres puros que protegí amé & cuidé con todo de mí.
What glows (original)
29,30,31/12/2017: El Día Que supe/recordé/me fue devuelto Desde Mi Propio InnerReamlNess: Lo Que Vendría, Cómo Terminará T.0.D.0 & Mi Roll En Ello. No Neceito La Validación De Nadie. L a Obscuridad Me Teme. Los Ladrones No se me acercan: saben que los mataré sin dudarlo. No Tengo Antecedentes Ni Placa: Pero Dejar Con Vida A Quienes Exitsen sólo para Dañar a Otros: NUNCA FUE LO MÍO. sólo El Verdugo PrevaLece.
I think what burned me the most in recent years was opening my heart, my soul and my body to a person I loved more than anything. I literally gave them the keys to destroy me. And they did. Everything broke: no more hope, no more faith, no more dreams. They even used my deepest traumas as a tool to hurt me again and again, ever more.
What glows
Hope. The hope that better days are coming. Hope is like a flame, sometimes flickering, sometimes blazing. The wind may blow and the storm may rage: there will always be that spark of light to guide you through the darkness. Hope, but also dreams, especially one that has followed me since 2012: a large-scale writing project that takes as much from me as it gives. It is thanks to this that I manage to get up and keep moving forward. Hope and dreams 💙
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Grégoire M.
What burned (original)
Je crois que ce qui m’a le plus brûlé ces dernières années est d’avoir ouvert mon cœur, mon âme et mon corps à une personne que j’aimais par-dessus tout. Je lui ai littéralement donné les clefs pour me détruire. Ce qu’il a fait. Tout s’est brisé : plus d’espoir, plus de foi, plus de rêves. Il est allé jusqu’à instrumentaliser mes plus profonds traumas pour s’en servir et me détruire encore, toujours plus.
What glows (original)
L’espoir. L’espoir que de meilleurs jours sont à venir. L’espoir est comme une flamme, tantôt vacillant tantôt éclatant. Le vent peut souffler, la tempête se déchaîner : il restera toujours cet éclat de lumière pour le guider dans les ténèbres. L’espoir mais aussi les rêves, notamment un qui me suit depuis 2012 : un projet d’écriture de grande envergure qui me prend autant qu’il me donne. C’est grâce à cela que j’arrive à me lever et à continuer d’avancer. L’espoir et les rêves 💙
Track
Sing Like A Siren
Johanna I.
Finland, Finland
What burned
My brother took his own life years ago. I quit school and broke down. Since that I have two lives: one before and one after.
What glows
I found my happiness from helping other people with mental health issues. It made me stronger and i believe he would be proud of me.
What burned was the future I had imagined with my beloved. The years we never got to live, the ordinary moments that never became memories, the promises that never had the chance to grow old. It was not only the loss of what we were, but of everything we never got to become.
What glows
What glows is the love that survived its endin, not asking to be rekindled, not pretending it never hurt, simply refusing to become something I never felt. Some things turn to ashes. Some leave a light no darkness can explain.
Kata I.
Prague, Czechia
What burned
I have been through a lot of bad things in my life. Bullying, my father left me, my boyfriend raped me, a colleague at work harassed me... in short, I have fallen many times. But what destroyed me most was my marriage to a narcissist. As if that were not enough, the person who hurt my trust, undermined my health, and took me away from my family and friends, abused and manipulated me, and then took my son from me. It tears me apart to see my son cry and want his mom.
What glows
Even in my deep misfortune and disappointment I found something beautiful - the love of someone who truly cares about me. One day I want to help people who are going through the same traumas as I did. And for today, I want to ask you - hug your children. Tightly. As tightly as you can. Because I cannot hug mine.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Kata I.
What burned (original)
V životě jsem si prošla spoustou špatných věcí. Šikanou, opustil mě otec, znásilnil mě můj přítel, ovtěžoval mě můj kolega v práci...zkrátka, shpřela jsem mockrát. Ovšem nejvíc mě zničilo manželství s narcistou. Aby toho nebylo málo, tak člověk, který zranil mou důvěru, podlomil mé zdraví a odvedl mě od rodiny a přátel, zneužíval mě a manipuloval mnou, tak mi sebral syna. Trhá mě na kusy vidět, jak syn pláče a chce k mámě.
What glows (original)
I v mém hlubokém neštěstí a zklamání jsem našla něco krásného - lásku někoho, komu na mě doopravdy záleží. Jednou chci pomáhat lidem, které si prochází stejnými traumaty, jako já. A pro dnešní den, chci vás poprosit - obejměte své děti. Pevně. Tak pevně, jak jen můžete. Protože já to své nemohu.
Track
Sing Like A Siren
Valentin S.
Timișoara, Romania
What burned
My parents wished I were dead because I am gay, then my father passed away years ago. For many years, I believed their words that I don't deserve to exist or to beloved, and I've contemplated and even attempted suicide.
What glows
After many years of therapy and after surrounding myself with people who love me unconditionally, I've come to wish to live my life to the fullest, to work to see my dreams come alive and to love the people around me and accept love in return.
Where do I even begin with this. Last year I experienced betrayal and discrimination in the workplace, at the same time I was going through the hardest loss of a family member. I seem to be a magnet for abusers, and it's been like that most of my life. It's all down to being autistic, which abusers can smell like blood in the water.
A year on and my health still hasn't recovered from all of this, and it's been an uphill struggle to get justice; it's a like a nightmare that refuses to end.
What glows
Thankfully I had the support of an incredibly diverse mix of people I've met over the years (many who live overseas).
I got to go on a shamanic healing weekend in Wales, run by a Heilung member. I also managed to ask Sharon at Mera Luna to play Stand My Ground as loud as possible, just to give me a boost for what I'm going to do next.
I'm definitely not the first autistic/LGBT person who's experienced discrimination in the workplace, but I will fight like hell to make sure I'm the last.
When I turned 23, my life changed completely. I fell into the clutches of methamphetamine addiction and it destroyed my life, my family's life, my mother's above all. Over 12 years of addiction I killed her will to live. No amount of money was enough for clinics, treatments, and to replace everything I destroyed. Our life became a hell. I didn't recognize myself, and she could no longer see me as myself either. I destroyed everything like a fire that kills and destroys everything in its path. It was death.
What glows
Today I have some time sober. I no longer have the need to use drugs and my life is stable, thanks to the unconditional support of my mom. Her love and her faith in me let me recover. She never abandoned me or stopped believing in me. She exhausted her last resource to save me and did not let go of my hand. Today we are stronger, more aware, and at last I can live clean. I am grateful for everything I have and everything I have lived through, thanks to her support and our resilience. I give thanks to my mom and to God for everything.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Fernando L.
What burned (original)
Cuando cumplí 23 años mi vida cambio por completo, caí en las garras de la adicción a la metanfetamina y destruyó mi vida, la de mi familia, la de mi madre sobre todo, a lo largo de 12 años de adicción acabe con sus ganas de vivir, no hubo dinero que alcanzará para clínicas, tratamientos y para reponer todo lo que destruí, nuestra vida se volvió un infierno, no me reconocía y ella tampoco podía verme más en mi mismo, destruí todo como un fuego que mata y destruye todo a su paso, fue la muerte
What glows (original)
Hoy ya tengo algún tiempo sobrio, ya no tengo la necesidad de consumir drogas y mi vida es estable, gracias al apoyo incondicional de mi mama, de su amor y su fe en mi pude recuperarme, nunca me abandonó ni dejo de creer en mi, agoto hasta su último recurso para salvarme y no soltar mi mano, hoy somos más fuertes, más concientes y por fin puedo vivir limpio, agradezco todo lo que tengo y todo lo que he vivido, gracias a su apoyo y nuestra resiliencia, doy gracias a mi mamá y a dios por todo
Track
The Purge
Nicole M.
Pontevedra, Spain
What burned
Ten years ago, had a really bad time after breaking a relationship with the drummer of my band and I was fired of that band too because I couldn't go to a scheduled show. Thought that maybe I could still be friends with them. Everything crashed after the breakup, my mental health included and the band followed their path without having remorse about what they had done. After that, I went to a mental health doctor who diagnosed me with a Schizoaffective Disorder due to the stress I was suffering.
What glows
To this day, I'm still optimistic and I do believe in love and Humanity, even though there are things in my life that have proved me that goodness is not found everywhere. Time and resilience are both needed and crucial to heal and to grow individually. Right now, my dream is painting as well as keep singing whenever I can and the pillars in my life are my family and my friends, who have been there for me in my best and worst moments.
I got divorced 11 years ago, I moved to another far country all alone, knowing no one. I build up my life slowly, left another toxic relationship. Couple of months ago I lost my mom, she was my rock, my best friend, my everything. Her death changed me. I am still in a process of grieving. There are days that I don`t know who I am, and which direction to go in life. The grieving is so raw, so deep... What burns - Love for mom - Missing her - Not having her around to share my life with!
What glows
In all this misery I met the love of my life. He gives me strenght, he holds me when I cry my eyes out! He is reminding me every day that he loves me for who I am inside, even when I don`t know who I am anymore, he knows me almost as good as my mom. He chooses to love me and be there for me. He is my light, knowing I have him by my side I know I will go through anything! What glows - Love for my partner
Track
Sing Like A Siren
Alexander A.
Hamburg, Germany
What burned
I suffered from a skin condition triggered by the skin becoming dependent on cortisone creams (TSW). For years I didn't know what it was, and when I finally understood it, no doctor believed me. For almost a decade I was isolated and only went out to work. The mix of the aversion I felt toward myself, but also the aversion from others because of my skin, permanently destroyed my ability and my interest in human relationships.
What glows
In the end I found a dermatologist who knew what they were doing, and after a short time, thanks to a new kind of medication, everything was gone as if by magic, except for my inner change, of course. I still don't want to form bonds, and I view the world more from a kind of bird's-eye perspective, as a spectator. That is very useful, and you see many things much more clearly.
(I would have liked to take "Shed My Skin" but then I'll just take my favorite song instead haha)
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Alexander A.
What burned (original)
Ich litt an einer Hauterkrankung, die dadurch ausgelöst wird, dass die Haut von Cortison-Cremes abhängig wird (TSW). Erst wusste ich Jahrelang nicht, was es war und als ich es dann verstand, hat mir kein Arzt geglaubt. Fast ein Jahrzehnt war ich isoliert und ging nur zum Arbeiten raus. Die Mischung der Abneigung die ich mir selbst gegenüber Empfand aber auch der Abneigung von außen aufgrund meines Hautbilds hat meine Fähigkeit bzw. mein Interesse an menschlichen Beziehungen nachhaltig zerstört.
What glows (original)
Letztendlich fand sich ein Hautarzt mit Ahnung und nach kurzer Zeit war dank eines neuartigen Medikaments alles wie weggezaubert, bis auf meine innere Veränderung natürlich. Ich will weiterhin keine Bindungen eingehen und betrachte die Welt eher aus einer Art Vogelperspektive als Zuschauer, das ist sehr nützlich und man sieht vieles deutlich klarer.
(Ich hätte am liebsten "Shed My Skin" genommen aber dann nehme ich eben meinen Lieblingssong haha)
I've been in pain all my life. Physical, emotional, psychological. Genetics dealt me a bad hand and every day is psychological warfare with my own mother. In my early 20s, I found a balance with medications. I had three years where I felt hopeful that my life would be better. Then it was ripped away from me. Medication failed, traumatic experiences increased, and no one around me even noticed. My body is dying all around me and I'm so tired of fighting.
What glows
My spouse and my cats. The person I married 14 years ago has stood by me despite everything. They've known and loved me at my best and darkest times. It may sound silly to include my cats, but they're the only children I will ever have. They depend on me and love me unconditionally, and I know they would be heartbroken and confused if I left this earth. My spouse tells me that better times for us are coming, but I don't know if I'm going to make it. I hope so.
My beloved grandpa passed away recently, and I miss him so much! It feels strange not to have him around anymore!
What glows
this special connection to my family and the feeling of finally having found true love!
Track
Ice Queen
Giorgos Z.
Athens, Greece
What burned
A childhood marked by trauma, bullying, and the quiet struggle of feeling different. Growing up with emotional instability, fragile self-esteem, and a mind that didn't always move in step with the world around me. Neurodivergent traits, clumsiness, and the constant feeling of being somehow out of place made even ordinary things feel like battles. Some wounds were caused by others; others grew from years of questioning my own worth.
What glows
The realization that, despite everything, I have built a life filled with achievements, growth, and moments worth celebrating. The beautiful souls I've encountered along the way, the connections that remind me of life's kindness, and an entire world still waiting to be explored.
I may have learned about darkness early, but I never stopped looking for the light. ✨
There is nothing I can remember that made me suffer. But in my childhood, at school, there was bullying, which lasted for years until I finished school.
What glows
One year of school, I started to see things in a different way and to hold on firmly to my self-esteem, and to keep going and to face difficult situations without being afraid. I started to see things without fear.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Jon Ander A.
What burned (original)
No hay nada que recuerde en mi memoria, que me haya hecho sufrir. Pero si en mi infancia, en la escuela, el acoso escolar, que duró años hasta terminar el colegio.
What glows (original)
Un año de colegio, empezé a ver de otra manera las cosas y a coger con fuerza mi autoestima, y seguir adelante y a enfrentarme a las situaciones dificiles sin tener miedo. Empezé a ver las cosas sin miedo.
I lost my aunt last year to cancer, and it has been hard on the whole family. She was a shining light that we all gathered around. I especially think of her at this time of year, when it gets colder, because she loved the autumn and winter, and she gave me many gifts of cozy blankets, warm socks, and coffee. She was my mom's twin, so it's been especially hard on my mom. I miss my aunt so much.
What glows
My family has grown closer because of our shared grief. As a way to bring comfort to my cousin who was left without his mom, we started getting together on Tuesday evenings to have dinner and play board games. We've continued that and made it a tradition, so now we have family dinner and game nights every Tuesday. It has brought us closer together, and it's great having that time to reconnect with my family every week.
Since childhood, fear has defined my life. When I managed to overcome it, a long recovery still awaited me. But now I am living again.
What glows
I always stubbornly hold on to my life and my goals, I turned my pain into strength.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Eszter J.
What burned (original)
Gyerekkorom óta a félelem határozta meg az életem. Amikoe sikerült ezt leközdeni, még hosszú gyógyulás várt rám. Most viszont újra élek.
What glows (original)
Mindig makacsul ragaszkodok az életemhez, a céljaimhoz, a fájdalmamat erővé változtattam.
Track
The Reckoning
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